And The Truth Is Permatang Pauh

In my last blog entitled "And The Truth Is?" I pointed out the political gamemanship of Anwar Ibrahim. He spoke to the rakyat in two places, in this case Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur and Kulim Bandar Baharu, Kedah, and on both occassion said that he would be the candidate to contest the parliamentary seats. Now the de facto opposition leader says he would contest in Permatang Pauh, his old seat which he vacated in 1998. The caretaker of the seat for the last ten years, his wife Wan Azizah is now going back to being a housewife. Very odd timing for him to announce this! Is he playing a political game with the pending sodomy allegation against him? Expectations are that he would be charged anytime now. So if he announces that he would contest a seat and the police subsequently arrest him then, the opposition leader would say:" They are charging me because, they are scared of my return to Parliament." Mark my words, this would happen if the police find a strong case against Anwar and decide to charge him in court. Lets have your say on this...

And The Truth Is?

I have been reading some news reports, which had been put up on the internet and came across this puzzle. Read, what has been said by the opposition leaders.The first one is Anwar Ibrahim and the second two PAS leaders. The statements were public statements and were carried in news reports. Just in case some of you are wondering if I am making this up. Check Malaysiakini and Bernama. Solve the puzzle!

EPISODE ONE

July 26

Anwar Ibrahim warmed up to the Bandar Tun Razak (Kuala Lumpur) electorate tonight as part of his by-election 'campaign' in a constituency which he claims to be eyeing as a ticket to Parliament. In a hastily arranged ceramah, the charismatic leader spoke to the nearly 2,000 strong multiracial crowd which braved the drizzle throughout the 75-minute speech at a surau compound in Taman Len Sen. Despite the wide range of topics, his main agenda of the night was to signal his intention to contest in the area and test the waters. Needless to say, the crowd gave Anwar the verbal approval when he asked if he could contest the seat which is currently held by Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR comrade Khalid Ibrahim.
"I want to say that maybe, I might contest here," said Anwar to loud roars of approval.

July 27

Opposition icon Anwar Ibrahim said today that he aims to return to parliament for the first time in a decade later this year if a court orders a by-election near his home town.
The high court in Kedah will hear a challenge on Aug 19 asking it to invalidate the result in a seat that was won by his PKR in March 8 general elections.
Anwar told AFP (it was picked up by Malaysiakini) that if the court declares the result null and void he will contest the ensuing by-election.
"My plan is to contest in the Kulim-Bandar Baharu seat. I am optimistic of victory," he said.
"The constituency neighbours my hometown of Permatang Pauh in Penang. I am familiar with the locals there."

Now my question is how can Anwar twist and turn at his whims and fancies play to the gallery without anyone asking question. Well PKR supporters, you tell me? Within not even 24-hours he first says he is thinking of Bandar Tun Razak, then after a night's sleep its Bandar Baru Kulim.

EPISODE 2

This is even better. All in one day!

Yesterday, PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat suggested that UMNO and PAS be dissolved and a new party formed to unite all Malays.
"Such a revelation is startling and has serious ramifications, implications and consequences. Nik Aziz's statement reduces to naught Datuk Seri Hadi Awang's statement in Ipoh, also yesterday, that PAS would not merge with Umno or join Barisan Nasional.
"Obviously, statements made by PAS leaders of late, give the perception that they are out to scuttle the Pakatan Rakyat."

The quotes are not mine, but none other than DAP national chairman Karpal Singh. Go figure!

Deepavali Controversy

Below is an e-mail from Punithan on the Deepavali leave fiasco at a school in Ipoh. Since when have some headmasters become so racist? If the story is true, I feel the 500 parents of Indian students should get together and say their protest to the HM. This would be the first step as opposed to one or two parents coming out with statements in the papers. Voice of many is much better than the voice of a few. If this does not work, then we would have to use the political will to find a solution to the problem. I don't mind working with any opposition MP or MPs or state assemblyman to tackle problems that besiege the community. Anyway I have already started working with some, on certain matters for the betterment of the community but I am not privy to divulge details, as that too will be politicised. I am certainly more than willing to join hands with opposition MPs to weed out racism. This should not be happening at all. Malaysians of all races must be sensitive to other races and ensure that their actions do not hurt another race. That is the true meaning of a multiracial society. I hope we can reach an amicable solution to this issue without blowing it out of proportion.



DEEPAVALI BREAK: HM must rethink decision


I would like to voice my frustration regarding the attitude of the headmaster of a secondary school in Ipoh who has been denying Indian students their rights for years.
Year in and year out, he has refused to apply for an additional day off for Deepavali (Monday, Oct 27) although there are more than 500 Indian students in the school.
The headmaster does not seem to think that Indian students need to celebrate the festival with their loved ones.
All my friends and relatives want their children's school to take an extra day off.
My child has to return on Deepavali night from hundreds of kilometres away to attend school the next day.
The headmaster has planned the exams conveniently the day before and after Deepavali so that Indian students will be forced to attend school.
My child told me on Tuesday that his school is only replacing two Saturdays for Hari Raya Puasa and nothing was mentioned about Deepavali.
I was informed by my friends from neighbouring schools that the government has given the green light for schools to take two extra days off after Deepavali, on Oct 28 and Oct 29.
I do hope the authorities concerned will look into this matter immediately.

Source: NST: 24 August 2008

Vanakam.

Education comes under the federal government jurisdiction and the incident happened in Ipoh , Perak. BN ruled the federal and PR ruled the state government. I do believe, without any political biasness, we can highlight this matter to higher authority either at federal or state level. Can our brothers either at federal or state level take up this issue and pressure the narrow minded HM to take extra leave so that our younger brother in the school can celebrate the Deepavali in peace?
I hope all the PR and BN Indian MP's will look into it.......... .. that's why I said 'without any political biasness'... .. our younger generations will get the benefit so why not put our political thoughts and fight for equal justice.
"When we speak with one voice, we will achieve our goals.
When we act with one determination, nothing can stop us from fulfilling our dreams,"
PUNITHAN SHAN

No Takers

I have not blogged for almost a week now and am sorry. Glad that many had commented, despite me not blogging. That gives me the encouragement and enthusiasm to continue blogging and say what's in my mind. A big thank you.

Anyway, please try to spread the word that out of the 400 stalls alloted for the annual Deepavali bazaar in Kuala Lumpur by Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, only 200 stalls had been taken. I don't know the reason why the remainder stalls were not taken, but I presume it could be due to lack of awareness, that the stalls had to be booked early. For those who are interested in this, please contact DBKL and do it as soon as possible. Please don't let this opportunity go to waste.

I would also like to say a bit on the comments that had reached me. Some have asked me to abandon the MIC and join the opposition. This is uncalled for. Everyone knows that I am a MIC die hard and there are no two ways about it. I will stay with this party even if it loses at the next general election. It is a 62-year old party, which has done its part in helping and assisting Indians. It may have its shortfalls but these setbacks can be overcome and updated. Please guide me, not accuse me. Accusing me of things does not at all help. The guide and advice I get from the people here and outside, is forever etched in my mind. Thank you.

Attacked

Well, its the same style of politics yet again. I was "attacked" by a certain party elder in two Tamil newspapers today. But it's all right with me. I chose not to comment or retaliate against the so called leader's criticism. For me, now that I have made my point, is to continue my work. Enough of politicking, as I don't want to be muddled in things like using newspapers to launch attacks against a person. Lots of work to be done and I am happy doing it.