LIFE for former Gerakan president and cabinet minister Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik is quiet these days since he retired as party head in April 2007 and from government the following year. In his last media interview in February 2010, Lim talked about his frustrations with the Barisan Nasional (BN) government and with Gerakan, the […]
2008
Uncommon Sense with Wong Chin Huat: Who makes a better opposition?
By Ding Jo-AnnTHE last general election birthed a situation that was not common before 2008: the Barisan Nasional (BN) functioning as an opposition. Although the BN has been the opposition in Kelantan for many years, it was a completely new experience for them in Selangor, Penang, Perak and Kedah. Indeed, the blanket term “opposition” previously used to […]
Redrawing boundaries for electoral success
By Deborah LohSNAP poll next year? Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s popularity rankings are higher than ever before. Some have suggested that the Barisan Nasional (BN) might want the next general election, due only in 2013, called earlier to coincide with the Sarawak state elections which must be held by June 2011. But there is one […]
Debunking “politicking”
By Wong Chin HuatMY previous column, which analysed the Barisan Nasional (BN)’s aversion to local government elections, drew one particular reader’s comment that amazed me. KIM GAN wrote: “To avoid the politicking that may impinge on racial [sensitivities], perhaps the campaigning can be minimal and voting can be carried out electronically through the net, sanctioned and monitored by […]
Teresa Kok sues govt and police
KUALA LUMPUR, 13 March 2009: Seputeh Member of Parliament (MP) Teresa Kok Suh Sim today filed a suit against Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar and three others claiming that she was wrongfully arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) last year. She filed the suit through Messrs SN Nair and Partners […]
2008 elections “lesson for Perak BN”
KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Feb 2009: The Perak Barisan Nasional (BN) government will treat its defeat in the last general election as a lesson in its effort to create political stability in the state. Newly-appointed BN Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the new state executive council, comprising both experienced and new leaders, was […]
3.53mil tourist arrivals in Terengganu
KUALA TERENGGANU, 30 Jan 2009: Terengganu recorded 3.528 million in tourist arrivals during the Visit Terengganu Year last year, a 24% increase compared to 2.8 million in 2007. State executive councillor for tourism, culture, arts and heritage Datuk Za’abar Mohd Adib said the increase was due to the various programmes held throughout the year. These […]
2008 PMR results better than 2007’s
PUTRAJAYA, 30 Dec 2008: A total of 26,378 students or 5.96% of the 2008 Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR) candidates scored grade A in all subjects they sat for compared to 5.65% in 2007 and 4.83% in 2006. Education director-general Datuk Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the PMR results this year was better than last year in […]
Military to continue being apolitical
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Dec 2008: The year 2008 shocked some parties when Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal urged the government in September to take action against those who stoked racial sentiments. His 9 Sept statement, days before the much-touted but failed 16 Sept government takeover by the Pakatan Rakyat, was seen […]
A rough year for Umno
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 Dec 2008: The year has placed a heavy burden on Umno, as the pillar of the Barisan Nasional (BN), to regain the people’s trust as a party that is fair and capable of looking after the people’s welfare in line with its slogan “Dulu, kini dan selamanya”. Having been humbled to become […]