Issues for all candidates to ponder
As the election gets underway and as polling draws nearer, I want all contesting candidates to ponder the following issues:
1. Why is the Federal Government not considering increasing the 5% oil royalty? A review is long overdue taking into consideration inflation and cost of living;
2. We set up a royal commission of inquiry to investigate the video clip issue concerning the fixing of judicial appointments, yet in Sabah, we have not done so with regard to illegal immigrants and fake identity documents;
3. The Saham Amanah Sabah issue: The Government last time indicated that they will guarantee the SAS shares but what has happened now? I see one passing the buck to another and to this day I cannot get a straight answer. Thank goodness I did not invest in the SAS but I feel sorry for those who did;
4. The papers highlighted what the BN has done for the country recently and said that they are the only ones who can deliver. I firmly believe so because there has not been any government since — maybe there should be a balance and if the opposition cannot deliver at least we can compare, so right now I think it’s a bit lopsided. Lately, the government has been saying they are doing a good job, I would expect from them nothing less as this is the reason why we vote them and they are being paid to do their job;
5. Why should all gaming outlets be controlled by private companies of Sdn Bhd? Lotteries should be conducted through a welfare outlet with a profits going back to society, instead of a few individuals. At the end of the year, they gave any ang pows to a few charities as window-dressing. Somebody is making big money at the expense of the people. Is this how the government serve the people?
6. My general perception of this election is this - everybody wants to be a candidate so that they will be able to win to get a position and power and this would further enable them to get contracts and enrich themselves. As regards their stories about wanting to serve the people, I am sorry I cannot buy that. Sometimes I feel that by voting in an election I am a part of the corrupt nature of our politics and politicians to give them a chance to win for business and their families first. Whoever forms the next government, they will take care of the people in one way or another in a small way as a window dressing as they will be taking care of themselves and their own people first. And because of this Sabah will always be a developing and poorest state instead of the reverse.
Clement Lee.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008-Tukaron bangkad
Tukaron bangkad (change shirts), a catchword in Keningau
KENINGAU:
An opposition catchword, tukaron bangkad, which means “change the shirts” in the Dusun language, is catching on in this rural parliamentary constituency. Tukaron bangkad is the subtle message sent by the opposition to voters here, telling them to change their preference from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) to the opposition. The message is sent to constituents of Keningau parliamentary constituency and the three state seats under it - Bingkor, Tambunan and Liawan. However, this tactic will not work, says Datuk Sairin Karno, the BN candidate for the Liawan state seat, who is quick to brush off the idea, saying that the opposition are merely trying to fool the voters. “They (the opposition) ate the ones who have actually changed their shirts and are now feeling the heat after realising that they only have a very slim chance of winning the seats here,” he told Bernama. “Now they want to hoodwink the people into following their footsteps, ‘but I’m confident that the voters are mature enough to make wise decisions,” said Sairin, who is upbeat about retaining the Liawan state seat. The Keningau parliamentary seat is seeing what observers described as “the mother of all battles in the Land Below the Wind” with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan facing his younger. brother, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is Parti Keadilan’ - Rakyat (PKR) vice-president. Another candidate in the fray is Peter Kodou @ Peter Anthony Kodou of DAP. For the Liawan seat, Sairin is involved in a four- cornered fight with Juis Awang of PKR, Yapilin Nawawi (DAP) and Yangul @ Lawrence Mogidau Edau, an Independent candidate. In Bingkor, BN candidate, Justin Guka is locked in another four-cornered tussle. He would take on Jeffrey and two other Independent candidates, Victor Leonardusand Thomas Anggan. The Tambunan state seat will see Pairin, the Hoguan Siou or the paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community, being challenged by Moses @ Mozes Iking of PKR and Koh Kui Tze @ Francis Koh Lui Tze, an Tndependent candidate. While the BN looks capable of retaining these seats, observers are not ruling out an upset, especially in Bingkor and Tambunan state constituencies, as campaigning reaches its half-way mark before the March 8 polls. However, they feel the BN will scrape through and retain Keningau and the three state seats under it. Asked on the future of Keningau folks in the event of an upset, Sairin said: ‘Well, don’t blame us (BN) if (ongoing) development projects in the district will be disrupted”. “I strongly believe the BN will have to be fair and give priority to development in areas represented by the BN ‘wakil rakyat’. Otherwise it would be unfair to BN supporters,” said Sairin. Sairin argued the tukaron bangkad motto could bring about a disastrous effect on the people of Keningau, especially those in the rural areas who are still dependent on Government assistance to improve their livelihood. He said at the moment it would be unthinkable for the people here not to support the BN, more so because the district needed the continuity of development programs. “A number of state and federal development projects have been earmarked for implementation in Keningau to improve infrastructure facilities like roads, electricity and water supply as well as schools, to name a few. “These projects were initiated by the BN representatives like myself, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Justin Guka. These efforts will be hampered if the area is not represented by the BN,” he added. Sairin said the people of Sabah should learn from the experience of having to “change shirts” in the past especially when PBS pulled out of the BN coalition on the eve of 1990 general election. PBS applied to rejoin the coalition and was admitted back into the BN’s fold in 2002.
