Kerbau-ish Frog-Slayer may end up embracing frogs (as it did in 2018)

FMT:

Speculation mounts about defections to Warisan

 

Warisan and allies won 32 seats in the state assembly elections, five short of a simple majority

KOTA KINABALU: A group of newly-elected state assembly members from Gabungan Rakyat Sabah are believed to be at a late-night meeting with Warisan president Shafie Apdal tonight, amid mounting speculation about defections to the former ruling coalition.

“Yes, for sure, they are all gathering at Shafie’s house,” according to a Warisan source, referring to the GRS members as well as Warisan leaders.

The purported meeting comes hours after PBS indirectly accused Warisan of attempting to entice PBS assembly members to defect, after Warisan failed to secure a majority at the state elections.

The PBS statement said offers of money and position had been made.

Earlier in the day, PBS information chief Joniston Bangkuai denied allegations that the party would now join forces with Warisan Plus to form a new state government.

Former prime minister Najib Razak also questioned whether Warisan had resorted to money politics after having campaigned against political corruption. “Is the ship party now playing money politics to create political frogs after losing the state elections?,” he said.

GRS comprising the Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and PBS won a total of 38 seats in the state elections. Warisan Plus won 32, five short of a majority, while three more seats were won by independent candidates.

Noting Umno MPs' interest, PKR says support for Anwar must be sincere

Malaysiakini:

Noting Umno MPs' interest, PKR says support for Anwar must be sincere

Any MPs supporting PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's bid to take over the government must be sincere, said PKR parliamentary whip Johari Abdul.

Johari said this was the conclusion made by PKR MPs who met today in response to the party president's announcement on Sept 23 that he has secured a majority in the Dewan Rakyat to form a new federal government.

"PKR MPs support the move to restore the people's mandate on May 9, 2018, with a focus on propelling economic growth and narrowing the income gap.

"Support from any MPs must be derived from an honest desire to save the country from the Covid-19 health and economic crisis which requires a stable, dynamic and strong government.


"We also take note of the statement that many Umno-BN MPs have switched support towards Anwar which clearly shows that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has lost his majority as prime minister," he said in a statement.

Johari (photo) said this in reference to Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement shortly after Anwar's announcement confirming that many Umno MPs were supporting the Port Dickson MP's efforts.

Based on the status quo, Muhyiddin has a two-seat majority in the Dewan Rakyat. Muhyiddin maintained that he is still the prime minister until proven otherwise.

Anwar is seeking an audience with the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to prove his majority, but the palace said the ruler could not grant an audience until next week as he is under medical observation.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had checked in at the National Heart Institute on Monday.

Johari said PKR MPs are praying for the ruler's speedy recovery.

They also stressed that whatever government Anwar forms will be committed to the Federal Constitution and reforms.

Sabah governor asks for time to decide between Bung and Hajiji

Malaysiakini:

Sabah governor asks for time to decide between Bung and Hajiji

Sabah BN and Sabah Perikatan Nasional (PN) have apparently failed to reach a consensus on their chief ministerial candidate after a two-hour meeting today.

As such, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has decided to let Sabah Governor Juhar Mahiruddin choose the new chief minister, which is believed to be a decision between Sabah BN's Bung Moktar Radin and Sabah PN's Hajiji Mohd Noor.

After their meeting, the two men raced to the palace for an audience with the governor, only to be told that he needed more time to make his decision, which he said he would do as quickly as possible, according to Bung.

It is understood that in addition to the 38 seats secured by GRS in yesterday's election, the three independents elected will also lend their support to the new government, giving it a 41-32 majority over the rival Warisan Plus coalition of outgoing chief minister Shafie Apdal.

The three independents elected are Rubin Balang (Kemabong), Ruddy Awah (Pitas), and Masiung Banah (Kuamut).

Earlier, Bung was in a coy mood when speaking to the media after the meeting between the GRS parties at a hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

Bung said he and Hajiji would seek an audience with the state governor.

"Wait for the state governor to decide," Bung said briefly before rushing to the state palace.

He said he had secured an appointment to meet with Juhar at 2.30pm.

When asked how he felt about the outcome of the GRS meeting, he said, "Very happy".

Meanwhile, Hajiji, who left the GRS meeting earlier, declined to weigh in on the matter.

He said he was going to get some rest first and that he would issue a statement on the issue at a later time.

Bernama then reported that Bung had arrived at the state palace at 2.27pm, with Hajiji arriving a minute later.

PBS secretary-general Jahid Jahim arrived at 2.47pm while Star president Jeffrey Kitingan was seen entering the Istana Negeri at 3pm.

However, by 3.22pm, all four leaders were seen on their way out of the Istana grounds, with Bung telling the press that the governor needed more time.

Sabah CM - frog season on

Malaysiakini:

Race for Sabah CM candidate as GRS risks coup with every passing moment

The Sabah election may have concluded but the race to form the state government has only just begun.

Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) - comprising Perikatan Nasional (PN), BN, and PBS - won the snap election last night after securing 38 out of the 73 contested constituencies, which is a slim two-seat majority.

Conventionally, the chief ministerial candidate would quickly be sworn in and then convene a special state legislative assembly sitting to appoint up to six nominated state assemblypersons, who can bolster the new government's majority.

A system unique to Sabah, the nominated representatives enjoy the same rights as an elected state assemblyperson. Their vote also counts in keeping or changing the chief minister.

This was what former chief minister Musa Aman tried to do after the May 9, 2018 general election.

At the time, Musa's BN was in a stalemate with the Warisan Plus alliance as both coalitions won 29 seats respectively. A total of 60 seats were contested in that election.

The other two seats were won by Star, which Musa quickly cut a deal with the Sabah-based party for their support. He was then sworn in as chief minister on May 10, a day after the election.

However, before Musa could convene a special state assembly sitting to appoint nominated assemblypersons who will be friendly to his government, Warisan president Shafie Apdal engineered a series of defections that cost Musa his majority.

Shafie was then sworn in as the chief minister on May 12, two days after Musa was sworn in.

