pywong
5th June 2011, 01:59 PM
Sunday, 05 June 2011 00:00
A serious blunder by Umno: Najib now faces a new PAS in GE-13 (http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13566:a-serious-blunder-by-umno-najib-now-faces-a-new-pas-in-ge-13&Itemid=2)
Written by Selena Tay, Wong Choon Mei, Malaysia Chronicle
http://malaysia-chronicle.com/media/k2/items/cache/e245e7c7ba33d750f6b5d2818ab0ec32_XL.jpg
The PAS party election may be over but the action has only just begun!
The results have caught arch rivals UMNO by surprise. PAS members have picked what many pundits have called a "battlefield line-up" for the coming 13th General Election.
Among the prominent new faces are Mat Sabu, Husam Musa and Mazlan Aliman.
The popular Mat Sabu was elected Deputy President, replacing Ustaz Nasharuddin Mat Isa (Bachok MP).
Another well-liked but soft-spoken man, Husam Musa was picked for the post of Vice-President.
The remaining two Vice-President seats saw incumbents Salahudin Ayub (Kubang Kerian MP) and Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena MP and also of the Saman Ekor fame) retaining their positions. Salahudin garnered the highest number of votes at 753. Husam obtained 660, while Mahfuz received 616.
Underestimated the Malay sense of fairplay
Whether they choose to admit it or not, UMNO leaders watching the PAS polls must be feeling stabs of cold fear in their hearts now.
They have badly miscalculated the Malay psyche. They tried to drive PAS back into its former shell of religious fundamentalism but PAS refused to be brow-beaten despite pressure piled by the likes of UMNO units, Perkasa and Pembela.
Suddenly, it swerved - choosing its own course. PAS has chosen a new direction for itself. It is a road that, if travelled with commitment, can finally nurse Malaysia back to health.
Prime Minister Najib Razak has no one to blame but himself. His expensively-paid but inept advisers have let him down and they will surely go down in history as the team that nearly brought Malaysia to the brink with their nonsensical dramas and evil shenanigans like Sodomy II and Datuk T Sex Video.
Whatever it is, the PAS polls show that fairy tale endings are not impossible. In the end, good prevails over evil and the meek do really inherit the earth.
The new faces of Hope for the Malay community
On Saturday, leading the change in PAS and in the Malay community, long-time activist Mat Sabu was elected Deputy President. He represents the last ray of hope for the Malays, many of whom are despairing of ever being able to break away from the soul-sapping and corruption-riddled politics of the UMNO elite.
Mat Sabu is a big personality on the ceramah or lecture circuit as he is known for his fire and brimstone speeches. But that is not only his strongpoint.
He has a good relationship with non-governmental organisations and has already issued a clarion call for PAS members to give full support to the Bersih Rally to be held on 9th July.
He stood by Penang Chief Minister, DAP's Lim Guan Eng when Guan Eng was imprisoned under the Internal Security Act for defending a minor who was allegedly raped by an UMNO leader, the former Malacca chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik also of the Datuk T sex video fame.
It is widely-believed by many in PAS that Mat Sabu, a Penangite, will be tasked to help Guan Eng defend Penang.
As for Husam Musa, he is the state assemblyman of Salor in Kelantan and also Menteri Besar Nik Aziz Nik Mat's personal aide. He is known for his expertise in economics and is in the forefront in championing the Kelantan oil royalty issue.
Oil royalties have been denied to the Kelantan state government since PAS took over in 1990 and the amount is now running into mega-billions.
A new face who garnered the highest number of votes (804) for a post in the Central Working Committee is Mazlan Aliman. He is synonymous with ANAK, an organisation that champions the cause of the FELDA settlers and fighting for their rights. Mazlan's tireless work and efforts is now given due recognition.
By electing Mazlan Aliman, it is clear PAS members hope to win over the hearts and minds of the FELDA settlers who provide a major bulk of BN's votes.
