Guest Editorial: PARODY: Biden and Blinken on Latest China Trip

Murray Hunter


Guest Editorial: PARODY: Biden and Blinken on Latest China Trip

Lim Teck Ghee
APR 29, 2024





Blinken: Morning Boss. I've just finished meeting Xi and he wants me to warn you again of the Chinese red lines

Biden: Morning Blinky. What red lines? He has never spoken to me about them. Btw, try not to call me up so early okay. It’s only six here and the doctor says I need my ten hours sleep.

Blinken: Sorry Boss. I wanted to make sure our boys don’t make a mess of the news followup. Their boys sent me recordings of your conversations with Xi prior to our meeting. They have what you said to Xi on several occasions during the past ten years on the various red line issues unfortunately.

Biden: Oh s…!

I have forgotten. Okay what did Xi say then of the red lines?

Blinken: He made it very clear:

No interfering of China internal affairs
No suppression of China developments
No crossing of the “Red Lines” in China’s sovereignty, security and interests

Biden: We will keep this out from the media.

Blinken: Yes. But they have already released their readout Boss.

Biden: What? What! Read it out man!

Blinken: I don’t think you are going to like it but it was the best we could do.

Biden: Hell: Read it out

Blinken: Secretary Blinken conveyed President Biden’s greetings to President Xi. He noted that since President Biden and President Xi met in San Francisco, the U.S. and China have made good progress in their cooperation in such areas as bilateral interactions, counter-narcotics, artificial intelligence and people-to-people exchanges. 

The multiplicity and complexity of the challenges the world faces require the U.S. and China working together. The Americans from all walks of life that he met during the visit all expressed the hope to see U.S.-China relations improve. The U.S. does not seek a new Cold War, does not seek to change China’s system, does not seek to suppress China’s development, does not seek to revitalize its alliances against China, and has no intention to have a conflict with China. 

The U.S. adheres to the one-China policy. It hopes to maintain communication with the Chinese side, follow through on what the two presidents agreed in San Francisco, seek more cooperation, avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations, responsibly manage differences, and achieve stable development of U.S.-China relations.

Biden: Son of a b…. That’s going to make us look bad. You make sure that CNN, Reuters and all the TV networks do not carry this

Blinken: Okay Boss. I brought up all of the usual issues we have with them. Xinjiang genocide. China supporting Russia. Taiwan, Philippines, etc.

Biden: So what did Xi say?

Blinken: He laughed. Offered me a visit to Xinjiang and to talk to the local folk. Told me to focus on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. I think they got us by the b…. on any genocide claim we can make against them Boss.

Biden: What about Russia? We need to score against Putin

Blinken: I know. They announced that Putin will be visiting Beijng in May.

Hell! Nothing we can do about that Boss.

Their boys have also sent us a file of India’s dealings with Russia which makes it difficult for us to sanction and screw the Chinese. Big file with many big names involved. They have also been monitoring the progress of the Indian-Russian plan to jointly produce military weaponry. It will be really bad for us if this takes place.

Biden: Oh s…! Why haven’t I been told more about this?

Blinken: Same here Boss. It looks like Modi may be taking us for a ride on Russia! We have to use our Indian friends in DC and London to put a stop to further India attempts to build up their so-called multipolar world order. It’s really against us.

Biden: Isn’t there anything positive that came out of your meeting Blinky.

Blinken: Well, I raised Yellen’s concern with China’s over-capacity which is causing problems to us.

Biden: So what did Xi say?

Blinken: He laughed. Very loudly. Told me that this red line that we are attempting to draw is simply because US and western products cannot compete with China’s in terms of quality and pricing. 

He also pointed out that China’s production of solar panels, electric vehicles, batteries and other hi tech and green energy products should be appreciated and applauded rather than criticized. 

Also they are helping poor countries, etc. He really went on and on . Made our position look bad

Biden: So what did you say.

Blinken: I couldn’t say much Boss. All the reputable economists agree that our criticism is without merit. I told him that we have the Europeans on our side.

Biden: His staff pointed out that German Chancellor was recently in China to promote German hi tech investment and business and that this will undoubtedly contribute further to Chinese over capacity!

Another said that US businesses should invest in the clean energy transition the way that China has done to bring about a cleaner world and a win-win scenario for all, especially our children

Yeah! It was not an easy visit, Boss. We ended up on a positive note though with the Chinese promising not to try to pull us back or down.

Biden: What did they say?

Biden: I will read it

China is willing to see a confident and open US with prosperity and development. It is hoped that the US can also look at China's development positively. Only when this fundamental issue is resolved and the “first button" is buckled, will the China-US relations be truly stabilised, improved and moved forward.

