My Miscellaneous Page :: Mahathir-Badawi spat

November 3, 2006

Clear ‘climate of fear’ says panel

Clear ‘climate of fear’ says panel
Jacqueline Ann Surin

PETALING JAYA (The Sun, Oct 31, 2006): The "police state" and "climate of fear" that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says now exist under the current administration are actually his own creations from 22 years of power, the Civil Rights Committee of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall (CRC-KLSCAH) said.

However, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi must begin democratising reforms if he is sincere in breaking away from Mahathir’s authoritarianism, CRC-KLSCAH chairman Ser Choon Ing said in a statement.

Ser challenged both Abdullah and Mahathir to support seven measures to dismantle the "police state" and "climate of fear", including-

repealing the Internal Security Act (ISA);
establishing the Independent Police Complaint and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC);
reforming media-related laws through a parliamentary select committee;
liberalising the universities by replacing the Universities and University Colleges Act (UUCA) with legislation produced through wide consultation;
combating corruption through institutionalised means, for example, by making the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) a statutory body accountable to Parliament;
amending relevant laws to uphold the Constitutional freedoms of expression, assembly and association; and
establishing truth commissions to hold accountable those who abused power, and to correct the wrong and compensate the victims of the 1987 Operasi Lalang and 1988 judicial crisis.

"So far, Abdullah has failed to keep his promises of combating corruption, reforming bureaucracy and listening to the truth. Instead, disappointingly, he has frequently suppressed the freedom of expression and information," Ser said.

"If the PM wants to bury Mahathir’s criticisms, he must show his political determination to initiate democratising reforms and to break away from the authoritarianism inherited from Mahathir. Malaysians will then surely rally behind him."

He noted that Mahathir’s complaints of having his political freedom curbed were the "standard treatment for political dissent" during his premiership.

"Many Malaysians, from his former deputy, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to opposition and community leaders, have suffered worse persecutions," he said, adding that if Mahathir’s criticism are to have credibility, he must now support the seven measures.

Last Friday (Oct 27, 2006), Mahathir said in a statement a "climate of fear has enveloped" the country, and he had to criticise Abdullah because no one else was able to.

Mahathir also claimed that any person who tried to hold a function that may criticise Abdullah would be "harassed and threatened by the police and government leaders".

In a statement today, Inspector- General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said Malaysia was not a "police state".

Musa said that especially since he took over, the police have been more open to public views, including holding discussions with the Bar Council and non-governmental organisations.

"The police have never denied an application to hold a public gathering except when it was deemed a threat to national security and public order, and have never threatened anyone who wanted to hold a public gathering," he said.

Musa stressed that the police have neither detained the organisers of public events involving Mahathir for investigation nor disrupted these events.

"In fact, we have provided tighter security for Tun Dr Mahathir at these events since the (pepper spray) incident in Kelantan," he added.

Updated: 07:14PM Tue, 31 Oct 2006

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Stop criticising Pak Lah, Puteri Umno urges Dr M

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

The Star, Thursday November 2, 2006

Stop criticising Pak Lah, Puteri Umno urges Dr M

INFANT HEART PATIENT: Noraini (foreground) and Puteri member Norhamozah Mat Tahir visiting month-old Muhammad Hafiq Ramadhan Jajah at the paediatric ward yesterday.

KUALA LUMPUR: Puteri Umno has urged Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to stop criticising Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi so that Umno can focus on highlighting the Malay agenda during the general assembly.

Its head Datuk Noraini Ahmad said the wing was expected to touch on the controversy involving the two leaders during the assembly but not in a specific manner.

“We thought that the meeting between the two leaders during Ramadan was the best Raya gift for the party.

“It turned out that Dr Mahathir had given more ‘tags’ to Pak Lah. We feel sad,” she told reporters after a charity visit at the paediatric ward in the National Heart Institute here yesterday.

“As the younger generation, we feel that enough is enough. What else does Dr Mahathir wants?” she asked.

Noraini said Dr Mahathir’s open criticism might lead to negative implications for the party.

“There are ways to criticise. There are platforms for it. We appeal to him to stop his criticism.

“Let Pak Lah do his job. He has a lot to do. There are a lot of agenda to be fulfilled.”

At the general assembly, Noraini said the wing would table motions relating to social and welfare issues.

Earlier, she gave away duit raya to 40 young heart patients and contributed reading materials for the setting up of a reading corner at the ward.

