Anwar can win the state elections...

With state elections scheduled for Aug 12, Anwar Ibrahim must build on his cult of personality if he wants to keep Perikatan Nasional at bay and turn a presumed “green wave” in his favour. That cult is something he created after his unceremonious sacking from the government and Umno almost a quarter of a century ago. It is something he has developed meticulously through long and arduous legal and political battles.

The time has come for Anwar to take that cult to the next level by creating an idealised and heroic image of himself as the supreme leader of the Malays and government. It is something Najib Razak attempted during his term in office. Remember “Ah Jib Gor”, Najib’s version of a moderate Malay leader intended to woo the Chinese community? What about that enormous full figure cut out that went on display near the Batu Caves temple during Thaipusam twelve years ago?

Najib’s strategy was to use his then soaring image as the prime minister and Umno leader to draw support for Umno, BN and the government. Unfortunately, it was scuttled by the 1MDB fiasco. A subsequent attempt at reinventing himself as “Bossku” after being forced to relinquish Putrajaya and leadership of Umno was also initially successful. It allowed BN to sweep the Melaka and Johor state elections respectively – only to be derailed by his jailing following a criminal conviction in the SRC International corruption case.

Anwar, however, will not expect to be beset by such troubles.But with the unity government’s performance to date steady but unspectacular, and seeing that the Malay community’s support is critical for PH-BN to win at the state elections, the charismatic prime minister will do well to leverage on his own personality and unrivalled oratory skills to draw the crowds, and their votes, in.

With interracial relationships at an all-time low, religious rhetoric at excessive levels and troubles plaguing the economy, the rakyat today appears to have lost a significant amount of faith in the country’s institutions and systems.When that happens, the common folk search in earnest for a charismatic individual on whom to bestow authority.

In Malaysia today, Anwar is the only one who fits the bill. None of our former prime ministers of recent years – Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Muhyiddin Yassin, Mahathir Mohamad or Najib – ever had the kind of adulation from Malaysians across the board that Anwar enjoys.

To his supporters, Anwar is a Hero-King, the only man capable of restoring the sanctity of Islam, avenging of deep-seated corruption and riding through tough economic times. It now falls on him to use that personality to drive the PH-BN unity coalition to victory at the upcoming elections in Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan.

When campaigning, Anwar must convince his own people that he is worthy of their allegiance. He must seize on his inherent popularity with the Malays and show that, as the incumbent prime minister, he is the only one who can protect their rights and interests.

He must assure the Malays that despite any misgivings about PKR, DAP, Amanah and especially Umno, a vote for those parties is in fact a vote for him. In turn, all other unity coalition leaders must promote Anwar while playing down their own significance and the importance of their parties.

For PH-BN to win, Anwar must be their “poster boy”. Anwar simply has to tell his story. It is a compelling one. He is, after all, the only adversary to have taken Mahathir on and won. At the end of the day, Anwar’s cult of personality is probably PH-BN’s best bet of winning at the ballot box. - Nehru Sathiamoorthy 

Give Anwar 10 years and M’sians 

will be proud of their country...

UMNO vice president Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysians should give Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim 10 years to fix the country and he promised they would be proud of the nation afterwards.

He said the 10 Madani Economy initiatives presented by the PM last Thursday (July 27) will be successful. “When I looked at the economic direction presented by our PM, I saw that if Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) can stay friendly for the next 10 years, I believe 10 economic initiatives will definitely be achieved,” said the Titiwangsa MP.

Last Thursday, the government aimed for Malaysia to be among the world’s 30 largest economies in the medium term. The Finance Minister labelled his proposals as the “Madani Economy,” which aligns with the broader vision of “Madani Malaysia”.

According to Johari, a country will achieve success through good direction and planning and it will be achieved if there is political stability in the country. Since Anwar took over as PM, his government has faced some tremors of instability with rumours that 10 UMNO MPs were ready to cross to the opposition.

However, the plan failed to materialise, perhaps due to the possible legal consequences of the anti-hopping law. Since then, the country has seen some stability. However, with state polls looming, there are concerns that a defeat of the PH-BN alliance could potentially destabilise the federal government. At least this is what the Perikatan Nasional (PN) opposition is telling the public.