Biden: Any thing on Trump?

Biden: Not in the meeting. But outside it, they told me that they were expecting a Trump victory.

Biden: Did you ask on how they can help me?

The conversation was cut off at this point

ADDENDUM

Just prior to Blinken’s China visit, the State Department released its 2023 Human Rights report in which it maligned China for its alleged Xinjiang genocidal repression of human rights without offering any evidence.

One most popular response over youtube from readers pointing out the extreme hypocrisy of Blinken’s continuing critique of China’s human rights record as compared with the US’s own undoubted incomparably worse record had this to note:

Free Palestine, free Cherokees, free Apaches, free the Dakotas, free Hawaii, free the Guam, free the Marshall islands, free Samoa, free Mariana Islands, free Texas, free California, free Arizona.

See

Jerry’s Substack

Blinken's Hypocrisy on human Rights

Blinken knew exactly what he was doing, he could have delayed the release but he chose, instead to release the State Department’s “2023 Country Report” on the eve of his arrival in China. There’s plenty of media coverage on what he came for, the messages he wanted to deliver but the main thrust of his first day was the wave of media reports on what he fe…

Read more
3 days ago · 6 likes · 1 comment · Jerrys take on China

LIM TECK GHEE



Lim Teck Ghee, ANU PhD graduate, is a Malaysian economic historian and policy analyst. He has a regular column, Another Take, in The Sun, a Malaysian daily and Oriental Daily; and is the author of Challenging the Status Quo in Malaysia, and Dark Forces Changing Malaysia (with Murray Hunter).

Chegubard’s arrest and charging is a warning to all Malaysians

Murray Hunter

Chegubard’s arrest and charging is a warning to all Malaysians

One day they may come for you

APR 29, 2024

Badrul Hisham Shaharin, better known as Chegubard is being charged by police for criminal defamation and sedition in the cybercrime sessions court today. Yes, Malaysia has a cybercrime (or thought) court now.

According to lawyers for Liberty spokesperson, Badrul has committed no crimes. Whether you agree or disagree with Badrul Hisham Shaharin or Chegubard’s opinions is not the issue. The issue is freedom of speech and the right of the community to discuss issues of public importance. It’s the bedrock of any democracy. Even more important, is freedom from harassment and intimidation by the authorities.

Chegubard’s case is not isolated, many ordinary Malaysians homes are being raided on a daily basis, where citizens are carted off to the police. As most people don’t know their rights or can afford a lawyer, they are being denied any justice under what is quickly becoming a totalitarian state.

Just recently, Dominic Damian reported on X (Twitter) his home was raided by the MCMC and police. He was instructed to go to the nearest police station for an interview. Dominic posted a video of a person damaging a shrine. The alleged crime was that Dominic posted a blatantly hateful vandalistic act on a temple by someone. This is something the public should know, so these sacred places can be protected from vandalism. The police won’t do it.

Dominic’s phone was confiscated and he will have to wait to know whether he will be charged. Sadly, Dominic’s case is just one of many raids going on against Malaysians by the police and MCMC.


Police and MCMC firmly under ‘deep state’ control

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has become a completely politicized institution under the present government. Limited personnel and resources are being used by political and corporate interests to quell political dissent, and cover up corporate corruption. Some within the ranks of police are complaining this political orientation in their work is not professional law enforcement.

Likewise the MCMC is under the control of an UMNO warlord and corporate mogul. The MCMC is acting far beyond its statutory powers in self-interest. Together, the PDRM and MCMC are now a massive authoritarian ‘thought police’ intimidating and terrorizing the community. The authorities are flaunting the constitution.


Vengeful MACC

Malaysians are just not witnessing the MACC investigating alleged corruption in the past by the current PM’s nemesis, but a new attack on the PAS leadership is imminent. The current MACC investigation in Perlis could create a dragnet which may bring in senior leadership.

Investigations by the MACC appear to be one-sided on the political spectrum. This is weaponization of law enforcement.

Many today are saying ’padam muka* dia’ to Chegubard. Yes, they arrested Chegubard. Who will they come for next? One day, they may come for you.

