Jumaat, 22 Julai 2011

NST Online: Topnews

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'Findings should dispel negative perception'

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 10:43 AM PDT

2011/07/22
By Minderjeet Kaurand Koi Kye Lee
news@nst.com.my

Hishammuddin Shiyudin reading a copy of the report which he bought at the Legal Affairs Division in Putrajaya yesterday. — NST picture by Izhari Ariffin

KUALA LUMPUR: The findings of the Royal Commission of Inquiry should end all accusations and negative perception on the cause of death of Teoh Beng Hock, said Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Rashid Shirlin.

The public should not doubt the 124-page report, she added in a statement yesterday.

"If there are doubts, certain parties might ask for another RCI to be conducted."

She urged the government not to bow to unnecessary pressure to form another RCI because "there will always be people who are unhappy despite doing everything possible".

She felt that this was clear from the initial investigation that showed that Teoh was not murdered, and which was reinforced by the RCI findings.

Criminal lawyer Datuk N. Sivananthan said the RCI findings exposed the interrogation technique by MACC during the questioning sessions.

"Did the officers act within the scope of the standard operating procedures?

"If they did, the RCI has recommended for the interrogation methods to be changed.

"It should be more civilised."

He said the family now had specific findings with definite answers to what had transpired in Teoh's death.

"It may or may not be the answer the family is looking for.

"But at least there are some definite answers."

Meanwhile, the Consultation and Prevention of Corruption panel chairman Datuk Johan Jaaffar said they would examine thoroughly the RCI report and propose suggestions for improvements to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

"Admittedly, there are weaknesses in any agency and this would provide room for improvement for the commission," said Johan, who is also Media Prima chairman.

The RCI report, which was presented to the public on Thursday, had said that Teoh was driven to suicide due to the aggressive questioning by MACC officials.

Copies of the report also went on sale to the public yesterday.

A total of 800 copies, in English and Bahasa Malaysia, were printed and were sold at the Legal Affairs Division in Putrajaya.

Its public relations officer Mahani Mohd Yusoff said 200 copies of the report were sold and most of those who bought it preferred the English version.

Each copy costs RM45.

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New plan to boost franchises

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 10:14 AM PDT

2011/07/22
By Eileen Ng
news@nst.com.my

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin chatting with Smart Reader kids during the launch of the Franchise International Malaysia 2011 at the PWTC in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — NST picture by Ghazali Bujang

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is coming up with a blueprint to boost the country's franchise industry.

The National Franchise Development Blueprint will outline new policies and directions, including strategies and action plan, to spur development in the industry.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government was finalising the blueprint, which was expected to be launched later this year.

He was delivering his keynote address at the launch of the Franchise International Malaysia 2011 yesterday. Present were Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, his deputies Datuk Tan Lian Hoe and Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim, and Malaysian Franchise Association president Abdul Malik Abdullah.

Muhyiddin said besides new strategies to further boost the franchising industry, the government was also considering tax incentives to promote franchise as the preferred business expansion model.

He said the government was also collaborating with industry players to have new franchise businesses in specific sectors such as green technology, early childhood education, personal and healthcare services.

"Another niche the government is developing with the private sector through the cooperatives is the healthcare service; a dialysis franchise developed through government support."

He felt the innovative franchise models would ensure that the local franchise industry would be able to capture markets and expand the nation's franchise brands locally and abroad.

The government had allocated RM8 million this year, under the 10th Malaysian Plan, as a soft-loan scheme to assist the lower-income group to engage in small and micro franchises as franchisees.

The scheme offers loans from RM5,000 to a maximum of RM50,000, with a low interest rate of three per cent.

"I hope the lower-income group will take this chance to venture into the micro franchise businesses to supplement their income. This is one way franchising can help the rakyat raise their income level," he said, adding that if successful, the scheme would be extended.

He also said that Malaysia was one of the few countries, if not the only, where the industry was given full government support.

So far, he said the industry contributed more than 2.2 per cent to the nation's Gross Domestic Product but that was a conservative figure as he believed there were many businesses adopting the franchise system without registering with the Registrar of Franchise.