KENINGAU:
An opposition catchword, tukaron bangkad, which means “change the shirts” in the Dusun language, is catching on in this rural parliamentary constituency. Tukaron bangkad is the subtle message sent by the opposition to voters here, telling them to change their preference from the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) to the opposition. The message is sent to constituents of Keningau parliamentary constituency and the three state seats under it - Bingkor, Tambunan and Liawan. However, this tactic will not work, says Datuk Sairin Karno, the BN candidate for the Liawan state seat, who is quick to brush off the idea, saying that the opposition are merely trying to fool the voters. “They (the opposition) ate the ones who have actually changed their shirts and are now feeling the heat after realising that they only have a very slim chance of winning the seats here,” he told Bernama. “Now they want to hoodwink the people into following their footsteps, ‘but I’m confident that the voters are mature enough to make wise decisions,” said Sairin, who is upbeat about retaining the Liawan state seat. The Keningau parliamentary seat is seeing what observers described as “the mother of all battles in the Land Below the Wind” with Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan facing his younger. brother, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is Parti Keadilan’ - Rakyat (PKR) vice-president. Another candidate in the fray is Peter Kodou @ Peter Anthony Kodou of DAP. For the Liawan seat, Sairin is involved in a four- cornered fight with Juis Awang of PKR, Yapilin Nawawi (DAP) and Yangul @ Lawrence Mogidau Edau, an Independent candidate. In Bingkor, BN candidate, Justin Guka is locked in another four-cornered tussle. He would take on Jeffrey and two other Independent candidates, Victor Leonardusand Thomas Anggan. The Tambunan state seat will see Pairin, the Hoguan Siou or the paramount leader of the Kadazandusun community, being challenged by Moses @ Mozes Iking of PKR and Koh Kui Tze @ Francis Koh Lui Tze, an Tndependent candidate. While the BN looks capable of retaining these seats, observers are not ruling out an upset, especially in Bingkor and Tambunan state constituencies, as campaigning reaches its half-way mark before the March 8 polls. However, they feel the BN will scrape through and retain Keningau and the three state seats under it. Asked on the future of Keningau folks in the event of an upset, Sairin said: ‘Well, don’t blame us (BN) if (ongoing) development projects in the district will be disrupted”. “I strongly believe the BN will have to be fair and give priority to development in areas represented by the BN ‘wakil rakyat’. Otherwise it would be unfair to BN supporters,” said Sairin. Sairin argued the tukaron bangkad motto could bring about a disastrous effect on the people of Keningau, especially those in the rural areas who are still dependent on Government assistance to improve their livelihood. He said at the moment it would be unthinkable for the people here not to support the BN, more so because the district needed the continuity of development programs. “A number of state and federal development projects have been earmarked for implementation in Keningau to improve infrastructure facilities like roads, electricity and water supply as well as schools, to name a few. “These projects were initiated by the BN representatives like myself, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Justin Guka. These efforts will be hampered if the area is not represented by the BN,” he added. Sairin said the people of Sabah should learn from the experience of having to “change shirts” in the past especially when PBS pulled out of the BN coalition on the eve of 1990 general election. PBS applied to rejoin the coalition and was admitted back into the BN’s fold in 2002.
SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008-Rosnah - Instant policiitians only good at finding faults
Instant politicians only good at finding faults, says Rosnah
PAPAR:
Instant politicians who emerge during election season are a selfish lot who are only interested in grabbing power. “These people do not have the interest of the rakyat at heart... they are only interested in themselves,” Papar parliamentary seat Barisan Nasional (BN) ; candidate Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said. Rosnah, who is defending her seat won in the 2004 election, said that compared to the BN candidates who provide service to the people all year long, these instant politicians are only good at finding other’s faults. She pointed out that if the opposition or independent candidates were sincere about helping the people, they should have done so all this while. “But what we see is that these people only appear during the election and disappear soon after. Mark my words, they will surface again in the future elections,” she said during a meet the people session in Kampung Pengalat Kecil here two nights ago. According to Rosnah, the BN Government has and will continue to implement development for the people which is why it is important for the constituents to give the BN candidates the mandate to form the Government so that they can carry out their responsibility to the people. “Our worry is that the rakyat will lose out if they fall under the influence of these seasonal politicians as the BN Government has many more developmental projects to continue,” she said.
Rosnah stressed that an election is a serious process and each and every voter must think about the long term effects on themselves, their family and children which is why a strong and stable Government is needed. She also said that investors will only invest in the state and country if it is administered by leaders who are capable such as Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
PAPAR:
Instant politicians who emerge during election season are a selfish lot who are only interested in grabbing power. “These people do not have the interest of the rakyat at heart... they are only interested in themselves,” Papar parliamentary seat Barisan Nasional (BN) ; candidate Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said. Rosnah, who is defending her seat won in the 2004 election, said that compared to the BN candidates who provide service to the people all year long, these instant politicians are only good at finding other’s faults. She pointed out that if the opposition or independent candidates were sincere about helping the people, they should have done so all this while. “But what we see is that these people only appear during the election and disappear soon after. Mark my words, they will surface again in the future elections,” she said during a meet the people session in Kampung Pengalat Kecil here two nights ago. According to Rosnah, the BN Government has and will continue to implement development for the people which is why it is important for the constituents to give the BN candidates the mandate to form the Government so that they can carry out their responsibility to the people. “Our worry is that the rakyat will lose out if they fall under the influence of these seasonal politicians as the BN Government has many more developmental projects to continue,” she said.