Four days after that, Shafie appointed two nominated assemblypersons and another two in the following month.

Fast forward to today, GRS, which has a two-seat majority, would also want to move with haste as Shafie could pull off another series of defections as he did in 2018.

Complicated coalition of coalitions

However, unlike in 2018 where Musa was the undisputed chief ministerial candidate for BN, the GRS is a more complicated coalition of coalitions.

Of the 38 seats GRS won, PN has 17 seats, BN took 14 seats, while PBS secured seven.

PN, which won the most seats within GRS, sees itself as the natural coalition to have a say on who should become chief minister.

Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin previously proposed the newly-minted Sulaman assemblyperson Mohd Hajiji Noor (below, second from right) as PN's chief ministerial candidate.

However, PN's 17 seats are contributed by two parties - Bersatu with 11 seats and Star with six.



In contrast, Umno is arguing that even though BN won fewer seats than PN as a coalition, Umno as a party won the most seats in GRS.

All of BN's 14 seats were contributed by Umno. BN allies, PBRS and MCA, failed to win anything.

As individual parties, Bersatu comes in second with 11 seats while PBS is third with seven seats and Star is fourth with six seats.

"The chief minister from GRS must be chosen from Umno," Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told Malaysiakini.

However, the legal procedure has little regard for the intricacies of coalition politics.

Instead, all that matters is who has the support of at least 37 out of the 73 newly elected assemblypersons – the bare minimum for a simple majority.

This means no single party in GRS can get their own candidate sworn in as chief minister behind their allies' backs as every single party is needed to meet that threshold.

That is unless one of them cuts a deal with the current opposition.

Warisan lost to GRS but refuses to concede defeat

MM Online:

Shafie says Warisan is party with most seats, does not concede defeat

Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal casts his vote in Semporna September 26, 2020. — Bernama pic

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 27 — Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal emerged from his residence here at 1.07am, after the Election Commission pronounced the official results of the Sabah election shortly before midnight.

The 62-year-old who retained his Senallang state seat by a comfortable margin looked fatigued and solemn as he addressed the supporters and journalists numbering about 150 people, many who had been waiting since 6pm Saturday when he closeted himself behind the thick walls of his house.

In a quiet voice, Shafie acknowledged the results and thanked voters for giving Warisan the most number of seats.

“We can see from this decision that Warisan is the one single party with the most seats, with 29 seats. I view this as a show of appreciation from all the people who have fulfilled their responsibility and voted in a group of capable leaders.

“We will not forget the confidence and trust that the people has placed in us amidst a politically unstable nation and state and given us the most seats,” he said.

He did not concede defeat to the Opposition alliance of Gabungan Rakyat Bersatu (GRS).

He was asked if he would then pursue forming a state government, but sidestepped the question, saying he would monitor the situation and political development.

Shafie reiterated that the “single biggest party is Warisan”.

At that same time, reporters were camped at the Sutera Harbour Resort where the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition had made its base. Word was that the GRS parties were locked in negotiations to form the state government and choose a chief minister from among them.

The EC’s official and final tally saw GRS take 38 seats in the 73 seats up for grabs in yesterday’s election. The alliance comprised PN which took 17 seats followed by Barisan Nasional (BN) with 14 and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) seven.

The Warisan Plus coalition — which includes DAP and PKR and the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) — took 32.

Independent candidates won in three seats: Kuamut, Kemabong and Pitas.

Anwar - twice bitten, thrice shy, unlike power-lusting KHAT & Chye-Chye

FMT:

Dr M accuses Anwar of rejecting Pejuang’s support

 

Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Anwar Ibrahim are at loggerheads again

PETALING JAYA: Dr Mahathir Mohamad has accused Anwar Ibrahim of having rejected the support of Pejuang, a newly formed party led by Mahathir, when Anwar claimed to have secured a parlliamentary majority to form a new government.

Speaking to reporters in Langkawi, Mahathir said this was proven at Anwar’s press conference on Wednesday where Anwar had claimed that “he had everyone’s support, except for Dr Mahathir’s”.

“Pejuang was rejected (from joining Anwar). (Anwar) said everyone supports him except for Dr Mahathir,” Mahathir reportedly said, and added that Pejuang could no longer support Anwar as the party had been rejected from the very start.

Two days ago, Anwar announced that he “has the numbers” to form a new government, and that the majority supporting him were Malay-Muslim MPs. However he did not disclose how many were aligned with him.

When asked if Mahathir and his faction of former PPBM MPs are among the MPs supporting him, Anwar said: “Not yet. He may decide later, but as of now, no.”

On Wednesday Mahathir said he would “wait and see” if this was another episode of the opposition leader making unsubstantiated claims. Anwar had made a similar claim in 2008 of having secured enough parliamentary support and urging then prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to give up power peacefully.

Hypocrisy of the Lim's

FMT:

Guan Eng thought GPS was backing Anwar, says report

Lim Guan Eng (centre) says he was campaigning in Sabah when Anwar Ibrahim called him about his plan. (Facebook pic) 

PETALING JAYA: DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng says he was under the impression that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim had managed to convince Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to join forces with Pakatan Harapan.

According to a Malaysiakini report, Lim, who was campaigning in Sabah, said Anwar informed him of his plans moments before making his announcement at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur that he had the numbers to form a new government.

At his press conference yesterday, Anwar also said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to grant him an audience, although this had to be postponed after the king was admitted to the National Heart Institute (IJN) on Monday.

“He gave the impression that he had GPS supporting him to have a comfortable majority. With GPS, it should be at least 120 MPs,” Lim was quoted as saying.

Following Anwar’s announcement, GPS released a media statement denying any involvement in Anwar’s plan and reiterated its undivided support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s administration.

Later, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi revealed that many MPs from the party were supporting Anwar, despite other Umno leaders, including Zahid’s deputy Mohamad Hasan, dismissing Anwar’s announcement as a “gimmick”.

Lim told Malaysiakini that another party other than GPS joining forces with PH was “unexpected”.

