Zulhaidah bt Suboh

PKR is raising red flags over Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s economic policies as share prices on the Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) fell sharply and rating agencies downgraded Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) forecast.

“The downgrading of economic growth forecast recently announced by local research houses and analysts may spell an early doom to the grand economic master plan and targets unveiled by Najib’s administration through the Economic Transformation Programmes (ETP),” said PKR director of strategies Rafizi Ramli.

Yesterday, Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) revised its GDP forecast for the country for 2011 from 5.3 percent to between four and five percent, and it expects Malaysia’s second quarterly growth to fall to four percent.

Rafizi (left) pointed out that the ETP was likely to fail if Malaysia faced further downgrades as economies in the US and Eurozone continued to face instability.

“If Malaysia’s economic growth continues to slide as expected, the ETP would have failed even before it takes off because the ambitious plan requires a steady six percent growth annually to reach the GNI per capita target of US$15,000 (or RM48,000) by 2020.

“A less than five percent growth for 2011 means the ETP has failed to excite the market at the time when the full government focus, resources and machineries were directed to promote it; let alone when all the euphoria wears off two to three years down the line,” he said.

Rafizi also drew contrasts with Indonesia, which registered a 6.5 percent growth and is expected to grow by seven percent next year.

“While Malaysia’s inflation hit a two-year high in the last quarter, Indonesia’s inflation recorded a 14-month low during the same period.” he said.

The ETP aims for at least six percent growth annually, with a target of achieving a gross national income of RM48,000 per capita by 2020.

ETP being pumped up by gov’t companies
The PKR strategist added that the government’s ETP, which is intended to attract private investments to reduce reliance on government funding, is in fact being artificially pumped up by the government-linked companies (GLCs).

“The fact that 77 percent of the top 10 ETP projects will be carried out by GLCs or firms with large GLIC shareholdings is proof that the 92 percent private investment target set out in the ETP is nothing more than a public relations number with no indication that it will ever be achieved,” he said.

Among the examples highlighted by Rafizi are the RM36.6 billion Mass Rail Transit (MRT) project and RM60 billion Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project, both of are seeing investments from GLCs.

The top 10 ETP projects amount to RM142 billion, or 81 percent of the total RM173 billion of investment that has been announced thus far.

“While Indonesia has embraced political, economic and social reforms since 1998, the BN government balked at any attempt to spearhead political and social reforms at the detriment of the economy,” Rafizi added.

Malaysiakini

And goes after MCA in Penang.

Another Malay contractors association has joined in the condemnation of the MCA for its “racist” remarks over the award of state government projects in Penang.

The Penang Association of F-Class Contractors president Tahir Jalaludin Hassan described the Chinese-based party’s recent comments that the state mostly awards contracts to Malays as “malicious”.

As they are awarded based on an open tender system, he said, state MCA wanita chief Tan Cheng Liang’s comment sounded “racist and baseless”.

“When MCA accused Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng as being anti-Chinese for awarding contracts to Malays, the party displays its own racist attitude.

“This sounds like an insult to the Malays, that we are unable to compete and are unable to win contracts through an open tender system,” Tahir said during a press conference in Penang yesterday.

“We urge MCA to retract their extreme statement which labelled Lim anti-Chinese, and to apologise, not only to him but to all Malay contractors in Penang,” he added.

Cheap publicity or desperation
Tahir questioned Tan’s motive – whether she was seeking “cheap publicity” or so desperate that she had to resort to racial politics in making the controversial comment.

He urged Malay NGOs and Umno to condemn her statement as it was a reflection of the racism inside MCA.

The response comes after the Penang branch of the Malay Contractors Association (PKMM) lambasted MCA for stoking racial sentiments by questioning the open tender system which has seen bumiputera winning contracts from the state government.

Tan found herself in the soup when she criticised Lim for awarding only two (or 0.2 percent) out of 968 projects worth RM125 million to non-bumiputera under the open tender system.

Her accusations were contradictory to Umno’s – a component party with MCA in the BN – which frequently condemned Lim for allegedly marginalising the Malays, with several of its sponsored NGOs having protested against his “anti-Malay” attitude.

Meanwhile, Tahir further clarified that the contracts issued by the state government to class ‘F’ contractors was carried out for the first time under the Pakatan Rakyat government without any element of cronyism or nepotism.

He added that the contractors are no longer required to refer to the chief of any party as in the past.

Truth from past bares fang
The open tender system, they added, had opened the opportunity for all class F contractors, deprived of the chance earlier to bid for projects as they were without ‘political cables”.

“Remember that class F licenses are issued by the federal government led by the BN and not by the state government,” he said.

“We feel strange and question why MCA is making a fuss over this in Penang when at the federal level, it is the BN, including MCA (as a component party), which had started this,” he added.

Tahir said Tan, as former Jawi assemblyperson, should have voiced out her dissatisfaction instead of keeping silent when she was in the government.

That was the time, he added, that many class F projects were initiated by the state and federal governments when there was no such thing as the open tender system.

