Are you ready?

"In my country, the less dark side is the lesser of two evils. As far as political parties go, those are the only choices we have. One evil is the hardcore Muslim political party which will force me to be everything that I'm not. And I mean force. The other evil is the croney-ist, no-more-corrupt-than-other-regimes-in-the-area-and-does-stupid-things-but-still-has-good-economic-sense regime." -Anastasia Beaverhausen.

Are you ready for it?

Monday November 19, 2007
The Star: Pak Lah: I will determine when to dissolve Parliament

KUALA TERENGGANU: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the power to dissolve Parliament is exclusively his.

The Prime Minister said it was not possible for Election Commission chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman to know when the next general election would take place.

“How would he know? I have yet to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for the elections. It's I who will decide when to have Parliament dissolved,” he said at a press conference after his visit to the Islamic Civilisation Park in Pulau Wan Man here yesterday.

He was commenting on the recent indication by Abdul Rashid that he knew when the general election would take place but was not at liberty to divulge the information.

Abdullah said it was not necessary to be too concerned about when the elections would be held.

“You have to wait,” he said.

Nevertheless, he said the Barisan Nasional election machinery was prepared for the polls, which could be called at anytime.

He said he was satisfied with the overall performance of Barisan MPs and state assemblymen.

However, he said there were some assemblymen who are non-performers but declined to elaborate whether they would be dropped from contesting in the polls.

“Some have performed well, some are weak. That's the scenario,” he added.

On the claim by certain quarters that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had condoned the
illegal rally held in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 10, Abdullah said: “It is a desperate move by certain quarters to create an issue thinking that the election is close.”

Abdullah went on a day-long visit to Terengganu where he earlier launched Sutratani, an agriculture project in Setiu, and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the state animation centre in Paya Keladi.

In Setiu, Abdullah called on Malaysians to discard any feeling of low self-esteem that could impede personal development. He said people also should stop thinking that there were tasks that were impossible and hard to achieve.

Abdullah also challenged Terengganu Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh to find the right solution to elevate fishermen from poverty.

2007/11/04
NST: Election, contracts, the kris, NEP and all
By : Zainuddin Ayip, Kadir Dikoh and P. Selvarani

Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak says it’s best if there is an image of greater cohesion among BN leaders. Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak talks to ZAINUDDIN AYIP, KADIR DIKOH and P. SELVARANI about this week's general assembly.

Q: What’s the significance of this year’s Umno general assembly which could be the last one before the general election is called?

A: The Umno general assembly will be a historic event this year as it is being held in conjunction with our 50th Merdeka anniversary celebrations. The spirit of the celebrations and the pride we feel for all our patriots who sacrificed and fought for independence, for Umno’s struggle in fighting the Malayan Union and in forging a multi-racial country will be felt at the assembly. The assembly will also be significant politically. We regard it as an important time for us to further enhance co-operation and commitment at all levels in Umno, in preparation for the general election. The assembly will focus on consolidating the party and getting our leaders ready, making sure they convey Umno’s and the government’s message to the people, including the new initiatives launched by the prime minister, such as the regional development corridors.

The development initiatives will draw the attention of the delegates, especially on how they can contribute to making them successful.

The assembly also may be aimed at an Umno and Malay audience, but we must be sensitive and make sure the proceedings reflect the spirit and our commitment to the Barisan Nasional’s principle of camaraderie.

Q: What are the “hot” issues that would be debated?

A: I don’t think there will be anything “hot", but there are some topics that may attract the attention of the delegates, which have been highlighted in the newspapers, such as crime, social problems, the increasing prices of goods, education, and how we are going to ensure the success of the regional development corridors within the context of the Malay agenda.

Q: There are still those who consider that Umno’s focus on the Malay agenda means that Malays are still lagging, lazy and difficult to change.

A: To change from a certain culture and style of thinking takes time. We have achieved success, especially in reforming government-linked companies (GLCs). This shows that the Malays and Bumiputeras have the ability to engage and succeed in major business enterprises.

The success of Permodalan Nasional Berhad and Petronas, among others, can be considered a success in terms of proving our leadership skills.

What is not yet achieved is producing a Bumiputera Industrial and Commercial Community (BICC). The number of successful entrepreneurs is still small. We have a long way to go, but the goal is not impossible to achieve. We must also explain that if we talk about the Malay agenda and a continuation of the (spirit of) New Economic Policy, it does not mean that we are only helping the Malays or Bumiputeras. We view it as a national agenda. If we achieve fair and balanced development, all races will be able to share the economic cake, and this would be good for the country in terms of national unity. Many are quick to belittle us when we talk about the NEP or the Malay agenda, as if this is to help the Malays or a specific group only. We must explain the situation to them clearly.

Q: It is a fact that the Malays today still largely rely on and hope for government assistance.

A: This is because we have not yet created a BICC. Once we have a BICC, they can be independent and will have a solid network, including with other races. Then, they would no longer need government help. At present, the Malays will not be able to become successful entrepreneurs without the government’s help.

Q: There has been much effort to help the Malays, but why is the number of Malay entrepreneurs still small?

A: Cultural transformation takes time. Even if we give them the relevant opportunities, it would not amount to much if they stick to the old culture or misuse the opportunities due to a negative attitude. We have to take a holistic approach if we want to be economically successful. We cannot just focus on providing more opportunities. The government must also look at inculcating a more competitive and forward thinking culture among the Malays. We must try to emphasise merit when considering the award of contracts or business opportunities. We must award these to the best among the Malays so that they will continue to be more competitive and successful. The Malays must practise meritocracy, the principle of “know how", not “know who".