“I just want to say this, we expected it to be GPS. When (people) talked about other parties, it was something unexpected,” he said, adding he could not discuss the matter with Anwar in detail as the line was bad and not secured.

The report also quoted DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang as saying Anwar had previously assured him that no deals would be made with controversial figures in Umno.

“Anwar assured me that he was not contacting former Umno leaders like Najib (Najib Razak) and Zahid nor the PAS leadership in the attempt to regain the people’s mandate which was illegitimately robbed in the ‘Sheraton Move’ conspiracy in February 2020 which toppled the 22-month Pakatan Harapan government,” he said.

Kit Siang also said he had not been in contact with Anwar since arriving in Sabah for campaigning on Sept 14 and that Anwar’s announcement was “as much a surprise to me as to anyone else”.

kt notes:

While it's possible the Lim's might not be aware of the who's in Anwar's new alliance-support, I personally doubt it.

Are we going to accept the cunning astute KHAT's assertion that he had been blindsided by his longtime ally? And is Chye-Chye so dumbo as to now claim he was under the impression that Anwar has secured GPS' support when GPS has long-repetitively spurned such an alliance?

Guan Eng had himself said (words to the effect): "I will support Anwar as PM if he has the numbers."

Apart from the rather unfriendly mercenary condition of "if he (Anwar) has the numbers", hasn't that pledge of DAP support, sadly conditional as it has been, indicated the sec-gen of the DAP Party was aware of some UMNO MPs' support for DSAI? 

All the above protestations by the Lim's have been nothing more than excuses to mitigate against their willingness to work even with UMNO if the new coalition by Anwar can get them the ruling powers again.

By now, we know how hard up the Lim's & 'inner cohorts' (if not the entire DAP herself) have been for ruling power, seeing how they bodek Mahathir even after he had treacherously stabbed them in the back by abruptly resigning as PM without any prior consultation with Pakatan Harapan allies (wakakaka) and bringing the previous PH government to an embarrassing collapse. Yeah, Guan Eng lost his FM job because of the eff-ing wicked old man.

As one of my visitors has been prone to say, and which would be most appropriate for the above scenario: "MF-er", wakakaka.

The Lims believe that their old but wicked and treacherous boss appears to be the only one able to make that possible, that is, to regain ruling power, so they obsequiously adhere to every of the old man's words and dictates, even unto blaming others for the old man's wicked treachery.

When the old man says Shafie is the Chosen One, they devotedly abide by that dictate, even unto showing faithless disloyalty to an already agreed-to putative leader-PM-designate, namely Anwar.

See my previous post 
Power crazy DAP backstabs Anwar?  

Now, needless to say, they are clasping their hands together and rubbing them in eager anticipation of returning to an Anwar cabinet, and giving mucho bloody excuses as to their ignorance that some UMNO blokes may be involved, as if there wasn't any UMNO blokes-frogs involved before during the old man's rule as PH-PM?

Didn't that wicked treacherous eff-er embrace UMNO frogs into PH after GE14? And what did the Lim's say? MF-er, nary a single squeak. And then, when he held the Malay Dignity Congress? What did Lim Father or Son say? Diam-Diam macam lapdogs.

And wasn't the old man himself and son also UMNO frogs who lompat to PH due to their old party marginalising them?

What eff-ing hypocrisy.

PKR warns against blocking Anwar's audience with Agong

NST:

PKR warns against blocking Anwar's audience with Agong



KUALA LUMPUR: Any attempt to block Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from having an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the pleasure of His Majesty is undemocratic and crossing the line, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) warned today.

In a statement, party information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said such an attempt would go against the wishes of the Agong.

He said His Majesty had opened the door to the people and thoroughly looked into all issues related to the Constitution in appointing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the 8th Prime Minister following February's political impasse.

Shamsul Iskandar was referring to Istana Negara granting Anwar an audience on Sept 22, even though the meeting was postponed due to Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah falling ill and being treated at the National Heart Institute (IJN).

This, he said, was also confirmed by the palace.

He said that with Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement that many of his party's MPs are supporting Anwar, it is confirmed that Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has lost the support of the majority of Dewan Rakyat MPs to continue serving as Prime Minister.

"Keadilan is very confident that Muhyiddin himself has realised this. This is because even with the full support of Umno MPs previously, he only had a majority of two MPs."

Shamsul Iskandar further claimed that Muhyiddin asking Anwar to prove he has the majority through processes stipulated in the Constitution further reinforces this. Shamsul Iskandar had also dismissed such measures as "formalities".

"Muhyiddin has lost his majority, so it would be wise for him to retreat with dignity and resign as prime minister, seeing that the support is now for Anwar."

On how many and who the new supporters are for Keadilan, he said he reserves the right to give the Agong the proof and list of MPs who have expressed their support for Anwar.

"This is a reasonable right that should be respected by all."

Agong can remove PM from position if majority lost

MM Online:

Refuting Wan Junaidi, Aziz Bari says Agong can remove PM from position if majority lost

Perak Opposition leader Abdul Aziz Bari explained that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong holds the power to remove any sitting prime minister, if the latter refuses to resign when he no longer holds the majority in the Parliament. — Picture by Farhan Najib 

IPOH, Sept 25 — Constitutional law expert Abdul Aziz Bari today refuted Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s claim that the Federal Constitution allegedly protects a prime minister from being removed from his post.

The Perak Opposition Leader explained that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong holds the power to remove any sitting prime minister, if the latter refuses to resign when he no longer holds the majority in the Parliament.

“The law is this; if the claim (command the majority in Parliament) made by PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is true then Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin must resign.

“If he fails to do that, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may remove Muhyiddin.

“It’s the duty of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to ascertain the claim and take the follow up actions,” the Tebing Tinggi assemblyman told Malay Mail.

Wan Junaidi, who is a Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) lawmaker, told The Star that the Federal Constitution does not provide for a new prime minister to be appointed while there is a sitting prime minister.

The former Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker said Article 43 of the Constitution was designed to give the sitting prime minister a certain amount of protection from being summarily removed by anyone in order to maintain government stability.