Despite that, Johari made a pointed remark directed at PAS saying, “There is a state in the northern part of the country where its residents have had to seek employment opportunities abroad. “They have been given the opportunity to govern a state for over 30 years, but what happened to that state?”

He added that PAS complained that they have been oppressed by the central government but then Selangor was also ‘suppressed’ by the government when PH won in the state.

“They say their government is different from the central government. They are oppressed by the center. “I asked them, how many terms has Selangor been run by PH and yet Selangor has become the strongest economy in the country?” Harapan Daily quoted him as saying. – focusmalaysia

Apa hendak dibersihkan Saifuddin ialah kekotoran yang dilambakkan Sanusi. Salah satu ialah pencurian nadir bumi yang diselindungkan disebalik penerokaan bagi membangun hutan simpan.Kecurian itu bagi Saifuddin satu kemalangan dan kerugian besar buat Kedah.

Serentak dengan kecurian itu berlaku aktiviti memperdagangkan manusia dengan membawa masuk China benua ke Kedah. Seperkara lagi sedang dikesan Saifuddin dan perkara itu juga suatu kepincangan ialah kelemahan pengurusan dan pentadbiran kerajaan Kedah. Good government. 

Kepincangan tatakelola ini mendatang petaka kubra buat Kedah dan kian dirasai dan dikesali rakyat.Menteri Besar gagal menjawab dan menuntas isu itu semua dengan mengalih isu menyerang peribadi PM Anwar Ibrahim dan Saifuddin sendiri. 

Bagi segelintir rakyat yang bebal melihat Sanusi sebagai hero walhal dia adalah badut tidak lebih persis patung pewangan untuk halau ciak dibendang.Bagi mereka yang mukalaf politik melihat tindakan Saifuddin itu lebih bertanggungjawab dan meture berbanding Sanusi.- mso

Walaun yg sesat dgn parti sesat...

Sanusi,awat hang pi pilih calon cokia ni? 

sampai maksud 'manifesto' pun tak faham...

cheers.

Dr M predicts 5-1 for PN...

Mahathir said he believes PN is capable of winning five out of the six states, with the exception of Penang. “I believe PN has a good potential to win all the states on the East Coast (Kelantan and Terengganu), as well as in Kedah, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan.”

The former prime minister said this during a press conference after attending an event in Langkawi today. ‘They are still poor, oppressed’ “We find that public sentiment has changed. It is not like previous elections.

“For example, the Malays feel suspicious about their future, especially the older generation, as they see that their situation has not changed; they are still poor and oppressed. “They do not receive guidance or suggestions from the government on how to solve their problems,” he said.

When asked about the many candidates expected to contest as independents, he said they are not serious contenders. “What can an individual candidate do running as an independent? They can’t do anything. They can go to Parliament and speak, but they will have no impact at all.

“What matters is if we become the government. That’s why the aspiration in elections is to establish a government, not just to become representatives of the people,” he said.

During the press conference, Mahathir also clarified that his recent involvement in PN’s programme does not mean he is joining any party. He stated that his presence is only to support them because they share the same objectives.

“I only attend the meetings. I am not joining PAS, not PN, not Putra. I am free from all political parties. “They (PAS) have the same objective as I do, so I will support them.

“We see that the current government is called a ‘kakistocracy’ that doesn’t know how to govern. So we need a change of government,” he said. Mahathir used to lead Bersatu but was later expelled by Muhyiddin. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has taken a swipe at Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s prediction that Perikatan Nasional (PN) will capture five out of six states in the Aug 12 polls.

Sinar Harian quoted Anwar reminding Mahathir that the nonagenarian lost his deposit in Langkawi in the last 15th general election, contrary to initial predictions.

“Today he (Mahathir) said they (PN) will win five out of six states. That is just his prediction.

“When he contested in Langkawi, he said he could win big but the result showed that he lost his deposit,” said Anwar in Dungun, Terengganu. - mk

>73% of state seats are seeing straight fights between PN and PH. All in , 570 candidates vying for 245 state seats in six states. > 12% are women. Polling on Aug 12. Early voting Aug 8. - melgoh,cna

It’s a straight fight for former MB, Azmin Ali and three horse race for incumbent MB Amirudin Shari in Gombak , Selangor, one of the most fiercely fought state. At stake , PH crown jewel which PM Anwar’s sprawling team is out to defend at all costs. - melgoh,cna

Will the ‘green wave’ 

turn towards Anwar?...