He said for the next five years, contribution from the industry was expected to increase by twofold, or 4.3 per cent of the GDP, providing more than 2.5 per cent to the national employment.

This will continue to increase by more than fourfold to 9.4 per cent by 2020.

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NST Online: Latest

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Top suspect in China's smuggling case repatriated from Canada

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 10:47 PM PDT

VANCOUVER: Chinese fugitive Lai Changxing, the prime suspect in China's largest smuggling case in recent history, left here Friday for his home country under Canadian police escort.

A source who declined to be named told Xinhua news agency that police had
escorted Lai onto a civilian flight before the plane departed from Vancouver
International Airport for China in the afternoon.

The repatriation, executed a day after a Canadian federal court upheld Lai's
deportation order, ended Lai's fugitive life in Canada 12 years after he fled to

the North American country.

Lai, 53, was the alleged mastermind of a notorious smuggling gang believed to have smuggled billions of dollars' worth of various products in the 1990s. The case is listed as the largest of its kind in China since 1949.

Since Lai's runaway, Chinese authorities had repeatedly demanded his extradition. - Bernama

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Attacks in Norway draw strong condemnation from international community

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 10:45 PM PDT

BEIJING: The deadly attacks in Norway, which claimed at least 87 lives, have drawn strong condemnation from around the world, reports China's Xinhua news agency.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his shock Friday over
the attacks in Norway.

"The Secretary-General was shocked to learn about the large explosion in
central Oslo and the shooting that took place in Utoya today. He condemns this
violence and expresses his condolences to the Government of Norway and the

families of the victims," the UN Chief said in a statement issued by his
spokesperson.

"The United Nations stands together with the people of Norway at this
terrible moment," he said.

UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss also expressed shock and strongly condemned these attacks.

"President Deiss is particularly distressed that one of the attacks has

targeted young people, and that this has happened on the eve of the High-Level
Meeting on Youth convened by the General Assembly in New York on July 25 and 26,
2011 to mark the International Year of Youth," his spokesperson Jean-Victor
Nkolo said.

Deiss also "strongly condemns these attacks and offers his condolences to
the people and government of Norway."

In Washington, United States President Barack Obama on Friday sent condolences to Norway, calling on the world to work together to fight terrorism.

Obama pledged to provide support to the investigation and said the attacks were a reminder that the whole world has a "stake" in stopping this kind of terror from happening.

In Ottawa, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was "shocked and
intensely saddened to learn of the attacks in Oslo and Utoya."

Condemning the terrorist activities, Harper said in a statement that he
was also horrified to learn that a gunman opened fire at a youth camp at Utoya.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key denounced the attacks as an act of global terrorism.

"I think it shows that no country is immune from that risk," Key said after a meeting with Obama at the White House on Friday.

In Copenhagen, Danish Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen expressed sympathy and solidarity with Norway and conveyed Denmark's readiness to assist in handling the situation.

"On behalf of Denmark and the Danish government I express my deepest condolences, sympathy and solidarity with the Norwegian people and the Norwegian
government in this difficult time," said Rasmussen in a press statement.

In Bucharest, the Romanian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attacks and expressed its full solidarity with the Norwegian government and people at this difficult moment.

In Latin America, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica and El Salvador
sent condolences to the victims of the attacks and expressed solidarity with
Norway through various channels.

The twin attacks hit the northern European country on Friday. A bomb exploded in downtown Oslo near government offices, killing 7 people and injuring
more than 19 others. Hours later, a gunman dressed in police uniform opened fire
at a youth camp of Norway's ruling political party on Utoeya, an island south of
Oslo, killing at least 80 people. - Bernama

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NST Online: Exclusive

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ZUBAIDAH ABU BAKAR: Pas goes 'under the radar'

Posted: 15 Mar 2011 03:57 AM PDT

2010/10/30
Zubaidah Abu Bakar
news@nst.com.my

Even the presence of Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat at a ceramah in Pas stronghold Sungai Terah on Thursday failed to draw the crowd.