Wan Junaidi said Article 43 clearly states that if the prime minister lost the support of the majority, he has to resign unless he asks the Agong for the dissolution of Parliament.

Aziz Bari mocked Wan Junaidi’s statement, saying that the latter could be right if Malaysia was in the 15 century, where there was no law and order.

“He’s obviously confused between physical security and constitutional order.

“Article 43 is about the constitutional position not physical or personal security of the prime minister,” he stressed.

Earlier this week, Anwar had claimed that he has the support of the majority of Dewan Rakyat to form a government and announced that he would be holding an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong soon.

Raub Musang King farmers moot four 'principles'

Malaysiakini:

Raub Musang King farmers moot four 'principles' to break deadlock

Following their altercation with the Pahang government over land rights last month, Raub Musang King farmers have come up with four “principles” to resolve the issue.

In a statement, they said adhering to these principles would ensure “mutual benefit” for both the farmers and the joint-venture firm comprising the government’s Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Negeri Pahang (PKPP) and royalty-linked Royal Pahang Durian Resources (RPDR).

Calling themselves the Raub Musang King Farmers’ Cooperative Preparatory Committee, their first request was for farmers to be recognised as “equal partners”.

“Any term of the agreement must be formulated and signed with the consent of both parties,” they stressed.

Their second principle was for the price of durians to be determined by market demand.

The joint venture firm previously put forward a "legalisation scheme" where it would buy Musang King durians from unlicensed farmers at fixed prices.





Hundreds of farmers opposed the scheme and lamented that these prices were too low.

“If the farmers are forced to sell their durian products to a corporation, this will cause a market monopoly.

“Anyone who controls most durian yields will determine the market price of durian according to their will and even reap extreme profits from exporting.

“At that time, durian farmers who have land permits will also be affected, and our people will have to buy durians at a higher rate,” the committee said.

Land tax, environment levy

They also proposed a land tax at a rate they deemed “reasonable”.

For unlicensed farms under 10 acres, they suggested an annual land tax rate of RM500 per acre.

For unlicensed farms of between 10 and 100 acres, they suggested an annual land tax rate of RM1,000 per acre.

“The farmers propose the signing of a lease agreement with the state government, with a lease term of 30 years plus 30 years to develop the durian industry sustainably together and to strengthen the position of Raub and Pahang state as the leading producer of Musang King durian to the world,” they added.

The joint venture firm had proposed granting subleases of 10 plus 10 plus 10 years, with a further 30-year extension, subject to approval for the unlicensed farmers.





The committee’s fourth proposal is to impose an “environmental protection levy”.

For unlicensed farms under 10 acres, they suggested a levy of RM100 per acre.

For unlicensed farms between 10 to 100 acres, they suggested a levy of RM200 per acre.

“We believe that the environmental protection levy will assist the state government in effectively monitoring any over-development and activities that threaten or contaminate the water catchment area.

“We also pledge to cooperate with the government to strictly monitor any farming activity that encroaches Orang Asli customary land and animal habitats,” they said.

The committee stressed that it welcomed cooperation with the state government, but wanted the farmers’ rights to be protected.

Among other things, the state government’s legislation scheme had proposed that farmers pay a “legalisation levy” for every kilogramme of durian, an entry permit to enter durian orchards as well as reparations, should they decide to stop farming.

The farmers previously protested the scheme and opined it was unfair towards them.

RPDR, meanwhile, has denied initiating exploitative agreements with the farmers.

On Aug 28, the farmers obtained an interim stay order against the Pahang government for the land legalisation scheme until the case is heard in court on Oct 28.

Earlier this month, the MACC summoned 18 Raub Musang King farmers for questioning in an investigation into the encroachment of state land by “illegal” durian orchards.

Anwar Ibrahim’s comeback and Malaysia’s good fortune

Malaysiakini:

Anwar Ibrahim’s comeback and Malaysia’s good fortune

by M Bakri Musa

COMMENT | What next week will bring to Malaysia politics-wise, Allahu A’alam! (Only Allah knows!) And He is not telling anyone. We all just have to wait.

Nonetheless, it is not difficult to judge and surmise from the respective speeches and body languages of the two protagonists–current Prime Minister Muhyiddin and reformasi leader Anwar Ibrahim – who has the upper hand. In his press conference yesterday, Anwar projected an image of a take-charge leader. He was poised, articulate and confident, at ease with reporters’ questions. Muhyiddin, on the other had, to remind everyone that he is still in charge.

Let us pray for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to have a speedy recovery. He should afford Anwar the same reception he gave to Muhyiddin back in February 2020. That is, if Anwar can bring documented evidence of support by the majority of members of Parliament that he should be the prime minister.

Should the Agong be incapacitated and his deputy, Perak Sultan Raja Nazrin Shah, were to take over, he, too, should do likewise. For him, there is also the additional precedent set by his father (with Raja Nazrin as crown prince) back in 2009 when he accepted the statutory declarations of the three political "frogs", thus enabling the erstwhile opposition BN to take over the state government from Pakatan Rakyat.

It would be serve the nation ill if the Agong were to take a different tack with Anwar and dissolve Parliament instead. That would forever destroy the precious neutrality of that institution. It would also be inexcusable to expose the public to unnecessary risks were there to be a general election during this Covid-19 pandemic.

Yes, Singapore did it, but that state is known for doing many things right. Malaysians have yet to know and reckon with the possible public health and other consequences of the Sabah state election this Saturday in the midst of this epidemic.





I expect Anwar to be prime minister next week. Malaysia is more than ready and in desperate need of a new leader and administration.

Anwar and his team should focus on only three objectives. Manage this Covid-19 pandemic, deal with corruption and enhance education. Everything else including reviving the economy should be secondary. As one wise African leader pointed out, you can revive the economy but not a dead citizen. If Malaysia were free of corruption, investments would flow in; likewise, if you have well trained and educated citizens.

There is no need for a ministry for sports, tourism, Islam, women’s issues, or entrepreneur development. Get rid of them and their massive bureaucracies.