Let me go on record as saying at the outset that I do not think there is a “green wave”. I know that the Malay-Muslim electorate swung in favour of Perikatan Nasional (PN) at the 15th general election (GE 15) – I even predicted that – but I did not see the swing as a statement of intent or a projection of the permanent direction of the Malay-Muslim electorate.

Instead, to me, it was just the outcome of political developments leading up to GE15. But even assuming there is a “green wave” of Malay-Muslim voters who voted in favour of PN in the last general election, there is no reason why it will not wash back in favour of Anwar Ibrahim at the upcoming six-state polls.

After all, the Malay-Muslims were originally staunch Anwar supporters. On the other hand, the Chinese and Indians stood by Dr Mahathir Mohamad, allowing him to secure a two-thirds majority in the 1999 general election.

Two dozen years later, the tables appear to have been turned, with non-Malay voters backing Anwar, while the Malay votes appear to be split in multiple ways, although a significant majority appear to support PN.

But those relationships are by no means cast in stone. At best, they reflected the self-interests of each community when GE15 rolled around in November last year. Perhaps, Anwar’s words were not as assuring to the Malay community then.

All that, however, may change overnight. If Anwar begins to gain support from the Malays, he will surely move to increasingly advance their aspirations and intentions. Contrary to popular belief, the Malays do not see Anwar as their enemy. In fact, they actually identify with Anwar.

While the non-Malays’ relationship with Anwar is based on self-interest, the Malays and Anwar have a relationship based on identity. After all, he is one of them. If they did not stand behind Anwar during the 2022 elections, it was merely because it was not in their interests to do so nine months ago. Things may well have changed since then.

Anwar today looks like he is willing, desirous, capable and able to protect and forward the rights and interests of Islam and the Malays. Perhaps the most recent example of this is his action to waive RM 8.3 billion in debts owed by Felda settlers. By doing so, he is sending out a clear signal that he has the interests of the Malays at heart.

His refusal to commit to secularism and his personal assurance that usage of the term “Allah” by non-Muslims will be restricted to East Malaysia, are also signals that Anwar is sending to the Malay electorate to indicate his desire to defend their rights and interests using his office and in his personal capacity.

If these and several other signals he has sent out during his tenure as prime minister are well-received by the Malays, then there is no reason why they would not withdraw their support from PN and bestow it on Anwar.

After all, it is the logical thing to do since he is the one in power. If indeed Anwar has improved his standing among the Malays, he is likely to secure victory in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

With Sanusi Nor floundering recently and Terengganu in a mess, Anwar might even be seen as the saviour of Kedah and Terengganu. (He may, however, have a lot more work to do to turn Kelantan around.)

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin Yassin, Hadi Awang and Mahathir Mohamad all appear to be losing their charm. On top of that, the extremist positions on race and religion that they are minded to take may not be seen by the Malays as being in their best interests presently.

Anwar, on the other hand, is by far the most powerful Malay leader in the country today. The Malays may well decide that the time has come to nail their colours to his mast, since he is the one in the best position to advance their interests.- Nehru Sathiamoorthy

Look who is in the fortune teller business. He couldn't even see into his own position in Langkawi. Not only did he lose the seat he even lost his deposit. - ipoh pp

He was so confident in GE15 that Pejuang will create history in Malaysian politics. Instead all receive a big fat egg and lost all their deposits. History will repeat itself this time in the state elections, 1-5 most probably instead of 5-1.- Thunderbolt

Who cares what you believe. What’s important is the nobody believes you.This is the 5th political party you are sleeping with. This time the Rakyat will nail you down. Enough of your nonsense. - Belakang Masuk

Who are you trying to protect?

Cakap tak serupa bikin...

cheers.

Jasamu tetap dikenang. Al-Fatihah...

 

Ahlak anak2 seluang PN/PAS,kata dulu,minta maaf kemundian...

cheers.

Salahuddin Ayub passes away at 61...