Q: There have been instances of Umno figures getting upset when they do not obtain these opportunities.

A: I am aware of this. It’s a political reality. For example, a division leader may have his needs and we cannot overlook these altogether. In general though, the principle of meritocracy must be applied. We must also guide Bumiputera companies that are
about to be listed in the near future. Once listed, they would be able to be more independent. We are in the process of identifying these companies.

Q: But there are still very few listed Bumiputera companies.

A: There are not many. That is why we must look into the methodology and new approaches in a changing environment. Ours is not a closed environment but one that is open as a result of globalisation and liberalisation. The Malays must adapt to this.

Q: How do you view the commitment of the younger generation of Umno members, as there would be those who joined the party mainly for personal interests?

A: We must ask ourselves why we are in Umno, what is our contribution to the party, not the other way around. We must adopt good practices and values in our struggle. When we choose to do this, we will be successful in our cause and the people will have more respect for Umno. Our challenge is to defend Umno’s continuity. When we pass the torch to the next generation, they must be able to continue running with the torch.

Q: How is the process of grooming new leaders in Umno going?

A: I remember even from the time of my late father (second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein), how several young leaders and professionals were co-opted into the government and appointed as parliamentary secretaries and deputy ministers.

The process had begun even then... it’s ongoing, and we are today working with grooming second and third generation Umno members. I am part of the second generation. My generation now has to groom the third generation, and we need to mould and nurture these people to be future leaders.

Q: The problem in Umno is that some veteran members do not want to make way and insist on holding on to their positions.

A: That is the political reality... so we have to know how to carry ourselves as leaders. If we can do this, God willing, we will succeed.

Q: There are also some young leaders who want to run even before they can crawl.

A: That’s why I say we have to understand the political reality. We must know how
to carry ourselves. We must also have wisdom. Although we may be younger, it does not necessarily mean we should only think like a youngster. We must have maturity in how we think and the way we act.

And not all young people will succeed. Even from back then, there were those who did not. Those who did had a certain quality.

Q: Looking at how some delegates may use the assembly as a platform to lobby and campaign for seats, what are the considerations when selecting Umno’s general election candidates?

A: I don’t think they can (lobby for candidacy), because the delegates who will speak at the assembly are chosen from the state liaison committees. It is not as if whoever aspires to be a candidate can take to the stage and address the assembly.

Secondly, all speakers selected represent the views of their state Umno. They cannot claim that they are the best. They must understand that they’re there due to the trust placed in them by the state Umno to express its views at the assembly. However, on the sidelines during the course of the three-day assembly when they have the opportunity to meet leaders, then maybe that is when they will try to lobby. The political reality is that sometimes they have to show that they are interested in being considered. Otherwise, people will say that they are not. So they try to show they are interested, but in a subtle way.

Q: What are the qualities required in general election candidates?

A: Ability, and being accepted not only by the party but also by the voters. We must consider whether one is acceptable in that area. You can be a good orator but if people don’t like you and don’t accept you, then you can’t be a candidate. . Voters get very angry if we try to impose a candidate on them.

We must also know the people’s needs, their sensitivities and the conditions in a particular constituency. We also consider things like whether the candidate should come from Wanita Umno and so on. But the bottom line is that our candidate must be someone who will be accepted in the area and who can win.

There is no point putting up a candidate who is unelectable. We must always put winnable candidates. That is the bottom line.

Q: In the past, it has been said that you could field any candidate and he or she would win as long as the person ran under the BN ticket.

A: Those days are gone because another important factor is the personality of the candidate. The candidate’s personality can be a plus for Barisan Nasional. Some of them, by virtue of their personality, have that additional strength in that particular area. But if you put someone else from the same party, the result might be different. In other words, both the party and personality of the candidate count. But above all, the person must be a winnable candidate.

Q: What about the distribution of seats between the BN parties?

A: The distribution of seats is not a problem because there is no addition to the number of seats. When there are no additional seats, it is basically status quo, unless you can persuade a party to give up (some of its seats) in favour of another BN component party.

Q: In the last general assembly, several speakers spoke in a manner that hurt the feelings of others, including some in Barisan Nasional component parties. How will things shape up this year?

A: We will guide them. They must be aware that when they speak at the assembly, their speeches are also followed and assessed by those outside the hall, including non-Malays. What we say should not hurt the feelings of others.

Q: What is your view on the Umno Youth assembly, which will see the kris raised again this year?

A: It is how you choose to interpret it. It is actually a non-issue if you view it in the context of what the kris means. The kris is not a weapon to signify war or confrontation.It is a cultural symbol symbolising a perjuangan (struggle). And perjuangan doesn’t mean confrontation. Perjuangan doesn’t mean you are against anyone. That’s why I said we are committed to the concept and spirit of Barisan Nasional and to work together to develop our multi-racial country. So it is how you perceive it. I think people are making too much out of it.

Q: How do you view the present Umno Youth leadership?

A: The Umno Youth leadership is capable of representing the aspirations of the younger generation. They have shown that they are willing to face up to anyone on certain issues that may threaten the party. During by-elections, they have given us good co-operation.

Q: Do you think the recent spat among Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, Perlis Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor will affect public perception about unity among Umno leaders?

A: I don’t think so. But it would be better if there was an image of greater cohesion among the leaders. I think it is incumbent upon us to try to resolve things among ourselves because we are colleagues. So, if we disagree, we should either raise it in cabinet or we should call up each other to work it out.

It's your choice.