* padan muka

MAHJONG TIME in KKB on 11 MAY

Pundits: Chinese voters will use Kuala Kubu Baru vote to send protest message to DAP

Some ethnic Chinese voters could abstain from voting at the Kuala Kubu Baru by-election on May 11 as a form of protest against the DAP, amid talks of growing disenchantment among the community that was once a staunch backer of the Pakatan Harapan’s strongest component member. — Picture by Yusof Mat Isa

Monday, 29 Apr 2024 7:00 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 — Some ethnic Chinese voters could abstain from voting at the Kuala Kubu Baru by-election on May 11 as a form of protest against the DAP, amid talks of growing disenchantment among the community that was once a staunch backer of the Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) strongest component member.

Analysts said there is some truth to speculation that ethnic Chinese voters are frustrated by the controversies that involved Umno’s top leaders charged with corruption, undelivered institutional reform promises, as well as the Anwar government’s handling of issues fuelling religious tension.

Chinese voters, who make up about a third of Kuala Kubu Baru’s diverse electorate, had surprised observers by continuing to back PH in last year’s state elections despite predictions that many would be uneasy about the PH-Umno alliance.

But issues that have cropped up in the seven months since the Selangor state polls last August, could potentially upend the voting trend that had helped DAP become PH’s most formidable party, analysts said.

“I think the assumption is a fair one to make, buoyed by the rising disenchantment amongst some of PH’s core supporters towards the coalition over concerns that it has failed to deliver on promised reforms,” said Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, director at Vriens & Partners, a government affairs consultancy for public policy and political risk.

“A likelihood could possibly be a form of protest votes among PH supporters, just to test the waters and to make a statement in sending a message to PH.

“A low turnout may potentially result in a very closely fought by-election, with DAP/PH retaining with a much smaller majority as opposed to the 14th general election,” he added.

Some in the party agreed. Ong Kian Ming, the DAP’s former member of parliament for Bangi, said he estimated that voter turnout at the May 7 by-election would be lower across all ethnicities, and a significant number of ethnic Chinese and Indian voters could view the polls as unimportant since it won’t affect the stability of the Selangor state government.

DAP’s former member of parliament for Bangi Ong Kian Ming said he estimated that voter turnout at the May 7 by-election would be lower across all ethnicities, and a significant number of ethnic Chinese and Indian voters could view the polls as unimportant since it won’t affect the stability of the Selangor state government. — Picture By Raymond Manuel


“It would not be inaccurate to say that many DAP and PH supporters have been disappointed by the performance of the unity government in the slow pace of delivering institutional reform, in the weak economic narrative (even though FDI numbers and economic growth continue to be healthy),” he said.

“Especially with regards to increases in the cost of living and the cost of doing business, and in the public fights between some PH and BN leaders, especially in the recent weeks over the KK Mart ‘Allah’ socks issue.”

These factors could drive many to abstain from voting in a bid to send a protest message to the ruling coalition, Ong said.

The DAP politician also did not rule out the likelihood that some Chinese and Indian voters may even vote for the Opposition although he felt their numbers would be small.

Just a 5 per cent decrease in turnout from the Chinese, together with a lower than 50 per cent turnout from the Indian community, would be enough to hand the DAP a defeat, according to Ong’s estimates.

“If the turnout of the Chinese voters drops further to just above 50 per cent and the turnout of the Indian voters drop to 45 per cent, and the Malay support drops to just 15 per cent with the Chinese support at 85 per cent and Indian support at 75 per cent, the DAP will lose this seat by almost 2000 votes,” he said.

PH would retain the seat with an overall turnout of 58 per cent and if Chinese support reaches 90 per cent, Indian support 80 per cent and Malay support at just 20 per cent, Ong estimated.

Supporters wave Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional flags during the announcement of Kuala Kubu Baru by-election candidate at the DAP Operation Centre in Kuala Kubu Baru April 24, 2024. PH would retain the seat with an overall turnout of 58 per cent and if Chinese support reaches 90 per cent, Indian support 80 per cent and Malay support at just 20 per cent, Ong estimated. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin


James Chin, professor of Asian studies at the University of Tasmania, said Perikatan Nasional will likely play up the frustration towards Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s government, but believed this would not be effective in swaying ethnic minority voters to back a coalition that includes the Islamist PAS.

“It’s quite clear that the PN is trying to play (up) the unhappiness with the government... to send a strong signal to Anwar for neglecting the non-Malays,” he said.

“What about the Chinese? Yes, the Chinese are unhappy but if the candidate is from the DAP, it’s unlikely they are going to do a protest vote. Even if they are really unhappy, they might protest by boycotting the polls but to vote against the DAP is highly unlikely given the fact that they are afraid of PAS.”

Chin also believes the KKB by-election, like others before, will be won on local issues.

“I think the important thing to remember is that this will be a very localised election simply because voters understand the result (if PH loses) will not be the fall of the state government... so it will be fought on local issues and whether the DAP have been serving the area well,” he said.

