AUKU AMENDMENT: IS IT ENOUGH?

Sometimes we continue to ponder as to why Malaysian local students despite being endowed with such vast knowledge, both physical and human, are still lagging so far behind compared to the others. In the past, they were at the forefront of knowledge and charted progress for the whole of society. They were responsible for the struggle to help poor people that later brought various reformation and development in this nation.

This question of student progress or student backwardness can of course be approached from many angles. Perhaps for the sake of discussion, we may examine how consciousness is imparted and spread amongst them these days which may indicate how the intellect is nurtured and further developed.

The history of the student movement in Malaysia actually was initiated since pre independence era. During that time a couple of nationalist youth movements had emerged such as Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM) and Kesatuan Melayu Singapura (KMS).

Later, the movement continued and experienced a lot of challenges which eventually led the movement to maturity. Also, the movement had achieved his brightness era on 1974 after successfully mobilizing people for joining street demonstration at Merdeka Square to fight for marginalized people. The occasion which was led by Anwar Ibrahim still recognized as Demonstrasi Baling.

As a result, the government has tightened the University and University Colleagues Act (UUCA) and seizes students firmly from expressing their opinion. The action was effecting the student movement and finally they unable to survive and struggle to eradicate hardcore poverty among society.

Although, a few days before, the parliament has proceed the UUCA amendment which brought certain reformation to the act but there are still not enough to revive the golden age of the student movement. Students are still not allowed to join any political parties either as members or leaders. This outrage of student rights will freeze their paradigm and restrict them from thinking intellectually. From that the government should review the amendment and repeal all the sanctions and draconian section in order to develop progressive and intellectual students.

MAHATHIR SHOULD STOP HIS CHARADE

I refer to the Malaysiakini report "Mahathir: Race-based politics still relevant".

The above report is about the acknowledgment of the former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad that anybody can become the prime minister without looking what race he is and the most essential thing was whether that person could truly accept the concept of Bangsa Malaysia with all his heart.

Apparently, it does not matter if the prime minister is Malay or a non-Malay, as long as he enjoys the trust of all Malaysians. The former Umno president also said there was no specification that the prime minister should only come from among the Malays.

Actually, I have seen many times on TV news how politicians try to influence people by using ridiculous and hypocritical statements. They seem to be ‘swindlers’ by cheating the people just only to regain support for the next general election.

Initially, Mahathir was strongly against any effort to condemn Malay privileges but now he changes his stand and says that a non-Malay can be a prime minister.

Before this, he accused his ex-deputy Anwar Ibrahim of being a traitor to the Malays and that he would leave this country to if Anwar became PM.He said he would do this as Anwar’s agenda was purportedly to review the New Economic Policy (NEP) after it implementation for more than 30 years.

Honestly I say, why should he, Mahathir, pretend with his charade if we know that it won’t bring any benefit to the people? Does he think that he can cheat the people again and again as he did for more than 20 years during his leadership?

That is the point that I would like to make. I’m in total agreement with what he said, but that doesn’t mean that I should trust him with all my heart. Politicians are politicians. They cannot be any other thing.

They use politics as a game or strategy to empower their positions and control our mind. However, that is part of only some of them.

There are still honest and trustworthy politicians among us. These politicians can be respected and appointed as leaders due to their sincerity and truthfulness in serving the people their whole lives.

As a conclusion, there is really quite enough to stupefy us. We have gained our national independence for more than 50 years now. From now, we have to change our paradigm and not trust anybody without doing our own investigation.

TIME TO WALK THE TALK

Recently, we have seen over the massive change moved dramatically in US. Also, this topic has been highlighted as the hottest news worldwide and became a main topic among the people to discuss and argue for.

When we talk about this issue, there are several things that I would like to share with. First of all is about the change itself and how it’s going on. In my opinion, this item shouldn’t be ignored due to the importance of it to be implemented in the other countries. In this situation, Barack Obama was appointed by American to be a new President, so what he will do to perform his plan and practice the ‘change’ effectively?

“Change, We Need!!!” everyone can say and use this phrase; however what’s the kind of change we need for? Furthermore, is it just a political gimmick to influence others for thrusting our agenda? This question should be answered by him. The election was over and now is a time to walk the talk. The change must be represented and what he has promised previously should be performed well.

Hopefully, he will not take for granted the people believe, but he will solve all the problems in respect of economic crisis and the relationship between West and third world country particularly Islamic nations such as Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and so on.

Secondly is about the implementation of the change in the rest countries especially our nation. American’s politic has changed and they decide to topple the racism’s political culture. So, how about the rest? Is there any efforts and intention to develop our society without unjust and discrimination policies although our political landscape has changed on the last general election? I don't think so due to recent issues which are happening in our country. The objection of the appointment of non-Malay as the acting general manager of Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) by certain parties such as UMNO for example showed us that the thinking of our society is too bad compared with the rest.

This is the main problems which are still happening around us. It is our responsibility and role regardless of race and religion to change it for ensuring the development of equal society in our beloved nation.

GREAT JOB OBAMA!

I would like to use this opportunity to share with all of you the Transcript Of Barack Obama's Victory Speech after has been elected as the United States' first black president

NPR.org, November 5, 2008 • In these prepared remarks provided by his campaign, President-Elect Barack Obama calls himself the unlikeliest presidential candidate. He thanks many members of his campaign, along with his enormous army of volunteers, and he warns supporters about what he calls the enormity of the tasks at hand that now face the U.S. He concludes by telling an anecdote about a 106-year-old African-American voter from Atlanta.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled — Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of red states and blue states; we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Sen. McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Gov. Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the vice-president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next first lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager, David Plouffe; my chief strategist, David Axelrod; and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics — you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to — it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington — it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn't do this just to win an election, and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime — two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for 221 years — block by block, brick by brick, callused hand by callused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers. In this country, we rise or fall as one nation — as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House — a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends... Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection." And, to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world — our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election, except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons — because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America — the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes, we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes, we can.

