Decommission Ship, Escorting Tugboat - Joceline - to Return

October 9th is the commencement of UMNO Division Meeting. But, if nothing happens before an earlier date set among the "pre-council" members, one can expect a heavy storm. And no ship will survive that storm. Not even the President of UMNO.

There won't be much news on yesterday's UMNO Supreme Council (MKT) meeting. But what's heard, it wasn't so nice, at least for Abdullah.

I bet this will the talk of the town. UMNO power transition to happen sooner.

The whole MKT rained down on Abdullah yesterday, said little bird. Not even, with all members receiving personally, latest book "Liwati, Bontoti, Al Liwati" from Syed Hussein Al Atas could humour them. Everyone except newly decorated Tan Sri Annuar Musa, seek his immediate resignation.

If not graciously pacified by Dato Seri Najib, who refrained from voicing his stance, the Meeting Chairman would have burst to tears.

Details is not heard yet but the bet is the issue of NST trying to stuff words of agreement and refusing any nominations yesterday into Najib's mouth is definately the match that lighted the bonfire.

Muhyiddin assertion and Najib's request for grassroots to determine power transition was already clear cut message and not to be ignored. But Abdullah took advantage of Malay's reluctance to "jatuhkan maruah" of others, particularly a leader, to try to wiggle a way out.

The takeover of the millitary portfolio and calling Anwar an economic and security threat was uncalled for. It sent jitters to the market.

Last night during launching his book "chedet.com Blogging To Unblog", Dr Mahathir felt the sedition charges on blogger Sheih Kickdefella and ISA detention on blogger Raja Petra and DAP MP and Assemblymen, Theresa Kok was not necessary.

He felt there was no prevailing tense situation. The MSC Bill of Guarantee ensure the world there would be no censorship of Internet. Writer, Syed Akbar currently being charge for sedition based on comment made on Malaysia Today was present at the launch.

Coming back to the MKT meeting, the whole UMNO MKT basically demanded Abdullah to leave before UMNO Division meeting began. To save his already publicly beaten face, MKT members have agreed not to make any comments and leave him to make the necessary announcement.

October 9th is the commencement of UMNO Division Meeting. But, if nothing happens before an earlier date set among the "pre-council" members, one can expect a heavy storm. And no ship will survive that storm. Not even the President of UMNO.

Talking about decommisioning of a ship and of late, this blogger have been talking about abandon ship, there will be many famous last words from the ship commanders and it's tugboat.

There is the de facto ship captain. Remember we will bury someone? Recently, it was no the need to change leadership to effect change. All that talk of burying and changing, it suddenly turned into a slogan for Setiakawan, meaning Friendship and Unity and to seek for continuity.

The joke of the day today is friendship he bought and unity is his illusion. Khairy wants continuity and tradition. What he actually want is for all the happening the last few years to remain and a non-existent tradition for the Naib Ketua Pemuda to win Ketua Pemuda unchallenged.

His appearance was so haggered on the day of his announcement. Notice the newspaper shows his picture with a lot of peopel in the background. It's reminiscing of Anwar's announcement to takeon Ghaffar.

Not sure he will around. Maybe he will stick around. Expect some dirty tricks to come. Calling all Pemuda UMNO. Insist all voting at the Pemuda UMNO Division Meeting is done on secret ballots.

There will be many tugboats returning. Kalimullah does not need a new job, he plundered much already. Fox Communication and it's web endeavour, Malaysia Insider will be reporting mainstream from now on. Kalimullah and Brendan Periera will be outside.

And off course, Joceline Tan ... she had her last word of defense for the due to decommision ship.

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The Star Online, Friday September 19, 2008

Dr M: No justification for arrest of bloggers, Teresa

PUTRAJAYA: There is no justification for the arrest of bloggers Raja Petra Kamarudin and Syed Azidi Syed Abdul Aziz, better known as Kickdefella, and Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, said Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The former prime minister condemned the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) against Raja Petra, who is the editor of controversial online news portal Malaysia Today, and Kok, a Selangor executive councillor and Seputeh MP.

Syed Azidi was detained for sedition on Wednesday for posting allegedly seditious statements in his blog.

Dr Mahathir said Kok’s arrest was not justified as there was no security reason at the moment but the Government could arrest her later for such a purpose if necessary.

He said if Kok was involved in trying to stop the azan (call for prayers), there should be an explanation that the subject was not something she should talk about.

Asked if he would agree for the ISA to be amended, he said there was no amendment during his time as the people who were enforcing it refused to amend it.

