It pretty much the same! Dr Jeffrey Kitingan my good friend never cease to amaze me. We all have our own particular strengths. And while Dr Jeffrey Kitingan undoubtedly has SEVERAL, the one talent he has which never fails to impress me is his ability to succinctly summarize how Sabah was “shortchanged” by joining the Federation in September 16th 1963 exactly 48 years ago today.
In other words, WHATEVER is happening in Sabah, or with Sabahans, or with its economies or politics; Dr Jeffrey is my own favorite person for me to start to understand PRECISELY what the “mood” and (for lack of a better word) “thinking” is currently among the Sabahans.
Not only does he have a tremendous amount of personal experience/expertise here, but of all the truely expert “Sabahan Historians” in this sector, I see Dr Jeffrey as having the BEST grasp of North Borneo/Sabah political history.
So with all the Malaysia Day hype today, it seemed like a good time to post Dr Jeffrey’s thoughts here – since I haven’t done so for a while…
By Jeffrey Kitingan
Celebrating Malaysia Day on Sept 16 would be meaningless, hollow and empty unless the special rights and autonomy of Sabah and Sarawak as agreed, promised and assured by the Founding Fathers of Malaysia are fulfilled.
The Founding Fathers of Malaysia from the Borneo states took great risks to agree and to be pushed and rushed into the merger with Malaya and Singapore to the extent of denying themselves (the Borneo States) the opportunity to attain political maturity first and to enjoy the freedom and practice of self-rule as what is now enjoyed by Brunei.
This is despite the fact that opinions and assessments from various quarters involved in the negotiations gave a clear and mature signal to the merger.
For example, according to British documents released recently, Sir William Goode (last Governor of British North Borneo) and Waddle (British Representative in Singapore) insisted “that Borneo
is not ready for self-government, which they fear would turn out to be an unequal partnership between the Borneo Horse and the Malayan Rider.
They warned of dangers of “shotgun marriage.” “None of the territories (Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei) would be ready for self-government earlier than 1970” and “All territories, Brunei, North Borneo and Sarawak were ‘unfitted’ to enter Malaysia on the basis of popular representation”.
Sel Kirk (British High Commissioner based in Singapore) gave Sarawak about 10 years, and North Borneo at least 20 years before a clear cut electoral opinion would be given on this subject.
Lord Cobbold, Chairman of the Cobbold Commission, even warned that “It is necessary condition, from the outset, that Malaysia shall be regarded by all concerned as an association of partners combining in the common interest to create a new nation but retaining their own individualities.”
Even the United Nation (UN) Team sent to ascertain the feelings of the people of North Borneo and Sarawak also came back with an inconclusive report saying 2/3 are not convinced to the formation of Malaysia.
Tun Fuad Stephens (Donald Stephens) himself expressed his concerns in a letter to Tunku Abdul Rahman (before the formation of Malaysia) – “If we had been asked to join Malaysia at the time Malaya achieved independence and Britain made it possible for us, the story would have been a different one”.
“Now that ‘Merdeka’ has been Malaya’s for some years, and we are still struggling towards it, Malaya’s proposal that we join as the 12th, 13th and 14th states savours of imperialism, of a drive to turn us into Malayan colonies…. to join Malaya, while we are still colonies… the implication is to hand (ourselves) over to your control.”
Then, to the Straits Times, Tun Fuad wrote: “We are against joining Malaysia as individual states, and want the Borneo territories to get together, so that when we talk with Malaya, it will be as equal partners and not as vassals…, and if we join Malaya now, the people who will come and take most of the top jobs will be Malayan… the new expatriates…”
Tunku’s assurances
Doubts and concerns expressed by the Borneo leaders to the status of Sabah and Sarawak in the Federation were subsequently addressed by Tunku Abdul Rahman and his team when they agreed to take into consideration the 20-Points conditions.
Tunku Abdul Rahman assured that “The granting of self-government too would enable Sabah to stand on its own feet as equal with Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore”.
“The important aspects of the Malaysia Ideal, as I see it, is that it will enable the Borneo territories to transform their present colonial status to ‘self-government’ for themselves and absolute independence in Malaysia simultaneously..”