Another new face is Khalid Samad, the Shah Alam MP. Known for his moderate views and trouble-shooting skills he will be playing a big role for PAS in Selangor as UMNO is eyeing Selangor and has vowed to get back Selangor at all costs.
Former Perak Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin who lost in his bid for the Vice-President post, informed Malaysia Chronicle that the immediate focus is the 13th General Election.
"Clearly, delegates want real change in PAS. They want us to work hand in hand with Pakatan Rakyat to take over Putrajaya. This is a complete 'No-No' to UMNO," said Nizar, who congratulated the winners.
A first-time VP aspirant, Nizar's prospects shine bright in the future, although he may have lost this round to Husam. Husam, who made a stab for the deputy presidency in the 2009 election, is seen as having a bit more experience as far as PAS politics is concerned.
Najib's foolish mistep
On Friday, PAS president Hadi vowed to stay in Pakatan. His decision has turned out to be the right one and the new line-up shows that the party is moving towards embracing a new all-inclusive image. These ingredients, so essential for change, are being seen for the first time in the form of the new party line-up.
The PAS party polls results is a victory for the Pakatan and a great blow to UMNO.
Najib and the UMNO elite must now realise that they have to abandon all hope of PAS joining BN. UMNO leaders have only themselves to blame for being lazy. Instead of painful reforms, they resorted to play-acting and when that didn't work, they tried the next shortcut - a marriage with PAS. Again, they were rejected.
As Najib shifts UMNO towards the right, Hadi is moving PAS to the centre.
The focus of PAS is now the Welfare State, rather than the Islamic state. Not that PAS has forsaken its raison d'etre but this is the more effective way to reach out to more Malaysians. And the need to reach out is indeed urgent after the BN's abject failure to care for the people. National bankruptcy beckons, spiralling inflation seems inescapable and the masses look set to suffer the worst of the economic pain.
Najib, who spent hundreds of millions on his 1 Malaysia slogan only to leave it hollow, must feel as foolish as the Three Stooges. But whether it is him, his wife Rosmah Mansor, former premier Mahathir Mohamad or his advisers, the buck stops with him. Such is the nature of responsibility.
Although PAS - just like DAP and PKR - will work together with BN on matters that will benefit the people, PAS has made it clear it will never join BN.
Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, the PAS Parit Buntar MP whose father was one of the party's early founders, opined that this is the best line-up going into the general election.
"In the era of New Politics, we must first focus on taking care of the welfare of the people more than anything else as this struggle is based on Islam," Kuala Selangor MP Dzulkefly Ahmad told Malaysia Chronicle.
Endorsement for Pakatan and Anwar
With the BN-controlled mainstream media constantly reminding the Malays that only UMNO can look after their interests, PAS would need a convincing speaker who can gain the confidence of the Malays and to counter the UMNO media.
And Mat Sabu fits the bill perfectly and perhaps that is another reason why he was elected as the No. 2 man - to convince the Malays that their interests will be taken care off should Pakatan gain control of the Federal Government.
Furthermore, Mat Sabu is well-known among the older Chinese and Indians. This is the face of the Malays that PAS wants to project to the non-Malays. Clearly Mat Sabu's mass-appeal that cuts across racial and religious lines will be a bonus to PAS and a threat to UMNO.
For PKR and Opposition Leader, Mat Sabu's election is also a huge endorsement. Contrary to the incessant trumpeting by the mainstream media and Najib himself, Malay grassroots still support Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim much more than Najib. To prevent Mat Sabu from winning, his enemies had labelled him as Anwar's lap-dog. But still, Mat Sabu won.
Malays want real change
The two men he triumphed against were also among the best in PAS - the extremely popular Tuan Ibrahim and the energetic Nasharudin Mat Isa. But members wanted change. It truly was as simple as that.
