DAP and PAS’s loyalty to Anwar under scrutiny following sodomy allegation

NST (10/7/08): Ever since Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor and de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was accused of sodomy by his former aide, the leaders of the two other opposition parties in the coalition pact basically agreed that the issue be settled through legal means.

However, there have been no indications that they have accepted the allegation to be unfounded.

Hence, the question arises as to how far the DAP and PAS would remain loyal to PKR in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) if Anwar is found guilty of the offence in the court of law.

The loyalty of PKR leaders and members towards Anwar, meanwhile, cannot be denied as the party had emerged out of the struggle to free Anwar 10 years ago when he was faced with the first sodomy allegation and abuse of power when he was still in Umno and the deputy prime minister then.

PKR information chief Chang Tian Chua, in a press interview, not only acknowledged the members’ loyalty to Anwar but also their readiness in facing those who tried to stifle the party’s struggle.

He, however, did not deny that presently only PKR appeared to be at the forefront and facing the onslaught.

“No matter how difficult it is, we will overcome it,” said Tian Chua.

Firmly refuting that PKR was in a leadership crisis following the latest sodomy allegation against Anwar, he was confident that DAP and PAS were together with PKR over the issue and that PR was still strong. “As a pact, we are strong. But we are confronted with a very big challenge now,” said Tian Chua.

Behind those firm words of commitment, DAP and PAS’ loyalty towards Anwar and PKR have not actually been tested and their clearly different political ideologies may pose Anwar as a liability to the struggles of PKR’s opposition partners.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, for instance, when asked about the matter, said that so far there had been no change in DAP’s policy towards PR.

But his refusal to comment further on the sodomy allegation against Anwar and its impact on PR could be felt as trying to evade the issue.

To an earlier press query, he said the allegation should be resolved through the country’s legal system as “what is right, will still be right and what is wrong, will still be wrong”. But statements by PAS leaders on the issue have clearly shown that the party is loyal to the opposition pact “for the moment”. “We are still with Pakatan Rakyat. Whether he (Anwar) is guilty or not, that’s a question we will deal with later,” said PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub.

PAS secretary-general Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar also admitted that the cooperation was for the time being because in future they would have to go separate ways according to their own plans.

“Right now there are no internal issues (in PR) related to current developments. But in future, we will move forward in line with our own party’s struggle,” he said.

So, it appears that the partners in the coalition front have their own agenda and plans although they now collectively enjoy public support.

As political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Zainal Kling put it: “The people’s support will determine whether Pakatan Rakyat can weather the controversy involving Anwar as a coalition pact, or distance themselves from PKR.” “To me, Anwar’s credibility among PKR members is not affected as based on past experience, he had cleared himself of the earlier allegation. So they regard this again as slander.

“However, there may be doubts in the minds of the public, who may regard this as ’sandiwara’ (drama) or an excuse on the part of the PKR leader. It must also be remembered that although Anwar was eventually cleared of the charge by the court there were evidence which the court did not dismiss (which indicate that homosexual activities did take place), so people might believe this (the allegation).” The former dean of the Arts and Social Science Faculty of Universiti Malaya also agreed that the statements made by leaders of PKR’s partners in the PR indicated that they did not reject the possibility that the latest sodomy allegation could be true.

“Their (DAP and PAS) loyalty to Pakatan Rakyat depends on the outcome of the investigations, the court hearing and judgment. If the decision is negative for Anwar, I believe it will eventually have a negative impact on PKR and society at large,” he opined.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia lecturer, Prof Dr Mohammad Agus Yusoff, also believed that the latest controversy surrounding Anwar would not affect cooperation among the three PR partners for the time being.

Instead, he said, this was an opportune time for the opposition front to portray an image of solidarity against what they might claim as abuse of power by the government.

“Even if the decision in the end is negative for Anwar, support for PR will depend on public perception so to whether the investigations, trial and judgment are transparent and fair.

“If not, it will only serve to strengthen the opposition as they are now together in fighting against what they claim as abuse of power by the government.” Moreover, he added, DAP and PAS leaders were now seeing the second sodomy allegation against Anwar as personal rather than having to do with the party.

Mohammad Agus said the latest controversy had little impact on public support for PR as it still benefited from the current economic situation due to the oil price increase, by offering hope that things would change if they came into power.

“Although that hope cannot be fulfilled yet, it is enough for PR to gain public support and sympathy while it is confronted with a moral issue,” he added.

But he agreed that the opposition pact would not remain in the long term because of their different ideologies, especially between PKR and PAS, when it came to Malay politics.

“PKR sees its politics as people’s politics, while PAS’ politics is religious politics and protecting Islam is its priority.

“PKR practises what we call minority mentality, where they depend too much on the support of other races although in reality the Malays do not have to do this as they are the majority race in the country,” he said .

Whatever the outcome of the latest controversy involving Anwar, what is clear is that PR has never come out to state that their cooperation would be a long lasting one.