“The days of imperialism are gone and it is not the intention of Malaya to perpetuate or revive them. When the Borneo territories become part of Malaysia, they will cease to be colonies, they will be partners of equal status, no more or less than the other states.” (the ‘other states’ refer to the other states’ entities of Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak).
Thus what eventually convinced the Borneo states leaders to form Malaysia beside the question of security, were the assurances that the merger would be that of equal partnership of the signatory states (Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak) to the Malaysia Agreement, the autonomy and special rights accorded to Sabah and Sarawak under the 20-Points, Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report and the Malaysia Agreement itself.
Have all these Agreement, promises and assurances been fulfilled? Is Sabah now secure and enjoying “absolute independence” in Malaysia? Are we now in control of our economic resources, our political franchise and our future? If the answer is “NO” then what are we celebrating on the Sept 16?
We might as well regard Sept 16 as a ‘Sad Day’ to remember when we ended freedom and independence to be taken over and re-colonized by Malaya.
Ironically, on Aug 31, 1963 (two weeks before the formation of Malaysia), Sabah was granted independence from the British to which Sir William Goode declared – “Today is a historic day for Sabah. It marks the beginning of self-government and independence and the end of colonialism”.
If anything at all, let Sept 16 be an occasion to reflect and review our position in the Federation of Malaysia and find a solution to save a potentially fragile nation from breaking apart.
Our state political leaders should use this occasion to rise above partisan political interest, fighting for self-interest in the name of development to one committed to the larger interst of Sabah and Sarawak and for the future well-being of Sabahans and Sarawakians.
The time to do this is right and most appropriate as Sabah and Sarawak are not merely “fixed deposits” States but they are actually the “Kingmakers” the “Penentu” as to who goes to Putrajaya and who will fulfill the promises of Sept 16, 1963.
Selvarajasomiah's Weblog 
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Muhyiddin rewrites history
Mariam Mokhtar | December 2, 2011
Umno refuses to accept that not all Malays support Umno; they don’t now and they didn’t in the 1950s.
COMMENT
Here we go again, Umno rewriting Malayan history.
The first was in late August, when the whole of the Umno machinery turned on PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu and accused him of being a communist sympathiser.
For years, Mat Sabu delivered the same speech about Merdeka day but this year, in the run-up to the 13th general election, his speech was closely scrutinised and manipulated by Umno and its mouthpiece, Utusan Malaysia.
Mat Sabu is perceived by Umno as a great threat. Why? It is because he dared to challenge the authorities’ version of Malayan history.
Mat Sabu had questioned why Mat Indera, the Malay freedom fighter who attacked a police station in British Malaya, had been called a terrorist. In Mat Sabu’s estimation, Mat Indera had called for and fought for, a free Malaysia. His embrace of the communist ideology was simply a means to an end.
However, Umno considered Mat Indera and other Malays like him, terrorists. They were conveniently brushed out of our history.
The bottom line is that Umno wants everyone to believe that only Umno had been responsible for liberating Malaya from the British. Furthermore, Umno wants the rakyat to believe that all Malays “belong” to Umno and have done since the 1950s.
Umno refuses to accept that not all Malays support Umno; they don’t now and they didn’t in the 1950s.
Back in August, the condemnation of Mat Sabu made headline news and he became Utusan’s new whipping boy.
Former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Zainal Kling of the National Professors’ Council continued the lie that the British never colonised this country. The news took the Malaysian public by surprise and so Umno organised roadshows with professors, former policemen and ex-Inspector-General of Police Haniff Omar, trying to convince the public that Malaya was never a British colony.
Muhyiddin’s version
Umno’s second attempt at rewriting history was yesterday, at the Umno general assembly and party conference.
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin declared that his party could have formed the government at Independence, without the help of other races.
According to him, Umno’s willingness to co-operate with the MCA and MIC in the 50s helped deflect accusations of racism and helped bring about independence.
Umno, he said, had won the majority vote in the first general election post-Merdeka and therefore, “we are not racist… we were willing to share power with others despite our ability to form a government on our own before independence”.
It is puzzling that, when Muhyiddin made his claim, the leaders of the MCA and MIC did not protest. Muhyiddin’s insult was as good as saying to their faces, “You are a pendatang and you should be grateful to us Malays for ‘sharing’ power with you and that we didn’t turf you out.”