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Salahuddin Ayub has passed away today. His daughter Siti Fatihah announced on Facebook that he had died at 9.23pm. The 61-year-old leaves behind a wife and six children.

The Amanah deputy president had been rushed to a hospital in Alor Setar on Friday, where doctors detected that he had a brain haemorrhage. He had undergone emergency surgery and was reported to be in stable condition this morning.

Salahuddin was a three-time Pulai MP and two-time Kubang Kerian lawmaker. As the domestic trade and cost of living minister, Salahuddin introduced the Rahmah initiative which sought to bring affordable goods and services to the public.

This started with RM5 meals, and has since expanded to other goods and services such as insurance, and glasses.The Johor native previously served as agriculture and agro-based industry minister under the first Pakatan Harapan government. 

Salahuddin's political journey began in Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia, where he was the Pontian secretary in the early 1980s. He also joined PAS at that time and slowly climbed the ranks - with his highest post being PAS vice-president.

In 2015, when PAS split over disagreement on whether to continue being allied with DAP, Salahuddin was among those who left the party to form Amanah. - mk. A great loss to the nation. My condolences to the family. May Allah bless his soul, forgive his sins and place him in Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen...

Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup Salahuddin Ayub meninggal dunia pada usia 61 tahun malam ini. Anak kepada allahyarham timbalan presiden Amanah itu, Fatihah Salahuddin memaklumkan pemergian bapanya pada hantaran di media sosial. "Dukacita dimaklumkan ketua keluarga kami, Salahuddin Ayub telah menghadap Ilahi pada pada 9.23 malam, 23 Julai 2023," katanya.

Ahli parlimen Pulai itu telah dikejarkan ke hospital di Alor Setar pada Jumaat dan doktor mengesan dia mengalami pendarahan otak. Allahyarham telah menjalani pembedahan kecemasan dan sejak itu diletakkan bawah pemantauan Unit Rawatan Rapi (ICU). Salahuddin meninggalkan seorang balu Fatimah Taha dan enam orang cahaya mata.

Dalam perkembangan berkaitan, setiausaha akhbar kepada menteri KPDN, Syakirin Husnal memberitahu jenazah allahyarham sedang diuruskan untuk dihantar pulang ke rumah ibunya di Kampung Serkat (Kopi Tenggek), Tanjung Piai di Johor.

"Pihak keluarga Allahyarham ingin merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan dan ucapan terima kasih yang tidak terhingga kepada semua pihak atas doa dan ingatan yang diberikan terhadap Allahyarham selama ini.

Inisiatif Rahmah

"Keluarga Allahyarham juga ingin berterima kasih kepada semua doktor dan petugas di Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah. "Semoga roh Allahyarham ditempatkan bersama-sama orang yang beriman," katanya pada satu kenyataan.

Salahuddin merupakan ahli parlimen Pulai selama tiga penggal dan dua kali berkhidmat sebagai ahli parlimen Kubang Kerian. Sebagai menteri perdagangan dalam negeri dan kos sara hidup, Salahuddin memperkenalkan inisiatif Rahmah yang bertujuan menyediakan barangan dan perkhidmatan mampu milik kepada orang ramai.

Ini bermula dengan sajian Menu Rahmah RM5 dan sejak itu telah berkembang kepada barangan dan perkhidmatan lain seperti insurans, cermin mata. Anak jati Johor itu sebelum ini berkhidmat sebagai menteri pertanian dan industri asas tani di bawah kerajaan Pakatan Harapan yang pertama. - mk. Semoga beliau ditempatkan bersama orang beriman dan beramal soleh.. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un...

cheers.

Bukan RUU355 tapi REE$$$ lebai sakau patuh syariah...

MACC to quiz Sanusi 

over rare earth scandal...

The MACC will be questioning caretaker Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor as part of their probe into a rare earth elements (REE) mining project in the state. MACC chief Azam Baki (above) said they have questioned 12 people thus far.

"More people will be called in for questioning including Sanusi… it is just a matter of when they will be called for questioning," he was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.

Meanwhile, Azam said the graft busters were also tracking down China nationals said to be involved in the mining project.

