Ahad, 13 Januari 2013

Dr Shafie Abu Bakar

Dr Shafie Abu Bakar

Luahan Pendapat NGO-NGO Pada Perhimpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat: Mereka Sekata `Ubah Sekarang !`

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 04:45 PM PST
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N45 Dr Halimah Ali

N45 Dr Halimah Ali

RASUAH MASIH KEKAL DI TANGGA TERATAS

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 03:24 AM PST

Kajian Merdeka Center menggunakan kaedah persampelan rawak sepanjang garis etnik, umur, jantina dan negeri terhadap  1,018 responden diantara 15 hingga 28 Disember di seluruh semenanjung Malaysia mendapati  51 peratus pengundi yang ditinjau merasakan rasuah adalah masalah utama utama negara.


Tinjauan menunjukkan isu ekonomi, jenayah kebimbangan utama pengundi


 KUALA LUMPUR, 11 Jan — Isu-isu ekonomi dan jenayah menjadi kebimbangan utama pengundi yang ditinjau dari 15 hingga 28 Disember 2012 di Semenanjung Malaysia oleh pusat tinjauan bebas Merdeka Center.

Daripada 1,018 pengundi yang ditinjau, 34 peratus merasakan isu ekonomi adalah penting manakala 19 peratus bimbang dengan peningkatan kadar jenayah dalam negara.

51 peratus pengundi yang ditinjau merasakan rasuah adalah masalah utama yang perlu diselesaikan oleh kerajaan.

Selain itu, 24 peratus daripada pengundi mahukan kerajaan menyelesaikan masalah rumah mampu milik manakala 21 peratus bimbang dengan peningkatan inflasi.

Tinjauan juga mendapati, 52 peratus pengundi merasakan Malaysia berada di arah yang betul manakala 34 peratus pula merasakan sebaliknya.

Orang Melayu mengungguli carta sebagai orang-orang yang kelihatan paling yakin dengan Malaysia dan pemimpin kerajaan, dengan 70 peratus daripada responden berkata negara berada pada landasan yang betul.

Mengikut dibelakang adalah masyarakat India, dengan 57 peratus daripada mereka ditinjau melahirkan keyakinan tentang negara ini dan prospek bagi tahun hadapan.

Tetapi hanya 16 peratus masyarakat Cina bersetuju dengan pendangan ini.

Di tempat kedua adalah reformasi pilihan raya, permintaan utama Bersih 2.0, dengan 25 peratus daripada responden bersetuju perjalanan proses pilihan raya perlu penambahbaikan.

Perjuangan untuk reformasi sistem pilihan raya menjadi tajuk berita negara selepas pilihan raya umum 2008 oleh kerana aktivis masyarakat sivil dan pemimpin pembangkang mendakwa terdapat penyelewengan dalam proses pilihan raya semasa.

Tinjauan juga mendapati 61 peratus pengundi yakin prospek mereka pada tahun 2013 berbanding dengan 2012, dengan kebanyakan mengatakan mereka akan memberi tumpuan lebih kepada meningkatkan kerjaya, kualiti hidup, dan meningkatkan perhatian kepada keluarga mereka.

Tinjauan yang dilakukan terhadap 1,018 responden diantara 15 hingga 28 Disember di seluruh semenanjung dipilih melalui kaedah  persampelan rawak sepanjang garis etnik, umur, jantina dan negeri.   

Sumber Malaysian Insider
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MY VOICE FOR NATION

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Philosophy Politics Economics

Philosophy Politics Economics

MCMC Defends 4G-LTE Spectrum Award: No Track Record Needed

Posted: 13 Dec 2012 10:50 PM PST


MCMC's defence of the award of the biggest share of the 4G-LTE spectrum to Puncak Semangat is lame, and the excuse not to auction the license doesn't even begin to make sense.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has defended its decision to award the biggest share of the 4G-LTE spectrum to Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd which is owned by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.

Its chairman, Datuk Mohd Sharil Tarmizi said on Tuesday that the award is to "introduce additional competition".  He said "look at the market now, if we left those 8 players on their own, where would the solutions, applications and innovation be?"

Datuk Mohd Sharil Tarmizi also said that MCMC has the power to "take back the spectrum" should players fail to meet their targets.

The MCMC Chairman's response defies all logic because, if the 8 existing players are "not" competing by providing "innovation" today, then MCMC must be responsible for allowing the collusion between the 8 parties. Under the Malaysia Communications & Multimedia Act, the MCMC is the authority to promote competition and bar collusion between telecommunication players. And certainly, by international standards, 8 players are more than sufficient to generate a highly competitive environment. Most other developed nations have far fewer than 8 players in the industry, and yet remain highly competitive and innovative.