Perhaps Muhyiddin places little value on the inter-ethnic cooperation in which the Alliance (Umno, MCA and MIC) had displayed since 1954. Muhyiddin ignores the fact that the Reid Commission of 1956 accepted proposals from the Alliance upon which to base our Constitution. Muhyiddin belittles the contribution of the non-Malays.
Last October, Mat Sabu warned us of Barisan National’s (BN) 3R strategy of race, royalty and religion, designed to spread lies about the opposition and create fear in the rakyat.
Mat Sabu revealed the modus operandi that he alleged BN would use, to recapture Selangor. More than 180,000 foreigners had been given voting rights. Most had not declared their nationality in the electoral registration and thousands had registered as double-voters and were in possession of two different identity cards.
Mat Sabu warned the Eelection Commission to adopt Bersih 2.0’s eight demands to clean up the electoral list and accede to Bersih’s demands: “Or else, we are prepared to launch our Bersih 3.0 rally at any time.”
Today, we find that BN pre-empted Berish 3.0 by banning street protests with the Peaceful Assembly Bill which it rushed through Parliament.
With BN’s 3R strategy of race, royalty and religion, Muhyiddin said last week that “the DAP wanted to set up a republic when they suggested that the prime minister be elected directly and not be appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong”.
The deputy prime minister condemned the DAP for failing to see any good in the Malays amid claims that those who were in league with DAP were traitors.
Said Muhyiddin: “The Malays should not fall into the trap because the intention of this racist party is to just use them for their own benefit.”
Umno’s false promises
Using the sultans to turn the public against the opposition is a convenient ploy of Umno. In 1983, Umno leaders said nothing when Mahathir criticised the sultans publicly and stripped them of their powers. Today, the sultans, whom the Umno leaders have befriended for the sake of mutual survival, easily take offence at the remarks of professors and opposition politicians.
The rakyat may be afraid of being termed republicans and of being accused of sedition, but it is doubtful that the rakyat will accept another Perak-style fiasco.
Muhyiddin knows that not all Malays benefit from the New Economic Policy (NEP). Ordinary Malays are aware that the NEP only rewards those who are close to the Umno elite.
The majority of Malays are poor. The middle-class Malays will not speak out for fear of losing their new station in life. They do not realise that with a new order, they could progress further and be in a position to help the less fortunate Malays and non-Malays.
Muhyiddin’s government has not dealt with the sex scandals, the financial abuses and other improprieties linked with Umno politicians. His government is also responsible for the unexplained deaths of those in the custody of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police.
Perhaps the Umno Malay is proud that he can rob the rakyat of their hard-earned cash. To date, the police have not found any criminal breach of trust with the Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil’s alleged swindling of public funds.
In the civilised world, a minister linked to any whiff of financial misappropriation (or sexual scandal) would resign to clear his name. Not in Malaysia.
Honour, especially Malay honour, means nothing to the Umno leaders. Arrogance, obstinacy and denial are the order of the day.
The Malays who have not benefited from Umno’s false promises should know how to vote in the 13th general election.
Mariam Mokhtar is an FMT columnist.
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In todays world we need fighters to which we are lacking. Sabahans need this badly at the present time. I tell you, you cannot at this juncture be in the BN to be in a position to change or rectify our predicament. KL have smelt and tasted blood. Do you really think you can change everything by being in the BN components. They will keep telling you that same old story….ok we will have a look at it. They are actually buying time. They like this delay. They like our soft stand and quietly they are making the irreverseable damage making it impossible for us to do corrective measures later. You had better be outside and keep on barking together. Dr. Jeffrey is one of the remnants as to the legacy of Tun Fuad and Peter Mojuntin. You say he is a frog? Well at least he is doing something to reach out the noble dreams of our fore-fathers. I don’t know why others remain under the the coconut shell
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Sabah will be better off under PKR and DAP like my home town Kulim,
email: beisoolang@gmail.com
Never in the path of our nation’s history has corruption been as unbridled as it has been for the past three decades. Corruption has become a scourge that would ultimately ruin the nation and we should thank Barisan National opportunism for this knack and flamboyance.