Tahir said when Malay contractors are awarded projects, other ethnic groups also tend to benefit as they own hardware shops.

“The Chinese are involved in skilled jobs related to iron and wood, construction work also involves many workers who are non-Malay,” Tahir added.

He said Tan should look at the bigger picture where mega-projects are given to companies by the federal government.

He urged Tan not to victimise for “personal gains” the 1,277 class F contractors who are only able to win projects below RM200,000.

Malaysiakini

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders charged that their Buku Jingga reform plans are backed by political will, which is what Malaysia needs to restore competitiveness and the economy in light of increasing living costs.

PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli compared the Buku Jingga to the Najib administration�s Government Transformation Plan (GTP), Economic Transformation Plan (ETP) and New Economic Model (NEM), which has been in action since 2010.

�GTP, ETP took approach of economic grandstanding, long term plan, whereas Buku Jingga is based on what people on the ground want.

�There must be institutional reforms to increase investor confidence, we need to quickly lend a hand to the public especially when dealing with rising living costs, and that is what Buku Jingga is about,� Rafizi said during a dialogue on public policy organised by Malaysian Student Leaders Summit (MSLS) here.

Among the other panelists present were DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua, Pemandu CEO Datuk Seri Idris Jala and MCA central committee member Datuk Ti Lian Ker.

While admitting that BN policies such as the GTP and ETP were �fairly well-written� and had some solid points in managing the economy, Rafizi said that the policies lacked political will because it failed to include �immediate� measures which could help towards reforming the economy.

Issues like the direct tender awarding of the Kuala Lumpur (KL) Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, the current toll system and the government�s subsidising of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), according to Rafizi showed that the Najib administration had its limits in implementing political and economic reform.

�It shows that there is a certain threshold to the government�s political will, these are quick acid tests people want to see,� said Rafizi.

Using the example of reducing fuel subsidies as an example, Pua stated that if the government wanted to implement something like that, alternative measures must also be in the place so that the backlash or effects are kept at a minimum.

�You cannot increase petrol prices without first improving the transport system…when these things happen, people start to doubt the government�s political will,� added Pua.

The Petaling Jaya MP said the Buku Jingga was a preview of how PR�s policies would be like should they assume federal power in the next general elections.

In response, Jala defended the measures introduced and enforced by the government, and even said PR�s Buku Jingga�s plans were impossible and unrealistic.

�I think it is very populist, if you were to say that you would for instance reduce oil royalties.

�(Looking at Buku Jingga), its impossible. I do not know how you do the math. Money does not grow on trees.

�I am not a politician, we have to reduce subsidies. We have to live in the real world, (where) Goods and Services Tax (GST) is needed,� he said.

Among the reforms promised by PR in its Buku Jingga manisfesto � within the first 100 days of taking over Putrajaya is to implement a special RM500 monthly allowance for teachers that would cost RM3.2 billion annually, according to Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

PR also promised to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA), abolish the toll system by instructing Khazanah Berhad, Employees� Provident Fund (EPF) and other government bodies to take over highway assets from the concessionaires, as well as offer free wireless Internet access to those in urban and semi-urban areas.

PR defacto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said that it would only cost the country RM19.2 billion to implement PR�s reform plans.

Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak has however derided PR�s promises as �too good to be true� and claimed that they would bankrupt the country.

The Malaysian Insider

In the name of protecting Malay rights (dUMNO actually forgot the Dayak and Malay Community in Sarawak which is the major factor that kept them in Power in GE12, 2008) some dUMNO Politicians went from living in similar circumstances to millionaires (present living conditions of rural malaysia).

But in the words of Abdul Karim Hamzah, if you have serve the public at the public / voters patronage, it is alright to abuse one’s power by grabbing and looting the nation’s and state treasury and narutal resouces via many dubious means which Malaysia has pioneered so much so the law is not able to get them. The longer you serve via the public office and powers granted by the public / voters, the more you are entitled to loot.

Rural Malaysia. In Sarawak it is much worst. Where did all the income from our Rich Natural Resources go to?

Most modest and honest politicians will lead a humble life after their retirement from active politics and serving the rakyat via politics. But do we get to see this from UMNO and PBB Politicians.

Eg Khir Toyo from a dentist to a Politician who can afford to spend more than RM6 million just to landscape his Mansion.

A teary eyed UMNO has continuously begged PAS to reunite since the last 2008 GE, where UMNO has seen a drastic drop of support. Unable, to understand PAS�s stubborn attitude, one of the leading scions of the party Mukhriz Mahathir said the offer was made out of �sincerity� for Malay and Islamic Unity, and had nothing to do with Politics.

His dad, Dr Mahathir, also made a surprising reappearance after a serious illness barely a fortnight ago to discredit DAP chairman Karpal Singh as the person who stands to gain the most from PAS’ latest emphasis on a welfare state. He pointed out that Karpal would not have to worry about PAS stepping over his dead body anymore, as the party seems to have lowered its their fervour to implement Islamic Rule. This sickening analysis serves to remind Malaysians how Father and Son can team up to deceive the public with their scheming gutter politics.