Rosnah stressed that an election is a serious process and each and every voter must think about the long term effects on themselves, their family and children which is why a strong and stable Government is needed. She also said that investors will only invest in the state and country if it is administered by leaders who are capable such as Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008-PM confident of two thirds majority win
PM confident of two-thirds majority win
KUALA TERENGGANU:
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of securing a two-thirds majority in the genera1 election. The Prime Minister said this was based on the reports received from the states after a week of campaigning As for the position of the Barisan Nasional at this stage, InsyaAllah, we will obtain the two-thirds majority,” he told reporters after opening the Conference of Terengganu Religious Leaders 2008, here. The BN Chairman was asked to comment on the position of the coalition so far after seven days of campaigning. The campaigning period is entering its second week before polling on Saturday. Abdullah said he and his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak were giving more attention to states in the north and East Coast to ensure the BN Government would continue to get the people’s support. We go to the states that need help. As for Johor, we are of the opinion that we are strong (there), Alhamdulillah, and it is capable of carrying out campaigns to maintain the strong support.
He urged members of the associations, especially the younger generation, to carefully read the BN manifesto to help them make up their minds why they should vote for BN and not the opposition. “First we read the BN manifesto, then we listen to the BN leaders and finally we decide (where we stand),” he said. Sari Nuar said Abdullah had received the invitation and agreed to come for the meet—the-people session expected to be attended by some 3,000 people comprising BN supporters and association members. The event scheduled to start at 2pm will be attended by BN component party leaders including Sabah Umno Liaison Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who would also deliver a speech before Abdullah give his talk. Sari Nuar said only VIP vehicles will be allowed to enter the school compound during the event and members of the public who wish to attend the talk are to park their vehicles at a designated parking area at Likas Sport Complex. - He said a shuttle bus will be provided to transport the attendees to and from the sport complex and advised the public not to park their vehicles along the roadside near the school to avoid traffic congestion. The Federation is an umbrella organization for more than 120 registered bodies which are organising the event.
KUALA TERENGGANU:
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of securing a two-thirds majority in the genera1 election. The Prime Minister said this was based on the reports received from the states after a week of campaigning As for the position of the Barisan Nasional at this stage, InsyaAllah, we will obtain the two-thirds majority,” he told reporters after opening the Conference of Terengganu Religious Leaders 2008, here. The BN Chairman was asked to comment on the position of the coalition so far after seven days of campaigning. The campaigning period is entering its second week before polling on Saturday. Abdullah said he and his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak were giving more attention to states in the north and East Coast to ensure the BN Government would continue to get the people’s support. We go to the states that need help. As for Johor, we are of the opinion that we are strong (there), Alhamdulillah, and it is capable of carrying out campaigns to maintain the strong support.
He urged members of the associations, especially the younger generation, to carefully read the BN manifesto to help them make up their minds why they should vote for BN and not the opposition. “First we read the BN manifesto, then we listen to the BN leaders and finally we decide (where we stand),” he said. Sari Nuar said Abdullah had received the invitation and agreed to come for the meet—the-people session expected to be attended by some 3,000 people comprising BN supporters and association members. The event scheduled to start at 2pm will be attended by BN component party leaders including Sabah Umno Liaison Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman, who would also deliver a speech before Abdullah give his talk. Sari Nuar said only VIP vehicles will be allowed to enter the school compound during the event and members of the public who wish to attend the talk are to park their vehicles at a designated parking area at Likas Sport Complex. - He said a shuttle bus will be provided to transport the attendees to and from the sport complex and advised the public not to park their vehicles along the roadside near the school to avoid traffic congestion. The Federation is an umbrella organization for more than 120 registered bodies which are organising the event.
SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008- Edwin claims-KDM based BN parties perpetuate division
Edwin claims KDM—based BN parties perpetuate division
PENAMPANG:
The KadazanDusun-Murut (KDM) based parties under the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition must “close shop” to ensure all KDMs can unite as a single community, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat information chief Dr Edwin Bosie. The Penampang parliamentary candidate for Keadilan said the presence of these parties, namely Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Upko and PBRS, will only perpetuate division of the community, which is the goal of the BN Government in controlling Sabah. “We have been broken up by the Federal (Government) so it is easier for them to control Sabah. We have to make sure these KDM parties close shop, so we can misompuru (come together) under one party,” he said during a ceramah or talk at Kg Tanaki here, Saturday night.
Edwin said the inability of the KDM-based parties under the BN to look out for the community’s welfare was proven when Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok dropped Tuaran parliamentary incumbent Datuk Wilfred Tangau and Moyog State incumbent Philip Lasimbang. “I have known Wilfred since our university days. He is eloquent, outspoken and will fight for what is right and what happens to him? He gets replaced by (Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred) Bumburing, who is from the older generation. “The Barisan Nasional practices five D which is Datang, Duduk, Diam, Dengar, Dapat (come, sit, keep quiet, listen, receive) but Wilfred (Tangau) is not the type to do that. “He will make noise if it means fighting for the rights of the people but maybe his party leadership decided that his presence (in Parliament) would make things difficult for them so they changed him with Bumburing. “As for Tan Sri (Dompok), he is returning to Penampang at the expense of Philip and (Penampang parliamentary incumbent) Donald (Mojuntin), who is now contesting in Moyog. “These are all young leaders ... I believe this is the time of the younger generation and Upko has decided to throw away its young leaders, which is the wrong decision,” he said. Edwin stressed that it is up to the electorate to support the “reformation of the Government” to ensure it operates as it should. “Our delivery system is wrong. We want to reform the Government so that the police will do their job as they should, the Forestry Department will do their job as they should, and all Government departments will do what they are supposed to without pressure from ministers or politicians. “We must think of our future, and of the rotten system that we are in ….we need change. The BN has promised us a better tomorrow, but how many times must we bite on that hook, line and sinker?” he said. Also present at the talk were Keadilan State candidate for Moyog Moris @ Francis Miji, Datu Sebastian Balanting and Innocent Makajil.