While we are all for competition in the industry, the manner in which the license and quota is awarded must be questioned.  Some of the companies awarded with 3G and WIMAX licenses by MCMC have failed miserably, proving that MCMC is not an all-seeing "oracle".

The fact that MCMC has the power to retract its award at any time does not give basis to an award of the largest share of the bandwidth to a completely new player in the industry.

Furthermore, a regulator's role is certainly not to play "judge" in evaluating business plans, but to facilitate competition, prevent monopolistic practices and ensuring quality service provision.

If the argument that the arbitrary award to Puncak Semangat is to improve competition rest on shaky grounds, then Datuk Sharil's statement that MCMC decided against an auction for the bandwidth because "the highest bidder may not necessarily be the one with the best ideas" holds even less water.

MCMC's decision against an auction for the bandwidth is contrary to international best practices where both developed and developing countries have raised valuable income for the Government while promoting a highly competitive telecommunications industry. UK, Germany, Sweden and even Thailand have held auctions, raising billions of ringgit in proceeds, while Singapore, Taiwan and Brazil are planning their auctions for next year.

Datuk Sharil was quoted by The Edge Financial Daily that "an auction is best when the spectrum is convenient and quality of the spectrum is not a problem" does not even  make any sense. It sounds like a response designed to confound the people, without even beginning to answer the question.

A company that is committed and believes it will trump the competition will be more than able to participate in an auction for the new spectrum. And should the company fail, the MCMC still has the power to withdraw its award while keeping the proceeds of the auction. Hence under such circumstances, there is even greater incentive for the players to compete and innovate to ensure a successful business. This will at the same time benefit consumers.

MCMC must commit to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's own slogan that "the era where the Government knows best is over", and let the market play its part in determining the winner.  MCMC should instead focus on its role to prevent collusion between industry players, punish players who fail to provide quality services and create an even playing field for all parties in the industry.

Otherwise, it becomes clear that MCMC is over-extending its regulatory role to play "god" of the industry by deciding which company's profit to fatten, and ignoring the interest of the millions of telecommunication users in Malaysia.

4G-LTE Spectrum Award: No Track Record Needed

Posted: 09 Dec 2012 10:47 PM PST


It is become endemic of the Malaysian regulatory authorities to award quotas and licences to companies with questionable financial credentials and without any track record in the relevant industries.

Last week, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced the allocation of the 4G-LTE spectrum where all 7 existing broadband players in the market – Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Celcom Axiata Bhd, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Redtone Marketing Sdn Bhd, YTL Communications and Packet One Networks (M) Sdn Bhd were granted 20MHz of bandwidth.

However, what took the industry by surprise was the award of the largest share of the bandwith of 40MHz to a little known entity Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd, owned by tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary.

The most straightforward question to ask MCMC is – why is it that a company with zero track record in the industry has been given the privilege of securing the largest chunk of the bandwidth?

It appears that MCMC which has landed in controversy in the past, is persisting in awarding licenses to companies with little track record or financial capabilities.  In the past award of bandwidth for the 3G and WIMAX spectrum, several companies have failed to deliver the services or have effectively sold their license for a quick profit.

What is most disappointing the the award of licenses in Malaysia is there is not auction requirement as practised in most other developed countries.  The auction process will not only ensure the most committed companies to take part in the exercise, but will also raise valuable revenue for the Government.

For example, the Office of Communications, the independent telecommunications regulator in the United Kingdom has set a reserve auction price of GBP1.3 billion for the 4G-LTE licences and the industry expects the Government to raise between GBP3 to 4 billion!

In 2010, the highest bid in the German spectrum auction was 7.5 Million Euros for two blocks in the 800 MHz band.

In 2008 Sweden concluded an electronic 16-day auction for nine 15-year 4G-licenses for a total bandwidth of 190 MHz in the 2,6 GHz band. The total required minimum bids were SEK 50,000,000, but the total winning bids were USD314 million.

Other countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, Brazil are planning for 4G auctions in 2013.  Similarly, Thailand has only just concluded their 3G auction, netting their Government US$1.4 billion in the process despite a more depressed market environment, and alleged collusion to lower the auction price.

It appears that in Malaysia, our regulators are more interested in enhancing the profits of our telecommunication companies, and even then favouring certain connected parties despite their lack of track record.