Many blamed the heavy rain which started to pour earlier but the rain had stopped before the Tok Guru took the microphone.

There was an estimated crowd of about 200 people; its usually not the case

as Pas supporters would braved the rain, willing to be soaked to the skin
to listen to the party's spiritual leader and Kelantan menteri besar speak.

The Sungai Terah polling district has about 95 per cent of Malay voters; in the 2008 general election, Barisan Nasional only managed 78 votes compared to Pas' 215 votes.

That was how strong the Islamist party's influence there then.

But Umno leaders are anticipating that the situation could change, they believe the level of support to Pas may dip when some 300 registered voters there go to the ballot again on Nov 4 to pick their new representative in the state legislative assembly.

"Our candidate Abdul Aziz Yusoff had done a good job in the area, the people know him well because he had served the area as a manager in the South Kelantan Regional Development Authority (Kesedar).

"He could well be the reason behind the positive signs we are getting in the area," says Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan.

The "ceramah perdana" in Sungai Terah are among the few big public rallies that Pakatan Rakyat had outlined for its bigwigs to speak -- the other speakers at the ceramah that day were Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and DAP
secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Pas is adopting a "low profile, below the radar" campaign strategy for Galas and this had somewhat toned the otherwise heated campaigns like during the Manik Urai by-election, which is the first by-election in Kelantan, last year.

Pas leaders wanted more direct contacts with voters be carried out; opting for small group ceramah and door to door campaigning, which ironically the same strategy that Umno and BN has adopted.

No big rally had been planned on BN's side either, including the "Pentas Pemuda" that usually make its appearance in past by-elections. Only eight mini ceramahs involving between 30-40 people and similar number of 'salam sayang" programmes (chit chat sessions) by wanita Umno are being organised daily.

Umno youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and his troops have been knocking on doors of those identified as fence-sitters in several areas daily. They even bumped into their opponents during their campaign trails, like the on in Kampung Mentara where Pas had won by 11 votes in the area in 2008.

A source also revealed there is a list of do's and dont's for Pas campaigners and that include not touching the Kelantan oil royalty issue and on Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who is also the BN by-election director.

Canvassing for votes in whatever forms will continue until the eve of polling. For Abdul Aziz and his opponent from Pas, Dr Zulkefli Mohamad, the days ahead will be long and tiring.

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BN aims for smaller, but effective meetings

Posted: 15 Mar 2011 12:34 AM PDT

BN aims for smaller, but effective meetings

2010/10/30
By NST team in Gua Musang, Kelantan
news@nst.com.my

GUA MUSANG: Barisan Nasional candidate Abdul Aziz Yusoff said he would continue with his plan to personally meet as many voters as he could although such an approach could slow down his campaign trail.

"I want to know them apart from introducing myself as BN candidate. I also want to know the problems faced by the voters here," he told a press conference at BN operations centre in Bukit Cekati here.

Aziz, who is Gua Musang Umno division secretary, also refuted claims that the BN election machinery for Galas by-election was too slow. He said the party machinery was actually giving more focus on small gatherings which would enable them to understand the people's problems and needs.

"From the feedback that I personally gathered from voters, they are frustrated with the Pas state government's failure to issue land titles and provide affordable homes for them," he said.

Umno information chief Datuk Ahmad Maslan who was present said BN would continue with its present approach, which was to hold dozens of small gatherings at different polling districts daily.

"We will use these gatherings to explain on BN government's development plan and counter all the allegations made by the opposition.

"It's more effective compared to big ceramahs," he said.

However, he said no gatherings would be held tonight as to allow BN campaigners and voters here to watch the Malaysia Cup final match between Kelantan and Negeri Sembilan. He said BN would put giant projector screens at 14 locations as to allow the people here to watch the final match live.

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NST Online Business Times : latest

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Mixed earnings hold back US stocks

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 07:28 PM PDT

NEW YORK: Mixed earnings reports -- with General Electric and McDonald's beating expectations, while Caterpillar fell short -- held back US markets Friday, though Microsoft gave Nasdaq a solid boost.