PENAMPANG:
The KadazanDusun-Murut (KDM) based parties under the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition must “close shop” to ensure all KDMs can unite as a single community, said Parti Keadilan Rakyat information chief Dr Edwin Bosie. The Penampang parliamentary candidate for Keadilan said the presence of these parties, namely Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Upko and PBRS, will only perpetuate division of the community, which is the goal of the BN Government in controlling Sabah. “We have been broken up by the Federal (Government) so it is easier for them to control Sabah. We have to make sure these KDM parties close shop, so we can misompuru (come together) under one party,” he said during a ceramah or talk at Kg Tanaki here, Saturday night.
Edwin said the inability of the KDM-based parties under the BN to look out for the community’s welfare was proven when Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok dropped Tuaran parliamentary incumbent Datuk Wilfred Tangau and Moyog State incumbent Philip Lasimbang. “I have known Wilfred since our university days. He is eloquent, outspoken and will fight for what is right and what happens to him? He gets replaced by (Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred) Bumburing, who is from the older generation. “The Barisan Nasional practices five D which is Datang, Duduk, Diam, Dengar, Dapat (come, sit, keep quiet, listen, receive) but Wilfred (Tangau) is not the type to do that. “He will make noise if it means fighting for the rights of the people but maybe his party leadership decided that his presence (in Parliament) would make things difficult for them so they changed him with Bumburing. “As for Tan Sri (Dompok), he is returning to Penampang at the expense of Philip and (Penampang parliamentary incumbent) Donald (Mojuntin), who is now contesting in Moyog. “These are all young leaders ... I believe this is the time of the younger generation and Upko has decided to throw away its young leaders, which is the wrong decision,” he said. Edwin stressed that it is up to the electorate to support the “reformation of the Government” to ensure it operates as it should. “Our delivery system is wrong. We want to reform the Government so that the police will do their job as they should, the Forestry Department will do their job as they should, and all Government departments will do what they are supposed to without pressure from ministers or politicians. “We must think of our future, and of the rotten system that we are in ….we need change. The BN has promised us a better tomorrow, but how many times must we bite on that hook, line and sinker?” he said. Also present at the talk were Keadilan State candidate for Moyog Moris @ Francis Miji, Datu Sebastian Balanting and Innocent Makajil.
SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008-Kit Siang says DAP hopes to win three MP and five states seats
DAP hopes to win three MP and five state seats: Kit Siang
KOTA KINABALU:
The Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto is “ridiculous” and gives the people nothing to aspire towards, said DAP Advisor Lim Kit Siang.
He said the BN’s focus on security, peace and prosperity are issues that do not need emphasis in a manifesto as they are basic aspects that should be addressed by any Government in the world. “At least in 2004, their manifesto was more creative and inspirational. They were pushing for Cemerlang, Gemilang dan Terbilang excellence, glory and renown),” he said at a press conference after a public talk with supporters in Inanam near here, yesterday. “This is something to aspire to achieve, and to do that you must first achieve these basic goals (security, peace and prosperity. “It is a good thing if they were serious (in 2004’ ,but in the end it was all just tembirang (big talk. This election’s manifesto brings them down to lower goals,” he said.
Lim also charged that the BN’s publication of its manifesto contravenes with election by-laws as the published copies do not carry any information on where the copies were printed. The copies issued violates the election by-laws and because of this, all the BN candidates can be disqualified, according to him.
To a question, Lim said he believed a police report on the alleged infringement was made yesterday but stressed that the issue at hand is a matter of principle. He called for the withdrawal of millions copies that had been distributed and print of re-issues
On DAP’s chances in Sabah, Lim said they are hoping to secure at least three parliamentary and five State seats come polling day on March 8.
“If we win more I would be the happiest man, but we have to be realistic, I am asking (the electorate) to give us 10 (seats), or at least fivewe are asking the people of Sabah to decide,” he said.
Also present at the event were DAP parliamentary candidates Hiew King Cheu (Kota Kinabalu) and Edward Ewol Mujie (Sepanggar) and State candidates Fung Kong Win (Luyang), Steven Jimbangan (Kepayan), Joan Goh Penn Nee (Likas) and Jeffrey Kumin (Inanam).
KOTA KINABALU:
The Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto is “ridiculous” and gives the people nothing to aspire towards, said DAP Advisor Lim Kit Siang.
He said the BN’s focus on security, peace and prosperity are issues that do not need emphasis in a manifesto as they are basic aspects that should be addressed by any Government in the world. “At least in 2004, their manifesto was more creative and inspirational. They were pushing for Cemerlang, Gemilang dan Terbilang excellence, glory and renown),” he said at a press conference after a public talk with supporters in Inanam near here, yesterday. “This is something to aspire to achieve, and to do that you must first achieve these basic goals (security, peace and prosperity. “It is a good thing if they were serious (in 2004’ ,but in the end it was all just tembirang (big talk. This election’s manifesto brings them down to lower goals,” he said.