Interesting media highlights on alleged corruption and abuse of power
To the incumbent regime, it’s always the denial syndrome that would tint their rhetoric whenever the issue of corruption is raised by the public and this would in turn be handily backed and spun by the pro-government media. Nevertheless, let’s recap some of the interesting media highlights in the past years on corruption-related issues in the country.
“Nine Japanese shipping companies that transport lumber from Sarawak, Malaysia, allegedly failed to report some 1.1 billion yen of income in total during a period of up to seven years alleging the money constituted kickbacks to Sarawak officials via a Hong Kong agent.”
“Serious allegations of integrity involving a minister in defence contracts such as US$100 million for Sukhoi jets from Russia and US$120 million for submarines from France.”
“A hefty commission in millions of Euros being paid to the submarine broker.”
“Customs officers found about 600 boxes of frozen beef worth about RM80,000 among its cargo. In the export documents, the meat was declared as fruits. ACA officers have questioned a dozen people, including customs officers, forwarding agents, trawler crew members and port officials.”
“Alcohol smugglers are short-changing the government to the tune of about RM800 million in taxes annually and adversely affecting the beer industry in the process. The loss in taxes was due to loopholes in enforcement, specifically in Malaysia’s territorial waters, said a Minister. He urged the department to take firm action to rout smuggling activities by upgrading surveillance in areas which were identified as smugglers’ routes.”
“The man who is supposed to lead the clean-up, has himself been accused of illicit enrichment by a former underling.”
“The contractor claimed that the government project in the tune of RM500 million was subcontracted to his firm for RM430 million.”
“In a separate case, a minister is accused of taking bribes to set criminal suspects free.”
“A survey this month by PERC, a Hong Kong-based consultancy, shows that corruption is perceived to have worsened in Malaysia.”
“A spendthrift government that will retard economic stimulus, leading to a bankrupt nation.”
“Billions of ringgit is lost in the name of kickbacks or corruption and this is going to make the country go bankrupt.”
“Police constable jailed for accepting bribe.”
“Several high-ranking customs officer detained to be investigated for bribery allegations.”
“Immigration officers detained under ISA.”
“Minister’s alleged involvement in money politics.”
“It was alleged that a prominent lawyer wrote the judgment for a judge.”
“Politicians accused of money politics.”
“UMNO aspirant disqualified because of money politics.”
“Billions of ringgit lost in forex trading.”
“Malaysia: Billions of ringgit lost in corruption annually due to corruption and illegal money transactions.”
“Billions of ringgit was siphoned out of the country through wily money changers.”
“Former chief minister in court accused of corruption.”
“Former minister acquitted of corruption charges.”
“Former Perwaja boss acquitted of corrupt charges against him.”
“Millions of dollars used to build up the image of Malaysian politicians overseas.”
“ Millions of ringgit spent on residential renovations.”
“Millions of ringgit spent on travelling expenses of politicians.”
These were but just a few of the innumerable headlines laid bare by the media that have brought utter disgust to the taxpayers. A former prime minister denied the many allegations that appeared in the media on corruption involving those in power and claimed that only about 15 percent of those reported were genuine.
Be that as it may, the educated electorate are questioning this: When would our politicians learn about competence, transparency and accountability in managing the country’s wealth? The people at large feel that the billions of ringgit lost and secured through kickbacks and bribery for the past 30 years could have brought splendid development to the country.
The money lost could have been used to perk up people’s livelihood such as building schools and providing better health facilities for the people. A prominent accountant attached to an established public firm in the city has this to say: “RM2 ringgit out of every RM10 spent by the government is pure wastage due to lack of transparent standard procedures in the management of taxpayers’ money. Only the Opposition-held states have shown some rigour in conforming to these procedures.”
Business, politics and corruption have become inseparable
Corruption seems to have become a way of life in many sectors – public and private. According to a retired private sector executive, “Business is so corrupt these days and the dye is cast. Business, politics and corruption have become inseparable.” On the other hand, the people’s general perception is that the incumbent government lacks the political will to curb corruption. They have the notion that many high-profile cases have been swept under the carpet as many prominent personalities were allegedly involved and rocking the boat would affect support for the political parties. Some high profile leaders have not been netted by the MACC and charged for abuse of power and for corruption.