When there was despair in the Dust Bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes, we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes, we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes, we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes, we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves: If our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

FINALLY THE ASSUMPTION WAS OVER

Eventually, Pak Lah has decided to step down from his post and willing to withdraw from UMNO contest on March 2009. In my opinion he took a responsible decision by acknowledging people’s will on the last general election. Even though he gained massive support previously, especially by the decision of the 2004 general election, he took for granted and failed to perform very well particularly on how to solve people’s tension after enhancing fuel prices for three times. Finally, Malaysians voters regardless of race and religion agreed to change and swing their votes to support opposition parties.

Meanwhile, how about Najib? Do you think that he is the best replacement of Pak Lah as a Prime Minister and UMNO President? I don’t think so. In fact, he should also keep responsibility for what had happened on the last general election as well as Pak Lah and the other UMNO leaders.

For me, if UMNO really want to regain people believe, they have to appoint Muhyiddin Yassin to replace Pak Lah as he is quite clean and better then Najib. Actually, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is one of the leaders who have a good reputation to guide UMNO leadership, but he is quite irrelevant and too veteran in the competition.

Besides, for the UMNO Deputy President post, in my view it’s should be given to “UMNO reform leaders” either Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi or Shahrir Samad.

Whatever decision will be made, it’s depending to UMNO delegates to choose anybody they want. The power is in your hand, just change if you are really wanted to reform UMNO!!!

HAPPY I'DIL FITRI

I would like to use this opportunity to express HAPPY I'DIL FITRI to all of you particularly to my beloved parents and friends. I'm really hope your forgiveness for any mistake and misunderstanding since we met each other. May this coming Hari Raya will enhance our spirit to achieve success in our lives.

HAPPY RAMADHAN AL-MUBARAK

This article is dedicated to all pious Muslims particularly for those keep trying sincerely to acquire God’s praise and blessing. A special note to all deeply religious people for constantly exercising religious obligation during their lives. Very heartily congratulations that we got an opportunity from almighty Allah to earn virtue, Jannah and Maghfirah. May Allah accept all our prayers, physically, financially and accept all our needs here and hereafter and forgive all our bad deeds (Aameen). We are humbly requesting all our bro and sis to remember us and all other our bro and sis in your special prayers (duwa).

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace upon Him) said:
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan with faith, and seeks God’s pleasure and reward, will have his previous sins forgiven”.
(Fiqh –us –sunnah, volume 3, number 109)



May this coming Ramadan month brings joy and nur into our lives and receive Allah’s blessing and forgiveness.
Happy Ramadan Al-Mubarak

WILL ANWAR TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT?

REVIVING THE GOLDEN AGE OF SOVIET UNION

(Versi Bahasa Malaysia di akhir artikel ini)

If we are following the current issues for what is happening around the world, of course we can say that the most exiting issue which being highlighted in mass media nowadays is about the South Ossetia war between Georgia and Russia.

The war started after both nations claimed that the territory is belongs to them and caused a massive war which brings the death toll in fighting that began on Thursday stood at 2,000.

Actually, the main issue which I would like to discuss here is about the intention and effort from Russia government to leave darkness’ age for “reviving the golden age of Soviet union”

If we review the history, we can see that the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. The military history of the Soviet Union began in the days following the 1917 October Revolution that brought the Bolsheviks to power. The new government formed the Red Army to fight various enemies in the Russian Civil War. The years 1918-1921 saw Red Army's defeats in Polish-Soviet war and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania independence wars.

In World War II, was the major military force in the defeat of Nazi Germany. After the war, it occupied a large portion of Germany (the entire East side of the country), and many nations in central and eastern Europe, which became satellite states in the Soviet bloc.

The Soviet Union became the sole superpower rival to the United States. The Cold War between the two nations led to military buildups, the arms race, and the Space Race. By the early 1980s, the Soviet armed forces had more troops and nuclear weapons than any other nation on earth. The Soviet Union fell in 1991, not because of military defeat but because of economic and political factors.

However, Russia nowadays doesn’t have any power to fight with western’s powers.

Thus, do you think that the South Ossetia war is a first step to Russia to reform and do you think that they can afford to come back to compete with US as they have done it along time ago?


(Versi Bahasa Malaysia)

Sekiranya kita mengamati setiap isu terkini yang sedang berlaku di seluruh dunia, tidak keterlaluan jika kita mengatakan bahawa isu yang paling hangat dibincangkan kini adalah berkenaan peperangan Selatan Ossetia yang berlaku antara Georgea dan Rusia.

Peperangan tercetus apabila kedua-dua Negara tersebut mendakwa bahawa wilayah Selatan Ossetia merupakan wilayah takluk jajahan masing-masing. Hal ini telah menyababkan berlakunya peperangan yang besar antara kedua-dua Negara dan sehingga kini jumlah kematian yang dicatatkan adalah sekitar 2000 orang.

Walaubagaimanapun, pada hakikatnya, isu utama yang ingin saya utarakan di sini ialah mengenai hasrat kerajaan Rusia untuk meninggalkan zaman kegelapannya yang lalu dan mengembalikan semula zaman kegemilangan Kesatuan Sovietnya suatu ketika dahulu.

