Losing faith in Dr Koh?

The Star (27 August 2007): Barisan Nasional component parties have forgotten that the coalition was set up to reduce politicking, encourage development and bring benefits to the people, Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik said.

“Thirty-three years on, the component parties have forgotten this,” he said, adding that each party now only takes care of itself.

He was speaking at the annual state Gerakan delegates conference here yesterday.

Dr Lim said Gerakan should steer Barisan back to its original objective.

He also advised acting party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who was also present at the event, to move the Federal Government to quickly implement the state’s infrastructure projects such as the Second Penang Bridge, Penang Outer Ring Road and the Monorail.

“You have announced all these projects and if nothing happens for a long time, you will be blamed.

“Things must move for the people of Penang to have faith in you,” he said.

Have faith in him? Well Dr Lim is right in having doubts though!

Malaysia is neither this nor that

The Sun (Aug 27, 2007): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says the application of Islam Hadhari does not mean Malaysia is a theocratic country.

Abdullah said the government always paid attention and implemented what is best to preserve unity and the people's interest including ensuring each Malaysian is free to practise their religion.

"All quarters receive aid from the government, whether they are Mosques, Surau's, Temple or Churches. The country's development has been implemented fairly, without any ethnic community or religious community being oppressed," he said.

Abdullah said this was what was meant by his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, when he said that Malaysia was an Islamic country.

He reminded all that the Federal Constitution was formulated and undertaken in an understanding and cooperative manner by the three largest communities during their struggle to achieve independence and only contains articles which take into account the the needs of various communities to live in a peaceful manner.

In a written reply to Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur), Abdullah reiterated that Malaysia is neither a secular nor a theocratic country.

"Malaysia is an Islamic country which is administered based on the principles of Islam and at the same time holds strong to the principles of Parliamentary democracy guided by the highest law of the land - The Federal Constitution," said Abdullah.

So one day we are an Islamic country, the next day we are not! I guess it depends on whom is speaking and what is the topic of the day! As for the official version... who knows?

Read the full article

Blogger Jeff Ooi Joins DAP

DAP 's rocket launching into cyberspace

DAP recently welcomed renowned Malaysian blogger Jeff Ooi into its fold

DAP is taking its campaign to cyberspace by launching an e-campaign – believing that the net-savvy community will be a force to reckon with in the next general election.

"DAP believes that properly channelled, the Internet community can shape the outcome of the general election, and even reach non-Internet users," said party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

He said new party recruit and regular blogger Jeff Ooi had been appointed as the general election e-campaign director.

Check out his newly created webspace

Check out this highly entertaining campaign video for Jeff with compliments from Kenny Sia

Better Things In Store For Penang?

The Star, August 1 2007:-

THERE is little doubt that Penang is about to be transformed, thanks to the projects lined up under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) initiative.

But when the Prime Minister arrived for the launch of the NCER, a number of those present noted the somewhat “transformed look” about Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi himself.

Abdullah was sporting a pair of rimless glasses and was much slimmer.

And it was no illusion. Abdullah has shed 9kg over the last couple of months and looks fitter and more energetic.

Some attributed it to the homely influence of Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, who was a picture of understated elegance in her printed beige baju kurung featuring a mandarin collar and cream coloured shawl.

His aides say he has been keeping a healthy diet and exercising and planned to continue with his health regime.

But looks and transformation aside, there was definitely a sense of homecoming for the Prime Minister during the launch.

First, Penang is his home state. Second, the genesis of the NCER is said to have begun somewhere up in the air over Seberang Prai.

During the great flood of 2003, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had surveyed the flood-damaged area from a helicopter. He was very affected by the destruction and told people how water does not respect state boundaries. It is likely that the seed of the NCER was sown then.

There was also little doubt in the minds of many of those present that the Penang sector, especially, is as much a political project as an economic plan.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who speaks fluent Malay, amused many by the way he buttered up the Prime Minister in his speech. But most of all, they noted that parts of his speech could easily be used again during the general election.

This is the best thing to happen to Penang in decades and Koh was very upbeat, describing the projects as “a gift” from the Prime Minister.

Yes, Dr Koh, this is what you do best - buttering up the PM every time he visits Penang. Is there no shame in you? After 15 years at the helm you only have a bus service to show for! Maybe we will have to wait another 15 years for a taxi service now??

Dr Koh Willing To Quit

The Star, August 3 2007 :-

PENANG Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said he would quit as Football Association of Penang (FAP) president if there was a better candidate to replace him.

He said he concurred with the opinions of several other mentris besar that they would quit their executive position in sports associations if they were asked to do so.

“I personally like football. It (the FAP) is for Penang and for the younger generation, so (that is why) we support it,” he said.

Dr Koh said that he was willing to give up the post to a person who was more qualified and capable of securing financial fundings for the association.

There are definitely many whom are more capable than Dr Koh if he is only willing to let others lead as well. Please don't think that you are the only capable person around in Penang, Dr Koh, as otherwise we are all doomed... just like what is happening in Penang now - which is so developed that today (in this 21st century on 1st August 2007) we actually have a bus service in Penang!