Lim Guan Eng proposes, Anwar disposes

Exchanging oranges for limes, but still better than nothing.

Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng is expected to propose on behalf of Pakatan Rakyat, Law Choo Kiang as Speaker and Ustaz Maktar Hj. Shapee as Deputy Speaker for the Penang State Assembly tomorrow (28/6/2013). Both are second term PKR state assemblyman for Bukit Tambun and Sungai Bakap respectively. Deputy Chief Minister 1 for Penang, Rashid Hasnon will second the motion.

Lim had also, in his press release, made known that prior to the final decision, Penang PKR chairman, Dato Mansor Othman was unanimously proposed and supported by the Penang EXCO, consisting of both DAP and PKR members, for the Speaker post. He attributes the change to a consultation with Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PKR’s de facto leader and Parliamentary Opposition Leader.

The initial move to propose Dato Mansor may be politically correct, or reversely, simply an olive branch from DAP to iron out the outburst of the ‘Tokong’ issue which emerged since last August. A recording purportedly of Dato Mansor accusing Lim as being a deity, and in no circumstances a friendly term, put him under unfavourable conditions in the months that followed, leading to his ‘upgrade’ to contest during the 13^th General Elections as a Member of Parliament instead of a state assemblyman.

Law proposed to appease Chinese PKR members

While the nomination for Law to be the Speaker may appease some Chinese members in PKR, many still fume over the loss of the Chinese EXCO seat, which was previously held by Law. To add salt to the wound, only four Chinese candidates were fielded in the state seats this time round as compared to five in 2008. All four won their seats with a larger majority than before; they are: Law Choo Kiang (Bukit Tambun), Ong Chin Wen (Bukit Tengah), Lee Khai Loon (Machang Bubuk) and Cheah Kah Peng (Kebun Bunga).

Even though Dato Mansor was largely supported to be the Speaker, the nomination of Law instead, points to the rationale that the PKR leadership appreciates the contributions of its Chinese members and proportioned all three EXCO seats in Penang to PKR Malays only because there was a lack of Malay leaders in DAP.

Although a similar situation arose in Selangor, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, Menteri Besar of Selangor, reduced the number of EXCO seats to DAP from four to three, to accommodate a PKR Chinese appointment. DAP was compensated with a Speaker seat originally meant for PAS.

Nomination not based on gender quota

The nomination of Ustaz Maktar as Deputy Speaker displaces Dr. Norlela Ariffin, the state assemblyman for Penanti, initially announced by Dato Mansor to be the Deputy Speaker. An enthusiastic newcomer to politics, she was a beacon of hope for women. While women continue to struggle for more representation, the post of the Deputy Speaker went in favour of a senior politician with more experience.

It remains to be seen the length of time taken for PKR to attain her commitment in achieving 30% women’s representation in politics.

Lim Guan Eng proposes, Anwar disposes link to MSN

Thumbs up for Women

It must have come as a pleasant surprise that three women from PKR were selected to be Selangor executive council members together with three others from DAP and four from PAS. Dr. Daroyah joins rank with Elizabeth Wong and Rodziah Ismail in an all-women three-member team after being sworn-in at the palace today. PKR Selangor had fielded six women candidates for its state seats, out of which five won. Twelve others from PKR who won are men.

In contrast, Penang has only one woman exco which is held by Chong Eng, the DAP state assemblyman for Padang Lalang. During the 13th General Elections, PKR Penang fielded a total of two women candidates for the Penang state seats, out of which only one succeeded - Dr. Norlela Ariffin from Penanti. Nine others from PKR who won are men.

The vast difference in women representation within PKR is largely attributed to the role of women in politics in these two states. At the same time, it must be lauded that Tan Sri Khalid has no qualms appointing an all-women team while putting aside gender bias. This goes to show his appreciation and awareness of a woman’s capabilities and contribution to the society. 

As a party helmed by a woman president, Dr. Wan Azizah, PKR is nonetheless a women-friendly party in a male dominated arena. Although Azizah did not contest in any seats, her influence as president presides in the hearts of all women as a symbol of strength and determination for those who seek justice.

Following in her footsteps is her daughter, Nurul Izzah, the giant slayer who won over the hearts of Lembah Pantai voters defeating Raja Nong Chik from Barisan Nasional.

While Selangor has no shortage of women leaders, Penang PKR is sorely in need of qualified and dedicated women who are willing to step forward to serve the public. Building up the women’s presence in politics is no easy task owing to multiple factors such as cultural and religious beliefs, family responsibilities and financial independence. 

Although women make up roughly 52 percent of the total voters, participation of women in politics is low. Given the diverse role a woman has to partake in, a career in politics may seem rather unattractive unless she is driven by a cause – a cause to speak up and better the lives of all other women. 