Sekiranya kita merenung semula sejarah, kita akan apati bahawa Kesatuan Republik Sosialis Soviet merupakan sebuah negara wilayah Sosialis yang mucul antara benua Eropah dan Asia pada tahun 1922 dan berakhir pada tahun 1991.

Sejarah ketumbukan Kesatuan Soviet bermula dengan suatu revolusi yang tercetus pada Oktober 1917 yang menyaksikan Bolsheviks diangkat menjadi pemimpin Negara yang baru. Sebaik sahaja berlakunya perubahan kepimpinan, kerajaan Rusia telah membentuk suatu ketumbukan “tentera merah” untuk menghapuskan musuh-musuh yang ada dalam beberapa siri peperangan di Rusia.

Pada sekitar tahun 1918-1921 telah menyaksikan berlakunya penguasaan tentera merah di dalam peperangan Polish-Soviet dan peperangan kemerdekaan Estonia, Latvia dan Lithuania. Di samping itu, dalam peperangan dunia kedua, angkatan tentera Nazi Jerman telah mengalami kekalahan yang teruk dan mengakibatkan beberapa wilayah jajahannya dan beberapa Negara tengah dan timur Eropah yang lain jatuh ke tangan Rusia.

Kesatuan Soviet menjadi semakin hebat dan kuat. Ini bertujuan untuk menyayingi kuasa Amerika Syarikat. Peperangan ‘cold war’ antara kedua-dua Negara telah menyababkan kedua-dua negara kuasa dunia tersebut meningkatkan lagi keupayaan ketenteraan. Pada awal 1980, kesatuan Soviet telah berjaya meningkatkan lagi jumlah tentera di samping menjadi satu-satunya Negara yang memiliki senjata nuklear terbesar di dunia.

Walaubagaimanapun, Kesatuan Soviet akhinya tumbang pada tahun 1991. Kejatuhannya bukanlah disebabkan kerana tewas dalam peperangan, tetapi adalah lebih kepada faktor ekonomi dan politik Negara tersebut yang tidak stabil.

Maka adakah anda merasakan bahawa peperangan Selatan Ossetia yang sedang berlaku ini merupakan titik tolak kepada pembaharuan Rusia untuk muncul sebagai sebuah Negara kuasa dunia yang baru bagi menyaingi kuasa Amerika Syarikat seperti mana suatu ketika dahulu?

FORCES 'RAISE RIFLES' OVER TEMPLE DISPUTE

The potential for a flare-up among the hundreds of armed troops between Cambodia and Thailand might be unavoidable after both nations escalated their soldier build up yesterday at a disputed territory near a historic border temple.

Although both sides have given assurances that the long-standing conflict would be avoided and the atmosphere around the temple appeared relaxed, but the increment of troops and nationalist protesters there described that the war is increasingly happen.

In this situation, what I would like to comment is about our role as an ASEAN country. I believe if we suggest being a negotiator among them there is no objection as we has done it well before. If we still remember, we were appreciated by various quarters due to our effort and success to hold talks between Junta and Myanmar’s pro democracy leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. Moreover our success to conciliate between ruler and separatist insurgency in Philippine, Thailand and Indonesia is supposed to be precious evidences to convince both nations to appoint us as a middleman.

This is very important for ensuring the peace and prosperity in ASEAN region is constantly developed. The conflict over the territory actually was revived by Thai anti-government protestors in recent weeks, coming to a head after Cambodia’s application for World Heritage Site status for the temple was granted last week with the endorsement of Thailand’s government. The conflict became worse after the activists have risen up nationalist sentiments and fighting each other to defend their nation’s boldness. It is absolutely true that their obligation is to do so. However, they have to do something else which is pleasant and never put them the target of verbal and other abuse.

Let us be frank and ask ourselves who will be liable if the massive war is really happen. The answer is those fighters who want to take their personal benefits and advantages without seeing the bad effect forward.

Thus, as I mention earlier, this conflict should be solved with an appropriate way and not based upon an emotional decision. Also, Malaysia as one of the ASEAN member has to play his major role as a negotiator to ensure this conflict can be settled properly without hurting innocent people.

THE UNEXPECTED DEBATE!

There was the most fantastic debate ever I have seen during my lifetime. In my opinion, this unexpected debate is supposed to run constantly regardless of topic and participants weather from Barisan Nasional (BN) or Pakatan Rakyat. In particular, any hidden agenda and political gimmick should be thrown away in order to enhance the economic growth and ease the people’s burdens. Indeed, more opportunities must be given to all political parties to express their own views over the current issues in respect of politic, economy, social and so on.

Referring to the debate just now, to me former Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has shown his greatest arguments to convince the people on how to reduce the fuel prices. According to him, he can afford to do so because of his confidence to form a good, efficient and trustworthy governance and eradicate the corruption seriously. He added the government actually can spend more billions Ringgit to subsidize the people particularly who are living in poverty if there are no more corruption and power’s abuse.

Meanwhile, he said that he has to do so once become a Prime Minister due to his abilities and capabilities to govern and develop the country very well. Compared with Shabery, he didn’t give any though arguments and facts during his session and finally he lost control and use the opportunity to attack Anwar based on personal issues. However, I do congratulate to him due to his preparation and brave to face Anwar directly.

Hopefully, Anwar will be given a chance to proof his promises by forming a new Pakatan Rakyat Federal Government to fulfill his aims for the sake of the country.

GRAND DEBATE: ANWAR VS SHABERY

Next week, people will enjoy watching a grand debate between Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Information Minister, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek. The debate will be organized by Agendadaily.com broadcasting life from Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP) Assembly Hall, Kuala Lumpur on July 15 (Tuesday), at 9.00 pm. The main topic will be discussed is all about the fuel hike in Malaysia.