For Covid-19, listen to your professionals. You have in the director-general of health Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah an exceptionally capable man. Give him and his agency all the support. For education, increase the number of hours devoted to science, mathematics, and English in schools. Teach those subjects daily. Make that a condition for any school to receive state funding, including and especially religious schools. Beyond those four subjects and Malay, each school would be free to fill the rest of the school day as they see fit.


Recruit from abroad

As for tackling corruption, focus on three key personnel - chief of police, anti-corruption chief, and the attorney-general. While there are many competent Malaysians to occupy these positions, we must recognise that citizens are now deeply polarised. It would be difficult to get a local candidate who would be viewed as impartial.

The former attorney-general Tommy Thomas was competent. However, being a non-Malay, he was the target of unjustified racist motives what with most of his targets being longstanding corrupt Malay leaders. As for former MACC chief Latheefa Koya, she, too, was effective but her being active in opposition party politics before the 2018 elections fueled her detractors.

Imagine the impact if all three were instead foreign professionals recruited from such agencies as the FBI or Scotland Yard. At the very least they would be viewed as impartial with respect to race and local politics. For those same reasons, I would not recruit from India, Singapore or Hong Kong. The impact of such appointments would be immediate and dramatic.

These appointments require the Conference of Rulers’ consent. Lobby them on the wisdom of the proposal. Foreign chiefs would be able to groom capable local subordinates and change the culture and integrity of those institutions. With time, the scourge of racism and mistrust in those institutions will subside.





Anwar pointed out that his government would be Malay-majority. I understand his rationale for doing that, to reassure the restless natives. However, I would not emphasise that fact; it would be obvious soon enough. Besides, Malaysians are now more interested in a clean, competent and efficient government.

There is no joy, much less reflected glory, in having a Malay government but made up of the corrupt and incompetent. In fact, that would only bring shame to our race and culture.

Anwar aspires to have an inclusive cabinet. So co-opt a few competent non-Malays from the previous Pakatan Harapan administration. Two names pop up right away - former transport minister Anthony Loke and science and environment minister Yeo Bee Hin. Yeo would bring both racial and gender inclusiveness. She would also raise the average IQ of the cabinet.

Both are from DAP, a party not in the proposed coalition. Anwar should learn from his good friend, former US State Secretary William Cohen, a Republican who was appointed by Democrat Bill Clinton.

A final piece of unsolicited advice for Anwar - don’t bother giving interviews to the BBC and Al Jazeera or address august foreign audiences. You have your work cut out at home. There will be plenty of time for that once you are successful.

Besides, at our age, those jet lags could be quite devastating and take precious time away from attending pressing domestic issues.


M BAKRI MUSA is a Malaysian-born and Canadian-trained surgeon in private practice in Silicon Valley, California. He writes at bakrimusa.blogspot.com

Where can Anwar draw his numbers from for his takeover bid?

MM Online:

Where can Anwar draw his numbers from for his takeover bid?

PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur September 23, 2020. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s claim to have the majority to form a new government and replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s Perikatan Nasional has led to speculation about which lawmakers support him.

Officially, only Pakatan Harapan ally Parti Amanah Negara has confirmed its lawmakers — all 11 — supported Anwar in this.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng reiterated that his party’s 42 MPs would support Anwar’s takeover only if he has the majority to do so.

Malay Mail spoke to other lawmakers about their positions.

While rival parties have denied supporting Anwar, it is noteworthy that he stressed during his announcement that he has the support of individual lawmakers rather than parties.

Assuming all of PH supported him, Anwar would have 91 seats for the 112 he needed.

Other Opposition lawmakers he could draw from might come from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (five), Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal’s Parti Warisan Sabah (nine), Upko (one), Parti Sarawak Baru (two), and a single seat from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman’s Malaysia United Democratic Alliance (Muda).

All combined, Anwar would still need at least three lawmakers from the government side before he could claim a simple majority. He purported to have a “formidable” majority earlier.

However, it is also not certain that Dr Mahathir and Shafie’s parties will support Anwar as both men rejected him for the position of prime minister following the February political crisis.

too much hatred for Anwar
which was why he resigned as PM to avoid handing over to Anwar as promised

sangat busuk hati (black-hearted)

also, not to forget, KHAT must now resign as he pledged if Old Man didn't hand over to Anwar 

A PKR source claimed that discussions with other parties including Bersatu and Umno have gone on for months.

“The announcement today is the culmination of months of work, after the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government collapsed in February.

“We are targeting at least 20 MPs to cross-over for now,” the person said without disclosing which parties these would be from.

“Mathematically, if all goes well, Anwar could get at least 129 out of 222 MPs support for now, with the possibility of getting 138,” the source added.

PN and its associated parties issued a statement this evening affirming continued support for Muhyiddin to remain as the prime minister.


Barisan Nasional and Umno

BN chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi issued a statement to say he has been told that several of his side’s MPs back Anwar and that he would not stand in their way.

One Umno source confirmed that the party’s lawmakers have met with Anwar, but did not say how many.

“Yes, there have been meetings since a few months ago with Anwar. But the matter was not addressed in the Supreme Council,” said the source.

The source also said Zahid’s statement took the party by surprise as many in the supreme council were unaware of this.

“Only two or three of them know about the statement (from Zahid). With many of the leaders in Sabah campaigning, it might create tension,” said the source.

Earlier, Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the party remained in support of Muhyiddin.

Umno currently has 39 MPs as it lost several to Bersatu


Gabungan Parti Sarawak

While GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg has come out to reject Anwar, coalition sources told Malay Mail previously that there was unhappiness with Muhyiddin’s federal government.

One source told Malay Mail that only a handful of the 18 MPs in GPS still favour PN privately.

“Currently the only ones who mati-mati (convincingly) want to defend the government are just a few. We have (Datuk Seri) Wan Junaidi (Tuanku Jaafar) and (Datuk) Alexander Nanta Linggi. Both Cabinet ministers.

“But I think everyone is waiting for what’s best for Sarawak,” the person said without elaborating.