The above is the clear cut case of lost opportunity for the Government to raise valuable funds to provide much needed services and facilities for Malaysians, such as toll-free highways and affordable homes.

Pakatan Rakyat will ensure that all licenses granted by our various regulatory bodies, particularly in the energy and telecommunication will be awarded in an open, transparent and competitive manner to ensure that the best bids will win the licences and the Government will also be able to maximise its revenue in the interest of the rakyat.
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Lim Guan Eng

Lim Guan Eng

DAP wishes for Wong’s speedy recovery and that his wife Irene and family be blessed with the strength to prevail during this period.(en/cn)

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 08:49 PM PST

Press Statement By DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng And MP For Bagan In Kuala Lumpur on 13.1.2013.

DAP is saddened by the announcement made by DAP Sarawak Chair and Sibu MP Wong Ho Leng that he is suffering from brain tumour. DAP expresses support for Wong as he seeks treatment and shares his confidence of full recovery.

DAP endorses and appreciates Wong's assurances that he will not retire from politics but continue to be closely involved in the next general election. Clearly, Wong's positive belief at his full recovery and level of commitment to the party should inspire DAP members and leaders to share the same courage and sense of responsibility.

Whilst the DAP leadership had known about Wong's condition late last month, we admire his forthrightness in making public his ailment. During the coming six-week period where Wong is undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, all DAP leaders, members and supporters should offer undivided support whether in prayers or otherwise. DAP Sarawak will also step in to share in Wong's political and constituency duties as Sibu MP, Bukit Assek assemblyman, Sarawak Opposition Leader and Sarawak DAP chairman.

DAP wishes for Wong's speedy recovery and that his wife Irene and family be blessed with the strength to prevail during this period.

Lim Guan Eng

—–Mandarin Version —-

民主行动党秘书长兼峇眼区国会议员林冠英于2013年1月13日在吉隆坡发表声明：

行动党对于砂拉越行动党主席兼诗巫区国会议员黄和联宣布患上脑癌感到难过。行动党将全力支持黄和联接受治疗，并和他一样乐观相信他能够痊愈。

行动党也认同并感激黄和联保证他不会退出政坛，反而会积极参与来届大选。黄和联的乐观信心及对党的承诺，值得全体党员及领袖共同学习，拿出承担的勇气及负起责任。

虽然行动党领导层在上个月才知道黄和联的病况，我们钦佩他能够将公众坦率地交代本身的病情。接下来，他将前往新加坡依丽莎白医院，进行为期六个星期的放射性治疗及化疗。全体党领袖、党员及支持者都应该一起为他祈祷。砂州行动党也应该挺身而出，分担黄和联身为诗巫区国会议员、武吉阿瑟区州议员、砂州在野党领袖、砂州行动党主席的政治及选区事务。

行动党祝福黄和联早日康复，也希望他的妻子郑爱鴒及全家人能被赋予力量度过这个艰难的时刻。

林冠英
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YB Dato' Mohd Nasir Tan Sri Ibrahim Fikri

YB Dato' Mohd Nasir Tan Sri Ibrahim Fikri

DEMI KUASA, PEMBANGKANG LAKUKAN APA SAHAJA

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 05:47 PM PST

Gambar hiasan

Assalamualaikum.

Perhimpunan parti pembangkang di Stadium Merdeka semalam telah pun selesai. Sebagai sebuah negara yang mengamalkan sistem demokrasi, perhimpunan dan hak bersuara tidak pernah dihalang selagi ia mematuhi undang-undang.

Demokrasi tidak bermaksud kita bebas melakukan apa sahaja atau menyuarakan apa sahaja. Demokrasi yang sempurna adalah demokrasi yang berjaya diurus oleh peraturan serta undang-undang.

Bagi pembangkang di negara kita, mereka akan membangkang apa sahaja. Dan, apabila mereka dilihat semakin layu, mulalah mereka mahu berhimpun.

Membaca pelbagai komen mengenai Himpunan Samsidar semalam, saya hanya tersenyum. Hampir keseluruhannya memperkatakan jumlah mereka yang hadir. Ada yang kata 20 ribu, ada yang ada 50 ribu dan ada yang kata 100 ribu. Tidak kisahlah apa pun angkanya, yang penting itulah tahap penilaian perhimpunan mereka. Matlamat hilang entah ke mana. semuanya dikerah dari seluruh negara.

