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"Occupy Wall Street" hits South Korea Posted: 14 Oct 2011 10:57 PM PDT SEOUL, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- A group of South Korean activists are set to occupy the streets of Seoul on Saturday, to protest the greed of conglomerates and the widening income gap, joining the "Occupy Wall Street" movement that originated in the United States. SOUTH KOREANS HOLD 'OCCUPY WALL STREET' PROTEST IN SEOUL The association of 30 local civic groups said it will hold a two-day "Occupy Seoul" protest around the capital city, including the main financial district in Yeouido, on Saturday and Sunday, according to Yonhap news agency. It said the rally is aimed at galvanizing "99 percent of Koreans" to stand up against the superwealthy "1 percent" they see in control and benefiting from a toxic financial environment, echoing claims by anti-Wall Street protesters. "The situation is the same in South Korea, where the financial institutions have speculated to earn high profits in a short time, creating victims," the group said in a statement, demanding compensation for victims who lost money due to banks' risky business operations. The group said it also plans to urge the government to strengthen regulations on financial institutions, create more jobs and curb housing prices and cut expensive college tuitions. Seoul police warned that they will take stern action against protesters who violate the law during the rally, such as those who damage public facilities, occupy roads and assault police officers. "We will arrest those who stage illegal protests on the spot and also seek legal action even after the rally ends," the Seoul Metropolitan Agency said in a release. A preliminary version of the rally was held Friday night in front of Seoul City Hall, which ended up voicing opposition to the U.S. FTA, among other issues, rather than banks. No major clashes were reported. -- BERNAMA Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

Nervous Bangkok on alert for floods Posted: 14 Oct 2011 09:41 PM PDT BANGKOK: Thailand fought to hold back floodwaters flowing towards Bangkok Saturday as a spring tide hindered efforts to protect the city of 12 million people from the kingdom's worst inundation in decades. The authorities appeared to be winning the battle, with no reports of major flooding in inner Bangkok, which is ringed by flood walls, leaving areas outside the main city to bear the brunt of the rising waters. "We must try to protect our economic zone including Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport, industrial areas and evacuation centres," said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra. Sandbags have been piled alongside rivers and canals and the authorities have been racing to repair a dyke that burst on Thursday, causing a brief scare in suburbs in the north of the capital. The floods, several metres deep in places, are currently affecting about one third of Thailand's provinces and have damaged the homes or livelihoods of millions of people and left at least 297 people dead. About 110,000 people around the country have sought refuge in shelters in the face of waters that have destroyed crops and inundated hundreds of factories in industrial parks north of Bangkok. "People have been affected by floods for three months now. The government understands that and is trying to drain the water as soon as possible," Yingluck said. "This incident is one of Thailand's biggest and most severe losses in history. The government will not forget the people's grievances." She said foreign governments including China, Japan and the United States were giving financial or logistical support for the relief operations. Conditions in inner Bangkok and at most of Thailand's top tourist destinations are mostly normal and Suvarnabhumi Airport — the capital's main international gateway, which has flood walls several metres high — is operating as usual. This weekend Bangkok is bracing for a large amount of run-off water along with seasonal high tides that will make it harder for the flood waters to flow out to sea. "We predict the water will be highest from October 16-18 as the high sea level combines with water from the north which will arrive in Bangkok tomorrow (Sunday)," said Worapat Tianprasit at the Royal Irrigation Department. He said the water in the Chao Phraya River had risen to 2.27 metres above sea level on Saturday morning at high tide, which was lower than expected. "If the tide does not exceed 2.5 metres, there won't be flooding," Worapat added. Overnight thunderstorms caused some minor flooding on roads in the centre of the capital, but the authorities have said they are confident they can prevent serious inundation in the low-lying city. "Bangkok will definitely not be affected by floods," Justice Minister Pracha Promnog, who heads the government's flood relief centre, said Friday. Sandbags have been piled in front of homes and businesses in preparation for possible inundation, and some residents have chosen to their vehicles in multi-storey carparks while stocking up on food, water and flashlights. The authorities have been dredging and draining canals to allow more water to flow through and are diverting water to areas outside the main city. The floods have dealt a heavy blow to Thailand's economy, disrupting production of cars, electronics and other goods. Japanese automakers including Toyota have suspended production in the kingdom due to water damage to facilities or a shortage of components. Three workers at a flood-hit factory north of the capital suffered minor injuries that were believed to be caused by a short circuit. - AFP Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