In fact, prior to this, leaders from PKR’s two partners in the PR were rather quiet on Anwar’s plan to topple the Barisan Nasional government by Sept 16, the latest, and replaced by PR, indicating their doubts about the realisation of the plan.

As Lim Guan Eng had said: “That (the plan), you have to ask Anwar. I am of the opinion that anyone has the right to plan.”

RTM's prerogative to decide on guests for its programmes, says Shabery

Bernama (10/7/08): Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) has the right to decide on whom to invite for live programmes or recordings aired by its radio and television stations, Information Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said Thursday.

He said RTM practised an open policy and gave coverage to all menteris besar and chief ministers based on the news value, be it for news programmes or talkshows.

"I myself, as information minister, have not been called for a live interview up to now, meaning that I leave it to RTM to do whatever it deems fit," he said in reply to Ahmad Kassim (PKR-Kuala Kedah) in the Dewan Rakyat.

Ahmad Kassim wanted to know whether RTM would give air time to menteris besar and chief ministers of states ruled by Pakatan Rakyat to explain their policies to the people.

Ahmad Shabery said he believed in the same principle and RTM was willing to invite parties which it felt were suitable for a particular programme, including leaders from opposition parties.

"The question of when to invite does not arise. I leave that to RTM," he said, citing as example that in the recent issue on fuel price increase the MP for Kubang, Salahuddin Ayub of PAS, was invited for the debate with the relevant minister.

"Not only was he invited but the reporter from Harakah (the PAS organ) was also invited to ask questions but an hour before the programme the Harakah (repoter) did not turn up, no representative was sent. It was Harakah that was unprofessional, not RTM," he said.

Asked whether RTM would telecast live the debate between him and Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the fuel price increase on July 15, he said it was organised by news portal Agenda Daily and not RTM.

To a question from Datuk Lilah Yasin (BN- Jempol) on what powers the Information Minister had on private television stations which were viewed as not giving coverage to Barisan Nasional menteris besar and chief ministers in their 8pm news, he said the private radio and television stations were not under the control of the Information Ministry.

However, he said, they should use their wisdom in accordance with the set guidelines in formulating programmes for airing.

Royal commission motion dismissed

The Star (8/7/08): The Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday dismissed an emergency motion filed to request for a royal commission to be set up to probe allegations made against politicians, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General.

The emergency motion filed by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS - Kubang Kerian) was dismissed in chambers but Salahuddin raised it in the Dewan Rakyat.

In the motion, Salahuddin asked for a Royal Commission to be set up to investigate allegations made against Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail.

Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who was presiding then, said the motion was rejected in chambers as the case of Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin filing his statutory declaration (which implicates Rosmah in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case) was being investigated by the police at the moment.

Dr Wan Junaidi added that the police were also investigating the report lodged by Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan who alleged he was sodomised by PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

On the third case, Dr Wan Junaidi said the Anti-Corruption Agency is investigating the report lodged by Anwar against the IGP and Abdul Gani.

"We do not want to turn this into a media trial," said Dr Wan Junaidi.

PAS wants a parliamentary debate

The Star (10/6/2008): PAS handed over a memorandum to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker yesterday, requesting a special Parliament session to debate the fuel price hike and its effects on the people.

PAS Youth chief and chief whip Salahuddin Ayub said the party hoped that the would consider the request and grant one or two days for the session.

“For the sake of the rakyat, we hope the Speaker will call for the special session early next week,” he said, adding that there would be a peaceful walk from Kampung Baru to the KL Convention Centre on June 13 in protest against the price hike.

Salahuddin handed the memorandum to Parliament administrator Datuk Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria.

Opposition stages walkout

The Star (1/7/08): In A day of high drama in Parliament, the Opposition staged a walkout after the House allowed a ministerial statement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The statement – which was to explain the Government’s social restructuring policies under the Mid-Term Review (MTR) report of the Ninth Malaysia Plan – was not listed in the Order Paper and took many MPs by surprise when Najib stood up at the end of the question and answer session.

Mass exit: Opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail leading Opposition MPs as they walk out of the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

The statement provoked a chain reaction from the block as one Opposition MP after another stood up on Point of Order objecting to it.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had last Thursday tabled a motion on the MTR report.

Before Najib had gone beyond reading a few words of the statement, Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timor) stopped him, demanding to know if he was participating in the debate or if he was delivering a ministerial statement.

When Najib said that he was delivering a statement, Lim commented that this was very “unusual” as any explanation should have been given by Abdullah himself during the tabling.

However, despite Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia saying that the House was allowing the statement under Standing Order 14 (1), Mahfuz Omar (PAS – Pokok Sena) stood up to contend that if that was so, then Abdullah had failed in “adequately explaining the government’s policies during the tabling earlier”.

“Any such explanation should have been done then. Why are you taking up our debate time?” he demanded, to which Pandikar Amin replied that Mahfuz could bring up this same concern during his debate on the motion later.

The Speaker clamped down on further protests by Lim, adding that under Standing Order 99, his decision was absolute.