Caterpillar's poor quarter helped knock the Dow Jones Industrial Average of 30 blue chips off 43.25 points (0.34 per cent) to close at 12,681.16.

The broader S&P 500 added 1.22 points (0.09 per cent) to 1,345.02, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite jumped 24.40 points (0.86 per cent) to stand at 2,858.83.

"Markets ended the week in a mixed mood, cheered by earnings that have generally beat expectations and a plan to address the sovereign debt woes in Europe, but suffering from trepidation with a lack of resolution on an agreement regarding the US debt ceiling," said analysts at Charles Schwab.

US industrial bellwether Caterpillar said second-quarter profits surged 44 per cent from a year ago to US$1.01 billion.

But the results fell short of Wall Street expectations and sent its stock plummeting 5.8 per cent to US$105.15, dragging down the Dow index.

Closely watched GE said its second-quarter profit rose 21 per cent from a year ago to US$3.76 billion, beating analysts' forecasts, while McDonald's profit rose 15 per cent to US$1.41 billion.

Tradingwise, though, the two diverged: GE shares lost 0.63 per cent for the day, at US$19.04, while McDonald's rose 2.3 per cent to US$88.56.

Microsoft shares rose 1.6 per cent to US$27.53. The software giant reported Thursday after the market closed that income surged 23 per cent to $23.15 billion in its fiscal year ending June 30.

While traders were encouraged by Europe's 11th hour grand deal for a new Greek bailout Thursday, the market continued to operate under the shadow of the political stalemate over raising the US debt ceiling, with the August 2 deadline moving closer.

If the US debt ceiling is not raised by then, the country will have to slash spending and could be forced to default on its debt. -- AFP

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NST Online: Sports

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Raja purrs as Avramovic frets

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 10:54 AM PDT

Singapore's Aleksander Duric jumps for the ball in their training session at the Jalan Besar Stadium yesterday. — Picture by Fariz Iswadi Ismail

SINGAPORE: It was a tale of contrasting moods with national coach K. Rajagobal, who led his team to back-to-back regional titles over the past two years, speaking more confidently about today's second round, first leg World Cup qualifying match.

His Singaporean counterpart Raddy Avramovic, who is under pressure after his team's poor outing in last year's AFF Cup, was hardly in the mood to reveal much about his team.

Avramovic may have guided Singapore to back-to-back AFF Cups and also the third round of the 2010 World Cup Qualifiers but has lost the support of fans.

Singapore's dismal showing in last year's AFF Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage in Hanoi, turned the fans against Avramovic and he badly needs a win today.

Recent records suggest that this is possible as Malaysia have not won an away match since their 4-1 victory over Sri Lanka in 2007.

Besides that, Singapore have not lost to Malaysia in their last seven meetings.

"I believe games like this will help Singapore to be better in Asia. We cannot compare the current Singapore team with those of the past as we only had a short preparation period.

"But it does not mean we are giving up. My players are capable of playing good football.

"I want to see goals as that is all we need to win this match," said Avramovic yesterday.

He has been working closely with his players behind closed doors at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

"We will try to use our quality to eliminate Malaysia's quality tomorrow (today). I am quite happy with the progress shown in training," added Avramovic.

As for Rajagobal, the former international is hoping to lead Malaysia to their first ever appearance in the third round of the qualifiers.

But he is anticipating a close encounter in today's first leg.

"It's another football game, but obviously there will be a lot of external references and historical references. But for us, it's a game against a decent outfit and we have to win to progress.

"This match has attracted a lot of attention because of past history. I also believe this encounter will bring out the best from the players of both teams. We are prepared for anything," added Rajagobal.

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Proton on to bigger dreams

Posted: 22 Jul 2011 10:29 AM PDT

2011/07/23
By Arnaz M. Khairul

HAVING totally dominated the APRC Rally of Whangerei in New Zealand last weekend, the Proton Motorsports Rally Team believe they have the momentum to make an impact even beyond motorsports.

The team have already bagged the Pacific Cup, with three victories in Queensland, Australia, the Rally of New Caledonia and their latest victory in New Zealand.