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Football / EPL: Dangerous ground<br><small>Devils face Anfield hoodoo</small> Posted: 14 Oct 2011 05:17 PM PDT Battle of the Bravehearts. Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will try to outdo his Scottish counterpart Kenny Dalglish of Liverpool today at Anfield.  LIVERPOOL: Manchester United head to Liverpool today for a significant test of Sir Alex Ferguson's team's improved away form. United won a record 19th league title last season — moving ahead of Liverpool's tally of 18 — despite their worst away record since the start of the Premier League. They have improved that in the current campaign, with two wins and a draw from their three away games, with a 1-1 draw at Stoke the only points they have dropped so far. But they will have to improve their record against their old rivals if they are to retain their unbeaten record. They have lost three consecutive matches at Anfield, with Ferguson recently admitting that his team have been outfought on their recent trips to Merseyside. With Manchester City hosting Aston Villa, United know that they could lose ground in the title race without a positive result against Kenny Dalglish's team. Striker Wayne Rooney, who started his career at another of Liverpool's bitter rivals, Everton, feels the short trip to Anfield is the hardest game of the season. "For me, Liverpool is always the toughest place to go to and win. They'll be pushing to get into the top four and with the signings they've got they're capable of doing that so we'll have to be aware of them and try to beat them this time." Dalglish's return to the Liverpool manager's job in January has added further spice to this fixture. Ferguson made toppling Dalglish's Liverpool his main priority when he moved to Old Trafford almost 25 years ago. Dalglish is adamant that closing United's seven-point advantage is his only motivation. "We've got an opportunity to reduce the gap and it's up to us to take it," he said. "They are a fantastic team, a hugely successful football club, and we know it's going to be a very difficult game. But I think they'll look at it and think exactly the same thing. "I don't have any individual contest with Fergie. It's the football clubs who play. We don't play any more. We can't really influence it other than in the build-up and preparation for the games. The most important thing for us is how we compete as a team on the pitch. "I'm not egotistical, I'm not in this to get one over anyone else. This football club is more important than me and always will be. "The result on Saturday is more important because it's about how millions of other people feel, rather than how I feel. It's not a boxing match, it's a game of football. "They are in a position that everyone wants to be in, and that's top position in the league. You cannot argue with that because you want to be there yourself. "They've set a standard for everyone else to follow or surpass and it's up to us to take up the challenge." — AFP Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

Football / Malaysia Cup: Defending champs fall Posted: 14 Oct 2011 05:14 PM PDT TERENGGANU sent defending champions Kelantan crashing out of the Malaysia Cup as Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Kuala Terengganu T-Team all registered second leg victories to book their places in the semi-finals yesterday. After the first leg matches saw six red cards flashed, including five in Kuala Terengganu, the second leg was tame by comparison as Ashaari Samsuddin scored twice for FA Cup champions Terengganu to claim a 2-2 draw with Kelantan in Kota Baru yesterday for a 5-3 aggregate success. M. Karathu's dream of retaining the Malaysia Cup was dashed in the first half when Terengganu took advantage of overzealous play by Super League champions Kelantan to take a 2-0 lead at half-time. Manaf Mamat latched on a poor clearance by Kelantan defender S. Subramaniam before sending the ball to Ashaari who in turn lobbed goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in the 18th minute for the opener. Five minutes from half-time, Ashaari stabbed the ball past Khairul again before Azamuddin Akil, who had a goal ruled out for offside in the first-half, reduced the deficit for Kelantan following a mistake by Terengganu goalkeeper Shabinee Allawee Ramli, who allowed the ball to slip through his hands, for the striker to slot the ball into an empty net in the 54th minute. Badhri Radzi scored a penalty in the 70th minute after referee Suhaizi Sukri pointed to the spot for a handball by Terengganu captain Marzuki Yusoff but the visitors held on to claim victory on aggregate. Selangor's renaissance under interim coach P. Maniam continued after Rudie Ramli scored in a 1-0 win over Perak in the second leg at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh for a 4-1 aggregate victory. Perak had few goalscoring chances despite having the majority of possession and were punished five minutes into the second half when Rudie, who came off the bench to replace the injured Amri Yahyah midway through the first half, headed into an empty net. The goal resulted from a free-kick taken by Safiq Rahim, who scored twice from set-piece play in the first leg, which could only be pushed high up by goalkeeper Nasril Nourdin as Rudie followed up with an opportunistic header for his second goal of the tournament. T-Team extended their fairy-tale run through the competition to the last four after repeating their 2-1 first leg win in Kota Kinabalu to defeat Sabah 4-2 on aggregate at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu. Fitri Omar put T-Team ahead when he scored off a pass from Norfarhan Mohamad in the 28th minute with a grounder which had Sabah goalkeeper Syed Adney Syed Hussain well beaten. Zairo Anuar Zailani unleashed an unstoppable shot from just outside the penalty box in the 67th minute to double T-Team's lead before Mafri Balang scored a consolation for Sabah four minutes from time. Negri needed extra-time to overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit against Felda United but advanced after Idris Karim and Hairuddin Omar scored in the additional period for a 3-0 win on the night at the Paroi Stadium. Hairuddin cancelled Felda's first-leg advantage in the 17th minute when he knocked in Shahurain Abu Samah's pass before bagging another in the 112th minute to take his Malaysia Cup tally to five goals, either side of a strike by Idris in the 100th minute. Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