“Standing Order 99 should not be used as a justification for every decision by the Chair. If that is so, what’s the point of the Standing Orders?” Lim said.

When Lim insisted on pressing this further, Pandikar Amin told him to put in a request with the Chair for a motion if he was unhappy about his decision.

The Speaker continued to ask Lim to put in a notice for such a motion despite the party stalwart complaining that it was “meaningless to do so”.

“I have put in several notices but none ever came up,” Lim said, adding that Najib’s statement should be considered as a speech to second Abdullah’s motion and that it was abusing Standing Order 14.

After Salahuddin Ayub (PAS – Kubang Kerian), Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad (PAS – Kuala Selangor), Tian Chua (PKR – Batu) and Mahfuz had stood up in succession amidst grumbling from the backbenchers to get on with the statement, Pandikar Amin said his only agenda was to “protect the Chair.”

“So, please help me to protect it. What’s wrong with allowing the statement if it’s for the interest of the rakyat?

“If Yang Berhormat is dissatisfied or feels this is wrong, you can hit out all you want during debate,” he said.

At one point, when Karpal Singh (DAP – Bukit Gelugor) raised the Standing Order, Pandikar Amin said he would no longer entertain any more arguments after hearing from the former as “he is a famous lawyer”.

To Karpal Singh asking if Abdullah had “made a mistake” in his tabling earlier as a ministerial statement was only allowed in England for this purpose, the Speaker said the Malaysian Parliament had its own House rules.

“Under the Standing Orders, Yang Berhormat, one has to leave the Dewan quietly,” he said as a parting shot as the Opposition bloc stood up en masse to walk out of the proceedings.

In the lobby, Lim said it was unparliamentary and unacceptable of the Speaker to allow Najib to explain further on the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

“This proves that there is an internal problem within Umno, despite the fact that both Najib and Abdullah have been said to be on good terms.

“We will bring up a substantive motion to scrutinise the Speaker’s decision on this,” he said.

Lim added that such an incident had never taken place in the House before, and was a sign of disrespect to the laws of Parliament.

Tian Chua said the Speaker had broken the Parliament convention just to accommodate the “differences” between Najib and the Prime Minister.

“Furthermore, the Speaker refused to explain his decision. This could set an inappropriate precedent,” he said.

Opposition MPs walk out in protest over Najib's 'speech'

Bernama (30/6/08): Opposition members of parliament (MPs) on Monday walked out of the Dewan Rakyat citing violation of the standing orders when Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was allowed to add more details to last Thursday's speech by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when tabling the mid-term review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

Most of these MPs stayed away until Najib had completed his speech. Independent MP Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Pasir Mas) did not join the walkout, saying the move was unwise.

The walkout took place in less than an hour after Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo was suspended from the house for two days after he had raised an unrelated matter -- the issue of the sodomy allegation against Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his seeking refuge at the Turkish Embassy -- when asking a supplementary question during Question Time.

When Najib stood up to deliver his speech, which was further explanation to the motion on the mid-term review of the 9MP tabled by Abdullah, Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) objected by saying that the procedure was unusual because it was the norm for a motion to be debated after it was tabled.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia dismissed Lim's argument and said Najib should be allowed to give the additional details.

At this juncture, Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) asked whether the prime minister's speech was not clear enough.

Lim said Najib should give the additional details by participating in the debate like the other MPs.

He had the support of several other MPs, including Chua Tian Chang (PKR-Batu), Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) and Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor).

When the Speaker insisted on Najib giving his speech, the Opposition MPs walked out of the house.

Opposition MPs walk out of Parliament

The Sun (30/6/08): Opposition MPs staged a walk-out after a 30-minute argument over the Speaker's decision to allow Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak make a "ministerial speech" to elaborate on the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) mid-term review (MTR).

At the start of debate time in Parliament today, the House was told that the government was making a statement and Najib stood up and said he wanted to elaborate on the motion tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Thursday (June 26), specifically on the government's strategy to restructure the society.

Before he could proceed, Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) asked whether Najib was taking part in the debate or making a statement as it is "unusual" for such a statement to be made.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia then explained Najib was only making "an additional explanation to the facts made in the speech of the Prime Minister" and it was not against parliament order.

Mahfuz Omar (PAS-Pokok Sena) then asked does this mean Abdullah was not fully prepared when delivering his speech, saying: "This means the Prime Minister was not able to give a clear explanation. He should be prepared with his facts and everything. Why take from our time to debate now?"

Pandikar Amin said it was not for the MPs to debate whether Abdullah was prepared or not but for him to decide whether Najib's speech violates the Standing Order or not and he had decided it was not.

Lim stood up again saying: "This is unusual and unparliamentary. He (Najib) had missed the opportunity to argue his points when seconding the Prime Minister’s speech, so now he wants to compensate for it."

Pandikar Amin disagreed and quoted a point in the order which says Speaker’s decision is final but Lim quickly said the Speaker should not simply use the order to justify all his decisions because parliamentary practices must also be observed.