And this is another lesson for Najib. Stop the shenanigans. The more you bluff, the more people dislike it. Just be sincere and try do good. If that is not enough, accept your karma and stand aside for others chosen by God to finish the task. But to resort to evil as he has done so, then not only will Malaysians not forgive, the Almighty will also want an explanation!
For the first time in PAS history, the top post besides that of the President are filled with non-ulama (Islamic scholars). This historic party election heralds a new age for PAS and a new direction for the Malay community.
Indeed, pundits may have got it right - it does look like the time has come for PAS to replace UMNO. - Malaysia Chronicle
---------- Post added at 01:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:51 PM ----------
Saturday, 04 June 2011 00:52
Hadi hammers Najib: Don't turn Malays into a stupid and dishonest race (http://malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13509:hadi-hammers-najib-dont-turn-malays-into-a-stupid-and-dishonest-race&Itemid=2)
Written by Wong Choon Mei, Malaysia Chronicle
http://malaysia-chronicle.com/media/k2/items/cache/46038decc8afa3647d9150b93ffc582c_XL.jpg
Despite flirty lures and promises of ministerial posts, PAS president Hadi Awang sent Prime Minister Najib Razak off with a flea in his ear, condeming the UMNO president and his party leaders for unrestrained corruption and sacrificing Islamic principles.
He warned his UMNO counterpart not to hide behind the mask of Malay unity to stir up trouble for the Malays, who form the bulk of membership in both their parties.
“UMNO as a Malay-bumiputera majority party was entrusted with leadership but the wealth of the nation has been turned into the private property of its leaders, while the ordinary people struggle to make ends meet," Hadi said in a stinging speech at the 57th PAS Muktamar on Friday.
“Umno has created a flock of Malays and Muslims who are blind and deaf to money politics, with entertainment and media used to turn Malays and Muslims stupid."
Right smack in the face
The strength of his words left no room for doubt and only humiliation for UMNO, whose leaders in the past fortnight have tried to annoy their PAS counterparts with leery taunts and skewed reasoning to defect to BN, and dump Pakatan Rakyat partners - DAP and PKR.
But despite the carrots dangled by Najib and regardless the magnificence of the bribes on offer, Hadi reiterated that PAS would remain in Pakatan,
“There is a difference between PAS' cooperation in Pakatan Rakyat, with cooperation with UMNO in BN, which sacrifices Islamic principles,” he explained. “Politics needs to be cleaned up but this cannot be done by UMNO-BN who have sullied it with their own hands."
There has been red-hot speculation that Najib had offered PAS 3 Cabinet positions and 5 Mentri Besar posts. Concern and worry had cloaked the PAS community as the rumors gathered strength, while UMNO leaders swaggered and boasted of an impending "coup" during the 65th UMNO meeting held a fortnight ago.
Hadi also lambasted UMNO, the dominant BN partner, for "disgusting acts like corruption, money politics, slander, racism, lies and all manner of things which embarrass even our children who are watching us”.
It was clear he was referring to the gutter politicking that top UMNO leaders had directed against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. Despite flimsy evidence and public outrage, the BN government has insisted on pushing through a sodomy trial against the 64-year old Anwar.
Recently, some UMNO members also launched a sex video conspiracy to further discredit Anwar. The PAS ulama will be debating this issue and its effect on the Malay community and youth later on at the assembly.
Malay Unity Government or narrow communalism
Meanwhile, Hadi continued to slam the merger offered by UMNO, warning that it would lead to “narrow communalism”. Islam acknowledges the existence of racially plural societies, he said.
He was addressing the concerns of the non-Muslims, who fear that an UMNO-PAS marriage would sideline the minorities in the country even further. Many pundits have also slammed the UMNO proposal for a Malay Unity Government rather than a National Unity Government.
Malays form some 60 per cent of the 28 million population and theoretically, should PAS and UMNO join forces, they could rule the country and override the rights of the Chinese, Indian and other minority races in the country.
PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat has thrown back the gauntlet to UMNO, saying PAS would join BN provided PKR and DAP could tag along. So far, Najib has rejected the idea.