Bagi rakyat, jumlah itu berapa persenlah sangat berbanding dengan jumlah rakyat dan pengundi yang masih cinta dan sayangkan keamanan. Kalau hendak bandingkan jumlah itu, berapa persenlah sangat dengan jumlah Umat Islam yang kini menentang penggunaan nama Allah untuk bukan Islam. Majoriti rakyat TIDAK bersama mereka.

Hakikatnya, matlamat telah tenggelam dan tujuan berhimpun tidak memberikan apa-apa makna selain ia hanya mempamerkan sikap sebenar mereka ini – tidak bersyukur, suka menyusahkan orang ramai dan gemar melakukan sesuatu yang merugikan.

Saya terkilan, di saat umat Islam kian hebat dilemahkan dan yang terbaharu diuji dengan isu penggunaan kalimah Allah oleh bukan Islam, tidak ada pun perhimpunan diadakan puak pembangkang mengenai isu itu. Malah, mereka pula menyokong penggunaan kalimah Allah kepada bukan Islam.

Demikianlah apabila ketamakan untuk berkuasa diletakan di depan sehingga gagal melihat perkara-perkara yang lebih penting.

Saya berharap, rakyat menilai hal ini dengan adil dan menolak mereka yang sering menimbulkan suasana yang merugikan negara. Sepatutnya, kita mesti bersatu dalam memaju dan membangunkan negara ini dan bukan sebaliknya.

Kepada rakyat, marilah kita menolak manusia yang hanya meletakkan kerakusan untuk berkuasa mengatasi segala-galanya termasuk menggadaikan maruah agama dan bangsa sendiri – demikianlah pembangkang.
 
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YB Ahmad Razif Blog's

YB Ahmad Razif Blog's

Melawat rakan-rakan di Kuala Terengganu Specialist

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 09:10 PM PST






Hari ini berkesempatan melawat rakan-rakan yang kurang sihat di Kuala Terengganu Specialist (KTS). Semoga kalian cepat sembuh dan dapat meneruskan kehidupan seharian seperti biasa.

Mesyuarat Penyelaras UMNO 2013

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 09:08 PM PST




Semalam 12 Januari 2013 telah merasmikan mesyuarat Penyelarasan UMNO bagi tahun 2013 bertempat di Bangunan Penyelaras UMNO DUN Seberang Takir, Kg. Telaga Daing, Seberang Takir.

Majlis Penutup Minggu Orientasi Murid Darjah 6

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 09:05 PM PST






Pada 10 Januari 2013 baru-baru ini telah merasmikan Majlis Penutup Orientasi Murid Darjah 6 Sekolah Kebangsaan Kompleks Seberang Takir. Semoga anak-anak bersedia untuk menghadapi Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR) 2013 nanti dan mendapat keputusan yang cemerlang. InsyaAllah, amin.
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Comments for Wee Choo Keong

Comments for Wee Choo Keong

Comment on DCA failed to withdraw the AOC of FAX / AirAsia X in 2007 (Part 3) by Cannibalize King

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 02:58 AM PST

Cannibalized for parts is the business model of the pariah. No wonder no more tweet or press statement to his favourite newspapers, The Star. The pariah mouth piece.

Comment on DCA failed to withdraw the AOC of FAX / AirAsia X in 2007 (Part 3) by Masturabaiduri Ahmad

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 01:51 AM PST

The real reason for MASEU’s objection is nothing more than fear of loss of bargaining power for MASEU’s top office bearer to milk something from MAS for their personal gain. All these years they have more or less sold the cabin crew for some personal gains. It is a well known secret that some top brass in MASEU were awarded contracts – like cabin cleaning or office cleaning contracts, in return for accepting less than favourable benefits for cabin crew. The other trump card in MASEU’s hand is the LIcence Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (LAE). Without Cabin Crew and LAE, MASEU is reduced to nothing, as unlike cabin crew and LAE, other employees do not have certification or licencing requirements. Thus can be readily sourced.

Comment on DCA failed to withdraw the AOC of FAX / AirAsia X in 2007 (Part 3) by X-MAS

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 08:18 PM PST

Air Asia Customer Service and In-Flight Safety.
Read this:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4707344094479&set=p.4707344094479&type=1&ref=nf

Comment on DCA failed to withdraw the AOC of FAX / AirAsia X in 2007 (Part 3) by X-MAS

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 04:49 PM PST

When the ill-fated and ill-intended CCF was formulated, it was touted that MAs can learn a thing or two from the success of Air Asia.