The Speaker said if Lim was not satisfied with his decision he can bring the matter up as a motion but Lim said it would be meaningless if the Speaker later decides not to accept the motion to be debated.

The exchange continued with Pandikar Amin insisting that his decision is final and saying Lim can bring a motion if he is not satisfied with the latter asking for a guarantee that his motion would be accepted by the House later.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) and Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PAS-Kuala Selangor) also stood up a few times to support of Lim.

Karpal Singh (DAP-Bukit Gelugor) then raised a point of order, saying according to the House of Common Practice, a ministerial statement can only be made to correct an error in a statement made in the House.

"So, where was the error in the Prime Minister’s speech. He should clarify it, not another minister," he added.

Pandikar Amin disagreed with him, saying it was a matter of interpretation and he also had studied all relevant parliament laws and according to his interpretation, the ministerial statement by Najib was proper and according to order.

When Karpal and Lim tried to argue further, the Speaker started on his lecture, saying: "I shall not jeopardise the authority given to this chair. I really wish to create a world-class parliament here. Please listen to the Speaker.

"In the House of Common, as soon as the Speaker raised from his seat, everyone kept quiet. But here, if I were to interject too much, I will be criticised. I do my job to my utmost. Please."

He then asked Najib to continue but Lim was still not satisfied and tried to interrupt the speech but when it was not entertained by the Speaker and Najib, he said he wanted to leave the House and all other opposition MPs followed suit.

Najib then continued with his speech, saying: "Thank you. It is much easier without the Opposition in the House."

In the lobby, Lim said all Pakatan Rakyat (PR) MPs had walked out because what happened did not adhere to the Standing Order.

"This is unacceptable, unparliamentary and we will table a substantive motion to re-study the decision of the Speaker and also the decision to suspend Gobind Singh (DAP-Puchong) for two days," he said.

Now, media barred from Parliament lobby

The Star (25/6/08): In another move that has journalists infuriated, the Parliament administration slapped a ban on them entering the lobby.

More than 100 representatives from various media organisations were allowed at a small corner, where press conferences are normally held.

The journalists retaliated by reporting only on events in the House while boycotting events held at the lobby. These included one press conference by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and two meetings by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Parliament Affairs Datuk Seri Nazri Abd Aziz was quick to response: “I am the intermediary between the legislative and the executive, I am not involved.”

Out with the red tape: Barisan MPs removing the tape that cordoned off journalists from entering the Parliament lobby area on Tuesday.

On Friday, the Parliament administration faxed a notice to media organisations after 5pm on a new measure - limiting the number of pressmen covering Parliament to five at any one time effective from Monday. It cited security reasons.

Yesterday, red tape was used to cordon off the lobby with security guards stationed in the area. Only non-press members and civil servants were allowed in.

Pressmen, thus, only had access to the cafeteria, the small corner for press conferences and the Speaker’s office. They had none to the lounge meant for MPs, the cubicles for ministers, the bridge linking the lobby to the next building where the Prime Minister’s Office is located, mobile post offices and ATM machines.

In the House, some MPs fought for the journalists. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (DAP - Bagan), for instance, raised the matter with the Chair, saying the ban did not reflect on freedom of press nor showcased the institution as a “first-world Parliament”.

“Restricting them to a corner like that will make it troublesome to get explanations from the ministers on the various government policies.

“I feel the House is not according proper respect to its role,” he added.

To this, Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar told Guan Eng that the Chair had discussed the matter after the previous Parliament meeting.

“We decided there should be more order in the lobby,'' he said, promising to bring the matter up with Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia and deputy Datuk Ronald Kiandee. An announcement is expected either today or tomorrow.

He, however, disagreed with Guan Eng that the ban be revoked while the decision was still pending.

Later at about 3pm, Pandikar Amin said he was awaiting replies from editors on the number of reporters required at Parliament. “If five reporters are not sufficient and they need 10, then I need them to explain to me why,” he said.

“There are people who are out to gain political mileage on this issue.

“I may not be popular in this matter,” he said to Guan Eng, Lim Kit Siang (DAP - Ipoh Timor), Karpal Singh (DAP - Bukit Gelugor) and the other MPs who had raised the matter.

Karpal Singh said in his 26 years as MP, he had yet to witness such restrictions.

Kit Siang said the ban made it seem as if reporters were dangerous animals. “This has made the Malaysian Parliament a world news item. We want an open Parliament.”

Datuk Mohamed Aziz (BN-Sri Gading) later interrupted the debate on the Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority Bill by bringing up the issue.

“Point of Order. Which rule is being referred to block journalists from covering (Parliament)? In 50 years this has never happened.

“Their work is affected,'' he added.

President of the National Union of Journalists Malaysia Norila Mohd Daud said: “The action is unprecedented and has only outraged journalists and media practitioners.”

She said the new ruling appeared to be puzzling and irrational.