“We need to realise that a plural or majmuk society is part of Islam's political message. It is compulsory for us to spread the message of no compulsion in religion, and that Islam is fair for all so that non-Muslims can see how Islam should be practiced, and Islam's image which has been tainted by Umno's antics can be redeemed,” said Hadi.
GE-13, hottest bets still July and end-August
The manner in which the UMNO-controlled media reported Hadi's eye-opening speech this morning was telling. None dared to carry Hadi's definitive 'No' to UMNO nor the scolding the Islamic leader gave to Najib and the UMNO elite for their questionable behavior.
Instead, the mainstream media rushed to focus on Hadi's call to Pakatan and PAS to prepare for snap general elections, and to also place greater attention on the people's welfare.
Pundits are now watching to see how Najib will react to the speech in terms of the timing for the 13th GE. They said if Hadi had sounded conciliating, chances are the PM would delay snap polls till later this year or even next.
But now that the PAS rejection has been clearly delivered, it looks like July and end-August are still the hottest bets.
"There is no room for hope for UMNO and Najib will have to bite the bullet or risk losing further support from the Malay community if he delays. There will be no help from PAS especially when the price hikes really start to be felt and the Malays suffer the most, especially the rural ones," Rafizi Ramli, PKR director of strategy told Malaysia Chronicle. - Malaysia Chronicle
---------- Post added at 01:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------
Saturday, 04 June 2011 17:48
Mat Sabu eyes an inclusive PAS, Husam says members want fair politics (http://malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13568:mat-sabu-eyes-an-inclusive-pas-husam-says-members-want-fair-politics&Itemid=2)
Written by Malaysia Chronicle
http://malaysia-chronicle.com/media/k2/items/cache/b3c4d881199ca76716925c3be7ac7af2_XL.jpg
Newly-elected PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu said that he will take the mandate to place the Islamic party in the national mainstream by appealing to non-Malays and non-Muslims.
This, he said, is especially important in light of the upcoming general election.
“You can't win elections just on the back of Malay support. I will endeavour to garner more support from non-Muslims using the Pakatan Rakyat platform,” said the popular grassroots leader.
Considering himself “lucky to have garnered grassroots support” in the three-way fight, the Penangite believes that he can strengthen the Islamic party's relationship with Pakatan Rakyat.
Responding to claims that professionals have ousted the ulama from leadership, Mat Sabu insisted that PAS is still under the direction of the ulama who provide guidance through the syura council.
Kelantan senior exco member Husam Musa, who was elected vice-president today, said that the results show that the delegates understand the current political climate.
“The rakyat want politics which is reasonable and fair to a multicultural society so we need to convince both Malays and non-Malays that if there is a power shift, PAS is stable and inclusive,” he said.
Ulama still strong in PAS
Like Mat Sabu, Husam brushed off the ulama-professional dichotomy, saying that there was never any intention to sideline the ulama.
“I am not exactly a professional myself and (returned vice-presidents) Salahuddin (Ayub) and Mahfuz (Omar) and I were raised in ulama teachings,” he said.
For ousted deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa, the results show that there is still room for ulama in the party.
“There is quite a mixture in the line-up, although the number of ulama is getting smaller. If (the delegates) reject ulama there will be no representation but there are still a few names (in the central working committee),” he told reporters.
He added that the voice of the ulama is still strong in PAS because of the influential Syura Council, of which he is part.
Respecting the decision of the delegation, Nasharudin also said that the fact that the Ulama Council leaders were uncontested in the wing's polls showed the stability among the ulama ranks.
Meanwhile, information chief Idris Ahmad, who missed out on the vice-president spot by about 100 votes, denied that the victors are 'Anwarites' who showed their ardent support of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.
“No, this is just what the media says. The media also said the contest was heated, but I didn't feel it. I accept (the defeat) with an open heart. I still have a lot of work to do in PAS,” he said.