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Mahathir leaves it to Umno to decide on his posts

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

The Star, Thursday November 2, 2006

Mahathir leaves it to Umno to decide on his posts

LANGKAWI: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is unperturbed by calls asking him to relinquish his advisory posts in several government-linked companies and agencies.

Dr Mahathir said he did not give the calls any thought because people had the right to say what they wanted.

“I hear the calls. It is their right. If they want to sack me, go ahead,” he said.

Dr Mahathir, however, added that he would step down without any objection if that was what Umno wanted.

“I leave it to Umno. Umno has the support of the rakyat,” he told newsmen after visiting the Loaf Bakery, Galeria Perdana, and two boat-making centres here yesterday.

Asked if certain quarters were trying to sideline him, he said: “Tok sah la pusing banyak-banyak. (Don’t twist so much.) Just report what I say.”

Dr Mahathir said he was visiting Langkawi to check on its progress while he was still the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) adviser.

“I hope I will be allowed to come to Langkawi even after I am no longer Lada adviser.”

Asked if Lada’s existence was still relevant, Dr Mahathir said his opinion no longer mattered because he had become “unpopular”.

“I am very unpopular (now). I was invited to attend a function in Johor today, and another function in Baling on Friday. But both invitations were cancelled recently,” he said.

Dr Mahathir said the function in Johor was organised by Persatuan Kebajikan dan Dakwah Islamiah Se Malaysia and that in Baling by a non-government organisation.

On Umno Kubang Pasu’s call to him to relinquish his posts and not to openly criticise the leadership, Dr Mahtahir said: “The requests will be given due consideration.”

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Watch it, Mahathir

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

Watch it, Mahathir
R. Manirajan

KUALA LUMPUR (The Sun, Nov 2, 2006): Umno yesterday cautioned former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad against going overboard with his criticism of the government, saying he should "know his limits".

The party’s supreme council decided this at a meeting which shot down a proposal from Umno Kedah to remove Mahathir from his advisory positions in government-linked companies and statutory bodies.

Speaking after chairing the meeting, Umno president Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said no one in the party was immune from disciplinary action if they made a mistake.

"Nobody is immune … it’s a matter for us to decide whether there is going to be action or not. For the time being, we are not going to take action against him."

On how Umno was going to handle Mahathir’s continuing tirade, he said they would reply him openly when he made a remark or criticised the government openly. This is so that the people will also know the government’s response.

After their brokered two-hour meeting recently, Mahathir held two press conferences in two days to reveal what happened and in the process, further criticised Abdullah.

In a statement posted on the Internet, Mahathir had accused the administration of creating a climate of fear, by preventing him from speaking at public forums.

Asked how the people were accepting Umno’s explanation of Mahathir’s accusations, Abdullah said he believed the people understood and had accepted the party’s explanation. He also said Umno was not afraid to act against its former president, adding that there was no need for drastic action at this point in time.

However, he warned: "He should know what the limits are. There is no need to ask what we are going to do and when we are going to do it and what the limits are.

"We will hear and we always get reports of his activities from members."

Asked if the Umno veterans’ group Mubarak had sent him a letter asking for a second meeting with Mahathir and whether he would agree, he dismissed it as a speculative question.

He was also asked about a Keadilan leader’s police report that Mahathir and he had abused their powers to benefit their children. Abdullah said he had never abused his power on matters involving his children.

Asked if he was willing to declare his children’s assets, he said: "That is my family’s right. They have not done anything wrong to warrant them declaring their assets."

Updated: 11:18PM Thu, 02 Nov 2006

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Anwar invites Mahathir to advise the Opposition

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

The Star, Friday November 3, 2006

Anwar invites Mahathir to advise the Opposition

By R.S.N. MURALI

KUALA TERENGGANU: Former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ironically come to the defence of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Anwar said Umno leaders were forgetting Dr Mahathir’s immense contributions.

He also invited the former prime minister to serve as adviser to the Opposition.

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser said: “Despite my differences with Dr Mahathir, I pity him somewhat, as he is being rebuked and criticised by Umno leaders who had once honoured him.

“He had led the country for 22 years and contributed immensely to the country and now it looks like Umno leaders are forgetting his contributions.

“I am not supporting him but he should be accorded respect as a former premier.”

On his invitation to Dr Mahathir to be adviser to the Opposition parties, Anwar said: “I might have been mistreated in the past and could have had differences with him, but this will not be a hindrance.