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US stocks jump as Google profit surges Posted: 14 Oct 2011 05:39 PM PDT NEW YORK: US stocks climbed Friday, with Google's gangbuster earnings and buoyant US retail sales data taking front stage over the G20 meeting on Europe's crisis in Paris this weekend. The Dow Jones Industrial Average capped a strong week with a jump of 166.36 points (1.45 per cent) to 11,644.49. The broader S&P 500 advanced 20.92 points (1.74 per cent) to 1,224.58, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite gained 47.61 (1.82 per cent) to 2,667.85. "Wall Street finished a banner week with another big rally after retail sales beat estimates and European officials began beefing up plans to attack the debt crisis," said Sameer Samana of Wells Fargo Advisors. "The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted a third weekly gain, its longest streak since April." The markets followed apace their European counterparts, which picked up one per cent and more on Friday as the finance chiefs of the Group of 20 economic powers gathered in Paris for weekend talks on the eurozone public debt problem and weak global growth. Officials' comments ahead of the meeting suggested still strong concerns outside Europe that the crisis centered on Greece's mountain of sovereign debt was still not under control. US economic data offered some reasonably good news. Retail sales advanced 1.1 per cent in September from August, their strongest pace in seven months, the US Commerce Department reported. That trumped a monthly report from the University of Michigan that showed a slight drop in consumer confidence. Google shares shot up 5.85 per cent to US$591.68 after reporting late Thursday a big jump in third-quarter profit, to US$9.72 billion, as sales leaped 33 per cent from the same period last year. Analysts said that helped give a boost to online retail king Amazon, which pushed up 4.47 per cent to US$246.71, a new all-time high. Apple surged 3.32 per cent on the first day its iPhone 4s hit the market to strong demand. After sagging early on, banks mostly ended in the positive zone, with JPMorgan Chase up 0.92 per cent, Wells Fargo adding 2.11 per cent, and Citigroup 2.75 per cent. Bank of America though lost 0.48 per cent. Oil companies also put on strong gains helped by surging crude prices. ExxonMobil rose 2.28 per cent and Chevron 2.74 per cent. -- AFP Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

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REVVING AWAY Posted: 13 Oct 2011 11:54 AM PDT 2011/10/13 By Rizalman Hammim Radio-controlled car racers from Malaysia and Singapore vie for honours at the Minyak Beku Agrotourism Resort THE Minyak Beku Agrotourism Resort recently played host to round three of the remote control (RC) car national championship organised by Radio Control Auto Club (RCAC) of Kuala Lumpur. Some 50 competitors from all over the country as well as from Singapore gathered at the resort's new RC racing track to compete in three categories. RCAC vice-president Halim Hafni said there should have been four categories but there were not enough competitors in the Super Stock category. The other categories that were contested were Pro Stock, Stock and Mini Chassis. Halim said the first round of the championship was held in Penang while the second was in Klang. The next round will be in Shah Alam and the finale in Klang again. "The championship was first held in 2005. We decided to hold the championship to give RC enthusiasts the opportunity to compete in a proper championship and to test their skills and abilities," said Halim. Over the years, the championship not only has seen local enthusiasts competing but also has attracted those from Singapore, Thailand and Brunei. "We are a very close-knit community so if there is any competition in the region, we try to go. It is always good to be able to meet other enthusiasts because we can learn from each other," said Halim. Halim said the top three winners in each of the category after five rounds will be given the opportunity to compete in a regional championship. Although there is a big following of RC car racing in the country, currently, there is no governing body for the sport. "Although there are registered RC car racing clubs in every state in Malaysia, there is no governing body that oversees and promote the sport. "We are in the process of establishing an organisation that will do that," Halim said. "The organisation will follow the rules set by the International Federation of Model Auto Racing (IFMAR) and the Far East Model Car Association (FEMCA). Halim, who has been active in the sport for about six years, said those wishing to take up the sport must be willing to spend some money to buy an RC racing car. "A beginner's RC racing car costs about RM1,000 and is suitable for a beginner to learn how to control the vehicle. "After they have learned the basics, they can modify their cars by installing racing parts. A really good and competitive car can cost as much as RM7,000," said Halim. Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