- Malaysiakini
A serious blunder by Umno: Najib now faces a new PAS in GE-13 (http://www.malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13566:a-serious-blunder-by-umno-najib-now-faces-a-new-pas-in-ge-13&Itemid=2)
Written by Selena Tay, Wong Choon Mei, Malaysia Chronicle
http://malaysia-chronicle.com/media/k2/items/cache/e245e7c7ba33d750f6b5d2818ab0ec32_XL.jpg
The PAS party election may be over but the action has only just begun!
The results have caught arch rivals UMNO by surprise. PAS members have picked what many pundits have called a "battlefield line-up" for the coming 13th General Election.
Among the prominent new faces are Mat Sabu, Husam Musa and Mazlan Aliman.
The popular Mat Sabu was elected Deputy President, replacing Ustaz Nasharuddin Mat Isa (Bachok MP).
Another well-liked but soft-spoken man, Husam Musa was picked for the post of Vice-President.
The remaining two Vice-President seats saw incumbents Salahudin Ayub (Kubang Kerian MP) and Mahfuz Omar (Pokok Sena MP and also of the Saman Ekor fame) retaining their positions. Salahudin garnered the highest number of votes at 753. Husam obtained 660, while Mahfuz received 616.
Underestimated the Malay sense of fairplay
Whether they choose to admit it or not, UMNO leaders watching the PAS polls must be feeling stabs of cold fear in their hearts now.
They have badly miscalculated the Malay psyche. They tried to drive PAS back into its former shell of religious fundamentalism but PAS refused to be brow-beaten despite pressure piled by the likes of UMNO units, Perkasa and Pembela.
Suddenly, it swerved - choosing its own course. PAS has chosen a new direction for itself. It is a road that, if travelled with commitment, can finally nurse Malaysia back to health.
Prime Minister Najib Razak has no one to blame but himself. His expensively-paid but inept advisers have let him down and they will surely go down in history as the team that nearly brought Malaysia to the brink with their nonsensical dramas and evil shenanigans like Sodomy II and Datuk T Sex Video.
Whatever it is, the PAS polls show that fairy tale endings are not impossible. In the end, good prevails over evil and the meek do really inherit the earth.
The new faces of Hope for the Malay community
On Saturday, leading the change in PAS and in the Malay community, long-time activist Mat Sabu was elected Deputy President. He represents the last ray of hope for the Malays, many of whom are despairing of ever being able to break away from the soul-sapping and corruption-riddled politics of the UMNO elite.
Mat Sabu is a big personality on the ceramah or lecture circuit as he is known for his fire and brimstone speeches. But that is not only his strongpoint.
He has a good relationship with non-governmental organisations and has already issued a clarion call for PAS members to give full support to the Bersih Rally to be held on 9th July.
He stood by Penang Chief Minister, DAP's Lim Guan Eng when Guan Eng was imprisoned under the Internal Security Act for defending a minor who was allegedly raped by an UMNO leader, the former Malacca chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik also of the Datuk T sex video fame.
It is widely-believed by many in PAS that Mat Sabu, a Penangite, will be tasked to help Guan Eng defend Penang.
As for Husam Musa, he is the state assemblyman of Salor in Kelantan and also Menteri Besar Nik Aziz Nik Mat's personal aide. He is known for his expertise in economics and is in the forefront in championing the Kelantan oil royalty issue.
Oil royalties have been denied to the Kelantan state government since PAS took over in 1990 and the amount is now running into mega-billions.
A new face who garnered the highest number of votes (804) for a post in the Central Working Committee is Mazlan Aliman. He is synonymous with ANAK, an organisation that champions the cause of the FELDA settlers and fighting for their rights. Mazlan's tireless work and efforts is now given due recognition.
By electing Mazlan Aliman, it is clear PAS members hope to win over the hearts and minds of the FELDA settlers who provide a major bulk of BN's votes.