Initially, Datuk Seri Anwar has refused the invitation from Datuk Shabery to debate with him due to his intention and desire to debate with Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi or Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Also, he doesn’t mind and ready to face with both of them together if they would like to fight with him 2-1.

Referring to Datuk Seri Anwar, he will expose and elaborate to the people on how to decrease the price of petrol and diesel during the debate as he has been saying frequently that he will do it once Pakatan Rakyat (PR) form a new Federal Government.

Thus, if you would like to know weather he can decrease it or not and how to do it, don’t forget to watch it!!!

SODOMY AND STATUTORY DECLARATION

Recently, two massive issues related to Malaysian Public Figures had been highlighted as prime news. Firstly, sodomy scandal which was attached to Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and secondly the murder case of Altantuya Shaariibuu which was related to DPM wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Actually, we are not surprising over the sodomy scandal due to Anwar’s statement in Malaysiakini website last few weeks. In the statement, Anwar acknowledged that he has enough number of MPs to topple the Barisan Nasional (BN) government and form a new Pakatan Rakyat (PR) government. Therefore, we should not surprise with any conspiracy made by certain parties to undermine his political career. Too date, the investigation made by two bodies (police and AG) are doubtful due to the involvement of the respective chief (Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Patail) in 1998 conspiracy.

Referring to the Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin’s statutory declaration, the relevant parties should investigate this case transparently. According to him, he doesn’t mind if Rosmah and Dato’ Seri Najib intend to summon him in court, instead he ready to reveal all the facts and evidences in court.

Thus, I surely don’t think that the investigations in both cases are fully transparent and fair as the cases still under the probe of two bodies. International bodies such as Amnesty International and International Court Justice (ICJ) should be allowed to participate the investigations.

SHOCKED WITH FUEL HIKE

Malaysian people were shocked by the government's announcement yesterday to increase the price of petrol and diesel approximately 41% from today. It is a wonder the government can take the drastic action with immediate effect to avoid the increase of petrol price in the global market

In my opinion, the decision to increase RM 0.78 per litre for petrol and RM 1 a litre for diesel is inaccurately and unacceptable. Despite Malaysia still has one of the lowest fuel price in the word, but this is not a reason to burden the people.

We still consider and thank to the government for giving us another subsidy by forming alternative mechanism as been declared earlier by Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Shahrir Samad. The mechanism actually helps the government to bar foreign vehicles particularly from Thailand and Singapore from using Malaysian petrol subsidy. It is because the government has spent RM13.7bil for subsidizing fuel previously for Malaysian and not for other foreign people.

However, there are some problems that the government has to settle effectively. It is about the increasing of food prices. In this matter, I'm agreed with CAP president's view that the 40 per cent increase in fuel price should not be used as an excuse to increase the price of other consumer goods and services. If the price will increase, it will put more burdens to the people especially who are living in poverty and came from rural area. By hook or by crook, the government has to do something for ensuring the increase of the food and others prices will not happen!!!

EZAM'S DECISION REFUSES TUN'S ALLEGATIONS

Yesterday, I got an SMS from by friend telling me the confirmation of the rumours over Ezam's intention to rejoin UMNO. I'm very shocked but not too sad with his decision as well as Tun Dr. Mahathir's action previously because he has his own view and opinion on how to implement his agenda as a politician and pro-reform struggler.

In fact, the decision actually was refusing all the allegations which has been made by Tun Dr. Mahathir to the government and the present Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi over the corruption issues.

However the question is why he doesn't choose PAS or orther parties as a platform to make a change? Why he still make a same choice? Was he forgot for what had happened to him on April 2001 when he and his friends were jailed under the Internal Security Act (ISA)? Actually, this question is quite difficult to answer. I don't know how can he survives alone by himself to change the party and the government comprehensively?

However, this is his stand and way to reform the government. To me, we have to accept and respect it. Whatever decision has been made, Ezam is still Ezam!!! and I believe he can afford to do something for the sake of country.

GOOD LUCK EZAM!!!

SHAHRIR SAMAD : PREPARE FOR ANOTHER GANERAL ELECTION

TUN DR. MAHATHIR QUITS UMNO

Former UMNO President, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad today announced that he was quitting the party with immediate effect and urged other members to emulate him. He told the audience after giving a talk at a forum entitled Malays’ future after the 12th general election at the Star City Hotel in Alor Star.

He exlpained that he will only rejoin the party after the current leadership particularly the present UMNO President, Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi steps down from his post. However, he advised those who do quit not to join any opposition party, but still in a position with him to pressure the leadership.

To me, this is the best way to show his dissatisfaction to the leadership. However,there are some question that he has to answer first before blaming others. How about his leadership? Has he done very well to develop the country and againt the corruption? How about his action to Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim on September 1998? How about the royal commission of inquiry into the VK Lingam tape? Who is the Prime Minister on that time?

Meanwhile, according to the political analys , his action to quit the party is showing that the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, which Umno is the largest component party, will be changed as soon as possible.

However, we have to wait first in order to know how true the speculation is.

This is the following of his political cereer

1946: Joined United Malays National Organisation (Umno).

1947: While a medical student, he wrote extensive anti-colonial commentaries in Malay newspapers under the pen-name "Che Det".

1957: Resigned from government service as a doctor. Starts private practice.

1964: Entered active politics as Kota Star Selatan MP.

1965-1969: Member, Umno Supreme Council.

Sept 1969: Expelled from Umno for disciplinary reasons. Re-admitted on March 7, 1972.

June 1972: Elected a member of the Umno Supreme Council with the highest number of votes. Lost in the election for an Umno Vice-President post.