This elegant silence on the government’s part is disturbing the voters more. When the people see that corrupt leaders are still hanging on to power, their pure conjecture would be that no green light has been given by those higher up to take action to this effect. The view that there would be a backlash from among party members is a petty excuse and analysis of the real situation on the ground.
For this reason, the incumbent government would face an uphill task in convincing the critics in the next general election. The Cyber war and political campaigns on the ground would see the issue of corruption in the country used to the hilt to win votes. The urban electorate are already well aware of this scourge affecting the nation. The Opposition would contrive to sway the voters’ sentiments by using corruption as the instrumental tool and gizmo to win them over. Analysis has it that this is going to be effective approach by the Opposition to convince the people to vote for a change.
Endemic corruption started in the 80s
Corruption as perceived by the people has gone beyond the hum and haw mores of our society. It is now being strongly rooted in the nation’s culture. Endemic corruption in the country started from the 80s’ onwards. A very senior UMNO politician was once quoted as saying, “Corruption is a form of lubricant. It makes work get done faster.” Of late, the same politician was quoted as saying, ”Never mind if there is a little corruption here and there as long as the people are helped.”
When statements of this nature – immoral and irreligious to God-fearing laypeople – come from a politician the omen is going to be bad for the country. This is tantamount to promoting and breeding the culture of corruption more among politicians and those with authority. Corruption, as every Malaysian is aware of, goes against the religious and moral values of any civilised society. There, no doubt, could be a short-term material gain to corruption, but if this blight goes unbridled would end up becoming a threat to the social fabric of our future generations.
Less the voters forget, the media in the past have highlighted allegations of corruption involving politicians, middle-men, government agencies, enforcement officers and the public in general. There were allegations, among others, that money had been paid to lubricate the process of acquiring government projects, palms were greased to make sure that politicians were elected into office in what is popularly known as money politics, millions of ringgit was spent to secure votes during elections, high commissions were paid in weapon dealings, millions of ringgit was paid to get projects approved by local and foreign businessmen.
The people have also come to perceive that there are the “touchable” and the “untouchable” when it comes to punitive actions against those alleged to be corrupt. These are some of the calamitous social symptoms facing the nation today. From politics to the securing of a driving license it has been touted that corruption is involved. The irony is that the pro-government media have been so earnest in their dutiful sermons on integrity and a corrupt-free society to veil the truth from the people.
Bribe Payers Index
The next general election would see the Opposition campaigning to the hilt on this sensational issue that is scorching the nation. The revulsion and detestation could already be observed in the urban constituencies as the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of the urbanites has risen to 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 among the educated populace. To them the incumbent government has failed to rein in corruption that has cost the nation billions of ringgit annually.
In the Transparency International’s (TI) 2008 Bribe Payers Index (BPI) it was found that corrupt practices in the country has been on the rise. Political parties were singled out as one of the most corrupt institutions in the country with a BPI of 3.6. The police force was indicated as the most corrupt institutions in the country with a BPI of 4. The business communities also were not convinced of the government’s efforts to fight corruption, compared with some other Asia Pacific nations. These are some of the figures noted by TI:
Bribery to high ranking officials to or political parties: Malaysia – 42% of 92 respondents.
Bribery to low level public officials to speed things up: Malaysia – 38% of 94 respondents.
Use of personal and familiar relationships on public contracting: Malaysia – 44% of 93 respondents.
Assessment of government action in the fight against corruption in Malaysia (100 respondents):
Very Ineffective – 27%
Ineffective – 46%
Neither – 9%
Effective – 12%
Very Effective – 6%
Sectors in Malaysia perceived to be affected by corruption (1: not all corrupt, 5: extremely corrupt):
Police – 4
Political Parties – 3.8
Registry and Permit Services – 3.6
Parliament/Legislature – 3.3
Customs – 3.3
Criminals, businessmen and politicians
Corruption has in actuality caused more damaging effects to the society than what meets the eye. It has been alleged that criminals oftentimes collude with prominent businessmen and politicians. This would unquestionably be damaging to the nation’s security. The collusion between criminals and some enforcers would blemish the whole process of law enforcement. Studies on corruption have shown that wealthy and poor countries have attracted criminal gangs and corrupt officials. In some countries criminal organisations have influenced law enforcement and politics. Some countries are now in major chaos as a result of this collusion and it has become almost impossible to put right the problems. Is Malaysia moving towards this direction?