Boycott Timeline

9.30am: Reporters arrived at Parliament lobby to discover that red tapes were used to cordon off the main part of the lobby and there were security guards around.

Reporters, photographers and camera crew were only allowed to at a small corner where press conferences used to be held. Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) was at lobby and spoke to reporters separated by the red tape.

Consensus reached among pressmen to boycott press conferences held at the lobby.

10.30am: When Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) and Khalid Abd Samad (PAS-Shah Alam) expressed their intention to hold a press conference at the lobby, many refused to attend.

10.40am: Photographers, cameramen and journalists left their “working equipment” such as cameras, voice recorders and notebooks on the floor as a sign to stop covering news events at the lobby.

11.30am: After being told that all press members had suspended their work outside the Parliament chamber, Edward Jules, an aide of Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said he respected them and would convey the information to his boss.

However, he returned a few minutes later with Dr Rais and held a press conference, which was only attended by a few official media such as Bernama and RTM.

Opposition MPs Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) and Tian Chua (PKR-Batu) decided to issue written statements through their aides instead of speaking directly to the press after realising that most reporters were going on “strike”.

But when Ipoh Timor MP special assistant Lim Swee Kuan wanted to distribute some press statements at the media centre, two security guards prevented him from doing so.

“They told me that staff like us are no longer allowed to give out statements and only MPs have the right to do so.

“I then asked them where the directive came from and they told me that ‘we have it in black and white’,” he said.

Noon: Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut), Tian Chua (PKR-Batu), Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR-Lembah Pantai), R. Sivarasa (PKR-Subang) and Jeff Ooi (DAP-Jelutong) were present at media centre to give their statements but the press told them that the ban is on.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s meeting at noon involving the Barisan Nasional management committee meeting held at the committee room was only covered by Bernama.

2.15pm: A group of Barisan Nasional backbenchers marched through the lobby and announced business as usual for all press members by removing all barricades that restricted the movements of reporters.

Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club deputy chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said they did not consult the Parliament administration, nor did they get permission from the Dewan Rakyat Speaker before removing the barricade.

Najib’s second meeting – the Cabinet committee on sports development – was also covered only by Bernama.

3pm: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s meeting on palm oil was covered only by Bernama.

3.30pm: Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, who sent two aides to the media centre to look for press coverage on her 100th day in the ministry, was told “No press coverage at the lobby.”

Hush in lobby after media ban

The Star (25/6/08): The lobby at Parliament House had always bustled with activity, but yesterday it was silent. Journalists were barred from the main part of the lobby, and were only allowed access to a small corner of the area.

Surprised pressmen were greeted by red tape cordoning off the lobby as they entered Parliament yesterday morning.

Security personnel standing guard told reporters that they had been issued a directive to keep the press away from the lobby.

As a sign of protest, the journalists refused to attend any of the press conferences held yesterday.

MPs were also taken by surprise.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS – Kubang Kerian), Khalid Abd Samad (PAS – Shah Alam) and even Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen tried to hold press conferences, but their requests were politely declined.

Committee meetings chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim’s press conference were only covered by national news agency Bernama and RTM.

Sensing the frustration of the pressmen, the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club members decided to take matters into their own hands and remove the barricade.

Club deputy chairman Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin said they did not consult the Parliament administration, nor did they get permission from the Dewan Rakyat Speaker.

“The administration did not inform us of the ban, so we need not tell them we are removing the barricade,” he said.

R. Sivarasa (PKR – Subang), Tian Chua (PKR – Batu), Nurul Izzah Anwar (PKR – Lembah Pantai), Jeff Ooi (DAP – Jelutong) and Lim Lip Eng (DAP – Segambut) went to the media centre to give press conferences but were turned down.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said he believed the press should have the right access and facilities to be able to carry out their duties properly.

“If they don't get the right access to the right information, then they will not be able to do a proper job, which will be worse.

“I think the Government and its relevant agencies should talk to the press. But, I urge the press to not boycott. Try to be patient. You all have an important duty to do,” he said yesterday.

Malaysia's government wins first test of strength in Parliament over fuel price hike

AP (23/6/08): Malaysia's government won a vote in Parliament Monday on its decision to raise fuel prices, passing its first test of legislative strength after being mauled by the opposition in general elections.

The victory will be seen as a vote of confidence in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's ruling National Front coalition, including his highly unpopular June 4 order to raise gasoline prices by 41 percent and diesel prices by 63 percent.

Parliamentary speaker Pandikar Amin Mulia announced that a nonbinding motion to support the price hike was passed in a vote after a daylong debate in the 222-member house.

Pandikar said: "129 legislators supported the motion and 78 opposed. Therefore the motion is passed." He did not say how many members abstained or how many were absent.

A loss of the vote would not have brought down the government or overturned the price hike. But it would have been a major embarrassment for Abdullah, who has faced calls from his own party members to step down for returning the Front to power with a vastly reduced majority in the March 8 elections.

The opposition had hoped to turn it into a vote of no confidence, but the government was never in danger of losing such a vote unless ruling party members turned against Abdullah. The National Front has 140 lawmakers against the opposition's 82.