Anwar’s announcement today was the latest in the political crisis triggered by a February 21 PH presidential council meeting in which he had allegedly planned to give Dr Mahathir an ultimatum to hand over power.

Two days later, Muhyiddin and then-PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali led several lawmakers from PH at the time to gather with rival politicians at the Sheraton Hotel in Petaling Jaya in what has since been dubbed the “Sheraton Move”

A day later, Dr Mahathir resigned as the prime minister but was appointed the interim PM by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

After meeting personally with all elected federal lawmakers, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’Ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah concluded that Muhyiddin commanded majority support in Parliament and named him the PM despite Dr Mahathir’s attempt to be reappointed.

On May 8, then Speaker of Parliament Tan Sri Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof accepted Dr Mahathir’s motion of no-confidence against Muhyiddin but this was not debated as the meeting was truncated to just a single sitting, ostensibly due to Covid-19.

When Parliament reconvened in July, PN managed to remove Ariff by just two votes, which has remained the only indication of Muhyiddin’s numerical superiority among lawmakers.

Why Some In Umno Are Angry With Muhyiddin And Might Support Anwar

Malaysia-Today:

The Reason Why Some In Umno Are Angry With Muhyiddin And Might Support Anwar

By Raja Petra Kamarudin

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

What is the reason why some in Umno are angry with Muhyiddin and might support Anwar?

Simple. Some in Umno are upset that Najib Tun Razak was convicted — instead of the charges being dropped — while the case against Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is proceeding and the charges are also not being dropped — plus they feel Rosmah Mansor may also face a conviction and jail sentence.

These Umno people had expected Muhyiddin Yassin to arrange for the charges against Najib, Zahid, Rosmah, etc., to be dropped as balasan for Umno’s support in making him the Prime Minister or PM8. Instead, Muhyiddin did not “repay” the support Umno gave him.

The second and equally important reason is Umno was not given enough or more Cabinet posts. Considering Umno has more seats than Parti Pribumi Bersatu, they should be the “big brother” and Bersatu the “little brother”, instead of the other way around.

Since 1951, Umno has always been the “big brother” in the Alliance Party and later in Barisan Nasional. Today, Umno has to play “second fiddle” to Bersatu, and many in Umno do not like that.

Many in Umno want to see the collapse of Perikatan Nasional

Umno itself is facing a “mild” internal power-struggle with the Najib BossKu faction, the Zahid Hamidi faction, the Tok Mat faction, and the Hishammuddin Tun Hussein faction — with some in Umno in favour of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, some in favour of Muhyiddin Yassin and some in favour of Anwar Ibrahim (and some in favour of Najib coming back as Prime Minister).

Then there are those in Umno who do not really care which side wins as long as they “get something”. These people just want to support the winner — just like DAP who announced they support Mahathir, and/or Mahathir’s proxy Shafie Apdal, but are prepared to switch their support to Anwar if he gets the majority.

In other words, just like DAP, these Umno people will support whoever happens to be the winner, never mind who.

Many feel Umno should be the “big brother” and Bersatu the “little brother”, not the other way around

Many in Umno feel if Parliament is dissolved and a snap election is held, Pakatan Harapan, in particular Bersatu, will be wiped out and Barisan Nasional is going to bounce back into power. So, they want Perikatan Nasional to collapse so that Parliament can be dissolved and a snap election can be held.

The bottom line is, many Umno people cannot stand being number two and in Perikatan Nasional they feel they are number two with Bersatu being number one. And they feel if GE15 is held, Umno-Barisan Nasional can win enough seats to form the government and become number one again, with or without PAS.

*********

kt notes:

UMNO doesn't feel too comfy with PAS seemingly gaining the role of King-Maker and also demanding exclusive electoral dominance over the 'crescent' states of Kelantan, Terengganu (two potentially powerful oil-producing states) and Kedah (the nation's rice-bowl).

Don't forget, PAS has also long been the No 1 enemy of UMNO, so the current Muafakat Nasional coalition is a BS convenience to frustrate Muhyiddin's PPBM - it works both ways, for PAS as well as UMNO's individual benefits.

Will Lims still support Anwar if UMNO MPs are involved? Chow Kon Yeow says 'YES'

Malaysiakini:

Umno's involvement in Anwar's takeover bid takes DAP by surprise

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's announcement today that he had gathered the support of enough MPs to form a new government caught not only his opponents off-guard but also surprised his allies.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said Anwar informed him about the takeover plan moments before the Port Dickson MP made the announcement at Le Meridien Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

Lim told Malaysiakini that he was under the impression that Anwar had succeeded in convincing GPS to join forces with Pakatan Harapan.

"He gave the impression that he had GPS supporting him to have a comfortable majority. With GPS it should be at least 120 MPs," he said.

However, GPS has come out to strongly deny that it is siding with Anwar and reaffirms its support for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

This meant that Anwar was making deals with other parties in the Perikatan Nasional government.

It later became apparent that they involved Umno MPs.

The support from Umno MPs was seen after Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi went public shortly after the announcement to reveal that "many" MPs from his party were backing Anwar.

Zahid also claimed that he was powerless to stop them. His message was in stark contrast to other Umno leaders such as Zahid's deputy, Mohamad Hassan and BN secretary-general Annuar Musa who vehemently denied Anwar's claim.

DAP thought Anwar convinced GPS

Lim, who spoke to Malaysiakini while campaigning in Keningau for the Sabah election, admitted that another party other than GPS coming in was unexpected.

"I just want to say this - we expected it to be GPS. When (people) talked about other parties, it was something unexpected," he said.



Lim said communications with Anwar in the moments leading to the announcement in Kuala Lumpur was poor as he was campaigning in Sandakan where telecommunication signal quality was bad.

"He called me a few times before 12pm and managed to get me just before 12pm.

"That's why the press conference started after 12pm. It's very hard to get a line (signal)," he said.

However, Lim said they were not able to go into the details as the line was poor and unsecured.

"We cannot be talking about this sensitive thing over the phone. I think we should go back and discuss with him," Lim said.