The by-election was triggered by the death of the incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21 due to cancer.

The Election Commission has set the polling day to be May 11.

“I overlooked & bought it” – T’gganu Woman Says We Bare Bears Logo on Kids’ Clothes Resembles ‘Allah’

“I overlooked & bought it” – T’gganu Woman Says We Bare Bears Logo on Kids’ Clothes Resembles ‘Allah’

Published 4 hours ago

April 29, 2024

By Azri Azizan

Source: X | AbdQuddusMatIsa & X | Prime Video


What’s meant to be cute and harmless will always be dangerous in the eyes of the ones who don’t understand.

Following Vern’s shoe design and All-In hotel logo that allegedly resembled the word Allah, a Malaysian social media user spotted yet another alleged resemblance of the word Allah from possibly the most unexpected source so far.

According to a Malaysian customer, the logo of the famous animation – We Bare Bears bears a resemblance to Allah, particularly in the word “We”.

Source: X | AbdQuddusMatIsa


The post was initially shared in the Facebook group Kuala Terengganu Residen, where the customer warned others to be careful while doing their shopping at a mall in the state. She claimed to have overlooked the “uncanny resemblance” and bought the t-shirt for her kid.

“I didn’t look properly before I bought it. Take a close look at the name, it clearly says Allah,” the customer said.

Source: Prime Video


The original post in the group has since been removed from the group but nothing truly disappears from the Internet, not when the posts can’t escape the “wrath” of the screenshot button. Judging from the screenshot that has since circulated on X @AbdQuddusMatIsa, some people actually believed the “conspiracy theory” – that the We Bare Bears logo does resemble Allah.


“Don’t let Dr. Akmal sees this”

Other social media users, on the other hand, were baffled and shocked to see such “creativity” being used on a harmless logo.




“A kid of stupidity to make everything revolving around Allah. No one sees it but he does.”



“As a fan of We Bare Bears, I want to slap the person. You can’t even differentiate the alphabet W and Allah, you’re obviously blind.”




“The Malays in Terengganu is too much now.”



Another netizen sarcastically suggested increasing the font of the alphabet W to avoid confusion.



Another netizen also mentioned UMNO Youth leader, Dr. Akmal Salleh who has been active in his boycott movement.

“If Akmal sees this, he’ll call for a boycott for the bears.”



“I thought Malaysians are overeducated that they’re not doing labor work. So what the hell is this?”

To quote the bears, “Bears Win!” Have the bears won again this time? In the meantime, we hope no one comes up with any more claims about resemblance in the future, especially when that is not the case.

100 KFC outlets temporarily suspended according to report

theVibes.com:

100 KFC outlets temporarily suspended according to report

As of April 27, nearly 108 outlets had paused operations.

Published on 29 Apr 2024 4:01PM





OVER 100 KFC outlets nationwide have been suspended after about half a year of the boycott movement, Nanyang Siang Pau reported, citing information from Google Maps.

As of April 27, nearly 108 outlets had paused operations.

There are currently over 600 KFC restaurants in Malaysia, according to its website.

KFC, along with a few other global brands such as Starbucks and McDonald’s, have been facing intense boycotts due to their purported support or perceived link to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

QSR Brands Holding Sdn Bhd, which owns and runs the KFC franchise in Malaysia, also operates the restaurants in Singapore, Brunei, and Cambodia, as well as more than 480 Pizza Hut outlets in Malaysia and Singapore.

Kelantan is the hardest hit with nearly 80% or up to 21 outlets stopping their operations temporarily, followed by 15 outlets in Johor.

Johor state investment arm Johor Corporation (JCorp) is the largest shareholder in QSR, which together with its unit KFC Holdings (M) Bhd were taken private in February 2013.

The Vibes has reached out to QSR Brands for comment. – The Vibes, April 29, 2024.

MCMC lodges police report against Australian blogger Murray Hunter

Australian blogger Murray Hunter is under probe for posts allegedly slanderous against the unity government. – Social media pic, April 29, 2024


MCMC lodges police report against Australian blogger Murray Hunter

Former teacher at UniMAP reported over alleged slanderous posts against unity govt

29 April, 2024


KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has lodged a police report against Australian blogger Murray Hunter for posts that are allegedly slanderous against the unity government.

MCMC said its police report was based on Hunter’s particular claim that the commission and the police are “politically based institutions”.

“We (MCMC) strongly denied this baseless accusation by this blogger. As a statutory body, we carry out our duties and responsibilities in accordance with the MCMC Act 1998 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998,” the internet and multimedia regulator said in a statement.