Dec 1972: Appointed a Senator by the Kedah State Legislative Assembly.

1974-2004: MP for Kubang Pasu, Kedah.

Sept 1974: Education Minister.

June 1975: Umno Vice-President.

March 1976: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education.

1977: Acting Chairman, Umno Liaison Committee, Malacca.

Jan 1978: Deputy Prime Minister & Trade and Industry Minister.

May 1978: Chairman, Perak Umno Liaison Committee.

Sept 1978: Umno Deputy President.

June 1981: Barisan Nasional Chairman.

June 1981: Umno President.

July 16 1981: Fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Minister of Defence (until 1986) and Minister of Home Affairs (until 1999).

July 17 1987: Umno Political Bureau Chairman.

Feb 16 1988: Pro-tem President of Umno Baru. Umno was declared an illegal society on Feb 4, 1988.

Dec 1993: Kelantan Umno Chairman. Chairman, Politics and Constitution Committees of the Supreme Council.

Sept 1998-Jan 1999: Finance Minister. June 2001 - Finance Minister.

June 22 2002: Announced his intention to resign from all political and government posts at the final day of the 56th Umno assembly. Appeals from Umno Supreme Council members.

Oct 31 2003: Retired as PM and Umno president after 22 years.

Sept 2006: Fails in bid to be an Umno delegate for the Umno general assembly coming in ninth out of 15 contestants in the Kubang Pasu division.

May 19 2008: Quits Umno

GOVERNMENT IN WAITING: IS IT TRUE?

Recently, we have seen on the maintreem media such as televison, newspaper, megazine and so on about the controversy statements made by Sabah Barisan Nasional politicians in Parliament to show their dissatisfaction regarding Federal Government’s action brush them aside.

Hence, they became the focus of attention previously as they continued to claim that the Federal Government is not giving enough attention to the state. Their statements come in light of speculation that some of their numbers are being courted by Pakatan Rakyat.

One of them is Umno’s Kalabakan MP Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh who called on the Prime Minister to reshuffle the Cabinet by the end of the year to include Sabah MPs in key ministerial posts. He said there would be serious implications in the next general election if nothing was done. He added the economic development between Peninsular and Sabah is seems like ‘earth and sky’ and still have some people there are not gaining basic infrastructure such as water and electricity. So, basic of this situation, we don’t mind if there are some effort and intention made by them to cross over to the Pakatan Rakyat.

Meanwhile, according to the PBS’ Batu Sapi MP Datuk Edmund Chong, he admitted that he and several others had been approached by PKR and that he felt as if he was in a pressure cooker. However, in my opinion, we haven’t to look this matter in one side only and ignoring the others. To me, if we want to make the ‘transparent judgment’ particularly regarding cross over issue, we need to get feedbacks from the other side such as BN Backbencher’s Club Deputy Chairman and Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Moktar Radin and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman who had expressed earlier that the MPs were not being disloyal to Barisan Nasional but were just raising the sentiments of the people.

So, how about Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) agenda? Is he claim that the new government will be form before Hari Malaysia true and acheivable? And what we are going to do if this speculatin is really happen and Anwar or his wife Datin Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will become the new Prime Minister?

No matter what the dicison have been made by them to step down the present Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi by the vote of no confidence or by any ways as long they can afford to fullfil their manifesto and promises to decrease the petrol’s price, eradicate the poverty and let the people get the similar rights regardless of life-background, race and religon.

SIDANG MEDIA DI LOBI PARLIMEN

MEMORANDUM GERAKAN MAHASISWA MANSUHKAN AUKU (GMMA) KEPADA AHLI PARLIMEN

Pada 8 Mei yang lalu, saya dan rakan-rakan berkesempatan menghadiri sidang media bersama wartawan untuk menyerahkan memorandum kepada anggota Parlimen daripada pelbagai parti politik bagi mendesak pemansuhan Akta Universiti & Kolej Universiti (AUKU) dan digantikan dengan Student's Act sepertimana yang telah digagaskan.

Gerakan Mahasiswa Mansuhkan AUKU (GMMA)dibentuk untuk memperjuangkan agenda mansuhkan Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (AUKU). GMMA dianggotai oleh beberapa front gerakan mahasiswa iaitu Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM), Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement(DEMA), Gabungan Mahasiswa Islam SeMalaysia (GAMIS), Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM), Kelab Rakan Islah Malaysia (KARISMA), Teras Keupayaan Melayu (TERAS), Barisan Bersatu Mahasiswa Negara (BBMN), Law Society IPTA dan Intervarcity Council (IVC).

GMMA melihat sejarah penggubalan AUKU disebabkan beberapa faktor, antaranya kerajaan ingin menyekat dan mengekang aktivisme mahasiswa. Kerajaan melihat gerakan mahasiswa perlu disekat dan dikekang supaya tidak memberi ancaman dan bahaya kepada kerajaan.

Peristiwa demonstrasi Anti Tunku oleh Persatuan Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya (PMUM) di Universiti Malaya pada 29 Ogos 1969 dan demonstrasi "Papan Tanda" pada 5 Oktober 1970 iaitu pertembungan PMUM dengan Persatuan Bahasa Melayu Universiti Malaya (PBMUM) telah membuka terlalu banyak kelemahan kerajaan khususnya dalam isu Bahasa Kebangsaan dan pendidikan. Kedua-dua demonstrasi ini dilihat memberi ancaman kepada kerajaan dan perlu ada satu undang-undang untuk menyekat kemaraan gerakan mahasiswa ini.