He said this to reporters after launching his book chedet.com Blogging to unblock at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here yesterday.

On him rejoining Umno, Dr Mahathir said he would wait for the right time to submit his application.

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September 18, 2008

'I Will Decide Whether To Contest Or Otherwise', Says Abdullah

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today that whatever decision concerning his position as Umno president and the transition of power will be made by him personally.

The Prime Minister said whatever changes would be discussed together with his deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"Because the (divisional) meetings have not started, and whatever things that I need to do, whatever action that I will take, it's all up to me.

"I will talk to (Deputy Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Najib (Tun Razak), there's no need to repeat," he told reporters after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting here.

Abdullah was asked whether he would defend his position this time around as the Umno divisional meetings would begin soon.

The Prime Minister reiterated that whatever changes that might be made in the process of power transition would be discussed with Najib and the decision would be forwarded to the Supreme Council.

Abdullah also said that the power transition was not explained again at the Supreme Council meeting today.

"I did not explain again. I just said that I'm aware, I'm putting my ears close to the ground," he said.

Yesterday, Abdullah was reported as saying that although he and Najib were committed to the power transition planned for 2010, his retirement could take place earlier than that.

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Bernama September 19, 2008

Muhyiddin Explains Stand To Umno's Supreme Council

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Umno vice Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has explained his stand on the leadership transition in the party to Umno's Supreme Council (MT), which met here Thursday.

"I took the opportunity to explain remarks I made in Singapore about the plan, which I have consistently maintained since it was first mooted.

"Thankfully, the president (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) accepted it and none of my colleagues criticised me over the remarks although some had stated their reservations about it earlier," he told reporters when approached after the meeting.

Muhyiddin, who is also International Trade and Industry Minister, said his call to the Prime Minister to expedite the leadership transition was made in the interest of the party to ensure it was on a sound footing to face the next general election.

On the leadership transition process between Abdullah and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Muhyiddin said he left it to them to work it out.

"No specific date, we just gave our views and that of the grassroots who want it to be done as soon as possible. We gave space to the president to discuss it with Najib," he said.

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The Star Online Friday September 19, 2008

Divisions get to heal division

Analysis by JOCELINE TAN

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s new finance portfolio is part of the 2010 handover of power plan but the Umno divisions will still have the final say on the transition.

A HOST of conspiracy theories have sprung up over the mutual exchange of portfolios between the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister.

The most intriguing one is that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s new finance portfolio is “a pacifier” and “a carrot,” in view of the potential challenge for the Umno presidency.

Many, including those around the Prime Minister, could not figure out why Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would want to give up such a powerful ministry to his deputy. Logically speaking, one does not empower the person who may soon be challenging you for the top post.

As such, when Abdullah left the packed press conference after announcing the appointments, his political secretary Datuk Alwi Che Ahmad looked closely at his face for clues.

But Alwi ended up even more puzzled because, as he recalled, “my boss was smiling away”.

Unfortunately, for all lovers of conspiracy theories out there, the appointment of Najib as the new Finance Minister I has nothing to do with plots or schemes. It is simply part of the transition of power plan.

There will be more transfers of responsibility to Najib in the months ahead and this new portfolio is seen as essential in preparing him for the big job.

“The DPM has been in government since his twenties. He does not need to be trained but we understand that this portfolio will give him added exposure to the world of finance and economics,” said Alwi.

Popularity alone is not sufficient for political leadership in this time and age.

The leader of any country must also have an understanding of monetary and fiscal policy, capital markets and financial institutions.

As Abdullah indicated, Najib, in his forthcoming trip to New York for the United Nations assembly will also be meeting fund managers and investors in his new capacity as Finance Minister I.

“Pak Lah is very sincere about the transition. He is aware that some of Datuk Najib’s supporters were not convinced about the transition. This proves his sincerity and the sincerity should be reciprocated,” said Alwi.

Abdullah’s reasoning is that Najib will take over as Prime Minister in 2010 or if need be, even earlier.

And when Najib takes over, he would want the assurance of his own mandate, which means that he may not wait till 2012 to call for a general election.

Given that, he would need time to build up confidence in his leadership especially in his ability to manage the economy.

“The PM is giving him the chance to prove himself and Datuk Seri Najib will table the next Budget as the future Prime Minister.

“People will have a better idea of his economic outlook and the kind of policies to expect when he takes over. Then he can go to the people and win their approval,” said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Farid Wan Salleh.

The question on everyone’s lips is whether Najib is still sticking to the 2010 transition plan that was announced in July.