"The China nationals were claimed to have invested in the REE mining and the investigating officers are identifying their whereabouts to assist our probe. "We are not sure if they are in Malaysia or in China," he said.

On Tuesday, the MACC was reported to be investigating illegal REE mining activities in Bukit Enggang, Sik, following complaints by Kedah Umno, local residents and groups critical of Sanusi. 

On the same day, the MACC arrested a senior official at Menteri Besar Kedah Incorporated (MBI Kedah) as well as a company director as part of the probe. They were being investigated on allegations of abuse of power and bribery involving over RM13 million.

Earlier over the weekend, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail alleged that Sanusi was fined RM500,000 last year over REE theft in Kampung Chong, Sik.

In response, Sanusi firmly denied the claim, adding neither he nor Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) was issued the fine, but rather a third party. Saifuddin also alleged that there were China nationals - who entered the country using social visas - involved in the project. - mk

How PAS provoked Malays to rebel & 

hate Sultan Selangor, and will pay the price...

In a rare response to caretaker Kedah chief minister Muhammad Sanusi’s apology, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah appears to have rejected it when the Malay Ruler decreed that the issue is not over yet. It’s not rocket science that the sultan was incredibly upset and angry after Sanusi, the notorious loose cannon of PAS Islamist party, insulted the Selangor royal institution.

Exactly why was the sultan so mad and furious to the extent that he refuses to forgive the PAS warlord? In fact, the monarch had summoned Selangor PAS commissioner Ahmad Yunus Hairi and Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan to his palace to express his displeasure and anger. The sultan was mad not only at Sanusi’s insult, but also his defiance in the half-baked apology.

Sanusi’s sewer mouth saw him spewing insults on Sultan Sharafuddin during a recent “ceramah” (campaign speech) when he rudely questioned the monarch’s wisdom over his choice of Amirudin Shari as Selangor Chief Minister. Making a comparison between the Kedah and Selangor sultans, Sanusi said the Kedah ruler would not have appointed someone like Amirudin.

Essentially, Sanusi has belittled, mocked and insulted the Selangor Sultan’s intelligence. His comparison also suggests that the Kedah ruler was wise whilst the Selangor sultan was stupid. Crucially, the PAS national election director was seen as interfering in the internal affairs of Selangor, where it’s the prerogative of the Sultan to appoint a “Menteri Besar” (Chief Minister).

Worse, when caught with his pants down, the defiant warlord of Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS – Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) reluctantly apologized to the sultan, but not before lying and spinning that his statements had been “spun” to defame him. To divert attention, Sanusi conveniently blamed the Anwar-led unity government, even though it was the sultan who wanted him punished.

Heck, extremist PAS has even defended the foul-mouthed man by describing him as a God’s gift sent by Allah. To further insult the Selangor Sultan, Sanusi had sought his forgiveness, but at the same time refused to admit any wrongdoing. Even then, the apology was tendered only after the Selangor Council of the Royal Court demanded Sanusi to publicly issue a public apology.

The arrogant Kedah chief executive, who previously had demolished Hindu temples and made jokes about it, was sending a message to Malay Muslims that he was not sorry, let alone afraid, of offending and humiliating the Malay Sultan. He was adamant that Sultan Sharafuddin was dumb for appointing Amirudin as Selangor Chief Minister. Hence, Sanusi apologized without admitting his mistakes.

In the past, PAS “Pak Lebai” had always gotten away with a slap on the wrist even when they dangerously played 3R (race, religion and royalty) cards. This round, however, the religious fanatics have crossed the red line by slapping the face of Sultan Selangor and pretended it was not their fault. Sanusi chewed more than he can bite, and he thought he could get away with it.

Not only Mr Sanusi thought he could scam gullible Malays with religious rhetoric, he actually believed he could make a fool out of the Malay Ruler. Had the sultan decided to forgive him, it would embolden – even encourage – the Islamist party to disrespect and humiliate the country’s royal institution again in the future. If PAS is allowed to mock the sultan dumb, what else it would not dare do?

Four days after an investigation was launched into his speech, the Kedah chief minister was charged under the Sedition Act on Tuesday (July 18) – accused of uttering a seditious statement that could incite disloyalty to the Rulers. If convicted, he could be slapped with a maximum three years’ imprisonment or a RM5,000 fine or both. It could end his political career prematurely.