"This is a victory vote that oppresses the people. We regret it," said Salahuddin Ayub, a lawmaker of the opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party.

The vote also eases fears that Front lawmakers would abandon Abdullah and defect to the opposition led by former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

"There is no question about Front MPs wanting to jump over to the other side," said Nazri Abdul Aziz, a Cabinet minister.

During the debate, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Shahrir Abdul Samad defended the fuel price hike.

"The government was forced to make the unpopular move of hiking fuel prices but it has not neglected its social responsibilities," he said.

After the government drastically reduced decades of subsidies, the pump price of gasoline price went up to 2.70 ringgit a liter (US$3.20 a gallon) - still cheaper than in most countries in the region.

Shahrir said the subsidy system was inefficient.

"As we move towards becoming a developed nation our subsidy system needs to be restructured gradually to ensure that our economy is really efficient and competitive," he said.

The opposition rejected the argument.

"We feel that the government does not really understand nor realize the impact of the fuel price hike," said Lim Guan Eng of the opposition Democratic Action Party.

Earlier Monday four opposition lawmakers, one in a suit and the others in shirts and ties, arrived at Parliament on bicycles to highlight the fuel price hike.

"We want the people to know that we understand their hardships and that we will fight for them in Parliament," said N. Gobalakrishan who, along with his three cycling companions, was sweating profusely.

PAS calls for a special parliament session on fuel hike

The Star (9/6/08): PAS handed over a memorandum addressed to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker requesting for a special parliament session to debate the fuel price hike and its effects on the people.

PAS youth chief and chief whip Salahuddin Ayub said the party hoped that the Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia would consider the request and grant one or two days for the session.

"For the sake of the rakyat, we hope that the Speaker would call for the special session early next week," he said, adding that there would be a peaceful walk from Kampung Baru to KLCC on June 13 in protest against the price hike.

"The steep increase shocked the people because it was the first time petrol price increased by 78 sen a litre and diesel increased by RM1 a litre," he said.

Although fuel price has touched US$135 (RM444) a barrel, it should not be an excuse to increase the price up to 41% because Malaysia is an oil-producing country, he said.

The Government announced the price hike last Wednesday following a cut in fuel subsidy, increasing the price of petrol from RM1.92 per litre to RM2.70 and diesel from RM1.58 per litre to RM2.58.

Salahuddin handed the memorandum to the Parliament administrator Datuk Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria who received it on behalf of Pandikar Amin.

The memorandum was faxed to Pandikar Amin at 12.15pm, he said.

"The Speaker will decide whether there would be a special session," he added.

Youthful novice ridiculed

Malay Mail (30/5/08): Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Rahman Abdul Ta ib (BN-Kota Samarahan), the son of Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, demonstrated in the House yesterday that youth alone was not necessarily an asset for a politician.

Speaking on behalf of his absent minister, the 39-yearold former chairman of RHB lurched from sentence to sentence, and often even word to word, in a speech that was matched only by his own dismal stutterings in the Senate a few days earlier.

To be fair, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (BN-Penggerang) had no business leaving this section of the Supplementary Supply Bill debate in the hands of a consummate political and oratorical novice - knowing full well that Pas and PKR frontbenchers were still upset over her recent remarks in the House.

Indeed, the Opposition lost little time continuing its counterstrike: Did electoral vengeance motivate the minister’s decision to terminate tourism memoranda of understanding with Pakatan Rakyat states? Could the minister prove that the Kelantan government was responsible for not paying staff of the state’s Tourism Action Council? Failing to reckon with the fact that the deceptively mild Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Rahman (Pas-Pengakalan Chepa) was once Kelantan Deputy Menter i Besar , Sulaiman’s ingenuous argument crumbled instantly under a relentless barrage of facts and figures.

And he really had only one argument against them, that of denial: “Oh no, the government wants to co-operate with all states for the betterment of Malaysian tourism.” This provoked instant ridicule.

Even Jeff Ooi (DAPJelutong), whose performance in the House so far has been disappointing, saw the opportunity to redeem himself by firing a well-timed broadside.

Sulaiman then proceeded to restate the minister’s controversial positions, obviously unaware that this would do nothing but benefit the Opposition. Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian) cried “lies!” with glee, and there was nothing Sulaiman could do about it.

The embattled deputy minister then elicited no sympathy by whimpering and producing the alarmingly unimaginative “but that’s wrong” - used about a dozen times against the Opposition in under a minute, hoping vainly that the "bullies" would leave him alone.

At last, he began gazing forlornly at the deputy chairman, Datuk Ronald Kiandee (the House was sitting as a committee then), and when no help came, Sulaiman began grovelling: “Oh, but if I were to answer these questions there won’t be enough time before lunch for me to finish.” Salahuddin was still crying “lies” from the other side, and was enjoying himself too much to stop. This seemed to put Kiandee in a mischievous mood, and he replied with a perfectly straight face: “But there’s time after lunch.” Sulaiman’s salvation came in the form of the alternate deputy chairman, Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who realised after the break that the members were in for another long sitting - and so cut short the debate.