“As long as he is a citizen, I respect his views, and any attempts by him to join the Opposition will not be blocked by me,” Anwar told reporters after a PKR Hari Raya gathering at Pekan Batu 6, Kuala Nerus, here yesterday.

He acknowledged that the leaders of Opposition parties had to reach a consensus before Dr Mahathir could be appointed adviser.

However, Anwar did hit out at Dr Mahathir for labelling the country a “police state” under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“He is now swallowing his own bitter pills, as he had once run the country in such a manner,” Anwar added.

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No action to be taken against Dr M

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

No action to be taken against Dr M

NST, 03 Nov 2006
Anis Ibrahim and Ranjeetha Pakiam

KUALA LUMPUR: The Umno supreme council has decided that former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would not be stripped of his advisory posts in several government-linked companies.

This is despite numerous calls from within the party to remove him as adviser to several companies, notably Petronas, Proton and the Langkawi Development Authority.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the council had taken note of members’ proposals, especially the Umno leadership in Kedah which had suggested that Dr Mahathir relinquish his advisory posts since he had been critical of the government.

"However, we have decided that Tun (Dr Mahathir) will not be removed from the advisory roles he holds in several government bodies."

Asked if the former party president had immunity against disciplinary action, Abdullah said: "Nobody is immune. It is up to us to decide if action would be taken or not. For the time being, we will not take action against him."

He added that Umno was not afraid to take action against Dr Mahathir.

"It is not a question of being afraid, but we don’t think we want to take action against him now. Let him say whatever he wants," Abdullah said at a Press conference after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting at the Umno headquarters yesterday.

Abdullah said the government would continue to reply to Dr Mahathir’s criticisms and provide answers to all his questions.

He said it would be done in an open manner so that "the rakyat would also be able to understand" certain government policies and decisions".

As for people’s reaction to the on-going political spat between the two, Abdullah said he believed they had accepted his explanations.

Asked if he was prepared to meet Dr Mahathir for the second time, Abdullah replied that it was a "speculative question" and declined to answer.

On complaints that there was a lack of projects for Class F contractors in the country, Abdullah said the claims were unfounded.

He said the value of development projects from 2005 to October 2006 was RM2.96 billion for 144,060 projects.

"These projects had been given to 43,806 Class F contractors."

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November 1, 2006

Umno not going to discipline Mahathir

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

The Star, Tuesday October 31, 2006

Umno not going to discipline Mahathir

By JANE RITIKOS

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has not come to a stage where it will take disciplinary action against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Umno has not come to a stage where it will take disciplinary action against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said this was because Dr Mahathir had “immunity.”

At one time Malaysia’s first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al Haj also hurled all sorts of criticism against Dr Mahathir when he was prime minister, including through his writings in a local newspaper column but no disciplinary action was taken against him, he told Bernama.

Muhammad was asked to comment on a call by Kedah Umno Youth that the Umno leadership suspend Dr Mahathir’s membership for his continuous attacks on the Government.

Kedah Umno Youth chief Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid was reported to have said in Alor Star yesterday that Umno must take action against Dr Mahathir because his criticisms have given rise to many controversies.

Meanwhile, Umno executive secretary Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Husainay Hashim said the position of Dr Mahathir in several Government related agencies and companies was not on the agenda of the Umno supreme council meeting here on Thursday.

However, council members could raise the issue for discussion, he said.

He added that while the spat between the former prime minister and his successor, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, was not on the agenda, the issue had lately become a topic of discussion among many people and in the media.

“Every party matter will be discussed at the meeting. The issue of Tun (Dr Mahathir) has always been there, but things have lately developed. Umno cannot run away from discussing it,” he said.

Husainay had been asked to comment on a report in a Malay daily that Dr Mahathir’s position as adviser in several Government agencies and companies would be brought up at the meeting, which would be chaired by Abdullah, who is also Umno president.

“While his position (as adviser) is not specifically on the agenda of the meeting, anyone can raise it and it will be discussed, if raised,” Husainay said.

“Normally, that’s the way it is in the supreme council.”

The former prime minister is currently an advisor to Petronas, Proton and the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), among others.

Several supreme council members, including Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid and Entrepreneurial and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had called on the council to discuss the matter.

Several other council members, including Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik and Datuk Dr Norraesah Mohamad had, however, reportedly said the matter was best left to Abdullah to decide.

An aide of the former prime minister said Dr Mahathir would not be making any comment at the moment on the newspaper report.