In many countries, the conviction of notorious gangs have led to the break up of mobs and disturbances. Law enforcers and their families have been harassed and some assassinated. Studies on corruption have also shown that organised crime syndicates are able to protect themselves through many devious means – corruption of law-enforcement officers, physical violence against informants, threats against prosecutors, lawyers and judges, use of lawyers to circumvent the legal system and monetary contributions to political candidates. In some countries, mob activities are so gainful that organised crime could afford to keep in its payroll government officials at various levels, including politicians and law enforcers, to influence the legal system in its favour. Is Malaysia moving towards this direction?
Impede the country’s economic growth
In some situations, criminals are also able to establish supportive enforcement officers who pass information to them about investigations and intended raids and by making intentional mistakes in prosecutions – technical errors resulting in cases in courts being thrown out. Corruption of enforcement officers is made easier by the fact that they are modestly paid and subject to temptation and as a consequence crime and bribery would remain unchecked. When enforcement officers are corrupt they would make efforts to ensure that their equals are also corrupt. An honest officer would unfortunately come under harsh pressures from them. Is Malaysia also moving towards this direction?
Why is the increase in smuggling, peddling and abuse of drugs and the number of addicts in the country gone unabated? Why is there a perpetual increase in illegal immigrants in the country? Apparently, these pains in the neck are just impossible to be done away with because of alleged corruption involving some of those with authority in the country. At the rate it is going, each year about 25 000 of the country’s inhabitants would measure off as drug addicts and quietly thaw into the society – an irritant to all peace loving Malaysians. This number almost equals one-third of the number of students graduating from our universities annually. If this trend continues, by the year 2020 instead of achieving developed status the country is expected to graduate with more than 1.5 million drug addicts – a terrifying figure indeed! They would bring about many more other social ills that could undoubtedly impede the country’s economic growth.
Is Malaysia moving towards destruction?
About RM60 million is now spent yearly to rehabilitate the estimated 60 000 drug addicts that we know of, and just imagine how much of the tax payers’ money is going to be spent in 2020 to do the same. The vast number of illegal immigrants – a projection of more than 3 to 4 million by 2020 – who would contribute their shares of nuisance to the society would compound to this menace. The colossal costs for deportations and maintenance of detention centres in the country would again be at the expense of the taxpayers. Could corruption – monetary lure too lucrative and tempting for those with a greedy mind – in the society attribute to some of these social problems? And is Malaysia moving towards destruction?
When politicians have limited accountability and when personal political interests are prioritised, the duty and responsibility of individuals in authority could not be wholly fulfilled. This is wretchedly going to weigh down the country’s progress. Corruption at any level of the society is an amoral activity that would only help encourage indescribable and unlawful activities. Corruption is an unscrupulous action against our moral duty and obligation. It is a symptom of deep problem in society that could cause many conflicts in society and indirectly affects the economy, investments, enforcements, the legal processes and even ethnic divisions – resulting in low civic consciousness among people and thus would ultimately debase the whole society. Surprisingly, with all these effects of corruption on human values we have politicians who still would consider corruption as a lubricant to promote business and help people.
If graft is seen as a normal practice in life, or as a lubricant in our daily chores to get legal or illegal things done speedily, in the long run it is going to devastate the fabric of our relatively peaceful society. The society thus needs better politicians with better thoughts and a morally sturdier frame of mind that could help develop a better Malaysia. We need politicians whose conscience would tell them that corruption in any form is against the edicts of all major religions. If corruption is left to flourish by some self-seeking politicians it would certainly undermine our civil society. Politicians who have the moral courage to say no to corruption are those who would eventually get the nod from the people.
The exemplar of governance in Opposition-held states
The people should vote for a government that could instil the patriotic fervour in the masses to safeguard the country from being blackmailed by criminals and corrupters. Short-term monetary gain people make through crime and corruption should not be condoned and politicians should never be part of these deals.