Lim also charged that the BN’s publication of its manifesto contravenes with election by-laws as the published copies do not carry any information on where the copies were printed. The copies issued violates the election by-laws and because of this, all the BN candidates can be disqualified, according to him.
To a question, Lim said he believed a police report on the alleged infringement was made yesterday but stressed that the issue at hand is a matter of principle. He called for the withdrawal of millions copies that had been distributed and print of re-issues
On DAP’s chances in Sabah, Lim said they are hoping to secure at least three parliamentary and five State seats come polling day on March 8.
“If we win more I would be the happiest man, but we have to be realistic, I am asking (the electorate) to give us 10 (seats), or at least fivewe are asking the people of Sabah to decide,” he said.
Also present at the event were DAP parliamentary candidates Hiew King Cheu (Kota Kinabalu) and Edward Ewol Mujie (Sepanggar) and State candidates Fung Kong Win (Luyang), Steven Jimbangan (Kepayan), Joan Goh Penn Nee (Likas) and Jeffrey Kumin (Inanam).
SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008 - THE CASE OF JORNAH
The case of Jornah:
ELECTIONS 2008 is clearly underway but already ‘IT’S GETTING HOT IN HERE!’ to quote the title of a very popular hit. One of the controversies that has taken place is the dropping of PBS woman incumbent Jornah Morzihim. This decision was met with confusion and unhappiness not only from . womenfolk here but also the men. Malaysia has Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz, Pakistan has Benazir Bhutto, the UK has Dame Margaret Thatcher, the USA has Hilary Clinton, but which woman in Sabah now especially from the category of non-Muslims can fill the vacuum now created? Is this a step backwards for women in Sabah? Maybe we in Sabah are still a male dominated society, not in keeping with global and modern trends of women in politics? Only time will tell. What sets this event apart from that of other ‘dropped’ candidates was that according to news reports, her name was initially in the publicly announced PBS line-up and “a letter of appointment” was issued to her. Although it is the party who ultimately decides who should stand, did the letter and the announcement create any binding legal obligations? Could the political party concerned have handled this matter in a manner that would not have exposed Jornah, who is a graduate and single mother, to embarrassment? Was it fair to Jornah and women voters in Sabah because if Jornah had known earlier of the decision to drop her, she may have had the opportunity to stand on a different ticket and serve the needs of women rights in Sabah? How will women in Sabah view this issue and how will they vote come March 8, 2008? I received a letter on this issue from Sabah women and children rights activist and fellow lawyer Nilakrishna James who wrote:-
“As a voter in Sabah, I have observed with great trepidation the risks some of our leaders are prepared to take with the sentiments of the people by fielding in faces which are virtually unknown in our society. Yet despite that, perhaps such candidates have silently worked in the past few years with their respective constituencies. Ultimately, only the voters can decide whether such newcomers or old-timers deserve to represent their people and whether they are capable of dealing with the grouses and interests of their voters. I am more appalled by the risk PBS has taken in their decision to drop a confirmed and named candidate. With all due respect for the PBS party leadership, I am making this comment not against their decision per se but the overall act of dropping a candidate once named and confirmed. I find it so unethical to simply drop a person at the 11th hour after being named publicly as a candidate. This is totally humiliating for the candidate and I don’t agree with this “now you see it, now you don’t” type of political behavior. It isn’t right and it isn’t fair. As it is now there is barely 7 per cent female representation in the line-up for election. This is so far away from our target 30 pc that women in this country have been struggling so hard to achieve and it clearly isn’t right. Perhaps more efforts should have been made by each party to identify and nurture female party members for the possibility of standing as a candidate. I certainly hope that for the next few years before the next election this will be on every party’s main agenda, when hopefully we will begin to see a rise of a new, young breed of potential statesmen and stateswomen with fresh ideas for the way we should progress economically and globally.”