Anwar had said the new government if formed, will be a Malay-Muslim majority with firm safeguards for minority communities.

Lim said he had no qualms with the arrangement as long as it is a government that is competent, clean, fair, democratic, transparent, accountable and safeguards the rights of all communities.

However, the DAP secretary-general said he needed to get more details first.

"How am I going to react when I don't have the details from him?" he said.

Lim said the immediate priority now was winning the Sabah election.

Pakatan Harapan is in an alliance with Warisan and Upko in Sabah under Warisan Plus.

Sabah voters will go to the polls this Saturday (Sept 26).

Shortly after Anwar's announcement today, Amanah pledged its full support for Anwar, but DAP was more cautious, stating that it was prepared to back Anwar if he can get the necessary majority as claimed.

DAP had long lobbied for GPS, which has 18 MPs, to be recruited in a bid to regain power in Putrajaya.

Many Umno MPs needed for strong majority

The Pakatan Harapan government collapsed in late February after Muhiydddin pulled Bersatu out of the coalition to form his own Perikatan Nasional government.

DAP had even proposed Warisan president Shafie Apdal as an alternative to Anwar as the prime ministerial candidate, believing that Shafie, as an East Malaysian, can better convince the Sarawak-based party.

Ironically, GPS adamantly refused to be part of any coalition that involved DAP.

However, it is unclear if the new coalition Anwar alluded to today will include Warisan. He also confirmed that it excluded former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's Parti Pejuang Tanah Air.



Anwar had cooperated with his archenemy Mahathir in the 2018 general election based on a promise that Mahathir would eventually hand power to Anwar but now believed that the Langkawi MP had intended to betray him.

Collectively, PKR, DAP and Amanah under Pakatan Harapan only have 91 MPs. Warisan, Upko and Pejuang, which forms the third bloc, has 15 MPs.

The four largest parties on the government bloc are Umno (39 MPs), Bersatu (31 MPs), PAS (18 MPs) and GPS (18 MPs).

With PAS and GPS firmly against Anwar, that means for Harapan to gain a strong majority of 120 MPs or more, without the involvement of the third bloc, will involve a substantial number of Umno or Bersatu MPs.

Some MPs from these parties, particularly Umno, include controversial figures such as former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak who brought about the multi-billion ringgit 1MDB scandal and also several other leaders facing corruption charges.

Anwar's assurance to Kit Siang

However, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, who is also campaigning in Sabah, said Anwar had previously assured him that no deals would be cut with controversial figures in Umno.

"I last met Anwar before I came to Sabah to campaign for Warisan Plus candidates in the Sabah state general election campaign.

"Anwar assured me that he was not contacting former Umno leaders like Najib and Zahid nor the PAS leadership in the attempt to regain the people's mandate which was illegitimately robbed in the "Sheraton Move" conspiracy in Feb 2020 which toppled the 22-month Pakatan Harapan Government.

"I have been in Sabah since Sept 14 and have not been in contact with Anwar, and Anwar's media conference today is as much a surprise to me as to anyone else," he said.



Kit Siang acknowledged that politics was now moving into unchartered waters.

"It is no secret for instance that Umno leaders want a snap general election because they believe that with the tie-up with PAS, they are likely to regain control and even hegemony of the federal government as well as the premiership.

"Umno may not find PAS so co-operative in its political machinations, because PAS leaders suddenly see themselves as "king-makers" in the political arena. Their political choices are not just confined to cooperation with Umno, now that Muhyiddin and Bersatu are quite dependent on their cooperation for survival.

"How political events will pan out after the Sabah state general election is very much an unchartered work-in-progress – with the outcome of the Sabah state general election on Saturday an important factor in the cauldron of political developments," he said.

However, Kit Siang said the immediate task was to ensure that Warisan Plus can win with a two-thirds majority in the Sabah election.

At the press conference today, Anwar claimed he had obtained a "strong and formidable" majority but declined to reveal the number of MPs on his side.

The Port Dickson MP said it was only appropriate that he presented the numbers to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong first.

"Conclusively, we have a strong, formidable majority. I'm not talking four, five or six.

"I'm talking about much more than that," he said.

He added that the MPs recruited are based on individuals rather than party lines.

Zahid's statement confirms Muhyiddin has lost majority

Malaysiakini:

Zahid's statement confirms Muhyiddin has lost majority - Saifuddin

ANWAR MOVE | Pakatan Harapan chief secretary Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that Umno president Zahid Hamidi's media statement confirmed that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has lost his majority in Parliament.

Saifuddin (above) was commenting on Zahid's statement earlier today which revealed that many of Umno and BN MPs support PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to form a new government.

Saifuddin said this means that Muhyiddin would definitely have lost his majority since the prime minister only had a slim support of 113 out of 222 MPs in Parliament.

"His words are very specific. He confirmed that many Umno and BN parliamentarians back Anwar. And he does not stop them from doing so," Saifuddin told Malaysiakini.

Zahid, in his statement today, said that Umno cannot stop its MPs from throwing their support behind Anwar, who plans to meet the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to present his numbers soon.

For the record, Anwar had earlier in the afternoon made an announcement that he has got the backing of enough Dewan Rakyat representatives to form a government.

These purportedly include MPs from BN, which is led by Umno, which has 39 seats.

Has Anwar (91) secure backing from UMNO (42) = 133?

Malaysiakini:

Zahid: Many Umno and BN MPs backing Anwar

BN and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said "many" MPs from his coalition and party have voiced support for PKR president Anwar Ibrahim to form a new government.

"Umno and BN cannot stop MPs who have chosen to support Anwar, who wishes to be granted an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"I have been informed that many Umno and BN MPs have expressed support (for Anwar). I respect the position of those MPs," he added in a brief statement.

Zahid stressed that Umno and BN are not officially part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition.

"Support for the PN government was based on the support of individual MPs only," he added.

Earlier today, Anwar claimed that Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's government had collapsed.

According to the PKR president, he had secured "solid and convincing" majority support of the 222 MPs.