“You had better give them written replies,” Wan Junaidi said, and Sulaiman found some renewed confidence in himself.

Unfortunately he bungled again a few minutes later when, obviously elated by the end of the inquisition, he confused the word “written” for “oral” and told Opposition he would respond “secara lisan” (verbal reply). Hoots and jeers.

The first sitting of Parliament adjourned sine die yesterday.

The second sitting is scheduled for the end of June, at which time this sketch will resume. (U-En Ng)

Govt only saved RM1.4 bln from petrol price hike in 2006, says PM

Bernama (27/5/08): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the real subsidy savings for the Government was RM1.4 billion following the petrol, diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas price increase on Feb 28, 2006.

Although the price of petrol and diesel was increased by 30 sen per litre and LPG by 30 sen per kg on Feb 28, 2006, following the cut on subsidy cost, the estimated savings of RM4.4 billion as announced by the government was based on the price of world crude oil being US$61 per barrel at that time.

"However, as the price of crude oil continued to climb for several months hitting US$74 per barrel, the actual savings as at December 2006 was reduced to only RM1.4 billion," he said at the Dewan Rakyat sitting here Tuesday.

The actual savings of RM1.4 billion was based on a crude oil price of US$74 per barrel.

Abdullah said this in his written reply to a question from Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian) on the total amount of money spent from the savings of RM4.4 billion from the oil subsidy cut which was meant to be used for improving public transportation services.

Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister said the savings were channelled in stages into the National Public Transportation Trust Fund (KWAPA) which was set up in May 15, 2006.

He said among other objectives, KWAPA was established to upgrade the integrated public transportation system in the country as well as improve the quality of public transport especially in terms of coverage and frequency of services.

"A total of RM550 million has already been channelled into KWAPA and RM498.77 million have been spent and identified for expenses related to improving the public transportation system.

"The remaining savings will be channelled into KWAPA in 2009," Abdullah said.

He said the total subsidy borne by the government for petrol, diesel and LPG from 2000 till 2007 was RM37.4 billion.

For 2006, the amount of subsidy for petrol, diesel and LPG was RM7.3 billion while for last year it was RM8.7 billion and the projected amount for this year is RM18.31 billion based on a crude oil price of US$105 per barrel, he said.

"This amount will go up based on the world price of oil which has continued to rise, and is currently at US$130 per barrel," Abdullah said.

He also said the government would continue to look into the welfare of the people and on ways to reduce their burden amid the increasing price of oil.

Dewan Rakyat denies motion to debate sovereignty of Batu Puteh

NST (27/5/08): The Dewan Rakyat today denied a motion by Salahuddin Ayub (Pas-Kubang Kerian) to debate the sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh whose ownership was given to Singapore by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday.

Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said the motion was denied as it was not urgent as Malaysia had already agreed to abide with the decision of the ICJ.

He said before denying the motion he had studied the matter and Salahuddin’s feelings reflected those of all members of the Dewan Rakyat. "So the decision (on Pulau Batu Puteh) should be taken as a lesson. We are also sad and the loss (in the ICJ) may be only on technicality.

"I am sorry I cannot entertain the motion raised. I have considered carefully. Is it not enough with the word ’lesson’, Honourable Member (referring to Salahuddin)?,” he said.

Salahuddin then stood up and referred to Standing Order 18(3)(b) that stated that 15 members could stand and support the motion if the Speaker did not accept it. At that point, all the opposition members in the House stood up to support the motion.

However, Pandikar said the rule did not matter as he had already rejected the motion.

"There are times I am satisfied like the rice issue. If there is a chance, ask when the minister concerned is replying during winding up,” Pandikar said.

Motion to debate Batu Puteh shot down

Malaysiakini (28/5/08): Saying that the ICJ had already delivered its ruling, Pandikar said there was no need for a debate.

Salahudin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), who had raised the matter, cited Standing Order 18(3)(b) which allows for a debate to be held if it is supported by 15 other parliamentarians.

"I'm begging in the name of the people for this to be discussed and to put on record why Malaysia lost. Our reputation, national security and sovereignty are at stake," he said.

The Speaker remain steadfast and said that the country can only learn a lesson from this.

"I thought about the ramifications before I made my decision (to reject the motion). The reality is that we cannot question the ICJ's decision. We can only learn a lesson from this," he said. (Full report)

Motion to debate Batu Putih rejected

The Star (27/5/08): Opposition MPs stood in support of a motion moved by Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian) in Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday to debate the loss of Batu Putih to Singapore.

Salahuddin had sought permission for the House to discuss the weaknesses of the Malaysian legal team in handling the case and the consequences to other overlapping claims by Malaysia and other outstanding issues with Singapore.