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Umno leaders continue to chide Dr M over spat

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

The Star, Monday October 30, 2006

Umno leaders continue to chide Dr M over spat

PETALING JAYA: Umno leaders continued to chide former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday saying his criticism of the current leadership would only weaken the party and denigrate it in the eyes of the other communities.

During the various Hari Raya open houses, while some stressed the criticism had not affected Malaysia’s standing overseas, others urged for the focus to shift to implementing the 9th Malaysia Plan.

In Sungai Petani, Information Minister Datuk Zainuddin Maidin took Dr Mahathir to task for openly discrediting Abdullah, saying the other communities were monitoring his comments.

“If this goes on, the mud slinging will worsen with more revelations which would be detrimental to the community and issues of cronyism coming out in the open.

“When Tunku (Abdul Rahman) criticised Tun, he only touched on policies; never on personal issues like cronyism or sanak saudara (relatives).”

In Parit, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Tajol Rosli Ghazali used football analogy when he said advice would be more effective if given in the changing room or during half-time instead of a coach shouting instructions at players during a game.

He said Umno members could accept criticism from the Opposition but not from a party member.

In Alor Star, Kedah Umno Youth urged the party disciplinary committee to take action against Dr Mahathir.

Chief Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid said in a press conference that Dr Mahathir’s criticism had tarnished the party’s image and created more problems.

The wing also agreed with Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid that Dr Mahathir’s continuing criticism would make the people, in Umno especially, lose respect for him as a statesman.

In Sibu, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Joseph Salang said that leaders of countries whom he had met so far were not worried over the exchange between the two leaders as they considered the spat a personal matter.

He added, however, that it would be good if the row could be resolved quickly.

“It is among Malaysians that the criticism is evoking all kinds of thoughts and reactions.

“They need to stop as we all need to focus our unity, energy and resources to successfully implement the 9th Malaysia Plan and achieve the Vision 2020 goals,” he said.

In Bachok, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin said Malaysia was able to gain RM1bil due to a more efficient currency management under the present leadership.

Dr Awang Adek said a moderate growth of 5% to 6% a year was better for now as it could be sustained and eventually create better long-term prospects.

In Kota Baru, state Umno chief Datuk Seri Annuar Musa said Umno did not expect the dispute to affect its chances of recapturing Kelantan.

“The number who showed up to welcome the Prime Minister is more than those who showed up when Dr Mahathir visited here weeks earlier.

“My opinion is that Dr Mahathir is not hitting out at Umno. He is just criticising the leadership style of Abdullah.

“If some of the points are correct, we should take steps to rectify them. It (the rift) should not have an effect on the party,” he said.

“I feel Dr Mahathir is still needed and relevant to Umno as he has a lot of experience. We should look at his criticism in the best spirit.”

However, he stressed Dr Mahathir must not distract Abdullah from doing his work.

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Zam: Dr M is epitome of his ‘forget easily’ saying

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

The Star, Sunday October 29, 2006

Zam: Dr M is epitome of his ‘forget easily’ saying

SUNGAI PETANI: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticism that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s administration had created a “climate of fear” is a reflection of “his era of dictatorship,” said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.

“Tun is the epitome of his very own saying Melayu mudah lupa (Malays forget easily).

“He has deliberately forgotten that what he is accusing Pak Lah of doing now is what he (Tun) used to do while in office,” he said.

Zainuddin added that Dr Mahathir, during his tenure as prime minister, had with his authoritative leadership style created an aura around himself, which made people respect him out of fear.

“He was authoritative and firm in dealing with party members, and his political opponents … from the process of Parliament to the judiciary.

“But he was smart enough not to make it look undemocratic,” he said adding that Abdullah’s style was more quiet and diplomatic.

“He is doing to Pak Lah (Abdullah) exactly what Tunku (Abdul Rahman) did to him.

“I still remember because at the time I was an editor and had run a front page story on how Tunku was willing to give his support to the new Semangat 46 and the Opposition coalition in 1987 because he was frustrated with Tun’s attitude when he took over as prime minister in 1981,” he added.

However, Zainuddin said Tunku Abdul Rahman’s act of defiance was more refined than Dr Mahathir’s.

“He (Tunku) criticised in a diplomatic and gentlemanly manner.”

In Kota Baru, Kelantan Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Annuar Musa said Dr Mahathir must be willing to face criticism following his harsh words on Abdullah’s administration.