The story of Alan Riddell
Anyway the incident reminded me of the Canadian case of Alan Riddell, a bilingual labour relations lawyer in Ottawa, Canada. In March 2004, Riddell was approached by the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) to run as its candidate in the riding of Ottawa South. He handily defeated others for the 2004 CPC nomination. In the ensuing election, he ran against two nationally know names: David McGuinty, the younger brother of Ontario Liberal Party Premier, and Monia Mazigh, of the New Democratic Party (NDP), best known for her courage as the wife of wrongfully imprisoned Syrian- Canadian Maher Arar. Although the riding was traditionally Liberal, it was thought that Riddell’s background and dynamism, together with voter backlash against Liberal broken promises, gave him a good chance of winning. By the middle of the campaign, Riddell began to lead McGuinty and Mazigh in the polls, and many believed he would score an upset victory over the Liberals. In the final days of the campaign, however, voters across Ontario shifted away from the Conservatives, thereby ensuring reelection of the Liberal government. In addition, only a few days prior to the vote, the Ottawa Sun published a damaging front-page story about Riddell, that was later retracted as inaccurate. Despite this erroneous news story, and the last minute shift in voter support, Riddell finished the election with more that 20,600 votes, the highest number ever recorded by a Conservative candidate in the riding’s history, thereby finishing a relatively close second to McGuinty. In May 2005, when it appeared that the Liberal government was about to be defeated and another election called, Riddell was recruited to run in Ottawa South a second time. Conservative officials initially blocked Riddell’s re-nomination as the Party’s candidate. Riddell’s disqualification caused a public outcry from Riddell’s supporters across Ottawa, and was quickly set aside by the Conservative Party’s National Arbitration.Committee, which issued a binding directive to Party officials permitting him to be the party’s candidate in Ottawa South a second time. However three days prior to the 2006 election Riddell stepped aside as the Party’s candidate to enable Allan Cutler to run in his stead in Ottawa South. Party officials issued a Press release thanking Riddell for his gesture and confirming that the Party “looked forward to having him run as its candidate in future elections”. To compensate Riddell for relinquishing the nomination to Cutler, in a move designed to help them win the national campaign, they undertook to repay him his campaign expenses, pursuant to an agreement which Party Executive Director Michael Donison described in writing as legally “binding”. Although Elections Canada later ruled the agreement to be legal, when news of the Party’s agreement surfaced in the press, senior Party officials, including Party Leader Stephen Harper, publicly denied its existence. After the Conservative victory in the election, Conservative Party officials refused to honour the agreement, and Riddell was eventually forced to apply to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice for a Court Order that it be implemented. On January 11, 2007, after a two-day court hearing, Judge Denis Power of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued a decision confirming that the Party’s agreement with Riddell was legally binding, and ordering it to immediately pay Riddell. The Judge ruled that when Riddell had stepped aside for Cutler, he had been “the preferred choice of the clear majority” and that “the evidence, taken as whole, clearly establishes that an agreement was reached”. He concluded that “the crux of the agreement was that Mr Riddell, the leading contender for the nomination, agreed to voluntarily step aside in favour of Allan Cutler in exchange for which he was to receive some financial compensation for expenses incurred by him in seeking the nomination”,
Email evidence in Court ruling JUSTICE POWER:- It is appropriate at this point in these reasons to set out, in detail, the relevant emails between Mr Riddell and CPC or their representatives. However, by way of background. it is also important to note that by the fall of 2005 Mr. Riddell was the preferred choice of a clear majority of the members of the Ottawa South CPC riding for the nomination.
(1) From: Michael Donison: Dear Alan: This is to confirm I have left a message both on your cell phone and have conveyed to your representative Luc to the effect that the Conservative Party of Canada is shortly going to issue a Press Release in which it will be confirmed that on November 22, 2005 the National Candidate Selection Committee of the National Council of the Party disallowed your candidacy as a nomination contestant for the Ottawa South Conservative Electoral District Association. I went on to expressly state that the only way the issuance of that Press Release could be prevented is if you immediately and no later than 3:30 pm today execute and deliver the Irrevocable Decision and Direction document and properly witnessed as presented to you by Paul Lepsoe last evening.
Yours truly, Michael D Donison
(2) From Alan Ridell Dear Mr Mike Donison, Thank you for our meeting yesterday. As communicated to you last night, I am prepared to withdraw from the nomination race in Ottawa South, on the following conditions: 1. if that is what the Leader wishes me to do; 2. if the Party does the honourable thing by picking up the receiptable nomination expenses incurred to date by my Nomination Campaign in the two nomination campaigns in which I have been involved this year (which I estimate to be in the amount of approximately $50,000, but which would be subject to verification by yourself); and 3. if the Party agrees to have the issue of the legal costs incurred by my lawyers in my two successful appeals arbitrated before a mutually agreeable Arbitrator or Arbitration Panel within the next few weeks, along the lines suggested by Mr Reynolds, with the details of the arbitration to be worked out by our respective lawyers this afternoon or tomorrow. Separately from this, I wish to confirm the following: 1. that I believe Mr Cutler to be a good candidate for Ottawa South; 2. that I would be pleased to work for him if and when he becomes our Party’s officially nominated Candidate, in whatever capacity you or he would like me to serve, and that I will do my utmost to persuade my friends and supporters in Ottawa South to do likewise. I want to make it very clear that my offer to work for Mr Cutler during the upcoming election campaign is in no way conditional upon the Party’s acceptance of my proposal to resolve the matter of my nomination expenses and legal costs. I want the Party to win Ottawa South in the upcoming campaign. I look forward to campaigning vigorously for the Party and to helping to ensure a Conservative victory in Ottawa South. Yours very truly, Alan Riddell
(3) From Michael Donison: Dear Mr. Riddell: This is to confirm receipt of your e-mail letter dated on November 24, 2005 at 4:32 pm. Please consider this letter in reply by way of formal counter-offer to the offer contained in that letter: (1) That you will immediately provide a written statement to me as Executive Director of the Conservative Party of Canada that the Party can then use publicly that you are unconditionally withdrawing as nomination contestant and as a candidate for the next federal general election and that you will not subsequently seek such status. That written statement must be executed and delivered by you and duly witnessed simultaneously upon your acceptance of this counter-offer and therefore prior to finalization of any other documentation relating to any agreement that will result. That written statement has to be forwarded to the undersigned in the same form and at the same time as the requirement below for delivery of your acceptance of this counteroffer; (2) That the process of any Arbitration will be agreed upon by the parties without any pre-determined conditions (including any that may have been set by Mr John Reynolds, MP, the specifics of which have never been communicated to the undersigned) except that there will be no obligation on the part of either party to take any steps until after the completion of the impending federal general election; (3) That paragraph 1 of your offer is to be deleted as it is not necessary; (4) All other terms and conditions as contained in your offer are acceptable. This counter-offer is open for acceptance with such acceptance to be communicated to the undersigned in writing at this e-mail address no later than 11:00am tomorrow (November 25, 2005) Michael D Donison