Hunter should have directed his complaints against MCMC or the authorities via official channels, it added.

“Hunter’s writings, in accusing MCMC to have acted beyond its jurisdiction for self-interest, and the police for intimidating the community, is seen as slanderous.

“Spreading fake claims with the intention to harass another party is an offence under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. So does uploading content that slanders and insults MCMC.”

Police already have three investigation papers against Hunter over some of his articles which touched on religion, race and the Malay rulers (3R).

They stem from previous police reports lodged against the Australian over his articles linking the demolition of the Shah Alam Stadium and its redevelopment to the Selangor palace.

Last month, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said Bukit Aman has sought the help of Interpol to trace the whereabouts of the former university lecturer who is said to be residing in Hat Yai, Thailand.

In January, Universiti Malaysia Perlis, where Hunter taught previously, released a press statement to distance itself from him, confirming that he was no longer a lecturer there.

It also clarified that his employment at the university was terminated in 2015. – April 29, 2024

U.S. and European Allies Say No More Patriot Missiles For Ukraine: Will Spain and Japan Fill In?

Military Watch:

U.S. and European Allies Say No More Patriot Missiles For Ukraine: Will Spain and Japan Fill In?

April-29th-2024

Missile Batteries From Patriot System


Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan has confirmed that the United States will be unable to provide new MIM-104 Patriot long range air defence systems to Ukraine, following pressure from European allies to supply the systems and requests from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for “at least seven”new units. 

“The U.S. Patriot systems right now are being deployed around the world, including in the Middle East, to protect U.S. troops,” Sullivan stated.“If we can unlock further American Patriot batteries we would send them. But we are doing a lot of the supplying of the actual missiles that go into those batteries that get fired,” he added, noting that officials were nevertheless working around the clock to arrange for allied European countries to provide their own air defence assets to Ukraine. 

“In the meantime, what we’re going to do is work with European partners and partners in other parts of the world to get them to provide additional air defence capability to Ukraine,” the official clarified.

Ukraine’s requirements for new air defences have grown considerably as it’s massive Soviet arsenals built around the S-300 system have become increasingly depleted, and cannot be replaced as such systems are only produced in Russia. 

This has allowed Russian air units to play an increasingly central role in shaping the outcome of frontline hostilities, with mass use of glide bombs confirmed by Western observers on the front line to be pivotal, complementing Russian forces’ growing artillery superiority as Ukrainian artillery supplies run desperately low.

Missile Battery From Patriot System in Germany


From October 2023 the deployment of new Patriot, THAAD, and other surface to air missile assets to the Middle East as part of a broader surge in the American military presence in the region brought to light the tremendous and growing strain on the country’s air defences worldwide. 

Jake Sullivan’s comments were thus far from unexpected, although the possibility of European states stepping up with their Patriot missile supplies remains limited. 

While Germany has been particularly active and seeking to place pressure Washington to supply Patriot systems, on April 9 German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock confirmed regarding her own country’s capacity: “Unfortunately, the stocks, especially our own Patriot systems, are now pretty much exhausted. Therefore I made it clear at a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting that we need to check the availability of all Patriot systems in Europe and globally, and that we will make every effort to obtain these systems for Ukraine.” Germany alongside the Netherlands were the first European countries to supply Patriot systems to Ukraine.

Ukrainian Patriot System Milliseconds Before Iskander Strike


Baerbock’s statement was followed by confirmation from Polish officials confirming that the country also had no capacity to spare air defence systems for export. Spain, however, which fields 18 Patriot batteries, has confirmed that it can supply multiple mobile missile launchers to Ukraine, with Madrid also taking the lead in supplying new Leopard 2 tanks to replenish Ukrainian losses. 

Japan, too, is currently preparing to sell its Patriot systems back to the United States in the expectation that they will then be provided to Ukraine as aid. The urgency of the need for more systems was highlighted by footage from the Ukrainian frontlines near the town of Pokrovsk, Donetsk, which on March 8 confirmed the destruction of MIM-104 Patriot and S-300 surface to air missile systems in precision strikes by a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile system. 

This was hardly the first incident which saw Patriots destroyed by Russian forces, but was more clearly captured by drone footage. Beyond strikes on frontline positions, the serious depletion of Ukrainian air defences has also allowed Russian forces to strike critical infrastructure across the country, placing serious further pressure on Kiev’s Western sponsors, the aid packages of which cover the large majority of expenses under the state budget.