I put it that it is Air Asia that can learn much more from MAS. Besides being privy to the internal secrets and business plans,Tony can incfluence the direction of MAS to benefit him.

The evidence now shows that Air Asia has more to learn from MAS on how to operate an airline to achieve a reliable OTD, how to maintain a safe fleet of aircraft, how to serve customers both on board the airctaft and on ground.

Shame on you Tony and Air Asia.
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Direct Free Kick

Direct Free Kick

Saya difahamkan ini adalah Rumah Pam Pudu Hulu yang saya lawati tengah hari tadi. Ia telah gagal beberapa hari selepas Rumah Pam Wangsa Maju gagal tetapi sekarang telah dipulihkan.

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 01:11 AM PST

Saya difahamkan ini adalah Rumah Pam Pudu Hulu yang saya lawati tengah hari tadi. Ia telah gagal beberapa hari selepas Rumah Pam Wangsa Maju gagal tetapi sekarang telah dipulihkan.

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 01:08 AM PST

Saya difahamkan ini adalah Rumah Pam Pudu Hulu yang saya lawati tengah hari tadi. Ia telah gagal beberapa hari selepas Rumah Pam Wangsa Maju gagal tetapi sekarang telah dipulihkan.

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 01:06 AM PST

Saya difahamkan ini adalah Rumah Pam Pudu Hulu yang saya lawati tengah hari tadi. Ia telah gagal beberapa hari selepas Rumah Pam Wangsa Maju gagal tetapi sekarang telah dipulihkan.

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 01:05 AM PST

Selamat pengantin baru Ermy dan Farah dari Tmn Bakti.

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 10:53 PM PST
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Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar Ibrahim

[VIDEO] Ucapan Penuh Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim Di Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat #KL112

Posted: 13 Jan 2013 01:34 AM PST

#KL112 tanda suara rakyat tidak boleh diabai

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 12:08 PM PST

Sinar Online

SHAH ALAM – Ketua Pembangkang, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim berkata Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat (#KL112) yang diadakan hari ini menunjukkan mesej jelas bahawa kerajaan tidak boleh mengabaikan suara rakyat.

Katanya, hari ini seluruh rakyat bersatu hati dan bersatu suara dalam menuntut perubahan.

"#KL112 mungkin membawa pelbagai isu tetapi semuanya berkait antara satu sama lain, tetapi Malaysia akan menjadi lebih baik apabila suara ramai mulai didengari.

“Sama ada untuk mengubah pilihan raya, menyediakan pilihan raya yang bebas, menghentikan Lynas ataupun mempertahankan hak keluarga Felda.

“Kami menuntut pilihan raya yang adil dan bebas. Tidak ada sesiapa yang boleh curi undi kita. Kita harus bersatu untuk mempertahankan undi kita dan tidak akan membenarkan sesiapapun untuk menipu undi kita. Ubah pilihan raya sekarang,” katanya, yang juga Ketua Umum

Pakatan Rakyat, dalam satu kenyataan hari ini, menjelang Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat yang berlangsung di Stadium Merdeka mulai jam 2 petang tadi.

Tambahnya, generasi muda yang ada kini perlu dijamin masa depan mereka dan pendidikan percuma kepada semua anak Malaysia adalah tanggungjawab pemimpin, bukannya meletakkan hutang kepada golongan muda.

Beliau menambah, dalam mengejar kemajuan, perniagaan tidak boleh mengatasi isu alam sekitar, terutamanya membabitkan keselamatan rakyat Kuantan tidak boleh diabaikan.

"Perniagaan tidak boleh melebihi keselamatan alam sekitar, sebab itulah kita wajar melindungi keselamatan rakyat Kuantan. Katakan tidak kepada Lynas.

"Selain itu, peneroka dan keluarga mereka bukanlah barangan tidak komoditi yang akan didagangkan seperti yang dilihat dalam penyenaraian yang terpaksa dilalui oleh peneroka Felda dan kesan kewangan akibat penyenaraian  itu kini terpaksa dihadapi  hari ini.

"Hari ini kita wajar putuskan apa yang betul dan apa yang tidak kepada kumpulan kecil yang memakan yang lemah," kata beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Permatang Pauh.

Sementara itu, beliau berkata, rakyat Malaysia di luar negara yang akan mengundi dalam pilihan raya akan datang diingatkan bahawa mereka adalah seorang individu yang bebas memberikan pendapat mereka mengenai apa yang di tanah air dan cabaran-cabaran yang
terpaksa dihadapi oleh penduduk di negara ini.