Setelah berakhirnya sesi sidang media dan dialog bersama beberapa anggota Parlimen, saya juga berkesempatan untuk melihat sendiri sesi perbahasan sidang Dewan Rakyat oleh ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat di ruang tetamu khas. Seterusnya, setelah tamat sesi perbahasan, saya juga sempat bergambar bersama ahli-ahli Yang Berhormat sebagai kenangan. Antaranya seperti YB Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena), YB Khairy Jamaluddin (Rembau), dan YB Roslan Shaharum (Bukit Gantang).

DISOAL SIASAT PEGAWAI POLIS DI IPD BRICKFIELDS

Semalam, saya dan saudara Mohd Hilman Bin Nordin yang juga merupakan Exco Kebajikan & Luar Kampus Majlis Perwakilan Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya (MPMUM) telah disoal siasat oleh beberapa orang pegawai polis dari bahagian Siasatan Jenayah dan Cawangan Khas Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.

Siasatan tersebut dijalankan bermula pada jam 8.00 malam dan berakhir kira-kira jam 11.00 malam. Menurut pegawai berkenaan, keterangan kami sangat diperlukan bagi membantu siasatan berhubung isu kebakaran Bangunan Peperiksaan (BP) dan Kompleks Perdana Siswa (KPS) baru-baru ini.

Ini merupakan pengalaman kedua saya disoal siasat pegawai polis dari IPD yang sama. Kali pertama adalah berhubung isu pilihanraya kampus yang lalu, dan pada kali ini pula adalah berhubung isu kebakaran BP dan KPS. Walaubagaimanapun setakat ini tidak ada apa-apa perkara yang tidak diingini berlaku dan proses siasatan semalam berjalan lancar.

MAJLIS MAKAN MALAM BERSAMA MB

Pada 4 Mei yang lalu, saya dan rakan-rakan berkesempatan untuk menghadiri Majlis Makan Malam bersama Y.A.B Menteri Besar Perak Darul Ridzuan, Datuk Seri Ir. Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin di Silveritage Galleria, Medan Gopeng, Ipoh, Perak.

Majlis gilang gemilang tersebut telah dianjurkan oleh kerajaan negeri Perak bertujuan untuk mengeratkan lagi hubungan antara pemimpin negeri dan rakyat keseluruhannya. Pada Majlis tersebut juga, setiap hadirin berpeluang dan berkesempatan untuk berkongsi pandangan dan mengutarakan permasalahan yang berlaku.

Pada pilihanraya umum yang lalu, beliau yang bertanding atas tiket PAS - Pakatan Rakyat (PR) memenangi kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri Pasir Panjang selepas menewaskan calon dari Barisan Nasional (BN) dengan majoriti 4,474 undi.

PERTEMUAN RASMI BERSAMA YB

Baru-baru ini saya berkesempatan bertemu Ahli Parlimen Bukit Gantang, Perak,Yang Berhormat Haji Roslan Shaharum di kediamannya di Ipoh pada 3 Mei yang lalu sebaik sahaja tiba dari Kuala Lumpur pada pukul 9 malam. Pertemuan ini turut dihadiri wakil daripada badan-badan bukan kerajaan (NGO), pertubuhan penduduk tempatan dan student fronts termasuk wakil pimpinan Persatuan Kebangsaan Pelajar Islam Malaysia (PKPIM), saudara Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz yang juga merupakan Exco Pendidikan dan Penyelidikan pertubuhan terbabit.

Pada pertemuan tersebut, beberapa perkara dan masalah turut dibincangkan. Antaranya mengenai agenda perpaduan Melayu dan Nasional, pendirian wakil rakyat PAS dan Pakatan Rakyat (PR) berhubung isu-isu berbangkit di Negara khususnya di negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan serta persediaan PR memerintah negara.

Berkenaan isu penurunan harga minyak, harga barang dan pemberian biasiswa secara percuma kepada semua pelajar khususnya di peringkat pengajian tinggi, menurut beliau bidang kuasa tersebut terletak di bawah kuasa kerajaan Persekutuan dan bukan kerajaan Negeri. Walaubagaimanapun menurut beliau lagi setiap apa yang telah dijanjikan oleh Pakatan Rakyat pada pilihanraya umum yang lalu akan tetap dilaksanakan sekiranya berjaya membentuk Kerajaan Persekutuan kelak.

Pada pilihanraya umum yang lalu, beliau mewakili PAS - Pakatan Rakyat memperoleh undi sebanyak 20,015 menewaskan calon daripada UMNO - Barisan Nasional, Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Zabidi yang memperoleh undi sebanyak 18,449. Hal ini memberikan kemenangan kepada beliau dengan majoriti 1,566 undi.

APABILA PERANAN BLOG MULA DIIKTIRAF

Saya tertarik mengenai laporan utusan online semalam berkenaan blog Tun Dr. Mahathir yang baru sahaja dibuat(sila rujuk www.chedet.com). Nampaknya peranan blog sudah mula diakui dan diiktiraf setelah sekian lama dipandang remeh oleh sesetengah pihak. Masakan tidak, kehilangan majoriti 2/3 kerusi parlimen kerajaan baru-baru ini juga berpunca daripada media alternatif seperti blog dan website.

Namun, untuk menjadi seorang blogger yang terkenal bukanlah merupakan suatu perkara yang mudah. Sedangkan YB Jeff Ooi pun terpaksa mengambil masa yang lama sebelum membolehkan bidang penulisan ini berjaya membawa beliau ke Dewan Rakyat sebagai Yang Berhormat Jelutong. Mungkin Tun dan beberapa Blogger politician pasca pilihanraya umum yang lalu perlu belajar terlebih dahulu dengan ADUN Seri Setia, YB Nik Nazmi atau MP Balik Pulau, YB Yusmadi Yusof sebelum mampu pergi lebih jauh dalam bidang penulisan ini.