Scotland’s first minister, Humza Yousaf, resigns

al Jazeera:

DEVELOPING STORY


Scotland’s first minister, Humza Yousaf, resigns


Yousaf’s decision comes as he faces likely defeat in two forthcoming confidence votes brought by opposition parties.

Humza Yousaf resigned as Scotland's first minister on April 29, 2024, after ending a coalition government with the Greens[Reuters]

Published On 29 Apr 2024


Humza Yousaf has resigned as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and as Scotland’s first minister.

The move comes shortly after Yousaf ended the ruling coalition between the SNP and the Scottish Greens. That triggered two no-confidence votes put forward by opposition parties that Yousaf looked likely to lose.

“I am not willing to trade my values and principles or do deals with whomever simply for retaining power,” Yousaf said during a televised announcement.

The pro-independence SNP’s fortunes have faltered amid a funding scandal and the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as party leader last year. An internal struggle has followed over how progressive the party should pitch its policies as it seeks to woo back voters.

This month, Yousaf had said he was “quite confident” that he could win a no-confidence vote. However by Monday, his offer of talks with other parties to bolster his minority government was looking uncertain.

This is a developing story. More to follow …

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

Is chief minister Chow Kon Yeow a political liability to Penang?

Is chief minister Chow Kon Yeow a political liability to Penang?

By Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy





IT LOOKS like despite the bad blood between Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and his predecessor Lim Guan Eng, the two might meet to discuss the setting up an integrated circuit (IC) park in Penang.

Earlier Lim had criticised the Padang Kota state assemblyman for losing out the IC Park to Selangor along with two notable investment companies.

The former finance minister argued that Chow could have utilised Penang’s reserves to prevent the IC Park from moving to other states especially Selangor.

Selangor might be a bigger state to Penang in terms of land but lacks the image of a frontline electronic industrial state like Penang.

The setting up of the IC Park will enable the production of microchips that are used in almost all electronic products ranging from smart phones to components used in satellites.

Chow certainly missed the opportunity to ensure that the IC Park remained in Penang. No amount of coming in of other foreign investments in technology and high-end production could compensate for the “colossal” loss of IC Park to Selangor.

It is not that foreign or local investors are not keen in investing in Penang especially in the electronics sector but it just the crucial and aggressive leadership was not with Chow.


Soft spot for civil servants

The 65-year-old fifth Penang CM since 2018 might portray the image of a nice and pleasant guy but his problem is the lack of intellectual or dynamic leadership to see things beyond the “Neanderthal” ossified civil servants.

I really wonder whether the civil servants given their mobility have the commitment to make Penang attractive.

Unfortunately, Chow seeks to please them rather than to rely on his well-meaning party or coalition comrades.

Beyond the reliance on civil servants, he has the tendency to depend on the officials of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC).

Penang Development Corporation (PDC)


PDC is an ossified organisation that has an enlarged bureaucracy that basically plays the of stifling innovative investments. It is just another land department in the state.

In fact, I have in recent times suggested that in the larger interest of Penang and its people, Chow and Lim should meet to discuss investment matters.

Apparently, from what was reported in the media, both have expressed willingness, maybe just for political reasons more than anything else.

Chow must also understand that he has ended up in alienating the Chinese business community represented in the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC). Currently, there is a legal dispute between Chow and Tan Sri Tan Kok Ping who is the honorary life president of PCCC.

Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (Image credit: Penang Heritage Trust)


Not seeing eye-to-eye

Chow has taken Tan to the court for making defamatory remarks in relation to the PDC’s unsuccessful land sale to Umech Land. I also understand that Tan has also filed a counter suit against Chow.

One of the reasons that DAP came to power in Penang in 2008 was the support thrown in by the PCCC and the pivotal role played by Tan.

Chow might have had differences with PCCC over the PDC’s land sale to Umech Land last year, but he was in no position to quarrel with the PCCC.

Chow has forgotten about the contributions of the PCCC towards the political stability of the state. I seriously doubt that Chow and Lim who is the National DAP chairman can patch up their differences political and personal differences.

Chow Kon Yeow (left) and Lim Guan Eng


Lim wants the DAP Penang state chairman to exit as the CM of the state. Whether Lim and the PCCC are together on wanting Chow to go remains to be seen.

All the PCCC wants is for Chow to consult them on the developments in Penang to ensure there is participation from the locals. Perhaps, Chow has not done this.

While I welcome the meeting between Chow and Lim on giving priority to the larger interest of Penang, I seriously doubt that Chow will be a changed man after the meeting.