Zuraida Kamaruddin, chief of PKR Women’s Wing is one such lady who inspires and incites women to rise to the challenge when faced with one. Not unlike Nusaybah, her bravery and courage to speak out however, has earned her severe criticism from both within and outside the party. The Wanita national committee, with a team of about 60 core members nationwide is tasked to rouse the women’s confidence and raise awareness of a woman’s role in the society.

In committing to the women’s agenda, the women’s wing should be given ample voice in decision making within the party. As said by two PKR leaders recently, we are a reform party. As such, let us leave no room for cronyism and nepotism. For a young party to grow effectively, it is best to keep unwanted elements from creeping into the organization. 

At the same time party leaders should be sensitive enough to employ tactile strategies to strengthen the party in anticipation of GE-14 – don’t render it useless the years of hard work that has been put in by party elders to build the divisions and branches, youth wings and women’s wings just so that their voices are finally drowned out due to the lack of empathy and sensitivity towards hardcore supporters and party workers.

It is without a doubt that meritocracy, experience and formal qualifications included, holds the key to any politically appointed posts. Therefore more effort should be put in to recruit qualified people to allow them to practice serving first. If an organization is largely fueled by passionate activists who work endlessly and tirelessly, only to have their glimmer of hope fade into oblivion, it makes for undue stress and divide – something that can be avoided by nipping those hopes in the bud and with good management.

In other words, politics is only for those who have a cause and are willing to go the extra mile, ride out the bumpy road and with nothing to ask for in return - this includes activists, qualified persons, sidelined members and dropped candidates too. Anything and everything else is a bonus.

With that, heartiest congratulations to the three PKR women in the Selangor exco line-up.

* Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion and in no way represent the views of the party. I write this from the perspective of a third party and based on grouses that I hear from several sources.

Sever ties with PAS, Gerakan tells DAP

Sever ties with PAS, DAP told

Press Statement by Gerakan Vice-President and Penang Gerakan Chief Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan

July 14, 2011


Gerakan vice-president Dato’ Dr Teng Hock Nan today challenged DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng to have the guts to sever ties with PAS, now that PAS has been persistently pursuing its intention to establish an Islamic state of government in Kedah.

Dr Teng said that Lim and DAP should stop bluffing and misleading the people that PAS would discard its intention of establishing an Islamic state of government in Malaysia.

“Stop promising the people that they should not worry and should support Pakatan Rakyat to take over the federal government in the next general elections and that PAS has given up its intention. PAS has no such intention and in fact is using its power in Kedah and Kelantan to vigorously implement policies which encroach into the rights and freedom of other Malaysians who are not of Muslim faith,” said Dr Teng in a statement.

Dr Teng was commenting on PAS Kedah government decision to ban entertainment outlets in Kedah from operating during fasting month.

Dr Teng, who is also Penang Gerakan chief, said DAP had directly or indirectly been responsible for helping PAS to take power in the Kedah state government, especially when the DAP had campaigned for non-Muslim votes for PAS candidates in the 2008 General Elections and in all the subsequent by-elections.

Dr Teng said it was obvious and crystal-clear that PAS is slowly, surely, consistently and persistently working towards establishing an Islamic state of government in Malaysia.

Slamming PAS over its latest move, he said Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak has been making strenuous efforts in Kedah to realize PAS’ objective.

Dr Teng recalled that the DAP had in the 1990s severed ties with PAS over disagreement with PAS’ Islamic state policy. “What more, we can still remember DAP chairman Karpal Singh’s expletive “Over My Dead Body” when he vehemently objected against PAS’ Islamic state policy.

The Kedah State government had decided that entertainment outlets, including karaoke centers and discotheques will not be allowed to operate during Ramadan in Kedah.

Live-band performances with singers at bars, hotels, restaurants and eating outlets and areas with easy access by the public are also not allowed to open.

The decision has drawn objections from several quarters.

Kenyataan Media oleh Chow Kon Yeow terhadap Isu Tapak Penjaja Sunway Tunas

Kenyataan Media Mengenai Aduan Terhadap “Corrupt Practices Of MPPP Officers & Former Councillor” oleh Dedah Korupsi (Pro Bono Publico)

Berkenaan dengan email daripada “Dedah Korupsi” oleh Pro Bono Publico bertarikh 6 April 2011 berkenaan dengan “Corrupt Practices Of MPPP Officers & Former Councillor”, siasatan telah dijalankan oleh MPPP.

Tanah yang dimaksudkan oleh pengadu ialah Lot 13180, Mukim 12, Persiaran Mahsuri 1, Taman Sunway Tunas. Tanah ini diserahkan oleh pemaju Tetuan Sunway Tunas Sdn. Bhd. dengan perjanjian namaan RM1.00 kepada Majlis sebagai tapak penjaja. Tanah ini telah didaftarkan di bawah pemilikan MPPP pada 26 September 2002.