Another new face is Khalid Samad, the Shah Alam MP. Known for his moderate views and trouble-shooting skills he will be playing a big role for PAS in Selangor as UMNO is eyeing Selangor and has vowed to get back Selangor at all costs.
Former Perak Menteri Besar Nizar Jamaluddin who lost in his bid for the Vice-President post, informed Malaysia Chronicle that the immediate focus is the 13th General Election.
"Clearly, delegates want real change in PAS. They want us to work hand in hand with Pakatan Rakyat to take over Putrajaya. This is a complete 'No-No' to UMNO," said Nizar, who congratulated the winners.
A first-time VP aspirant, Nizar's prospects shine bright in the future, although he may have lost this round to Husam. Husam, who made a stab for the deputy presidency in the 2009 election, is seen as having a bit more experience as far as PAS politics is concerned.
Najib's foolish mistep
On Friday, PAS president Hadi vowed to stay in Pakatan. His decision has turned out to be the right one and the new line-up shows that the party is moving towards embracing a new all-inclusive image. These ingredients, so essential for change, are being seen for the first time in the form of the new party line-up.
The PAS party polls results is a victory for the Pakatan and a great blow to UMNO.
Najib and the UMNO elite must now realise that they have to abandon all hope of PAS joining BN. UMNO leaders have only themselves to blame for being lazy. Instead of painful reforms, they resorted to play-acting and when that didn't work, they tried the next shortcut - a marriage with PAS. Again, they were rejected.
As Najib shifts UMNO towards the right, Hadi is moving PAS to the centre.
The focus of PAS is now the Welfare State, rather than the Islamic state. Not that PAS has forsaken its raison d'etre but this is the more effective way to reach out to more Malaysians. And the need to reach out is indeed urgent after the BN's abject failure to care for the people. National bankruptcy beckons, spiralling inflation seems inescapable and the masses look set to suffer the worst of the economic pain.
Najib, who spent hundreds of millions on his 1 Malaysia slogan only to leave it hollow, must feel as foolish as the Three Stooges. But whether it is him, his wife Rosmah Mansor, former premier Mahathir Mohamad or his advisers, the buck stops with him. Such is the nature of responsibility.
Although PAS - just like DAP and PKR - will work together with BN on matters that will benefit the people, PAS has made it clear it will never join BN.
Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa, the PAS Parit Buntar MP whose father was one of the party's early founders, opined that this is the best line-up going into the general election.
"In the era of New Politics, we must first focus on taking care of the welfare of the people more than anything else as this struggle is based on Islam," Kuala Selangor MP Dzulkefly Ahmad told Malaysia Chronicle.
Endorsement for Pakatan and Anwar
With the BN-controlled mainstream media constantly reminding the Malays that only UMNO can look after their interests, PAS would need a convincing speaker who can gain the confidence of the Malays and to counter the UMNO media.
And Mat Sabu fits the bill perfectly and perhaps that is another reason why he was elected as the No. 2 man - to convince the Malays that their interests will be taken care off should Pakatan gain control of the Federal Government.
Furthermore, Mat Sabu is well-known among the older Chinese and Indians. This is the face of the Malays that PAS wants to project to the non-Malays. Clearly Mat Sabu's mass-appeal that cuts across racial and religious lines will be a bonus to PAS and a threat to UMNO.
For PKR and Opposition Leader, Mat Sabu's election is also a huge endorsement. Contrary to the incessant trumpeting by the mainstream media and Najib himself, Malay grassroots still support Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim much more than Najib. To prevent Mat Sabu from winning, his enemies had labelled him as Anwar's lap-dog. But still, Mat Sabu won.
Malays want real change
The two men he triumphed against were also among the best in PAS - the extremely popular Tuan Ibrahim and the energetic Nasharudin Mat Isa. But members wanted change. It truly was as simple as that.