In a more specific sense, I doubt whether Chow will emerge as an imaginative and creative leader to shed new light on the future of development in Penang.

It is such a waste of human resources if the natural advantage of Penang cannot be capitalised upon. – April 29, 2024



Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.

“Tun M’s constitution reform is reason why Agong’s power to grant a pardon is not personal and absolute”

“Tun M’s constitution reform is reason why Agong’s power to grant a pardon is not personal and absolute”





THE constitution reform initiated by twice former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1994 is the reason why the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s (YDPA) power has been further diluted that the latter no longer has the absolute power with regard to a decision to grant a royal pardon.

This issue has cropped up again because of the attempts by the legal team of jailed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to call for a judicial review of a royal addendum said to exist.

In a video that is still being circulated widely, renowned constitutional lawyer G.K. Ganesan explained that due to the constitutional amendment which became enforceable from June 24, 1994, Article 40(1) was being inserted which requires the Agong to comply with the Cabinet’s advice.

“It is the most crucial clause on the question of the King’s power over a petition for a pardon,” he stressed in his YiouTube channel GKtv Law.

“The amendment went even further when the Parliament inserted an additional clause, ‘1A’, into Article 40. This clause has been sitting in the Constitution for nearly 30 years.”

This amendment changed the power structure of the Agong and the cabinet. Ganesan explained: “It means that if the Cabinet advises the King to decide in a certain way, the King has no choice but to comply.”

Although the ‘compliance principle’ was well-accepted for almost eight centuries across common law jurisdictions, Ganesan said what Dr Mahathir did was to put it “expressly” in case people forget.

“If the Pardons Board advises the King to treat a petition of mercy in a certain way, the King must comply with the advice of the Pardons Board,” he opined. “His Majesty, with respect, has no choice.”

Article 40 (1A) in the Federal Constitution reads: “In the exercise of his functions under this Constitution or federal law where the YDPA is to act in accordance with advice, on advice or after considering advice, the YDPA shall accept and act in accordance with such advice.”

With this in view, it is clear how a decision would have been arrived at between the former YDPA Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and the Pardons Board.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak


In fact, according to Ganesan, Article 42 (9) further states that members of the Pardons Board have to consider the Attorney-General’s (AG) written opinion before tendering the Board’s advice to the Agong.

A decision by the YDPA or the Pardons Board, therefore, cannot be done arbitrarily based on the YDPA’s own sole discretion or the political considerations of any member of the Board but the final decision has to take into consideration a number of views including the legal aspects and impact on society.

As in any Board meeting where the YDPA does not exercise his absolute power, mutual respect must exist between the YDPA and members of the Board. The remaining four members of the Board would have to listen to the YDPA and AG’s views before giving their own views.

The final decision which the YDPA announced is therefore based on a comprehensive study and thorough discussions between Sultan Abdullah and members of the Board. This is with regard to Najib’s jail sentence, fine and now the royal addendum that purportedly allows Najib to be placed under house arrest.

The said constitutional amendment was made in 1994 when Najib would have been serving as a minister in Dr Mahathir’s cabinet.

With all due respect, it is the opinion of this writer that it is highly unlikely that Najib will be placed under house arrest. – April 29, 2024

Pang reveals SPM straight A's after PAS' academic dare

Pang reveals SPM straight A's after PAS' academic dare

Published: Apr 29, 2024 2:06 PM


KKB BY-ELECTION | Pakatan Harapan candidate Pang Sock Tao has shared her SPM and UPSR results - outstanding straight A’s - after PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari dared her to do so.

Interestingly, the 31-year-old from Chung Hua High School in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, performed better in the 2010 exams for Malay Language (A) and English Language (A+) compared to Chinese Language (A-).

“Fadhli asked about my UPSR and SPM. Here is the answer.

“I am indebted to the teachers who taught me. A mere thank you is certainly not enough in return for the dedication they poured into educating me,” she said on Facebook.

She expressed gratitude to her parents as well for not neglecting her education.

Pang also shared her UPSR certificate from 2005, which similarly showed straight A’s.

From diploma to master’s

Fadhli issued the challenge yesterday after Perikatan Nasional candidate Khairul Azhari Saut faced controversy regarding his educational status.

This followed his poster stating that he obtained an executive management diploma from Universiti Malaya in 2019 and an executive master’s from Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) two years later.

Some questioned how he could jump straight to a master’s level without first taking a bachelor’s degree and how he completed his studies in 2021 during the movement control order to curb Covid-19.

Khairul Azhari Saut


However, diploma holders reportedly can continue their studies directly to an executive master’s at UMPSA with the required work experience qualifications and passing the prior learning assessment.