But even before Sanusi was charged, he continued to challenge the authorities and the law. He deliberately rejected multiple phone calls from the police despite knowing that he is to be charged. The plan was to claim he did not know about the charges, therefore, the only way to play dumb is to not answer calls from the police, who were trying a softer approach instead of arresting him.

However, according to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Razarudin Husain, the police had to arrest the despicable man to ensure he attended court after found him at 2.30am in posh Mont Kiara. Under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act, police could conduct arrests (without a warrant) as and when it was necessary. The arrest at such hour was also to prevent untoward incident of mass gathering.

Hilariously, after the IGP’s expose, self-proclaimed Malay champion Sanusi finally admits that he had indeed rejected police calls. He has claimed to be in communication with the authority through WhatsApp. However, when he was asked to go to Sri Hartaman police station, the coward refused to do so to avoid being arrested. Apparently, Sanusi thought he was above the law.

As expected, the arrest has been twisted and spun as a political persecution. The authorities were trapped in the political games of the opposition. The police are damned if they arrest Sanusi and damned if they don’t. If they arrest him, it creates a false perception that he was being suppressed and oppressed. If they don’t arrest him, he will challenge the authorities and ignores the court.

The initial silence from opposition leaders – Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Hadi Awang – suggests that they are watching to see if the rebellion against the Malay Ruler is working. It’s critical for the religious extremist Hadi and racist bigot Muhyiddin to see how the Selangor Sultan reacts or retaliates against hatred hatched by PAS against the monarch.

Any weaknesses shown by the sultan will be interpreted as opportunities to undermine the power of the royal institution. The radical Islamist party, under the leadership of Hadi, has an ambition of replacing Malaysia’s sultans – nine of them – as the custodians of Islam in the Muslim-majority country. And this is not the first time the opposition Perikatan Nasional tries to challenge the monarchs.

Previously, power-hungry PAS had gone as far as conspiring with ex-backdoor Prime Minister Muhyiddin and fabricated the revocation of the emergency laws without the consent from the Palace, a move tantamount to usurping the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong – an act of waging war against the King which carries capital punishment – “death penalty”.

Hadi and his gang of corrupt minions had also openly ignored Sultan Selangor’s royal decrees in 2019 and 2021 that ban politicians from preaching Islam in the state. Upset that it would affect its ability to spread fake news and falsehoods among Malay voters, PAS accused the monarch of anti-Islam – spreading dangerous rumours and fears that the royal decree allowed the enemies of Islam to “rejoice”.

The burning question is whether Sanusi’s big mouth will benefit the opposition in the upcoming six state elections. Many simpleton political analysts concluded that Sanusi has become a hero within the Malay community, never mind he had disrespected and insulted the Malay Ruler. This can be seen when thousands of PAS fanatics greeted the Kedah chief minister at the Alor Setar airport.

But that does not mean all the Malays are dumb and can’t see through the political gimmicks of the Islamist party. As much as analysts were spooked by the “green wave” generated in the November 2022 General Election, Sanusi might have overplayed his hand to the extent of spooking Malay Muslims, especially the older generations, who held Malay Sultans in deep respect.

Sure, Malaysia’s sultans play a largely ceremonial role, but they are above politics and are the head of Islam in their own respective states. It will be a different story if the Selangor Sultan forgave 49-year-old Sanusi and the police proceeded with the arrest and charge him. Besides, while there was a heavy presence of police personnel at the courts, not many of his supporters were present there.

Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS – Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) might be able to win some young naive Malay voters influenced by TikTok. But it definitely has lost many older Malay voters disgusted over the provocation and instigation against the sultan. It’s one thing to use race and religion cards to attack Chinese and Indians. It’s another thing altogether to attack the Malay Rulers.

Sanusi’s political stunt may backfire and cost the opposition valuable votes. For over 60 years, sultans have been the symbol of Malay Muslims – the ultimate defender of the Malays and Islam. Now, the Malay Monarchs are being attacked, insulted and humiliated by none other than traitors Bersatu (Malaysian United Indigenous Party) and PAS (Malaysian Islamic Party).