Walaubagaimanapun, tahniah diucapkan kepada Tun kerana berjaya mempunyai blog beliau sendiri. Sekurang-kurangnya, membolehkan orang ramai untuk mendapatkan respon dan pandangan beliau mengenai sesuatu isu yang berlaku. Semoga peranan yang dimainkan oleh blog ini akan digunakan sebaiknya sebagai medium menyampaikan pandangan dan pendirian terhadapap sesuatu perkara.

MAY DAY: HARI YANG SAMA, SAMBUTAN BERLAINAN

Selang beberapa jam, kita akan menyambut Hari Buruh atau lebih dikenali sebagai May Day pada suatu ketika dahulu. Upacara tahunan yang menjadi sambutan kebiasaan oleh masyarakat di seluruh dunia.

Namun, sambutannya kini cukup berbeza jika dibandingan dengan suatu ketika dahulu. Maklumlah keadaan sekarang cukup tenang dan selesa. Semuanya telah tersedia ada dan hampir semua tuntutan Quepecs kepada kerajaan baru-baru ini dilayan, khususnya selepas berlakunya kemerosotan sokongan rakyat kepada kerajaan dalam Pilihan Raya Umum ke-12 yang lalu.

Kesannya, golongan pekerja dan buruh tidak mendapat gambaran sebenar mengenai sambutan May Day tersebut bahkan tidak tahu langsung tentang kepentingan hari tersebut disambut pada setiap 1 Mei.

Saya lebih gemar untuk menyingkap sejarah yang lalu untuk dijadikan rujukan pada masa kini. Dengan penghayatan dan pengetahuan yang mendalam mengenai sejarah sebenarnya berkeupayaan mengelakkan kita daripada terjatuh dua kali (bahkan berkali-kali) dalam satu lubang yang sama.

Berbalik kepada perbicaraan kita yang asal mengenai sambutan May Day ini, kita dapati corak sambutannya kini cukup jauh berbeza. Suatu ketika dahulu May Day atau May The First ini disambut dengan perarakan dan demonstrasi besar-besaran beserta laungan dan teriakan mengecam majikan Inggeris yang merompak kekayaan negara daripada penduduk peribumi.

Antara slogan-slogan yang popular yang menjadi tema perhimpunan raksasa pada ketika itu ialah "Imperialist is a blood sucker" dan "Imperialist tyranises people". Beberapa siri perhimpunan yang dianjurkan pada kebiasaannya diketuai oleh Abdullah C.D yang merupakan Ketua Seksi (ketua seksyen) Buruh, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM) dan dibantu oleh Ahmad Boestamam, Dr. Burhanuddin Al-Helmy dan Wahi Anuar yang pada itu memimpin Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API) sebelum menubuhkan pula Pencita Tanah Air (PETA)beberapa tahun selepas API diharamkan oleh pihak Inggeris.

Pertubuhan Buruh pada ketika itu bukan calang-calang. Demi melihat negara ini mencapai kemerdekaan dan kebebasan, pelbagai usaha dan pengorbanan sanggup ditabur tanpa rasa gentar dan gusar. PKMM juga telah bergabung dengan pertubuhan buruh antara kaum yang dikenali sebagai Pan Malayan Federation Of Trade Union (PMFTU).Lagu Darah Rakyat yang menjadi tema pertubuhan sering dialunkan untuk menaikkan semangat keberanian menentang penjajah Inggeris yang maha rakus merompak hasil bumi rakyat tempatan.

Dalam pada itu, hubungan secara langsung turut dijalinkan dengan pertubuhan buruh berhaluan kiri antarabangsa seperti World Federation Of Trade Union (WFTU) yang beribu pejabat di Paris, Perancis.

Begitulah sedikit sebanyak latar belakang menganai sejarah sambutan May Day pada suatu ketika dahulu. Sambutan Hari Buruh ini telah memainkan peranan yang cukup besar dalam usaha menuntut kemerdekaan negara di samping menghalau penjajah Inggeris daripada Tanah Melayu.

Persoalannya, di manakah kesedaran kita menganai peranan sebenar yang patut dimainkan sempena tanggal 1 Mei yang disambut pada setiap tahun? Adakah cukup sekadar tanggal yang berharga ini dianggap sebagai cuti umum semata-mata?

JAWAPAN RINGKAS KEPADA BLOGGERS UM

Di kesempatan ini, saya ingin mengucapkan jutaan terima kasih dan syabas kepada semua bloggers UM atas teguran dan kritikan yang disampaikan khususnya berkenaan masalah dalaman yang menyelubungi Majlis Perwakilan Mahasiswa Universiti Malaya (MPMUM) sekarang. Saya secara peribadi amat menghormati dan menghargai setiap kritikan dan pandangan yang kritikal yang telah anda berikan. Tahniah diucapkan!

Pada hakikatnya, media merupakan medium yang paling berkesan dalam menentutkan keunggulan seseorang pemimpin. Melalui teguran dan kritikan yang diberikan sebenarnya berkeupayaan membimbing seseorang itu ke arah jalan yang lurus dan tidak terus dinodai dengan keselesaan dan perasaan "syok sendiri" sepertimana yang digembargemburkan.

Ini kerana, teguran dan kritikan yang tajam juga merupakan jalan yang terbaik bagi mengelakkan seseorang pemimpin daripada terjatuh ke lembah kezaliman dan penindasan. Cuba bayangkan jika tidak ada pengkritik yang berani untuk menegur seseorang pemimpin di atas muka bumi ini, nescaya akan lahirlah lebih ramai lagi pemimpin diktator seperti hitler dan suharto di dunia ini lantaran tidak ada sekelompok manusia yang berani memperbetulkan keadaan.