“The education issue of the PN candidate has been resolved. The university (UMPSA) has issued a statement regarding the executive business management master’s degree he holds and the certificate transcript has also been distributed.

“Now, I challenge the Harapan candidate to state her primary and secondary education. Please, where were the UPSR and SPM taken, it would certainly be interesting to know,” Fadhli said on Facebook.

The by-election will see a four-cornered fight between Pang, Khairul, Hafizah Zainudin (PRM), and Nyau Ke Xin (independent).

Kuala Kubu Baharu is a mixed seat with a voter breakdown of Malay (46 percent), Chinese (30 percent), and Indian (18 percent) and others (6 percent).

Polling day will be on May 11, with early voting falling on May 7.

BRITISH CHALLENGER AND NOW US ABRAMS TANKS WITHDRAWN FROM COMBAT. CATASTROPHE IN UKRAINE

 

OutSyed The Box

Sunday, April 28, 2024

BRITISH CHALLENGER AND NOW US ABRAMS TANKS WITHDRAWN FROM COMBAT. CATASTROPHE IN UKRAINE

I monitor the war in Ukraine on a daily basis. Not with mathematical precision (as some people are doing) but to keep up with the developments. The Russians are advancing steadily but slowly along the entire 1,000 km frontline. 

The British sent Challenger tanks to Ukraine which were promptly destroyed by the Russians. Prior to that the German Leopard 2 tanks were also destroyed. The British then withdrew their Challenger tanks from the frontlines. Then the Americans sent the M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. 31 of them of which FIVE have been destroyed. Now the M1 Abrams tanks have also been withdrawn from combat.

Instead the Ukrainians are using their good old Russian T-72, T-80 and T-90 tanks.

As we speak (according to Alexander Mercouris and our Singaporean Defense Politics Asia) there are some major developments on the frontlines in Ukraine since yesterday 27 April 2024. There is a catastrophe developing along the frontlines and Ukrainian troops are being routed. 

In a war at sea (naval battles) you do not fight to secure territory. You cannot because it is the sea. In a naval battle you wipe out the enemy's navy ships. After that your own navy ships return back to base. Your navy has done its job.

This is how the Russians have been fighting this war in Ukraine. The Russian objective is not fighting to take territory. Instead they are fighting to wipe out the Ukrainian army and their war making capacity by constant long range bombardment and by attrition. Grinding down the enemy bit by bit. As a result the Russians have not been making major dashes forward or doing any type of blitzkrieg. 

The Russians are advancing 250 meters or 500 meters at a time because the Ukrainian army is retreating. An advance of more than one kilometer is a rarity but it is increasing in frequency since the past one month. The Ukrainian army is breaking down, soldiers are surrendering and Ukrainian units are revolting and refusing to obey orders. It is a disaster for Ukraine.

Alamak Brader Zambry Is This Your Solution To The Shortage Of Specialist Doctors?

 

OutSyed The Box

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Alamak Brader Zambry Is This Your Solution To The Shortage Of Specialist Doctors?

"She asked Malaysians if they would be willing to be treated or operated on by a doctor who is not legally allowed to practice medicine and who is a bankrupt who has not settled outstanding debts"

This is taken from here:

https://permadumalaysia.blogspot.com/2024/04/dr-rafidah-sounds-emotional-more-like.html?m=1

A news portal from the mainstream media reported nephrologist Dr Rafidah Abdullah has urged a public university to explain why it allowed a person who has been declared a bankrupt to lead one of the departments under its medical faculty.

Rafidah said the vice-chancellor of the varsity must explain the matter, especially since the government’s regulations bar bankrupts from being hired for the public services.

“Come on, university XX, please explain. Don’t embarrass the university,” FMT quoted Rafidah as saying in a Facebook post, keeping the varsity’s name anonymous. She added that she will file a complaint which would be more specific.

A university spokesman later told the news portal that investigations were being carried out into the matter. An announcement would be made on Monday (tomorrow).

Rafidah also claimed that the academic has not been registered with the Malaysian Medical Council this year, a requirement for a doctor to legally practice medicine.

She asked Malaysians if they would be willing to be treated or operated on by a doctor who is not legally allowed to practice medicine and who is a bankrupt who has not settled outstanding debts.

According to the portal, they had also sought a response from higher education minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

Questions about the academic’s status were raised on social media after the academic was interviewed by the news portal recently. A search conducted with the insolvency department confirmed that the academic was declared a bankrupt in 2014 and remains undischarged as of Thursday April 25.