Thanks to Sanusi’s screw-up, Anwar-led unity government, comprising Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional coalitions, could have an easier job retaining the three states of Penang, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. And if they play their cards well, PAS might lose significant seats in strongholds Kelantan and Terengganu. The attack on Selangor Sultan will cost them dearly. - FT

Muhyiddin is suing Anwar over Felda debt claim...

cheers.

Why the 3 am arrest?...

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has justified today the reported arrest of caretaker Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s at 3am this morning, saying there was a worry he may abscond from his court hearing.

Following brickbats, Razarudin said police officers from the Kedah state contingent were unable to locate Sanusi yesterday night after they were informed of the Attorney General’s Chambers’ plan to charge Sanusi with alleged sedition.

“Why was he arrested at night? Firstly, when we requested the Kedah police for assistance, they discovered he was not in Kedah. And we subsequently obtained the information he was going to be at Astro Awani around 10pm, which we later found out he was not there either,” he said in a live-streamed press conference, referring to Sanusi.

“At the same time, all of our calls to inform him to attend court the next day were rejected, which include calls made to his senior private secretary and political secretary.” Due to Sanusi being unreachable, Razarudin said the former was eventually later located around Mont Kiara in Kuala Lumpur around 2.30am.

“My officers made the arrest based on an earlier news report claiming Sanusi was uninformed of him getting charged the next day. “But we had considered as we were worried he may abscond from appearing in court. That is our justification to ensure he attends court and faces the charges,” he said.

Razarudin also said a total of 58 police reports, including a report lodged by the Selangor Council of the Royal Court, were lodged against Sanusi.

Last Friday, Datuk Emran Kadir of the Selangor Council of the Royal Court demanded Sanusi issue a public apology to the state Ruler, stating that the latter’s comments were an insult as the Sultan has the prerogative to appoint the menteri besar.

At a recent political rally, Sanusi, who is also the Perikatan Nasional election director, allegedly disputed the Malay Ruler’s choice of Amirudin as the menteri besar. - MMail

Karma is real...

The Selayang Sessions Courts had imposed RM5,000 bail for each of the two charges of having uttered seditious and insulting remarks in relation to Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah near Taman Selayang Mutiara at about 11pm on July 11.

The courts have fixed Oct 4 for mention of both charges framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948 and punishable under Section 4(1) of the same law which provides a maximum fine of up to RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years or both if convicted.

Outspoken Pas lawmaker Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been prevented from issuing any statements in relation to his criminal sedition hearing.This after two Sessions Court allowed the prosecution's application for a gag order to prevent the caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar from making prejudicial statements on the case.

Solicitor-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh applied for the order after the court heard Sanusi's charges for allegedly making seditious remarks that could incite disloyalty towards any Ruler.

"We would like to apply for a gag order to prevent the accused from making any comments to the public until the disposal of the case," he said briefly.Sanusi's lead counsel Datuk Shaharudin Ali did not object to the application.

Interestingly, Sanusi’s ‘plight’ has earned some sympathy from PKR Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin (above) who opined that the “SOP (standard operating procedure) in Sanusi’s police detention should be better off”.

“Making an arrest at 3am is not a sensible action,” reckoned the political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on his Facebook page. ““Sanusi is a chief minister. He is not a suspect who will run away. Arrests can be carried out early in the morning or in the evening. It should not be done in the middle of the night.”

Added the three-term Bayan Baru MP: “The police SOP set during the state of emergency should be reviewed in line with the principles of Malaysia Madani which is supported by PM Anwar. Malaysia is a country with a law as well as a Madani country.” 

Alor Setar MP Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (above) has hit out at the unity government for expediting the prosecution against caretaker Kedah menteri besar (MB) Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor to the extent that he became the first and fastest political leader to be charged in court. This is even when there were police reports lodged against Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) leaders pertaining to the 3R (race, religious, royalty) issue.

“All arguments and evidence will be raised to convict (him). There is a possibility of imprisonment or a fine or both, according to the provisions of the law,” Afnan who is the first Malay/PAS MP to win the Alor Setar parliamentary seat penned on his Facebook page. “What is important for them is the conviction will make DS Sanusi ineligible to contest in the upcoming state polls. If he’s ineligible to contest, then by itself he cannot be appointed as MB.”