Luxury car importer and distributor enters beverage market Posted: 13 Oct 2011 06:56 AM PDT Datuk Ahmad Kemin says the energy drink is suitable for everybody THE Mutiara Motors Group has entered the food and beverage market through its subsidiary, Mutiara Food and Drink (M) Sdn Bhd. Mutiara Food and Drink will be the sole distributor of a new energy drink called "Drive M7" from M7 Co Ltd of Japan. It is a non-fizzy beverage aimed at those who lead active lifestyles. Mutiara Motors Group executive chairman Datuk Ahmad Kemin said the entry of the new energy drink was in-line with the group's distribution of M7 automotive products. "We are constantly putting effort into diversifying. So, it is a good start for us to venture into the food and beverage area with the rights to distribute and sell the new energy drink. "The drink is suitable for everybody, especially those who feel tired while driving and those who are actively involved in physical activities," he said at the signing ceremony with Drive M7's ambassador Aaron Aziz recently. Ahmad said the Singapore-born actor, who was famed for his roles in action-packed movies, would promote the energy drink locally and globally. The 250ml canned drink has a recommended retail price of RM4. -- By Ben Tan Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

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No such thing as 'doubt penalty' Posted: 13 Oct 2011 10:50 PM PDT MECCA: Haj pilgrims from Malaysia are reminded to carry out their haj and umrah rituals with confidence and not to follow the actions of pilgrims from other countries. Tabung Haji consultant Datuk Seri Hassan Ahmad said the reason being that the haj pilgrims from other countries could be from a different sect. He said he had heard of pilgrims paying "dam was-was" (doubt penalties) to certain quarters for their doubtful actions. "There is no 'dam was-was. It is something made up by certain quarters," he told a media conference here Thursday. He advised Malaysian pilgrims to refer to the 37 Tabung Haji counsellors should they have any doubts. "If they are still not sure, they can come to us (consultants)," he added. Besides Hassan, who is also Penang Mufti, the other Tabung Haji consultants for the current haj season are Johor Islamic Religious Council adviser Datuk Noh Gadot and a member of the Tabung Haji adviser, Maznah Daud. Hassan said the consultants would meet the counsellors from time to time to obtain feedbacks as well as brief them on matters pertaining to haj and umrah. -- BERNAMA Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

Wife rescues bed-ridded husband in fire Posted: 13 Oct 2011 10:45 PM PDT RANTAU PANJANG: A fire which destroyed eight houses and three shophouses at Jalan Sekolah Cina last night almost cost a bed-ridden former taxi driver his life. However, Mohd Rosdi Rashid, 49, who was crippled following a stroke was rescued by his wife Rubiah Ruman, 48, in the 8.15pm incident. Rubiah said they lost almost everything but she was thankful her husband who was now receiving treatment at the health centre for injuries caused by a falling piece of burning wood, and their five children, were safe. "I only managed to salvage my handbag which contained my identity card but all the other documents including my children's birth certificates were gone," she said when met at the scene. The family's motorcycle was also destroyed. Another victim Noraida Ismail, 39, said she and her seven children were watching television and rushed out of the house upon realising there was a fire. She said her husband Azmi Mat Yatim, 36, was not in the house as he was working in Pasir Mas. "We are temporarily staying with a neighbour," she said, suspecting that the fire was caused by a short circuit as many of the affected buildings were very old. Meanwhile, Rantau Panjang Fire and Rescue operations officer Abdul Ghani Mamat said three fire engines and 18 personnel were rushed to the scene after receiving a call and managed to control the fire within 30 minutes. He said the cause was still being investigated. No loss of life was reported. -- BERNAMA Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