(4) From: Luc E. Barrick on behalf of Alan Riddell: Dear Mr Donison: This is to confirm receipt of your e-mail letter dated November 24, 2005 at 10:54 pm. Please consider this letter as Mr Alan Riddell’s acceptance of your counteroffer on the following sole condition, which is a result of the statements attributed to the party inferring that Mr Riddelll was disqualified:
That the Conservative Party of Canada shall issue today a press release stating the following: (1) that Mr Alan Riddell is not being disqualified as a Tory candidate for the nomination in Ottawa-South but is withdrawing voluntarily as a candidate for the nomination in Ottawa-South; (2) that the Conservative Party of Canada appreciates Mr Riddell’s significant efforts on its behalf in Ottawa-South over the past year; (3) that the Conservative Party of Canada looks forward to having him run as a candidate in subsequent elections. Please immediately confirm to me by telephone and e-mail your acceptance of this condition, so that we may provide you with the written statement referred to in par. 1 of your counter-offer. Time is of the essence given that many reporters are calling the Alan Riddell Team regarding the Ottawa Sun article entitled “Whistleblower to be acclaimed”, and we are going to have to respond if we do not hear from you by 11:30AM. Yours very truly, Luc E Barrick
(5) From: Mike Donison. Dear Mr Barrick: Please consider this e-mail reply an acceptance on behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada of Mr Riddell’s acceptance of the counter- offer with the sole condition Mr Riddell requires. The Press Release that will be issued by the Party will in its wording be identical to the wording you provided in the acceptance of the counter-offer. The Press Release will say nothing more nor less than those exact words. Michael D Donison “Women of Sabah, the ball is now at your feet come March 8. Selamat mengundi.” For more news go to our new website @ borneotoday. com
SUNDAY-9TH MARCH 2008-GUAN ENG IS NEW PENANG CHIEF MINISTER
Guan Eng is new Penang Chief Minister
PENANG:
Opposition leader Lim Guan Eng who was jailed in 1999 for sedition has been nominated as the new Chief Minister of the industrial state of Penang after a stunning election win, a party official said on Sunday. The Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP), led by Lim, took control of Penang and added parliamentary seats across the country as the opposition handed the ruling coalition its biggest upset ever. “It is already understood that the Chief Minister will be Lim Guan Eng,” said the party official.The official said the DAP would form a coalition government in the state, a major hub for US technology firms, with de facto opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat. The 47-year-old Lim, an accountant by training, is the eldest son of veteran Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang. In 1999, Guan Eng was jailed for a year for sedition after be organised mass rallies calling for the resignation of then Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik. He was barred for standing for elected office for five years following the conviction. “This is the biggest defeat ever since our (party’s) founding 4O years ago,” Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said. “I feel sad and surprised. I urge all BN members to stay calm and not to take any action that could jeopardise peace and security in the State.” The shock defeat in Penang stirred memories of the last time the ruling coalition failed to win a two-thirds majority, in 1969. — Reuter.
PENANG:
Opposition leader Lim Guan Eng who was jailed in 1999 for sedition has been nominated as the new Chief Minister of the industrial state of Penang after a stunning election win, a party official said on Sunday. The Chinese-based Democratic Action Party (DAP), led by Lim, took control of Penang and added parliamentary seats across the country as the opposition handed the ruling coalition its biggest upset ever. “It is already understood that the Chief Minister will be Lim Guan Eng,” said the party official.The official said the DAP would form a coalition government in the state, a major hub for US technology firms, with de facto opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat. The 47-year-old Lim, an accountant by training, is the eldest son of veteran Opposition leader Lim Kit Siang. In 1999, Guan Eng was jailed for a year for sedition after be organised mass rallies calling for the resignation of then Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik. He was barred for standing for elected office for five years following the conviction. “This is the biggest defeat ever since our (party’s) founding 4O years ago,” Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said. “I feel sad and surprised. I urge all BN members to stay calm and not to take any action that could jeopardise peace and security in the State.” The shock defeat in Penang stirred memories of the last time the ruling coalition failed to win a two-thirds majority, in 1969. — Reuter.
SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008-ISSUES FOR ALL CANDIDATES TO PONDER
Issues for all candidates to ponder
As the election gets underway and as polling draws nearer, I want all contesting candidates to ponder the following issues: 1. Why is the Federal Government not considering increasing the 5% oil royalty? A review is long overdue taking into consideration inflation and cost of living; 2. We set up a royal commission of inquiry to investigate the video clip issue concerning the fixing of judicial appointments, yet in Sabah, we have not done so with regard to illegal immigrants and fake identity documents; 3. The Saham Amanah Sabah issue: The Government last time indicated that they will guarantee the SAS shares but what has happened now? I see one passing the buck to another and to this day I cannot get a straight answer. Thank goodness I did not invest in the SAS but I feel sorry for those who did; 4. The papers highlighted what the BN has done for the country recently and said that they are the only ones who can deliver. I firmly believe so because there has not been any government since — maybe there should be a balance and if the opposition cannot deliver at least we can compare, so right now I think it’s a bit lopsided. Lately, the government has been saying they are doing a good job, I would expect from them nothing less as this is the reason why we vote them and they are being paid to do their job; 5. Why should all gaming outlets be controlled by private companies of Sdn Bhd? Lotteries should be conducted through a welfare outlet with a profits going back to society, instead of a few individuals. At the end of the year, they gave any ang pows to a few charities as window-dressing. Somebody is making big money at the expense of the people. Is this how the government serve the people? 6. My general perception of this election is this - everybody wants to be a candidate so that they will be able to win to get a position and power and this would further enable them to get contracts and enrich themselves. As regards their stories about wanting to serve the people, I am sorry I cannot buy that. Sometimes I feel that by voting in an election I am a part of the corrupt nature of our politics and politicians to give them a chance to win for business and their families first. Whoever forms the next government, they will take care of the people in one way or another in a small way as a window dressing as they will be taking care of themselves and their own people first. And because of this Sabah will always be a developing and poorest state instead of the reverse.