And this is another lesson for Najib. Stop the shenanigans. The more you bluff, the more people dislike it. Just be sincere and try do good. If that is not enough, accept your karma and stand aside for others chosen by God to finish the task. But to resort to evil as he has done so, then not only will Malaysians not forgive, the Almighty will also want an explanation!
For the first time in PAS history, the top post besides that of the President are filled with non-ulama (Islamic scholars). This historic party election heralds a new age for PAS and a new direction for the Malay community.
Indeed, pundits may have got it right - it does look like the time has come for PAS to replace UMNO. - Malaysia Chronicle
---------- Post added at 01:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:51 PM ----------
Saturday, 04 June 2011 00:52
Hadi hammers Najib: Don't turn Malays into a stupid and dishonest race (http://malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13509:hadi-hammers-najib-dont-turn-malays-into-a-stupid-and-dishonest-race&Itemid=2)
Written by Wong Choon Mei, Malaysia Chronicle
http://malaysia-chronicle.com/media/k2/items/cache/46038decc8afa3647d9150b93ffc582c_XL.jpg
Despite flirty lures and promises of ministerial posts, PAS president Hadi Awang sent Prime Minister Najib Razak off with a flea in his ear, condeming the UMNO president and his party leaders for unrestrained corruption and sacrificing Islamic principles.
He warned his UMNO counterpart not to hide behind the mask of Malay unity to stir up trouble for the Malays, who form the bulk of membership in both their parties.
“UMNO as a Malay-bumiputera majority party was entrusted with leadership but the wealth of the nation has been turned into the private property of its leaders, while the ordinary people struggle to make ends meet," Hadi said in a stinging speech at the 57th PAS Muktamar on Friday.
“Umno has created a flock of Malays and Muslims who are blind and deaf to money politics, with entertainment and media used to turn Malays and Muslims stupid."
Right smack in the face
The strength of his words left no room for doubt and only humiliation for UMNO, whose leaders in the past fortnight have tried to annoy their PAS counterparts with leery taunts and skewed reasoning to defect to BN, and dump Pakatan Rakyat partners - DAP and PKR.
But despite the carrots dangled by Najib and regardless the magnificence of the bribes on offer, Hadi reiterated that PAS would remain in Pakatan,
“There is a difference between PAS' cooperation in Pakatan Rakyat, with cooperation with UMNO in BN, which sacrifices Islamic principles,” he explained. “Politics needs to be cleaned up but this cannot be done by UMNO-BN who have sullied it with their own hands."
There has been red-hot speculation that Najib had offered PAS 3 Cabinet positions and 5 Mentri Besar posts. Concern and worry had cloaked the PAS community as the rumors gathered strength, while UMNO leaders swaggered and boasted of an impending "coup" during the 65th UMNO meeting held a fortnight ago.
Hadi also lambasted UMNO, the dominant BN partner, for "disgusting acts like corruption, money politics, slander, racism, lies and all manner of things which embarrass even our children who are watching us”.
It was clear he was referring to the gutter politicking that top UMNO leaders had directed against Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. Despite flimsy evidence and public outrage, the BN government has insisted on pushing through a sodomy trial against the 64-year old Anwar.
Recently, some UMNO members also launched a sex video conspiracy to further discredit Anwar. The PAS ulama will be debating this issue and its effect on the Malay community and youth later on at the assembly.
Malay Unity Government or narrow communalism
Meanwhile, Hadi continued to slam the merger offered by UMNO, warning that it would lead to “narrow communalism”. Islam acknowledges the existence of racially plural societies, he said.
He was addressing the concerns of the non-Muslims, who fear that an UMNO-PAS marriage would sideline the minorities in the country even further. Many pundits have also slammed the UMNO proposal for a Malay Unity Government rather than a National Unity Government.
Malays form some 60 per cent of the 28 million population and theoretically, should PAS and UMNO join forces, they could rule the country and override the rights of the Chinese, Indian and other minority races in the country.
PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mat has thrown back the gauntlet to UMNO, saying PAS would join BN provided PKR and DAP could tag along. So far, Najib has rejected the idea.
“We need to realise that a plural or majmuk society is part of Islam's political message. It is compulsory for us to spread the message of no compulsion in religion, and that Islam is fair for all so that non-Muslims can see how Islam should be practiced, and Islam's image which has been tainted by Umno's antics can be redeemed,” said Hadi.
GE-13, hottest bets still July and end-August
The manner in which the UMNO-controlled media reported Hadi's eye-opening speech this morning was telling. None dared to carry Hadi's definitive 'No' to UMNO nor the scolding the Islamic leader gave to Najib and the UMNO elite for their questionable behavior.
Instead, the mainstream media rushed to focus on Hadi's call to Pakatan and PAS to prepare for snap general elections, and to also place greater attention on the people's welfare.
Pundits are now watching to see how Najib will react to the speech in terms of the timing for the 13th GE. They said if Hadi had sounded conciliating, chances are the PM would delay snap polls till later this year or even next.
But now that the PAS rejection has been clearly delivered, it looks like July and end-August are still the hottest bets.
"There is no room for hope for UMNO and Najib will have to bite the bullet or risk losing further support from the Malay community if he delays. There will be no help from PAS especially when the price hikes really start to be felt and the Malays suffer the most, especially the rural ones," Rafizi Ramli, PKR director of strategy told Malaysia Chronicle. - Malaysia Chronicle
---------- Post added at 01:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------
Saturday, 04 June 2011 17:48
Mat Sabu eyes an inclusive PAS, Husam says members want fair politics (http://malaysia-chronicle.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=13568:mat-sabu-eyes-an-inclusive-pas-husam-says-members-want-fair-politics&Itemid=2)
Written by Malaysia Chronicle
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Newly-elected PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu said that he will take the mandate to place the Islamic party in the national mainstream by appealing to non-Malays and non-Muslims.
This, he said, is especially important in light of the upcoming general election.
“You can't win elections just on the back of Malay support. I will endeavour to garner more support from non-Muslims using the Pakatan Rakyat platform,” said the popular grassroots leader.
Considering himself “lucky to have garnered grassroots support” in the three-way fight, the Penangite believes that he can strengthen the Islamic party's relationship with Pakatan Rakyat.
Responding to claims that professionals have ousted the ulama from leadership, Mat Sabu insisted that PAS is still under the direction of the ulama who provide guidance through the syura council.
Kelantan senior exco member Husam Musa, who was elected vice-president today, said that the results show that the delegates understand the current political climate.
“The rakyat want politics which is reasonable and fair to a multicultural society so we need to convince both Malays and non-Malays that if there is a power shift, PAS is stable and inclusive,” he said.
Ulama still strong in PAS
Like Mat Sabu, Husam brushed off the ulama-professional dichotomy, saying that there was never any intention to sideline the ulama.
“I am not exactly a professional myself and (returned vice-presidents) Salahuddin (Ayub) and Mahfuz (Omar) and I were raised in ulama teachings,” he said.
For ousted deputy president Nasharudin Mat Isa, the results show that there is still room for ulama in the party.
“There is quite a mixture in the line-up, although the number of ulama is getting smaller. If (the delegates) reject ulama there will be no representation but there are still a few names (in the central working committee),” he told reporters.
He added that the voice of the ulama is still strong in PAS because of the influential Syura Council, of which he is part.
Respecting the decision of the delegation, Nasharudin also said that the fact that the Ulama Council leaders were uncontested in the wing's polls showed the stability among the ulama ranks.
Meanwhile, information chief Idris Ahmad, who missed out on the vice-president spot by about 100 votes, denied that the victors are 'Anwarites' who showed their ardent support of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.
“No, this is just what the media says. The media also said the contest was heated, but I didn't feel it. I accept (the defeat) with an open heart. I still have a lot of work to do in PAS,” he said.
- Malaysiakini