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Najib: 1Malaysia spirit will help us persevere Posted: 13 Oct 2011 06:38 PM PDT 2011/10/14 By Eileen Ng news@nst.com.my Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak attempts a karate chop on a wooden block in a symbolic gesture to launch the 7th World Karate Junior and Cadet Championships in Malacca. From left are Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Antonio Espino Ortueta, the president of the World Karate Federation. — NST picture by Rasul Azli Samad MALACCA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called on Malaysians to join hands and subscribe to the 1Malaysia concept to overcome future challenges. He believed that if Malaysians were imbued with the right set of values, attitude, world views and had a positive outlook to life, no obstacles would be insurmountable. "We can overcome all challenges if we join hands, close ranks and believe in the 1Malaysia (concept). "If you throw your weight behind the government, I promise you, we'll deliver a better future for all Malaysians," he said in his speech at the ground-breaking of the Malaysian Academy of Han Studies at Bukit Katil here yesterday. His remarks were met with thunderous applause from some 500 people, including attendees from Singapore, China, Taiwan and Indonesia. Present at the function were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, the academy chairman Prof Chin Kung and president Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew. Scheduled to be completed in Dec 2013, the academy aims to share Chinese philosophies and values. It will teach Chinese fine arts such as calligraphy, painting and music. Najib called on Malaysians to "break down the walls" that separated everyone and stand together to show the world that Malaysia, as a multiethnic and multireligious country, was united. He said if everyone had a single vision and worked together as one nation, Malaysia would be on its way to becoming a great country. "I believe there is greatness in store for Malaysians. We are a blessed nation, God has given us so much. Let us put to good use the fortune given by God by showing that Malaysians can rise above problems." He also paid tribute to the academy, saying that it would attract scholars worldwide who would know more about the country as well. He said it was fitting that the academy was being built in Malacca as China and the state had a long history, beginning with the arrival of Admiral Cheng Ho from China some 600 years ago to establish trade and relationship with the Malacca Sultanate. Earlier, Najib opened the 7th World Karate Junior and Cadet Championships where he hoped to see a healthy spirit of competition. He said karate was much more than competition, a desire to succeed and be the best. It was also about focus, discipline and perseverance. Also present were Ali Rustam and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. More than 1,200 participants from over 77 countries took part in the event, which will end on Sunday. Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

Electoral clean-up Posted: 13 Oct 2011 06:38 PM PDT 2011/10/14 By Mazlinda Mahmood news@nst.com.my Commission to display 40,000 'questionable' names SHAH ALAM: The Election Commission (EC) will soon be displaying 40,000 "questionable" names in the electoral roll to clean up and dispel perceptions that it is tainted. EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the list would be displayed for public viewing at more than 1,000 places nationwide, as well as on the EC website and in newspapers. He said only the individuals concerned could correct the errors found on the list, and not EC. "We will divide the list into states, constituencies and localities. We will then display the list so that everyone can see if the people actually exist or have died." He was speaking after a briefing for returning officers and assistant returning officers in preparation for the 13th general election here yesterday. The term "questionable" refer s to a number of discrepancies and inaccuracies, including cases where a voter's name differs from that in the National Registration Department. There were also cases brought up by political parties of voters who were once civilians but have since joined the army, and cases of non-citizens who had been granted citizenship. Aziz said the EC had a team to continuously review questionable addresses on identity cards, and other discrepancies on gender status and religion. "It is just that we did not announce this to the media. The NRD and EC are not 100 per cent perfect. "Therefore, we welcome the assistance and cooperation of political par ties. "What I am sad about is when political parties do not refer discrepancies to the EC but highlight them in blogs and the media instead, and (in the process) belittle the EC." Aziz said the EC had stopped the services of 94 assistant registrars and given stern warnings to 163 others for various reasons, including submitting dubious registration for ms. On yesterday's briefing, he said it was the first of a series organised for returning officers and assistant returning officers so that they were in a state of preparedness whenever the next general election was called. The next briefing will be held in Kelantan, followed by Perak, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Johor, Kedah and Sabah. Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