Critics and auditors have commented that the Opposition-led states are displaying exemplary governance and are very concerned about the importance of having a corrupt-free system of management. These states have thus far shown tremendous economic success and have undeniably convinced the people to stay with them. Numerous reports – local and foreign – have been written on how effective is the management of these states without using corruption as a lubricant to bring in investors. Corruption in these states is nipped in the bud before it continues to flourish to become a major threat to the administration. Profit margins on government projects are set very low as contractors do not have to bribe their way to get those contracts. Contractors do not have to pay bribes to politicians for being given a project or pay for a politician’s wife and children to go on vacation overseas. The notorious “Mr 10% politicians” are not heard of in these Opposition governed states. Only capable contractors are given projects and there is no abuse of these contracts as they are not subcontracted to others for quick profits. The exemplar of governance shown by the states under the Opposition are worth emulating for a better Malaysia.
BN would in all probability lose more votes
The people in general thus are looking forward for a change in government at the national level to ensure that the ill-effects of corruption could be erased from politics, business and the social fabrics of our society. The Opposition would sanguinely hinge on this issue to capture votes in the next general election. The urban electorate are already awaken by this unease when they see corruption rearing its ugly head in our society; the rural electorate would soon be stirred as well. The people’s perception today is that nothing much has been done by the incumbent regime to rein in corrupt practices in the country. Corruption is rife and has become entrenched in the country’s political psyche. For this reason, BN would in all probability lose more votes than they could ever imagine in the next general election.
Ma
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Going by the political activities that are going on, the General Election(GE) is just around the corner. The rakyats will once again get to decide on which party and which leaders they want to represent them and to do their bidding in government. It is time for them to HIRE their new EMPLOYEE. In a true democracy, this is REAL power to the citizens of a nation. They get to decide on their EMPLOYEE. Unfortunately In Malaysia and in many third world countries , this is but just a mirage. The politics of money, gerymeandering, vote manipulations and outright cheating occurs. Unless and until there are election reform in Malaysia , UMNO/BN will have the upper hand and will likely win again.
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Robbery is allowed because it is not corruption,
I will buy you coffee in any of the 5 star hotels to show you more evidence,
Bei Soo Lang ..KK,
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The predictment of native Sabahans today-devoid of political power as a result of the importation of immigrants from the Southern Phillipines and Indonesia by UMNO/BN and its agents-is the next to impossible obstacle that first must be overcame by Sabahans before it can go anywhere politically. The trecherous act by Mathathir and his local agents ( known to be Musa Aman and Yahya Hussein) has made sure that the racial demography of Sabah is changed forever. Going to to polls and voting the alternative party to reverse the damage done is a uphill task. . More than 40 yrs and two generations later, these illegal immigrants have essentially taken over. It is as simple as that. What is very sad is, this happened under the watch of many native leaders who are and were aware of what was happening. They did nothing about it and played along. Since THEY are in BN,has become enablers of Malaya. In addition to this, the younger generation of native Sabahans have been somewhat brainwashed by “muslimisation” policy and the “new” teachings of history -skewd towards Malay dominance. We should have seen this coming but these leaders were blinded by the lure of riches, position and power. The only way Sabahans can regain controll of their own homeland will be to somehow engage and involve these new Malaysians by exploiting their ingrained dislike of Malaysia. This will take time and involves lots of persuasion. We can turn this traitorous act and turn it into positive one by making what UMNO/BN has created to back fire on them !!! And this is one of the ways to push back putrajaya short of a revolution .
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Mr Selva, i don’t understand why you think so big deal about this Jeffrey chap. As far as I’m concern he got permanent head damage and not PhD, he is confuse and suffers from delirium. He is the NUMBER 1 frog and cannot be trusted. You think we in PBS want him? Never! Jeffrey is a political liability as he got too much baggage’s!
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PBS has loss all credibility. Sabahans voted for them because they do not like BN and UMNO. By joining BN, PBS effectively chart their own demise. So, Jeffrey stop thinking of joining a sinking ship again.
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Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan is my man. We KDMs in PBS are looking forward for Dr Jeffrey to come into PBS and take over the party when Pairin leaves shortly.
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