The Malaysian outfit will now look to complete the other half of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship, when they head to Japan for the Rally of Hokkaido on Sept 30-Oct 2.

In New Zealand, Proton flexed their muscles with a one-two finish overall through Australian driver Chris Atkinson and Scotsman Alister McRae.

The two-wheel drive junior class was won by young Japanese driver Akira Bamba, while Malaysia's Karamjit Singh won the overall two-wheel drive class. Both these drivers were on board Proton-Cusco Rally Team cars.

"We're leading the APRC standings in all classes and this shows that our development programme has born fruit," said Proton Motorsports head Datuk Abdul Razak Dawood.

"Having initially struggled with mechanical problems, we're showing now that when we get our act together we can beat all the top cars. We're able to match even turbo-charged Group N cars with the S2000 Satria Neo."

Abdul Razak said the team's efforts on the rally scene have also resulted in Proton's export market being boosted and in tandem with the Rally of Hokkaido, the sales of Proton cars will be launched by the company's Japanese dealer.

"This shows that there is a co-relation between rallying and car sales. We've managed to penetrate the Japanese market by selling the Satria Neo as reliable rally cars," said Abdul Razak.

"We also expect at least five Japanese customers to enter the Rally of Hokkaido with their rally-prepared Satria Neos."

The Proton Motorsports Rally Team will also continue their FIA Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in the Rally of the Czech Republic on Aug 26-28, with Atkinson and Swedish drive PG Andersson to drive the S2000 Satria Neos there.

"We've selected just eight out of the twelve rounds in the IRC for this year, as we still require a lot more development before we'll be able to match the best manufacturers in the world competing there," said Abdul Razak.

"Our target was always to win the APRC title again this year, so that looks well on course. We may look to a bigger commitment in the IRC next year, but it also depends on whether we can raise the level of sponsorship required."

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Khamis, 21 Julai 2011

NST Online: Latest

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'Don't manipulate price hike issue'

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 11:00 PM PDT

GEORGE TOWN: A deputy minister has reminded the people against being fooled by the opposition tactic of manipulating the issue of price hikes.

Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Tan Lian Hoe said the opposition had begun using the issue as a strategy to garner votes in the next general election.

The people should understand that price hikes were a global issue and did not occur only in Malaysia, she told reporters after attending a programme to explain the issue of price hikes here last night.

"The ministry is going down to the people to explain the price hikes and reminding them not to be fooled by the opposition propaganda," she said.

Tan said the people should realise that price hikes were inevitable due to rising population, changing weather patterns and higher demand for food worldwide. -- BERNAMA

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Najib cancels holiday to be with people

Posted: 21 Jul 2011 10:40 PM PDT

SEPANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who returned today from working visits to three countries, said he had cancelled a holiday with the family abroad to spend more time with the people in Malaysia.

He said he was thankful to his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and their children for having agreed with him to come back earlier from overseas.

"I told my family I felt that I should return to Malaysia and that I was prepared to forgo the holiday for the sake of Malaysians back home," he said when addressing about 3,000 people who had gathered at the Bunga Raya Complex of the KL International Airport to greet him on his return.

Najib had been abroad on official visits to Turkmenistan, the United Kingdom and Italy.

Today, he is scheduled to go on a walkabout in Subang Perdana, attend Friday prayers at the Subang Perdana Mosque and have lunch with the people at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan U3, Subang Perdana.

Najib said he informed Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that it was important that both of them and the other ministers as well to go down to the ground to meet the people.

"We have to meet the people. We have to tell them that they can depend on the Barisan Nasional government, that the BN is their best choice," he said. Najib is scheduled to visit Perlis tomorrow.

Muhyiddin and Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein were at the airport to greet Najib.

Najib was greeted with a banner carrying the signatures of about 1.2 million Malaysians expressing their support for his leadership as the prime minister.

The signature campaign was initiated by the Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress, an associate member of Umno. -- BERNAMA

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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.

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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

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Jumaat, 22 Julai 2011