Sehubungan itu, katanya, sokongan mereka amat diperlukan terutamanya untuk kembali ke tanah air demi mencurah bakti dan jasa kepada Malaysia dengan sumber yang terhad dan untuk menyalurkan keyakinan kepada ahli keluarga di Malaysia bahawa perubahan adalah mungkin dan semakin hampir untuk berlaku.

Katanya lagi, semua disaran untuk terus mengemas kini Twitter masing-masing sepanjang hari untuk berkongsi pandangan sebagai usaha membina harapan dan mengembangkan tolenransi serta menenepikan pemimpin yang bersikap acuh tak acuh yang memerintah hari ini.

"Satu hari nanti, kebenaran akan muncul dan sinar cahaya akan bersinar lagi dalam kehidupan kita," katanya.

Pakatan Rakyat Takes a Stab at Umno’s ‘Merdeka’ Legacy

Posted: 12 Jan 2013 08:27 AM PST

Malaysiakini

Fifty-six years ago, Umno was etched into the history books as the party which helped free Malaysia from British colonialists, a feat which it has hitherto never stopped reminding Malaysians about.

The declaration of Independence was made by Umno’s second president Tunku Abdul Rahman at Stadium Merdeka, which grew even more famous over the years by playing host to premier entertainment, sporting and national events.

Today, the ageing stadium hosted yet another historical milestone. It was the site of the biggest ever rally organised by opposition parties, which no doubt helped set a new record for the 30,000 capacity stadium.

If it wasn’t enough to stage a massive anti-Umno and anti-BN rally at the venue which played a major role in Umno’s legacy, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim capped off the event by chanting “Merdeka” seven times, mimicking Tunku not only in frequency but in mannerism as well.

“Like how our forefathers cried out (Merdeka!), today we repeat that oath and this time, we will achieve genuine independence for the people,” he said.

In an attempt to redefine the term, each time Anwar said “Merdeka”, the crowd responded with “Rakyat”.

How will Umno react?

Pakatan Rakyat’s antics in Stadium Merdeka is unlikely to bode well for Umno diehards, who are likely to question the sudden and unexpected liberal approach.

Until today, any major rally with a hint of anti-Umno and anti-BN sentiments would have faced the full brunt of the law, with tear gas, batons and water cannons to boot.

Instead, the federal government went out of its way to make sure that the rally proceeded without incident, to the extent of having the police say that their aim was to have “zero casualties” during the event.

In essence, Pakatan came out looking like its support base is growing, despite the intensifying negative press about them coming from the government-controlled media organisations since the last general election.

Such media organisations are going to be hard-pressed to claim that 100,000 people were paid to attend the rally, whereas Pakatan supporters will claim they braved the heat and congestion, unlike BN’s less organic approach in drawing a crowd.

Looking beyond race

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s predecessors have never faced an opposition show of force on this scale before and his party will face a challenge to explain why opposition rally numbers are on the rise under his watch.

During the rally, Anwar, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng offered their theories, but it was mostly centred around BN’s race-based policies.

“We need to break from Umno and BN’s sentiments that only Malays can take care of Malays, only Chinese can take care of Chinese, only Indians and can care of Indians, only Ibans can take care of Ibans, and only Dayaks can take care of Dayaks.

“We want to prove we can take care of everyone regardless of race,” declared Lim.

Abdul Hadi also sought to reassure Malay supporters that despite the new politics being advocated, the fundamentals of the country will remain unchanged.

“PAS together with PKR and DAP have settled on the principles of constitutional monarchy, Islam as the national religion, Malay as the national language and that bumiputera rights would be defended,” he said.

Najib scores own goal?

Pakatan’s message was best reflected in Anwar’s call to give the opposition coalition’s formula a shot.

“Give us a chance because we are sensitive to the people’s voice, we are not deaf like BN,” he said.

Perhaps it was this “deafness” which may have also contributed to the rise of civil society movements – such as the oil royalty campaign, Himpunan Hijau movement and the Pengerang anti-oil refinery movement – whose supporters made up a significant portion of the participants at the rally today.

These groups have been growing in strength over the past four years after their pleas to the federal government fell on deaf ears.

Save for the Bersih coalition, representatives from every civil society movement that took to the stage explicitly urged Malaysians to bring in a new federal government.

The Najib administration may have avoided a crackdown to prevent a backlash such as in past rallies, but he is now faced with a new challenge of an emboldened Pakatan projecting its strength on Umno’s sacred turf.
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