MALAYSIA’S political and economic stability now hangs on the developments in Perak. The Pakatan Rakyat state government has now effectively collapsed because it has lost four state assemblypersons. With the return of Bota state assemblyperson Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim to Umno, the Barisan Nasional (BN) now holds 28 seats — the same number as Pakatan Rakyat […]
Archives for February 2009
Uncertainty increases in Perak political tussle
By BFM 89.9THE political tussle for Perak took a dramatic twist today. Bota assemblyperson Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim rejoined Umno after defecting to Parti Keadilan Rakyat on 25 Jan 2009. Three other assemblypersons — Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi (Behrang), Mohd Osman Mohd Jailu (Changkat Jering), and Hee Yit Foong (Jelapang) — left the Pakatan Rakyat to be “friendly” independents […]
Bad idea to bring people of poor quality: Dr M
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Feb 2009: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said it was not a good idea for Barisan Nasional (BN) to gain majority by bringing in people of poor quality. He said this when ask to comment on the move by four assemblypersons in Perak who left Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and […]
Sabah’s political history repeating in Perak
KOTA KINABALU, 4 Feb 2009: After 15 years, it looks like Sabah’s political history is being repeated in Perak. Both state governments were thrown into political turmoil after winning elections with a thin margin. The already tumultuous Perak politics was thrown further into confusion yesterday when Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) assemblypersons — Jamaluddin Mohd Radzi […]
BN ready to form new govt in Perak, says PM
PUTRAJAYA, 4 Feb 2009: The Barisan Nasional (BN) is ready to form a new government in Perak following four assemblypersons in the state quitting their parties to support the BN, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. “We wish extend our thanks if they have taken the decision to state their support for the […]
Seek mandate from people, says Nik Aziz
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Feb 2009: PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said the political quagmire in Perak should be resolved through a snap state election. He said the people should be given the opportunity to decide which party should be given the mandate to rule the state. “I will be happy if […]
Muslim NGOs view Herald’s action as rude
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Feb 2009: The action of the Catholic weekly Herald to continue to use the word “Allah” as a translation for “God” in its Malay edition is rude and can lead to racial tensions. Muslim Consumers Association Malaysia secretary general Datuk Dr Ma’mor Osman said use of the word which was sacred to […]
Thaipusam: Stern action against illegal gatherings
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 Feb 2009: Stern action awaits those organising illegal gatherings during the Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves this weekend, police warned today. The three-day event, which is expected to attract some one million Hindus, tourists and people from all walks of life, should be trouble-free and the cops are leaving no stone unturned […]
RapidPenang provides shuttle service for Thaipusam
PENANG, 4 Feb 2009: Rapid Penang Sdn Bhd (RapidPenang) will provide a special service from 7 Feb to 9 Feb to cater for increased passengers during the Thaipusam festival. Its creative communication manager, Yap Lee Ying said 10 additional buses would ply from the Weld Quay (jetty) to Pulau Tikus and Komtar and back every […]
Najib to seek audience with Sultan of Perak
By Deborah LohPUTRAJAYA, 4 Feb 2009: Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be seeking an audience tomorrow with the Perak Ruler, Sultan Azlan Shah, for the Barisan Nasional (BN) to attempt to form the new state government. The deputy prime minister said this today after announcing that Bota state assemblyperson Datuk Nasaruddin Hashim has rejoined Umno after defecting […]