Both father and son simply could not understand why PAS would refuse. Indeed, it is a sad reflection of their disconnect with the average Malay and symptomatic of the ills that plague UMNO.

When thieves openly rob and murderers openly kill
UMNO is also sad that PAS was willing to sacrifice its Islamic stand, to join hands with a non-Islamic party like DAP and a multi-racial one like PKR. It lambasted PAS for its unwillingness to enhance Muslim Unity in its quest for power, yet it continues to stress that UMNO�s door remains open.

UMNO is in a limbo. Their leaders still do not see the cancer eating away at the party due to their systems they have set up to protect their own power. It is not only about money politics, but it is also a mad scramble by UMNO leaders to enrich themselves through the government linked companies (GLC�s) and via their cronies, at the expense of the Malays in this country. While the non-Malays manage to share the economic pie among their own races, leading to a higher middle income group, the plight of the Malays have grown larger as their leaders refuse to share the economic spoils evenly. Greedily, they kept everything for themselves.

With little or no development, the Rural Areas are neglected and left out of the economic boom, resulting in near poverty among the rural dwellers. The daily exposure of high-level graft, unchecked corruption running into billions of ringgit by the media is largely ignored, and un-investigated by the relevant enforcement agencies.

Sodomy and Sex seems to be the headlines in the Mainstream Media. BN leaders make no effort to hide their guilt or even deny their involvement, as they are adequately protected by the Government. This is how rotten the Malaysian system has become, when thieves are openly unafraid to rob and murders openly unafraid to kill.

Different kettle of fish
So far PAS members and leaders have shown themselves to be a different kettle of fish. While they may still seem a bit rough at the edges and overzealous at banning pop concerts, the important thing is, their leaders did not try to stop competition in the party election. And members were not swayed by any money politics – they still voted what they hearts desired. And what they wanted was Change.

This is the salvation for the Malay community. There are still many who will not forsake their religious integrity or life principles to chase the money trail. They will slog for the people, protect human rights, and ensure equality and fair economic participation. They will retire as paupers if necessary, but they will not sacrifice their rightful place in heaven for earthly treasures.

Hadi Awang � PAS President has slammed UMNO, accusing them of hiding behind the mask of Malay unity to stir up trouble for the Malays, who form the bulk of membership at both their parties.

�UMNO as a Malay-bumiputera majority party was entrusted with leadership but the wealth of the nation has been turned into the private property of its leaders, while the ordinary people struggle to make ends meet,” Hadi said in a stinging speech at the 57th PAS Muktamar earlier this month.

Forced to live in a nightmare
A merger will only be at the expense and the well being of the Malays in this country. Right thinking Malaysians cannot wait to see the exit of BN in this country. And like it or not, Mukhriz and his dad must accept this fact. Should UMNO lose power at GE-13, accept it. Don’t add on to the already mountainous sins that have been created and use evil to stay in power.

Instead, rest stop and relax. Listen to the common folk and find again the pulse of the nation. If Pakatan Rakyat brings the corrupt elite to court, this is only rightful. But fight back like men, not djinns. Challenge Pakatan in the courts and let the Almightly decide. But do not kill or resort to bloodshed anymore. The Malays have spoken. Listen to them or they will not spare you.

It was not without basis that Hadi also scolded UMNO for “disgusting acts like corruption, money politics, slander, racism and lies. UMNO has created a flock of Malays and Muslims who are blind and deaf to money politics, with entertainment and media used to turn Malays and Muslims stupid.”

Malaysians have been forced to live in a nightmare, when it should be a Malaysian dream. What worked in the Mahathir era of 1981 to 2003 will not work now. Najib tried to copy-cat Mahathir’s hardline politics, but it has only shortened his own life span in the political arena. Mahathir has also tried to make a comeback using the same tricks he pulled in the 80s and 90s. But it only lost him what little respect the nation still had for him.

Be careful PAS, watch out for the Frogs
PAS leaders have to be on constant alert as UMNO will not hesitate to buy them out at any price just to ensure their power base remains intact. The high number of Frogs that hopped away from Pakatan Rakyat to be BN friendly has astounded Malaysians, especially the voters who had placed their faith and their votes in them. It goes to show, that for the right price anything can be bought: especially Frogs!

It is no secret that UMNO is in dire straits. Knowing that they are ill equipped to go into the General Election, their safest passage would be a free ticket from PAS. Their only bridge to PAS was through Nasharuddin Mat Isa, the former deputy president of PAS who did not survive the PAS party polls. His departure from the top rungs of the leadership structure has blown whatever chances UMNO has of seeking an unholy merger.

Malays can look forward to the day when their �siege mentality� starts to loosen, should PAS and Pakatan Rakyat come to power. As long as UMNO is in power, Malays will forever be shackled and never see the light of day.

So SYABAS PAS members for having the courage to speak up and defend the future of the Malay race. – Malaysia Chronicle