vox populi small thumbnail 'The belligerent posture of Penang Umno speaks volume about its defiance - one more indication that Umno cannot change.'

 

Ahmad Ismail showered with heroic titles at AGM

Joe: Can anyone believe what Ahmad Ismail says is real? That he stepped away from his Umno division out of good intentions to help Penang Umno heal the rift and collaborate with Gerakan and MCA to recapture Penang? In reality, he has tried to make a comeback, and no doubt, was told by PM Najib Abdul Razak not to.

It must have stung Penang Umno for its state information chief Musa Syed Fadhil to issue a veiled threat to the people of Penang. The belligerent posture of Penang Umno speaks volume about its unrepentance and defiance. This is one more indication that Umno cannot change.

Singa Pura Pura: For as long as I have breathed, and as far back into the past as I could rummage my memory banks for reports in the ‘old’ The Star and The Straits Echo , you chaps and big bullies have been threatening us with “don't test our patience” and “do not play with fire” intimidatory proclamations. There is another usual threat that you have not included this time: “don’t stir the hornets’ nest.”

With respect, these are all animalistic and animistic jolts and verbalisations of a primitive war-dance as often paraded by a an equally pre-historic stone-age tribe. I believe many Malays in 1Malaysia have moved on and left you to dance behind by yourself, save the usual few tottering jesters that you surround yourself with. Shame.

Limml: It looks like the Bukit Bendera Umno division has not learned much from Ahmad Ismail's episode. I think Penang will still be in Pakatan Rakyat's hands comes next general election.

KSN: What do these fanatics mean when they shout "don't play with fire"? Perhaps they should come out like brave souls to elaborate what they meant by that slogan. Then we will know who they are targetting and what it is all about and those warned can be prepared.

That will also clarify once and for all whether these fanatics themselves understand what they mean and the consequences to the nation, and above all, to themselves.

Hamisu: State Umno information chief Musa Syed Fadhil, please don't test the patience of Malaysian citizens. Quit your stupid racial incitement. I sincerely hope you and your kind - meaning Umnoputras who incite racial tensions - get put in the freezer for a very, very long time. Only after this can Malaysia prosper and be fair to all its citizens.

Geronimo: "Don' test our patience", "Don't play with fire" and they want to rule Penang again? With continuous statements like that, their chances of regaining Penang is as distant as the planet Pluto. Why can't these nincompoops try to mend fences with the non-Malays instead, rather than threatening them all the time. I just can't understand their mentality.

Ali: He is just a kampong hero, let him ‘shiok sendiri' (amuse himself). We have no time for him. We are busy earning a living to support our families because we don't want to engage in corruption.

Joe Friday: Ibrahim Ali, watch out, here comes your challenger for the presidency of Perkasa. With the inaugural award of ‘Bintang Perkasa Melayu Jati’ bestowed on this clown, perhaps he will be called upon to head your organisation next.

Kgen: Look at Ahmad Ismail closely. This is the real face of Umno's 1Malaysia.

Chua Soi Lek on Muslim countries

Cala: Chua Soi Lek (CSL) is correct in two arguments but wrong in one. First, there are irrefutable evidence (provided by Syed Akbar Ali) that data from 57 Muslim-majority countries show the people there suffer from poverty because of lack of economic development. Combined, they have 22 percent of world population, but accounted for only 5 percent of world output in terms of GDP.

Second, in CSL's considered view, Umno is trying to regain the lost support of the Malays by outdoing PAS to be more conservative in religion.

But he is wrong to assume that by engrossing into religious affairs, PAS will not be able to provide the right type of governance if it forms the next government along with other Pakatan component parties. Where is the proof?

As he has said, the real evil in many of the 57 Muslim- majority countries is corruption (the same trait displayed by Umno-led BN coalition, not PAS). Being Muslim is coincidental. When corruption is rampant, people suffer. Example: Malaysia.

Ramesh Rajaratnam: What CSL says is true. He's merely trying to educate his people that believing in a fundamental Islamic-based party may not necessarily eradicate corruption. However, since he's in BN, he has to direct his comments at PAS rather than Umno.

If we in Malaysia, a plural country wish to progress, we must rid ourselves of actions that are either medieval or culture made. It applies to all religions and not only to Islam, but the more radical groups are the Muslims.  

Daseen: What a shame, a statement coming from a immoral leader who practice ‘zina’ (adultery). Please, Chua Soi Lek, go to Kelantan and see if the government there is fair to all races and religion, and if they encourage temple demolishment as practiced by Mohd Khir Toyo in Selangor.

Corruption is prevalent in all societies. It takes high moral character to repulse the temptations of corruption and sexual immorality. When one utilises his power to enrich himself, family and friends, then is it corruption and goes against the grain of Islam.

So don’t blame corruption on an Islamic society but rather blame it on your greed and your hypocrisy.

S'gor procurement: Ditch BN model and start fresh

Sarawakian: A support letter is something that one can expect from the BN. It's cronyism and meant as a conduit to suck money from cronies and contractors. Little Napoleons love it because they can get their under-the-table commission.

If Pakatan claims that the letters don't carry weight, then they should do away with it immediately if they are really serious in getting rid of corruption. Let everyone compete on a level-playing field, based on their abilities, pricing and experience and financial standing.

Don't ape Umno culture or else you will be in the same boat.

Barrister at law: Sit up and face facts. It is not about BN model or PKR model or setting up a royal commission to find a new mode. As long as a person is willing to receive a bribe in order to extend a favour, whichever the model, there is going to be a problem.

Here Ronnie Liu, and much of the DAP group, have stumbled on power like they can never imagine. They just gave in to who they were. In every company, the Chinese are well-known for receiving "commission" and "kickbacks". They are well organised and they have developed a well-oiled network for this. It is so well-organised that they can even find a polite word for it such as "can you take care of my interest" and "I am waiting for your good news".

This is what they will keep doing until they control their greed. The Chinese will only control it if they have a leader like Lee Kuan Yew who will throw them in jail. Until then, they will keep receiving bribes and claim that they won the money in Genting Highlands or the share market.

Law Kok Soon: The Pakatan state government should shoot and stone to death those who oppose the abolishment of support letters. Those who oppose are just like BN ‘wakil rakyat’, they do not deserve to hold any state office. They just want to grab as much as possible while they are still in office.

Voice: It is time for the support letter to go before it create another round of havoc to Pakatan. Study the Penang open-tender system or any other open-tender system in other countries which will not require this sort of nonsense letter.

 

 

 

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