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I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul Posted: 14 Mar 2011 11:25 PM PDT I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul 2010/10/29 By NST team in Gua Musang, Kelantan news@nst.com.my GUA MUSANG: Pas' candidate Dr Zulkefli Mohamed remained a good sport over jokes that his stocky frame might tire him fast during the campaign trail. He said he was used to work long hours when he was a doctor at government hospitals in the past. "There were times when I had to work over 36 hours on a stretch, then. I think I can keep up with the hectic campaign schedule now," he said. Dr Zulkefli, 44, will be up against Barisan Nasional's Abdul Aziz Yusoff, 49, in the Galas by-election on Nov 4. Some segments of political watchers have been heard making comparisons between the two candidates of their physiques. Such light banter follows an absence of substantive issues to debate since campaigning started on Nov 26. Dr Zulkefli said he was feeling alright even when there were many places to visit over the past three days. To keep fit, he said he took a lot of water and sufficient rest. When a reporter asked about his weight, Dr Zulkefli said: "I do not know. Let us keep it as a secret." In jest, he said he could take on Aziz in a running or tug-of-war competition. Visit us for more web exclusives everyday from NST Galas team. For full stories and in-depth news, get NST in print tomorrow. Air your comment on this issue: I can take on Aziz anytime: Dr Zul Log in with your Facebook account or use the form below to comment. New Straits Times reserves the right not to publish offensive or abusive comments and those of hate speech, harassment, commercial promos and invasion of privacy. Your IP will be logged and may be used to prevent further submission.The views expressed here are that of the members of the public and unless specifically stated are not those of NST. Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

Sabah Umno reaching the 500,000 mark Posted: 14 Mar 2011 08:17 PM PDT Once upon a time, a real history took place and handed down the real lessons out of the events concluded that a small number can defeat a huge number of opponents by the will of Allah taala. Therefore, in the modern institutions and struggle like political institutions, this lessons of history is still relevant and worthy to ponder. In fact, there are many facts to ponder on why the listed numbers of political members do not reflex the true pictures. The Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman's recent annoucement of Sabah UMNO success in the recruitment of membership drive does not mean much to me as it seems to suggest it is the result of his leadership. A leader should be humble and not self glorifying. One's work should be judged by the people and not himself. I still remember our DPM, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin remark in the opening of the PBS congress in Kota Kinabalu recently where he said "he has done little in the success of the Batu Sapi by election ". Frankly how many can do that ? This is the model of leader we must emulate - humble, unassuming and lead by example. Traits of great leader who make small people feel great. Afterall, recruitment of new members in any party is the duty and obligation of its leaders. It is not a competition as it is the quality and not quantity of the effort that count. We should not trumpet about it. High membership in any political party does not guarantee success if the party and its leaders do not command the support from its ranks and files as well as leaders from other coalition parties, particularly in the state of Sabah. Having such a mentality would breed complacency and place the party concerned and BN in a perilous situation. Sabah UMNO chief, Datuk Musa Aman's annoucement that their membership drive to date has reached 456,000 membership level, the highest among all other states is indeed quite credible. The first thing that comes to thought is 456,000 is 456,000 until the half million mark is reached which is another 44,000 more to go and this is not a small number. In the annoucement, last year alone, they only managed to recruit 40,000 new members and has no mention of what this year's result is ? Has the effort reached been saturated is another question that surfaces in my mind. My concern however is in any numerical assessment, we must give the picture in its correct perspective and not try to over dramatise or sensationalise it to justify certain motives, personal or otherwise. And when figures concerning and affecting the outcome of an election, the state and the image of UMNO and Barisan Nasional, we have to be careful and truthful. The annoucement also gives rise to many questions to be answered. First, how many of these registered members will actually and eventually vote and vote for BN comes election time?. Is the annoucement trying to suggest we are growing stronger, there is nothing to worry and we can repeat the big win in the state achieved in the last election ? The Batu Sapi by election is no doubt the combined efforts in greater and lesser extend of all state BN coalition members. However, with the bad blood that existed all along with the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Musa Aman and PBS president, Datuk Pairin, with SAPP president, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, the duel was in actual fact a life and dead battle among the subject combatants. Aided by a predominantly bumi constituency,the vast resources from BN and the ever tireless presence of our DPM, the vast win at Batu Sapi could be an isolated incident. Removing these factors, or in a diluted extent, the result could be different. As a rough estimate, Sabah with a population of 2.5 million and say,with a 60% eligible voters, it will work out to have about 1.5 million potential voters. From the above, the present UMNO membership only represents to about 30% of the total possible voters. Will that be adequate to determine another landslide victory in the coming election ? given the fact there 60 constituencies in the state ? Many in the last encounter encountered sort of narrow escape ? The growing number of unresolved problems faced by the people todate? The discontents of the present leadership among the files and ranks ? How much support the present state leadership since last reappointed, still enjoy is therefore any one's guess. To me the annoucement seems to be made in conjunction with the coming BN convention in Kuala Lumpur in an effort to influence its outcomes Full content generated by Get Full RSS.

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