'Suspending Anwar from Parliament, which is not difficult for Umno, will further strengthen the opposition and draw more support from the rakyat.'

BN's unquiet desperation in Parliament

Doc: On the issue of handling Anwar, Umno seems to be caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. If they suspend Anwar in Parliament, it is highly unlikely that the opposition will keep quiet.

Suspending Anwar from Parliament, which is not difficult for Umno, will further strengthen the opposition and draw more support from the rakyat. The rakyat will perceive Anwar as the people's hero in trying to fight injustice and in the process is getting hammered from Umno for his efforts. The Sodomy II trial has already managed to garner more support from the rakyat towards Anwar's cause.

Cala: It's not fair to discriminate against Apco. In his desperation to shore up a frail and failed Umno-led BN regime. Prime Minister Najib Razak probably should be given a small credit for appointing a Jewish PR/advertising company to reverse the tide. He has little choice.

The Jewish firms are among the best in this field. On record, the founder of Ford Motor Henry Ford Sr (1922) had openly declared the Jews' menace to the American society due to their tenacity in business and strategic control over key industries, namely in banking, newspaper, Hollywood and advertising. But my point is, is it wrong for Najib to use Apco, which is a Jewish set-up? I don't think so.

In this era of flat world, what matters are efficiency and effectiveness to a given task. Why should they be condemned based on creed and ethnic origin? Why should the issue of Palestine- Israel conflict be dragged into the picture, unless of course there is evidence to prove that Apco is funding Israel's interests.

Ahmad Iqhbal: Dear Cala, why should it be alright for any political body to use a PR company from another country? Shouldn't the government be truthful to its people? Why the need for smoke and mirrors?

They provide ways to make a person or organisation, or in this case a government, appear a lot better than they are. Wouldn't this money be far better spent within Malaysia? Although whenever the government spends money, a hefty sum is lost to cronies and middlemen.

I suppose the PM will be putting a spin on why Malaysia needs to buy Israeli military hardware next. After all, they apparently make some of the best military hardware in the world.

4thGPendatang: I just wonder if Apco realised that they took on more than they can chew. It must be the most difficult RM20 million they ever earned. All the creative lingo and jingo and what nots they came out with have hit a brick wall and became meaningless because the Umnoputras are more interested in milking money than practise good governance.

The only one praying for success is Najib, and so far his prayer is not answered. How pathetic.

Hindraf's London start for global Anwar campaign

Temenggong: First, they took the Indian issues to the British courts, then the Kadazan and Iban issues to the Commons, now Anwar to the British Parliament! Well done and thanks for internationalising and blowing the whistle on Malaysia's oppression. After this, take it further to the UN Commission of Inquiry for Crimes Against Humanity!

Kgen: Kudos to P Waythayamoorthy. I give credit where credit is due. If Hindraf can speak up for others instead of confining itself to Indian issues, only then support for Hindraf from all Malaysians will be forthcoming.

Why adopt a narrow mono-ethnic stance which cripples your cause? I hope Waytha can see the advantage of multi-racial support and speak up for injustice affecting all races, not just Indians.
Mydin Kutty: Hindraf is a principled movement. And so is HRP (Human Rights Party). When it comes to human rights, they stand by it no matter who is affected. It is just Pakatan Rakyat which do not see their principled stand.

Freemsia: Do I forsee Khairy Jamaluddin and his Umno Youth coming out again doing a demonstration outside the British High Comission while PDRM (police) just stand and watch again?

When Anwar speaks, they come

Joshua Purushotman: Yes, he hasn't lost his touch. If anything, he is more respected now for walking the talk. He has gone to jail for his principles, continues to fight for truth and justice to prevail in Malaysia and above all, I'm amazed at his optimism and cheerful smile despite the hell this government is putting him through.

I shall never forget the televised public debate between him and then information minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek. Shabery was foaming at the mouth throughout the debate. His saliva dribbling non-stop. It only shows his utter fear and nervousness at facing Anwar.

Ironic. Anwar has his back against the wall with the media, courts and even Parliament being manipulated to prevent important issues raised by opposition from being debated. Yet they are so terrified of him.

Kama Mustaffa: Anwar is an ordinary man. Nothing more , nothing less. He speaks for the ordinary man and woman, children and the elderly. Today I celebrate being ordinary. I celebrate being amongst the commoner. Eating from the commoner's plate, drinking from the commoner's cup, living the life of a commoner, and enjoying freedom as a commoner.

Great people are great because they speak for an ordinary people. Sultans are great sultans when they seek the life of a commoner, like Umar Abdul Aziz and Salahuddin Al-Ayubi.

But beware, being ordinary doesn't mean being mediocre. You achieve excellence by high standards and principles. But when these standards and principles is shared with the common people, then the ordinary will become empowered. And that is how we can become a great nation - by being good at what we do, and share them with ordinary people.

Some can insult sultans with impunity

Geronimo: "Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud (PBB-Kota Samarahan) said, "(The) government's move to remove immunity is consistent with the teachings of Islam because the religion did not provide such privileges."

The statement itself is as good as doing away with the monarchy and declaring the country a republic since Islam supercedes the monarchy. My God, what were these people thinking? The royalties, as everyone knows, is not perfect but it doesn't mean that these BN fellows have the right to thrash the royalties as though they were garbage.

The least they could show was some civility, respect and decorum towards the sultans but I guess this is not in the vocabulary of BN. During one protest, Umno could even put up a banner calling the sultan a 'natang' (binatang).

So what's this about protecting the sultans? Isn't this hypocritical?

KSM: 1993 was the year that the sultans were made to tow the line under Umno. Umno now show their support for the sultans in return for their 'loyalty' and endorsement for all the changes to the constitution.

Gk: I wonder how would Umno politicians as well as the Malay ultras going to say after reading this article. It is interesting to see how they react, or maybe non-reaction at all? Why can't politician be truthful, I wonder? Can we summed up by saying ‘Bikin tak serupa kata'?

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