Clement Lee.
As the election gets underway and as polling draws nearer, I want all contesting candidates to ponder the following issues: 1. Why is the Federal Government not considering increasing the 5% oil royalty? A review is long overdue taking into consideration inflation and cost of living; 2. We set up a royal commission of inquiry to investigate the video clip issue concerning the fixing of judicial appointments, yet in Sabah, we have not done so with regard to illegal immigrants and fake identity documents; 3. The Saham Amanah Sabah issue: The Government last time indicated that they will guarantee the SAS shares but what has happened now? I see one passing the buck to another and to this day I cannot get a straight answer. Thank goodness I did not invest in the SAS but I feel sorry for those who did; 4. The papers highlighted what the BN has done for the country recently and said that they are the only ones who can deliver. I firmly believe so because there has not been any government since — maybe there should be a balance and if the opposition cannot deliver at least we can compare, so right now I think it’s a bit lopsided. Lately, the government has been saying they are doing a good job, I would expect from them nothing less as this is the reason why we vote them and they are being paid to do their job; 5. Why should all gaming outlets be controlled by private companies of Sdn Bhd? Lotteries should be conducted through a welfare outlet with a profits going back to society, instead of a few individuals. At the end of the year, they gave any ang pows to a few charities as window-dressing. Somebody is making big money at the expense of the people. Is this how the government serve the people? 6. My general perception of this election is this - everybody wants to be a candidate so that they will be able to win to get a position and power and this would further enable them to get contracts and enrich themselves. As regards their stories about wanting to serve the people, I am sorry I cannot buy that. Sometimes I feel that by voting in an election I am a part of the corrupt nature of our politics and politicians to give them a chance to win for business and their families first. Whoever forms the next government, they will take care of the people in one way or another in a small way as a window dressing as they will be taking care of themselves and their own people first. And because of this Sabah will always be a developing and poorest state instead of the reverse.
Clement Lee.
SUNDAY-2ND MARCH 2008-LIM URGES SANDAKAN INDEPENDENT TO WITHDRAW
Lim urges Sandakan independent to withdraw
SANDAKAN:
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang has called on Sandakan parliamentary independent candidate Fong Vun Fui to withdraw from the contest for the larger interest of the people of Sandakan to prevent a division of the votes against the Barisan Nasional candidate. “Sandakan people must vote as one to ensure the Barisan Nasional candidate is defeated because at this stage what is significant is to send a very clear message across that Umno’s political hegemony must not be allowed to raise its ugly head,” Lim told reporters after attending a political talk at the Yu Yuan Secondary School hall on Saturday night. Lim said a vote for any BN component party is a vote for Umno’s political hegemony. In a three-way fight there is a possibility that votes against the BN might be split and this must not be allowed to take place because every vote counts. “In Sandakan, DAP’s Chong Chui Lin is seen as the candidate likely to have a greater chance of’winning and therefore I call on the independent candidate to withdraw from the contest to prevent a division of votes. If he refuses to do so, then the Sandakan voters must ensure not a single vote is wasted otherwise the BN maybe the beneficiary which is very unfortunate,” he said. Lim said if the BN wins in the Sandakan parliamentary seat, Sandakan voters and Sabahans in Malaysia will miss out on the opportunity of sending a very credible and qualified Malaysian to become a Member of Parliament and also the opportunity to send a clear and unmistakable message to put an end to Umno’s political hegemony.
SANDAKAN:
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang has called on Sandakan parliamentary independent candidate Fong Vun Fui to withdraw from the contest for the larger interest of the people of Sandakan to prevent a division of the votes against the Barisan Nasional candidate. “Sandakan people must vote as one to ensure the Barisan Nasional candidate is defeated because at this stage what is significant is to send a very clear message across that Umno’s political hegemony must not be allowed to raise its ugly head,” Lim told reporters after attending a political talk at the Yu Yuan Secondary School hall on Saturday night. Lim said a vote for any BN component party is a vote for Umno’s political hegemony. In a three-way fight there is a possibility that votes against the BN might be split and this must not be allowed to take place because every vote counts. “In Sandakan, DAP’s Chong Chui Lin is seen as the candidate likely to have a greater chance of’winning and therefore I call on the independent candidate to withdraw from the contest to prevent a division of votes. If he refuses to do so, then the Sandakan voters must ensure not a single vote is wasted otherwise the BN maybe the beneficiary which is very unfortunate,” he said. Lim said if the BN wins in the Sandakan parliamentary seat, Sandakan voters and Sabahans in Malaysia will miss out on the opportunity of sending a very credible and qualified Malaysian to become a Member of Parliament and also the opportunity to send a clear and unmistakable message to put an end to Umno’s political hegemony.
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