Game over for Pakatan Rakyat? WHEN speculation is rife about the possible disintegration of the Pakatan Rakyat (PR), not least via media reports, I cannot help but ask two questions: What could Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak possibly gain by this? And what weapons do parliamentary Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the […]
independents
Polling in by-elections has begun
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 April 2009: Voting in the Bukit Gantang parliamentary seat and the Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai state seat by-elections began simultaneously today when polling centres opened at 8am. In Bukit Gantang, Perak, Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate Ismail Saffian faces embattled Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin from PAS and independent […]
Perak independents are legal reps (Updated 11:08pm)
(Updated 11:08pm, 1 April 2009) IPOH, 1 April 2009: The High Court here today dismissed an application by Perak state assembly speaker V Sivakumar to set aside a suit filed against him by the assemblypersons for Behrang, Changkat Jering and Jelapang. Judge Datuk Balia Yusof Wahi also dismissed an application on the same matter by […]
Apologise, PKR’s Gobalakrishnan told
By Shanon ShahSUNGAI PETANI, 1 Apr 2009: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR)’s N Gobalakrishnan has 24 hours to apologise publicly for accusing Bukit Selambau’s independent candidates of being Barisan Nasional (BN) stooges, said independent candidate L Sarala. Sarala “I also want him to show evidence today that we have received money from the BN to contest,” Sarala said […]
The tussle for Bkt Selambau
By Shanon ShahNOMINATION day for the Bukit Selambau by-election opened relatively calmly on 29 March 2009, a schoolday and work day here in Kedah. Journalists and the candidates’ supporters started trickling into the nomination centre, Sekolah Menengah Teknik Sungai Petani 1, from 7am. There had been speculation that things could get chaotic, considering the Election Commission (EC) […]
Independents in Bkt Selambau reflect uncertainty
SUNGAI PETANI, 29 March 2009: The big number of independent candidates contesting in the Bukit Selambau by-election on 7 April is a manifestation of the uncertain political situation in Kedah, according to a political analyst. Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Faruq, a political science lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia, said 13 independent candidates contesting against Barisan […]
Three independents ready to withdraw
SUNGAI PETANI, 29 March 2009: Three independent candidates who confirmed their candidacy for the Bukit Selambau state by-election on 7 April have indicated their willingness to withdraw for personal reasons. Major (Rtd) Anuar Abd Hamid said he was ready to withdraw if former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad rejoined Umno. The former Merbok Umno […]
Nomination day in Bukit Selambau (Updated at 11.40am)
By Shanon ShahParty flags lining a road in Bukit Selambau Updated on 29 March 2009 at 11.40am SUNGAI PETANI, 29 March 2009: The electoral process for the Bukit Selambau by-election kicks off this morning with the nomination of candidates. Up to 14 candidates are expected to file their nomination papers today with the Election Commission (EC) between […]
13 confirmed candidates for Bkt Selambau (Updated 4.30pm)
By Shanon ShahUpdated at 4.30pm on 27 March 2009 SUNGAI PETANI, 27 March 2009: The Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that a total of 13 candidates have paid their deposits for the Bukit Selambau by-election, including one from the Barisan Nasional (BN). The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) candidate S Manikumar has yet to pay the RM5,000 deposit […]
Federal Court to decide on power to declare seat vacancies
IPOH, 16 March 2009: The Federal Court will decide on the constitutional issue as to who has the power to declare the vacancy of Perak state legislative assembly seats. This follows a decision of the High Court here today in allowing the application by three independent assemblyperson to refer the matter to the apex court […]