Oleh itu, pada hemat saya pandangan dan kritikan yang diberikan ini seharusnya konsisten dan lebih bersifat "memperbaiki" demi kepentingan semua pihak. Kepada sesiapa yang masih tidak mempunyai blog mereka sendiri,gunakanlah kesempatan ini sebagai medium untuk menyampaikan pandangan anda.

Semoga usaha untuk memperjuangkan kebebasan bersuara dan media di negara tercinta ini akan terus berkekalan serta mencapai kejayaan yang membanggakan.

"PERJUANGAN ADALAH PERLAKSANAAN KATA-KATA"

PUISI RAKYAT

Rajawali-W.S Rendra
Sebuah sangkar besi
tidak bisa mengubah rajawali
menjadi seekor burung nuri

Rajawali adalah pacar langit
dan di dalam sangkar besi
rajawali merasa pasti
bahwa langit akan selalu menanti

Langit tanpa rajawali
adalah keluasan dan kebebasan tanpa sukma
tujuh langit, tujuh rajawali
tujuh cakrawala, tujuh pengembara

Rajawali terbang tinggi memasuki sepi
memandang dunia
rajawali di sangkar besi
duduk bertapa
mengolah hidupnya

Hidup adalah merjan-merjan kemungkinan
yang terjadi dari keringat matahari
tanpa kemantapan hati rajawali
mata kita hanya melihat matamorgana

Rajawali terbang tinggi
membela langit dengan setia
dan ia akan mematuk kedua matamu
wahai, kamu, pencemar langit yang durhaka

W.S Rendra, Kumpulan Puisi ” Perjalanan Bu Aminah “, Yayasan Obor Indonesia - 1997

Usman Awang

Selamat Hari Lahir (buat Saudara Anwar Ibrahim)

Palu telah dijatuhkan
Lama sebelum tanganmu terikat ke belakang
Kau gegar aras kayangan
Kekuasaan yang mula tergoncang

Sekali tanganmu terancung ke udara
Sejuta teriakan menyambutnya
Sekali suaramu terpancar ke angkasa
Sejuta gelombang gema menyahutnya

Demi sumpah perjuangan
Demi maruah keadilan
Tabah dan gagah
Tidak pernah menyerah.

Demi sumpah perjuangan
Demi maruah keadilan
Tabah dan gagah
Tidak pernah menyerah.


JENTAYU YANG LUKA (Untuk Wan Azizah)

Tiba-tiba dia bangkit
Dengan kelembutan yang tetap sopan
Berdiri di barisan paling hadapan
Sebagai pahlawan keadilan

Lama dulu wajahnya tersembunyi
Di belakang pemimpin berani sang suami
Mengintip dengan mata kecilnya
Segala tingkah dan senyuman pura-pura
Si pengampu yang bermuka dua
Si penyembah yang berjiwa hamba
Si pengemis segenggam laba

Dia adalah jentayu yang luka
Terbang mengepak menyonsong gumpalan awan
Mencakar menjeritkan kebebasan dan keadilan
Mencabar dunia yang semakin kejam.

WHO WILL BECOME THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER?

By: Ahmad Shahir Abdul Aziz

There are very fantastic stories to share with all of you for what had happen this week. It started with the claims and personal attacks made by former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohd to the recent Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Actually, the ‘massive war’ between them has begun for the last several years when Tun showed his dissatisfaction with his friend’s leadership by making controversy statements to the media. If we still remind, there are several exiting issues has been raised up by him throughout the government’s administrations. Among them are about the Jambatan Bengkok issue, the function of Khairy Jamaluddin as a planner to the government’s affairs and the recent is about the movement to urge Pak Lah to step down from the both posts, Prime Minister and UMNO President. However, the question is who will replace him to be the next Prime Minister?

Nevertheless, Pak Lah is not alone to face this problem. He has his own crowds to help him from behind to overcome all the obstacles. For example, we can see how brave his team to counter backs all the issues for seeking a support from the grassroots. Although some of them such as Dato’ Seri Najib agreed with some Tun’s opinion, but to them he has to address his critics properly without any intention to topple the leadership. It is because Najib is feeling to replace Pak Lah when the time is coming and of course he doesn’t want anybody to restrict and prevent his dream.

Meanwhile, there is some group in UMNO do not support anyone. They are very outspoken leader and will critic anybody who will not perform very well. They have their own view and stand while commenting certain issues and not rely to anybody. They have also their own capabilities and self-respect to decide any decision or reveal any lameness, injustice and unfairness in party. This is the best group among the others, but the participants are very little. Maybe we can say that Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is apart from them. Although his ambition to be a Prime Minister is very less, but he still has a chance to achieve it by having a vote of no confidence. His suggestion to UMNO leaders for organizing Extra-ordinary Grand Meeting (EGM) is one of the alternative way to rebuild and strengthen back UMNO after facing the tsunami wave on the last general election. It is also as an instrument to fulfill his aims for returning back freedom and democracy in UMNO.

However, another thing we should not forget is about the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He has a potential to become the next Prime Minister after gaining a trust and support from Sabah and Sarawak Members of Parliament to quick Barisan Nasional and join the Pakatan Rakyat. Previously, he has showed his succeed by uniting opposition parties in one alliance. Although they have their own ideology and agenda, but Anwar has a great ability to influence them to sit in one position. By his efforts, it will bring a new dawn for Malaysians regardless of race and religion to choose the best alliance/front to form the government for the sake of country.