There has been a lot of confusion caused by conflicting reports so much so that Najib’s supporters had to send out SMSes to Umno members to correct the perception.

But the situation is quite simple. As of now, Najib stands by the 2010 transition plan. But he also stands by his statement that he will leave the final decision to delegates attending the Umno divisional AGMs which begin next month.

A total of 191 Umno divisions will meet from Oct 9 to Nov 9 during which they will nominate their choice of candidates for the posts of president and deputy president downwards.

The leadership transition has gone beyond just what the two top leaders want to what the Umno grassroots really want.

Besides, the leadership transition deal struck between Abdullah and Najib was not widely accepted from the start.

It took the Permatang Pauh by-election and a series of political incidents that followed before Najib was compelled to make the difficult decision of putting the transition plan in the hands of the party grassroots.

If the majority of Umno divisions want Abdullah and Najib to continue as the party president and deputy president, he would willingly accept that.

But if they preferred him to move up to the No 1 slot, he would also have to consider that.

On Tuesday night, Najib’s Putrajaya residence overflowed with guests who had flocked to his buka puasa gathering.

Some were invited; others invited themselves. There was enough food and drinks but there were simply not enough seats and some of the guests had to adjourn to the restaurant down the road for dinner.

But many of those who lined up to say hello to the host assured him that he had done the right thing by going back to the party grassroots.

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The Star Online Thursday September 18, 2008

PM stands firm: I’ll decide on transition

By SHAHANAAZ HABIB, IZATUN SHARI and ROYCE CHEAH

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi stood firm, saying he would decide when to hand over power to his deputy, but a number of supreme council members said the understanding was for the transition to be sooner than later.

The Umno president said he was aware of the sentiments of the grassroots and was keeping his ears close to the ground.

“I am paying heed to what is happening and the current situation. And whatever decision I make, I will discuss it with Datuk Seri Najib (Tun Razak) and then bring it up to the Umno supreme council,” he said Thursday at a press conference after chairing a council meeting.

Abdullah reiterated that he would contest for the Umno presidency in the December party elections.

He stressed that he had already made that clear at a press conference the previous day, noting that Umno divisions have not started their meetings yet and as the (country’s) leader he would continue to implement what was needed.

“And if I want to make another statement (on the transition at a later date), that’s up to me. I will discuss it with Najib. There is no need to keep asking about it like as if you don’t understand,” he said.

Abdullah is to hand over the Prime Minister’s post and Umno presidency to Najib in June, 2010. On Wednesday however, he said it could possibly be sooner.

That same day, Mubarak -- the association of former Barisan Members of Parliament (MPs) and assemblymen -- had called on the Prime Minister to step down as soon as possible and no later than Dec 16 this year.

Abdullah dismissed this call from the veterans’ association, saying “It’s alright. Let them say whatever. They are pensioners after all.”

Sooner, not later

Speaking to reporters after the Prime Minister’s press conference, Umno vice-president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said the issue of transition was discussed at length at the council meeting.

They said the council members did not propose a specific date but want it made as soon as possible.

“Many of us in the council voiced the views and feelings of the grassroots that want the transition to be done as quickly as possible, but we will give him room to discuss this with Najib,” said Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin, who had recently called for an earlier transition, said his explanation as to why he had criticised Abdullah over the transition plan was well received by the Prime Minister.

“None of my colleagues criticised me either,” he said.

Muhyiddin said he had voiced out his views with good intentions and with no ulterior motive.

“We have to take the members sentiments into consideration so that when we face the next election, we can defend ourselves,” he said.

Muhyiddin added he would leave it up to Abdullah to discuss what would come next with Najib.

Muhammad Taib said some supreme council members voiced their views on the possibility of having the power transition plan brought forward.

“That’s normal. As the Prime Minister said, probably it could be done sooner. It will be left for the Prime Minister to discuss it with the Deputy Prime Minister,” he added.

Another supreme council member Datuk Seri Khaled Nordin said the views in the council were very balanced and Abdullah was very calm when he listened to them.

“It’s not just a question of leadership but more of the party, the transformation, the direction, the unity at all levels,” he said.

He said Abdullah stressed that there would be flexibility in the period of the transition.

“What we decided before is the year 2010 but with flexibility it just means something before that,” he said, adding that he believed that Abdullah would contest the presidency.

Abdullah also that four members would be sacked from Umno for supporting the Opposition during the March general election.

“One is from Beluran and another three from Beaufort. Letters will be sent out to these members. Appropriate action will be taken against them,” he said.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the members would be dismissed because they became candidates contesting under the Opposition banner.