“Dr Mahathir will continue to lash out but the Cabinet and Government should not be affected.

“They must make their own decisions based on collective responsibility,” Annuar said at the Kelantan Umno Hari Raya open house.

Annuar said Dr Mahathir should be allowed to address the delegates at the party’s annual general assembly next month.

“Dr Mahathir must then respect others who would likely pass comments on what he has to say.”

In Penang, Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the freedom to express views should come with responsibility.

“Dr Mahathir himself had stressed that such freedom must come with responsibility,” he said after opening the Han Chiang TV and News Centre in Han Chiang College yesterday.

In Kepala Batas, Bukit Mertajam Umno division chief Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir called on Dr Mahathir to leave the party.

“It’s better he leaves Umno. It’s alright for him to criticise the party when he is no longer a part of it.”

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October 28, 2006

Climate of fear???

Filed under: Mahathir-Badawi spat

Climate of fear???
NST, 28 Oct 2006

According to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, a "climate of fear has enveloped this country… "

Ironically, yesterday was the 19th anniversary of Ops Lalang.
It was on Oct 27, 1987, when 106 Malaysians of varied background - politicians, educationists and social activists - were arrested in Operasi Lalang and detained without trial under the ISA.

And today, politicians of all stripes as well as members of the judiciary, the media and non-governmental organisations attest that Malaysians are enjoying a new climate of expression.

Statement by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad:

Why did I criticise the Prime Minister?
Because no one else is able to criticise the Prime Minister. He cannot be criticised by his Deputy, his Cabinet Ministers, Umno Supreme Council members, Menteris Besar, Chief Ministers, members of the Dewan Rakyat, members of the Senate, members of the Legislative Council, Umno members at all levels, Government officers and anyone from royalty ies to beggar.

The mainstream media, including radio and television, are not allowed to admonish the Prime Minister. Pre-paid telephones are now required to be registered so that anyone who transmits an SMS will be known by the government and action can be taken.

The Internet and websites will be electronically bugged and action taken against anyone who criticises the Prime Minister.

Anyone who attempts to hold any function that may involve criticising the Prime Minister will be harassed and threatened by the police and government leaders to force them to cancel the function.

I myself have been blocked, using all sorts of means to stop me from criticising the Prime Minister.

• I cannot be invited by Umno, non-governmental organisations, associations of government officers or non-government officers, universities or any other institution.

• Umno members and the public are prevented from and advised against attending any function or meeting where I am to speak.

• All sorts of threats are meted out by police and political leaders to scare anyone who refuse to comply.

• Every time anything that involving the public takes place, the Deputy Prime Minister and certain other quarters will forcefully advise that any criticism, comment or debate should stop.

Actions that are taken or threatened to be taken include sacking, transfer to remote areas like in Sabah, retraction or cancellation of contracts, harassment by the banks, call-up by the police, the Anti-Corruption Agency and other government enforcement agencies, detention detained and interrogated repeated interrogation.

No one dares to comment, criticise or oppose anything that is done by the Prime Minister.

In a situation where no one can criticise the Prime Minister, I have to voice my criticism on matters that do not concern my personal being but only those that concern the interest of the religion, race and country.

Because of this, I am abused by the Prime Minister’s henchmen, including component party leaders, the mainstream media that is controlled by Kali and Brendan and all other Government apparatus.

The questions and issues I raised have not been answered. What is being questioned is my right to comment and criticise. Attempts are made to disparage me so badly that I am made out to be of unsound mind. Repeatedly, allegations were made that the administration during my time was worse.

Their media make out that my criticisms of the Prime Minister are despicable and reprehensible.

Muslims should know that even an imam can be corrected by those he leads in prayers if he reads or does something wrong.

Saidina Abu Bakar, Islam’s first Caliph, had asked to be corrected if he does something wrong, not by foreigners but by the Muslims themselves.

But the current Prime Minister cannot at all be commented upon, criticised or advised. He is almost a saint who is free from any human weaknesses or wrongs.

My meeting with him should be kept secret from the rakyat. And because we have met, I can no longer criticise whatever is done by the Prime Minister.

Because of my statement that I would continue criticising if something that is not good for the religion, race and country is done by the Prime Minister, all sorts of condemnations and insults are thrown by these hatchetmen and the mainstream media towards me.

Because all avenue for criticising the government has been shut, therefore, I am forced to come up with this written statement so that it is not spun by anyone."

* This unedited statement was downloaded from the Internet

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