SAPP boss complains of threats

malaysianinsider - [...] "Events in the last 24 hours have taken a disturbing turn," Yong said, adding party leaders have been advised not to underestimate the risky consequences and likely threats to them. The former Sabah chief minister himself is under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) a day after he announced the party's lack of faith in Abdullah.

He outlined several threats against party leaders, among which were illegal banners instigating unspecified action against Tawau MP Datuk Dr Chua Soon Bui appearing overnight in Tawau, an Umno gathering on Sunday in Kota Kinabalu where racial incitement was used, a planned demonstration at the Tawau MP's office tomorrow and several text messages and unidentified phone calls implying threats to the two MPs and their aides.

Chua and the other SAPP MP Datuk Eric Enchin Majimbun (Sepanggar) did not turn up in Parliament today to move or support any anti-PM motion which Yong explained was a result of the disturbing turn of events.

"SAPP has taken extra caution for the safety of the MPs by calling them back to the party HQ in Kota Kinabalu for consultations on the next course of action, including the safety of their persons and families and the security of their offices," he said.

He added the party, which also has four state assemblymen that forms part of the Sabah government, appreciates the support for its move against Abdullah. While SAPP is against the prime minister, it has not left the 14-member Barisan Nasional coalition.

"Media discussions, be it in favour or not of SAPP, have successfully brought the Sabah issues to the national focus. Never shall Sabah be looked down upon again," Yong added.... selanjutnya.

no2umno - ada sesiapa nampak telur bertabur? Kalau nampak sila berikan kepada wak, untuk kembalikan kejantanan diorang. Mana nak ku letak wajah ku yang jantan tapi betina. Lain kali tak payah buat sidang akhbar. ... terus masuk undi. PM bakal beri pujian kepada Musa Aman. Sikit isu perkauman, SAPP terus tutup mulut.

Latest from first sitting of post-election Parliament

1.55 pm / 28th April

malaysianinsider - Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, 53, is confirmed the new Dewan Rakyat Speaker. The Barisan Nasional choice from Sabah, a former federal minister, was voted in unopposed.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi proposes Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Santubong, Sarawak) and Datuk Ronald Kiandee (Beluran, Sabah) as BN choices for the 2 deputy speakers and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang names Tan Seng Giaw (Kepong). Voting outcome: Wan Junaidi 157 votes, Kiandee 140, Tan 81.
While ministers take their oath, DAP's Karpal Singh points out some not putting up right hand, as is customary, during swearing-in. Speaker then asks all MPs to put up hand during oath taking.

Among new MPs is Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim. Wheelchair-bound Karpal gets his moment when he takes MP's oath, raising his left hand from his desk – with speaker's permission. Other prominent Opposition MPs sworn in are Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng (DAP), Anwar Ibrahim's daughter Nurul Izzah (PKR) and 'Lingam tape' cameraman Loh Gwo-Burne (PKR). This marks Guan Eng's return to parliament since his 1998 conviction for sedition. Loh gives his response in Malay.

Khir Toyo paints doomsday scenario for Umno

malaysianinsider - By the end of the year, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will walk into Parliament as the Prime Minister and Umno will be at its lowest ebb.

This is the doomsday scenario painted by former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Khir Toyo if Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi does not step down as party president and Prime Minister now.

He believes that until Abdullah hands over power to Datuk Seri Najib Razak, it will be difficult for Umno to regain the support from party members and Malaysians.

“Anwar wants to see Pak Lah carry on. This will result in a weaker Umno and less support for the component parties also,” said Khir, who is shaping up to be one of the PM’s most relentless critics in Umno.

Writing in his blog, he predicted that during the second session of Parliament, a by-election will be held ─ most likely in Bandar Tun Razak ─ which will give Anwar an avenue to return to power.

“Anwar will contest as the Prime Minister in waiting. As is the tradition, Datuk Seri Najib will head the Barisan National election machinery. But with Pak Lah still as the number one leader, the mood among Umno and BN members will be at the lowest point and it will be difficult for BN to win. more...

Rashid can help uncover truth behind land scam - Guan Eng

malaysianinsider - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng says his call for a discussion with former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Abdul Rashid Abdullah is to find the truth about a land scam case.

On Tuesday, Lim had issued an invitation to Abdul Rashid through the media for them to meet to discuss the issue.

However, Abdul Rashid responded today, also through the media, that he would not entertain the state government's request as all the information could be obtained from the land office and other relevant departments.

"Together, we can find out the truth. I'm puzzled as to why he (Abdul Rashid) refuses to attend to our request as it was him who had earlier challenged the state government. That's why we should discuss the case," Lim told reporters after opening the Pikom PC Fair 2008 at the Penang International Sports Arena today.

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