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.