Tanah ini diserahkan kepada MPPP sebagai tapak penjaja dalam keadaan tapak kosong yang berlantaikan konkrit dan disediakan juga tempat basuhan. Tapak penjaja ini di bawah pengurusan Bahagian Pelesenan sebagai jabatan yang bertanggungjawab atas pengurusan pasar dan kompleks penjaja.

MPPP telah menerima satu permohonan daripada Tetuan Sunway Sdn. Bhd. pada 21 Mac 2011 untuk membeli semula tanah ini tetapi MPPP telah menolak disebabkan tanah ini adalah untuk tapak penjaja. Pada ketika ini, tiada sebarang struktur yang dibina di atas tapak tersebut dan MPPP sekarang dalam proses untuk memagar tapak tersebut. MPPP belum ada sebarang perancangan untuk membina gerai-gerai penjaja.

MPPP tidak mengetahui tentang penglibatan bekas Ahli Majlis yang dimaksudkan dalam email tersebut. MPPP juga menafikan tuduhan pegawai Jabatan Penilaian dan Pengurusan Harta yang ”corrupt” kerana MPPP telah menolak permohonan ini.


Chow Kon Yeow
19-4-2011

Press Statement By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In Komtar, George Town On 16.2.2011

Penang State Government Establishes A New State Executive Council(EXCO) Portfolio For Non-Islamic Religious Affairs To Handle Religious Matters Relating To Buddhists, Christians, Sikhism, Taoism & Hinduism.

The Penang state government has established a new State Executive Council portfolio for non-Islamic Affairs to handle religious matters relating to Buddhists, Christians, Sikhism, Taoism & Hinduism. This is the first time that a state executive council portfolio has been formed in Penang and the EXCO member in charge will be the Chief Minister.



The State EXCO for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs was presented by Deputy Chief Minister II Professor Dr P. Ramasamy to the weekly state EXCO meeting and approved last week. Professor Dr P. Ramasamy will be the deputy in this non-Islamic Affairs EXCO portfolio.



The establishment of the non-Islamic Religious Affairs portfolio marks the celebration of the World Interfaith Harmony Week by the United Nations this week. Unlike the Federal Government’s Committee for the Promotion of Inter-religious Understanding and Harmony, this is not a committee but a full EXCO portfolio and reflects the state government’s genuine concerns on all religious matters.



Further as a George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage city, the formation of this EXCO portfolio is timely as it promotes diversity and positive human interaction on cultural, religious and social spheres. Despite our differences, we are united by our common aspirations for good practices and universal moral values of peace, justice, moderation and harmony. Co-operation not confrontation, mutual respect not tolerance, and understanding not ignorance will be the governing creed of this new Penang EXCO portfolio.



Penang is willing to work with the Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak’s who had expressed hopes at the United Nations’ 65th general assembly last year, during which he said he did not want any extremist or militant groups to threaten unity and security in Malaysia. The Penang state government is concerned at the existence of extremist groups who seeks to racialise every event for their own selfish interests. Penang has been under siege with attacks of being anti-Malay even if it only involves only 10% Malays or one Malay out of 10 affected parties.



The Penang state government calls on the people to embrace the future by embracing every Malay, Indian, Chinese, Kadazan and Iban, as Malaysian brothers and sisters, Malaysian sons and daughters.



Then only can we grow together, learn together and enjoy the success together.

LIM GUAN ENG

Press Statement by YB Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Selangor State EXCO and State Assemblyman for Seri Andalas

COMMITTEE FOR NON-MUSLIM AFFAIRS – SELANGOR & PENANG

I salute the move taken by YAB Lim Guan Eng and the Penang state government in forming an official portfolio for non-muslim affairs, it is an effort that is to be commended.

The central aim and objectives of the Committee for non-muslim affairs is to promote greater inter-faith understanding and build strong working relationships between all non-muslim religious bodies and the state governments.

For example, Selangor’s non-muslim committee is jointly chaired by myself, YB Teresa Kok and YB Ronnie Liew, along with four other ADUNs, 7 representatives of the main non-muslim religious bodies and various other government department representatives including reps from District Offices, JAIS, JKR, JPS and PTG.

The Barisan National government should welcome the initiatives taken by the Penang state government and not feel threatened. Furthermore, it was only 3 days ago that the “PM hailed the government’s interfaith sub-committee as key in creating a common understanding and having constructive dialogue among the different religious groups in the country.”(Malaysian Insider, 14, Feb 2011)

In light of his comments it is highly regrettable and irresponsible of the Government to allow the
Utusan to make such a racially provoking statement against the non-muslim portfolio established by a Pakatan Rakyat state.

It is the responsibility of everyone to promote greater comprehension and tolerance of all the different faiths in Malaysia. We must not resort to racial and religious politics in order to fulfill political aims.

Dr Xavier Jayakumar

17 February 2011