He did not name the MPs who supported him on grounds that he must be granted an audience by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong first.

However, the Port Dickson MP suggested that his purported "new coalition" would have the support of some who used to back Muhyiddin.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is believed to be currently warded at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur.

Lim was nothing more than a puppet

Malaysiakini:

The DAP dilemma – bend the knee or be feared

YOURSAY | ‘Statistically speaking, DAP, and for that matter, the Chinese, do not have the power...’

COMMENT | Guan Eng had no power but still feared by the Malays

AnotherKomentar: Malaysia in the fleeting vision of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's ‘Malaysia 2020’ would be one where the minority mercantile class underwrites the prosperity of the entire economy at the behest of Umno.

The chief benefactors of this crony capitalism would be the elitist Umnoputras and the mercantile class themselves. In fact, the majority would be left on subsistence existence, living on the public handouts of Umno.

Mahathir's war in the 2018 general election was to rid Umno of Najib Abdul Razak and some other personal nemesis whose avarice for wealth and power was threatening Mahathir's fleeting legacies. Mahathir had no intention to change his core political view on Malay's supremacy and the roles of others as supplicants ‘pendatang’.

It should not come as a surprise to most Malaysians, except minorities like Malaysiakini columnist S Thayaparan, that Mahathir was not interested in deep and meaningful social, political and economic reform he espoused with the rest of his Pakatan Harapan's partners during the election of 2018.

Mahathir did not expect Harapan would prevail. Much like "buyer's regret" and soon after assuming the prime ministership with unprecedented goodwill and support, he soon retracted and reverted to his natural political inclinations that never left him.

Looking back, it is convenient to attribute blame on Harapan for having power stolen from them, the sad realities of Malaysian race-based politics were like cancer on remission, the patient never quite knew when the cancer will make its comeback.

RZee: Thayaparan is absolutely correct. The majority want their fellow minority Malaysian citizens to be happy with scraps thrown their way and to be always subservient.

It is correct to say that DAP bent over backwards to make the majority happy. Why? Aren’t the minorities also Malaysian citizens? Don’t they pay taxes like everyone else? Don’t they deserve a good life?

As for Lim and the hate the Malays had for him, (and for the other non-Malays in positions of power), why is this? Was Lim not doing a good job? Wasn’t he tasked by Mahathir and the cabinet to reduce the deficit and loan situation and make Malaysia succeed? Wasn’t he following orders?

Does his arrogance or rudeness matter if he was doing a good and fair job? The truth is the fringe benefits and 1MDB and Rosmah-type contracts were stopped and the Malay elite didn’t like it.

And more so, stopped by a non-Malay out to do a good job. Must Malaysians always pander to and accept this thinking and behaviour? According to the likes of Mahathir and Umno, Malaysians must.

Aren’t Bung Moktar Radin and the other Umno goons arrogant and rude? Of course, they are but yet tolerated.

Dummies Dhimmi: DAP found out hastily, it was easier to be in the opposition. Power-sharing where the majority were Malays and seen as a Chinese party, they didn’t have a viable course to navigate the waters in a way to keep their trumpeted principles and satisfy the majority at the same time.

We saw very quickly, after the euphoria of winning, the coming together of the defeated to start the process to eventually cause the government to implode.

DAP was lethargic to come up with a counter-narrative, and instead thought if they could simply do what MCA did, they could eventually pivot back to their intended trajectory.

Time is so unforgiving in politics. With that a lost opportunity.

FairMalaysian: Now the duds will know why I chastised Lim and the other imbecile ministers in the cabinet. The word "subservience" is a deeply entrenched mentality among the majority Malays - that the Malays expect the non-Malays to be subservient to them.

There cannot be any mistaken belief in this. This is the sore point that led the non-Malays to chuck out the MCA and MIC. Najib's administration attempted to seduce with money - that didn't work.

The present Perikatan Nasional (PN) government has taken a path that has excluded a large section of the citizens from the cabinet and it may think that money and grants will settle the issue.

Maybe the older folks may just want to get on with their lives but most of the non-Malays know what it means by baiting.

The non-Malays are very, very angry with the DAP. Where was all that chivalry exhibited when in the opposition? Somehow, those who were the knights like Lim and Gobind Singh appeared as their mouths were sealed.

Can you imagine the kind-hearted Lim giving a grant of RM400 million to a PAS government that has all the time been scheming to bring the Harapan government? How more hilarious can this get?

I have heard stories from those around Tunku Abdul Rahman that he would be very hesitant to approach Tan Siew Sin for any funds/allocation unless he can convince Tan of its necessity.

Lim was nothing more than a puppet. He should have thrown in his resignation when he was impeded in his work. He owed that much to all Malaysians. Not just Malays or non-Malays, we chose him because the previous finance minister allegedly robbed Malaysians in the billions.

We wanted a finance minister with a spine. Now he goes on bashing government politicians but what purpose does it serve when the horse had already bolted?

Gobind's gross inexperience showed. It looked more like behaving like a lawyer rather than an administrator. So, what are we left with then? They screwed up high time.

Existential Turd: I am reading a book first published in 1962 - ‘The Guns of August’ by Barbara Tuchman. Thayaparan should be no stranger to this book. It chronicles the political and military build-up prior to WWI by all the major powers surrounding the conflict.

What struck me most while reading the book is that, the strongest country in continental Europe at that time, Germany, kept feeding itself the illusion that France was constantly insulting it, denigrating it, despising it, and edging to wipe it off the surface of the Earth. While the exact opposite is true.

Germany and France had a long history of conflict with each other, as do all the nations in Europe. Their last conflict was in 1870, in favour of Germany.

What is striking is that, Germany's behaviour prior to WWI matches exactly to those of the majority community in Malaysia. Their bellicosity sounds strangely familiar. They (the German's) had long planned to subjugate France completely, only then can they feel safe.

When a reason to attack France was not forthcoming, they had to invent one. They apply their worst fear onto France and justify their actions on those unfound fear.

Pinning blame on a victim before victimising him has a long pedigree.