His motion was rejected by Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, saying that Malaysia had accepted the results on the island brought on by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

However, Salahuddin, who used Rule 18 (3) (b) of the Standing Orders, protested against the ruling and all Opposition MPs stood up to support his call on Pandikar Amin to change his stand.

Pandikar Amin told Salahuddin that he had thought hard about the motion before reaching his decision.

"Everyone should agree that all of us should take a leaf (ambil iktibar) from the case.

"We should show our maturity in these kinds of situations.

"There's no need to debate this for over one hour or two hours and reach the same conclusion," Pandikar Amin added.

Island lost because of weak team, says PAS

The Star (27/5/08): PAS has expressed dissatisfaction with the “weak” arguments of the Malaysian lawyers over the claim of Batu Puteh at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Its vice-president Nasharuddin Mat Isa said the weak arguments had resulted in Malaysia’s sovereignty of the island being taken over by Singapore.

“There was a lack of evidence to prop up our claims. Singapore, being awarded the island, will certainly bring a lot of hardship for our fishermen in Johor waters.

“We had a weak team of lawyers to fight our case,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here yesterday.

PAS, he added, would be explaining this issue to its members and rakyat all over the country.

Nasharuddin said PAS Youth chief Salahuddin Ayub would attempt to table an emergency motion under 18(1) of the Parliament Standing Orders on the issue.

On another matter, Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan urged the Government to move into another island, where Singapore still maintains a lighthouse, and develop it.

This, he added was to avoid “banana trees from fruiting twice” as Singapore could move to stake a claim to Pulau Pisang, located some 5km from the coast of Pontian, Johor.

“Why should Singapore be allowed to keep the lighthouse there? Wisma Putra told me that under the present agreement, Singapore is allowed to maintain the lighthouse as long as it is still being used and for as long as there are stars and moon.

“But in this day and age, no ship uses a lighthouse and all of them now rely on global positioning system and radar to guide them. So what’s the use of the lighthouse?” he said.

Azmi to head PAC, Tan to be deputy

The Star (27/5/08): The Dewan approved a motion to appoint Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid as Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman and Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP – Kepong) as his deputy.

This means the Opposition failed in its bid to have Dr Tan, a veteran DAP man, to take up the PAC top post.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, who tabled the motion, said it was not wrong for the Government to appoint the former Natural Resources and Environment Minister as the PAC chairman, pointing out that the Opposition had not voiced their concern when former minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad was made the chairman previously.

“More pressure will be on a Barisan Nasional MP than an Opposition member who becomes PAC chairman because his words and actions must reflect fairness to every party dealing with the PAC.

“The Government is also giving its respect to the Opposition by suggesting Kepong as the deputy chairman.

“The question of following the Westminster model in appointing an Opposition MP as PAC chairman does not arise because PAC members can offer check-and-balance to the Government,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion.

The Dewan also approved another motion for proposed seven people to be appointed as members of the Parliamentary Select Committee for the 12th Parliament.

They were Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting (BN – Kulai), Tan Sri Bernard Dompok (BN – Penampang), Lim Kit Siang (DAP – Ipoh Timur), Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam and Opposition Leader Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS – Kubang Kerian) said the committee members should be given adequate time, by at least three months, to study and suggest recommendations on bills and regulations.

PAS unhappy with 'weak' arguments in Batu Putih case

The Star (26/5/08): PAS has voiced its dissatisfaction with the “weak” arguments forwarded by the Malaysian lawyers involved over the claim of Batu Putih in the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Its vice-president Nasharuddin Mat Isa said the weak arguments had resulted in Malaysia’s sovereignty over the island being taken over by Singapore.

“There was a lack of evidence to prop up our claims. Singapore being awarded the island will certainly bring a lot of hardship for our fishermen in Johor waters.

“We had a weak team of lawyers to fight our case,” he told reporters Monday in the Parliament lobby here.

PAS, he added, would be explaining this issue to its members and rakyat all over the country.

Nasharuddin also said PAS youth chief Salahuddin Ayub would be tabling an attempt under 18(1) of the Parliament Standing Orders for an emergency motion on the issue.

On another matter, Pontian MP Ahmad Maslan urged the Government to move into another island, where Singapore still maintains a lighthouse, and develop it.

This was, he added to avoid “banana trees from fruiting twice” as Singapore could move to stake a claim on Pulau Pisang, located some 5km from the coast of Pontian, Johor.

“Why should Singapore be allowed to keep the lighthouse there? Wisma Putra told me that under the present agreement, Singapore is allowed to maintain the lighthouse as long as it is still being used and for as long as there are stars and a moon.

“But in this day and age, no ship uses a lighthouse and all of them now rely on global positioning system and radar to guide them. So what’s the use of the lighthouse?” he said.

The Government, Ahmad added, should develop the island into a tourist and recreation area.

“In fact, I have proposed for the island to be included into a national park nearby,” he said, adding that besides the lighthouse, Pulau Pisang - comprising four smaller islands - now housed some fruit orchards and two small houses.

Motion on oil royalty rejected