Added the political secretary to Sanusi: “When DS Sanusi is no longer MB, then the main character who prevents all their (PH-BN) evil plans is gone. Yes, this is their main mission.” - focusmalaysia

Masa PN perintah dulu ada kebebasan 

bersuara ke Sanusi ooi...

cheers.

Sanusi’s apology is not the end to the insult...

Law and Institutional Reform Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said is of the view that the apology issued by the caretaker Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor regarding allegations of insulting the Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, cannot be considered a final solution as it involves a legal offence.

Azalina explained that while freedom of speech is a constitutional right of every Malaysian citizen under Article 10(1)(a) of the Federal Constitution, this freedom is subject to Article 10(2) to ensure peace and security are preserved.

“Anyone who raises divisive issues disrupts public order and disrespects royal institutions should remember that this is a legal offence and cannot be resolved simply by issuing an apology, as seeking forgiveness is not a legal defence in criminal law.

“Let the Royal Malaysia Police be given the freedom to investigate anyone who raises 3R issues that violate any laws without interference from any party,” she said in a statement on her Twitter account today.

Sanusi also issued an apology to the Selangor sultan over recent remarks that allegedly insulted the latter.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Sanusi said the apology was relayed via a letter sent to the Selangor palace and read by the ruler yesterday (July 14).

“As soon as I found out that my speech had been spun (twisted to create a misunderstanding) by agents of Pakatan Harapan/Barisan Nasional, I sent a letter to the sultan of Selangor to explain the context, the real meaning and the scope covered in my speech that was deliberately twisted.  

“My letter was preceded by an apology to His Majesty while expressing hope that His Majesty’s wrath would not arise on the issues raised from the speech,” he added. – focusmalaysia

Why does Najib have internet access in jail?...

On July 28th, the court convicted Najib Razak, the former prime minister who co-founded and oversaw a 1mdb fund, on seven crimes related to the scandal, including abuse of power, breach of trust, and money laundering. He was condemned to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million by the court.

A Monet painting and a superyacht. A translucent piano and diamond jewellery. Many of the items purchased with the $4.5 billion that the US Department of Justice claims vanished between 2009 and 2015 from 1mdb, a sovereign-wealth fund, were pretty flamboyant. According to The Economist, at least six countries have launched investigations into the incident.

However, even behind bars, the former prime minister is not exactly ‘out of touch’ with the rakyat. From the start of his imprisonment, Najib Razak has been constantly active on social media. This is obviously against the prison rules where convicts are prohibited from having communication devices such as phones and recorders.

Recently, Najib Razak raised his worry on Facebook over the spike in the price of the giant fast-food chain Mcdonald's since 2017. According to Najib Razak's post, the cost of numerous popular McDonald's items has risen significantly in recent years. The legendary Big Mac at McDonald's began at RM8.60 in December 2017 and has since increased by 56% to RM13.40. However, what I found more worrying is the convicted prime minister is freely online even though he is behind bars. What does this say about our country?

That is not the only example of Najib Razak receiving VIP treatment even behind bars. Zahid Hamidi recently visited his convicted friend and described in detail how he brought along Najib’s favorite food for them to eat together. Zahid exposed himself as he revealed that he spend two hours with Najib during his visit.

In this revelation, three of the prison rules might have been broken; visitors are prohibited from bringing in food and drinks, and they are not permitted to speak with the convicts face to face but must do it over the phone while separated by a glass divider. They are also limited to 45 minutes visits and are closely monitored by jail authorities and wardens.- Asyiqin Razak

The treatment received by our prime minister, PMX, during his time in prison for over 10 years was not comparable to that of Najib. 

This situation should serve as a wake-up call for PMX. I doubt PMX broke any of these three of the prison rules, as demonstrated by an inmate bosskuku who violated these rules. 

These rules include the prohibition of visitors bringing in food and drinks, restrictions on face-to-face communication with convicts (with communication occurring over the phone while separated by a glass divider), and limited visitation time of 45 minutes, closely monitored by jail authorities and wardens. 

He should be reflecting all his charges instead of monitoring his social media . - Kamsiah Haider

cheers.