Para pengundi pos mula mengundi untuk pilihan raya kecil DUN Bagan Pinang hari ini dengan anggota tentera mengundi di sebuah dewan di Pusat Latihan Asas Tentera Darat (Pusasda) Kem Si Rusa, manakala anggota polis mengundi di ibu pejabat polis Port Dickson.
Sehingga tengah hari ini, proses pengundian pos yang dimulakan pada pukul 8 pagi itu dilaporkan berjalan lancar.
Timbalan Pengerusi Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya (SPR) Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar, yang turut berada di Pusasda bagi memantau keadaan, berkata pengundian pos di situ hanya membabitkan kira-kira 2,000 pengundi tentera yang tinggal dalam kem.
"Undian pos di Pusasda dikendalikan oleh para anggota tentera yang kita lantik, dalam proses ini, anggota tentera membawa kad identiti masing-masing ke meja semakan nama dan mengambil kertas undi dengan disaksikan wakil-wakil calon yang berada di belakang meja berkenaan sebelum ke petak untuk mengundi," katanya.
Proses ini berjalan dengan begitu telus sekali dan wakil-wakil calon yang menyaksikannya berpuas hati dengan perjalanan urusan ini.
"Undian pos di Pusasda dibuka dari pukul 8 pagi sehingga pukul 5 petang hari ini.
"Sekiranya masih ada anggota tentera belum mengundi, ia akan dijalankan sekali lagi esok dan lusa sehingga kesemua anggota terbabit selesai mengundi," katanya kepada Bernama.
Beliau berkata apabila selesai proses pengundian petang ini, karung undi pos itu akan dibawa ke pejabat pegawai pengurus pilihan raya dengan diiringi oleh polis dan tidak akan disimpan dalam kem.
Bagi anggota tentera yang tinggal di luar kem, kertas undi pos sudah pun dihantar kepada mereka semalam.
"Kesemua kertas undi pos ini mesti sampai di pejabat pegawai pengurus pilihan raya sebelum pukul 5 petang Ahad ini, yang juga merupakan hari pengundian bagi pengundi biasa dalam pilihan raya kecil ini.
"Penerimaan kertas undi pos selepas pukul 5 petang tidak akan dikira," katanya.
Anggota polis yang mengundi mulai hari ini mengguna pakai proses yang sama.
Terdapat sejumlah 4,604 pengundi pos di kawasan DUN Bagan Pinang. Daripada jumlah itu 4,571 terdiri daripada anggota tentera, 31 anggota polis manakala dua pengundi pos dikategorikan sebagai pemilik tak hadir kerana bertugas di luar negara.
Mereka merupakan sebahagian daripada 13,664 pengundi dalam DUN Bagan Pinang, yang turut membabitkan 9,060 pengundi biasa.
Wan Ahmad turut mengulangi jaminan bahawa tidak wujud nama berganda dalam daftar pemilih bagi kawasan DUN Bagan Pinang sebagaimana yang didakwa oleh PAS.
"Kita dah buat semakan semalam dan kita telah pasti tak wujud nama berganda dalam N31 Bagan Pinang, senarai yang diterima daripada PAS semalam telah kita semak dan tak ada nama berganda.
"Kalau berganda mungkin dalam senarai daftar awam di luar DUN Bagan Pinang, itu kita akan semak selepas pilihan raya kecil ini nanti," katanya.
Pilihan raya kecil DUN Bagan Pinang Ahad ini menyaksikan pertandingan satu lawan satu antara calon BN Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad dan calon PAS Zulkefly Mohamad Omar.
Ia diadakan berikutan kematian penyandang kerusi DUN itu Azman Mohammad Noor pada 4 Sept lepas. BERNAMA
20091013
"Even if there was only one man in MIC ..."
The real Sakti. That the MIC's president-in-waiting G. Palanivel is not too pleased with the warm reception BN leader Najib Razak has shown Makkal Sakti, the latest political party that will rival the MIC for the support of Malaysian Indians, is understandable.
The country's first PM would not have turned his back on the MIC. "Unfortunately," Palani laments in his latest blog posting, "we no longer live in the era of leaders like the Tunku." [Who is the real Sakti? by Palani 11/10/09]
Yesterday, Najib quashed talk that Makkal Sakti was his baby [Government will work with anyone who back 1Malaysia concept, Bernama 10/10/09]."Makkal Sakti was not formed on my instigation but eventually it would be good for these (Indian-based political parties) to consolidate. The formation of this party is probably the political evolution for Indians in the country," he added.
"I do not want to say whether the MIC failed or succeeded (in assisting the community)...but it is the choice of the Indians (formation of MMSP). What is important is that they support the government," said Najib.
Asked if MMSP would be BN's trump card in winning back the support of the community, which deserted the BN at the 2008 general election, Najib said it was not up to him to say if the newly launched party would be BN's trump card in facing future general elections.
"But Makkal Sakti has brought a lot of support and we hope it can attract more support. On their inclusion into the BN we will discuss that later. It is up to the BN supreme council. Whether they are in or out (of the BN), we are willing to work together and that is the most important thing," he added.
It's too early to tell how MIC and Makkal Sakti leaders will react to Najib's consolidation hint, but much depends on how the BN fares in the Bagan Pinang by-election today (LIVE coverage here), where Indian voters are said to be crucial in deciding if Pakatan Rakyat's by-election winning streak will end) and Palani's own brand of leadership when he takes over the MIC presidency from Samy Vellu (which is expected to happen very, very soon .. sooner than most pundits would dare expect).rocky's bru
20091012
Kementerian serbu pusat SMM di Bagan Pinang
Pengerusi Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM), Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin mendakwa pegawai kementerian pengajian tinggi bersama anggota polis menyerbu pusat gerakan mahasiswa di Bagan Pinang pagi ini.
SMM mendirikan pusat tersebut - yang merupakan sebuah kanopi yang didirikan di tepi jalan di Batu 6 ½ ,Jalan Pantai Teluk Kemang - untuk membawa isu bantahan e-undi dalam pemilihan kampus, sewaktu kempen pilihanraya kecil di situ.
Pengerusi SMM, Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin berkata tindakan itu juga dipercayai ada berkaitan dengan kenyataan menteri berkenaan, Datuk Khalid Noordin bahawa pelajar yang berkempen di situ, akan dikenakan tindakan.
Beliau yang tidak berada di situ, dimaklulmkan bahawa pegawai berkenaan, tiba di pusat tersebut pada jam 10.30 pagi.
SMM mendirikan pusat tersebut - yang merupakan sebuah kanopi yang didirikan di tepi jalan di Batu 6 ½ ,Jalan Pantai Teluk Kemang - untuk membawa isu bantahan e-undi dalam pemilihan kampus, sewaktu kempen pilihanraya kecil di situ.
 |
Beliau yang tidak berada di situ, dimaklulmkan bahawa pegawai berkenaan, tiba di pusat tersebut pada jam 10.30 pagi.
Kanopi tersebut terletak tidak jauh dari bilik gerakan pilihanraya PAS di situ.
Kakitangan kementerian tersebut, katanya, turut memperkenalkan diri mereka kepada pekerja parti di situ.
Shahni berkata, dia dimaklumkan, apabila menyedari kehadiran mereka, tiga anggota SMM beredar dari pusat itu, dan memerhati dari jauh.
Shazni kata, mereka ternampak pegawai berkenaan bertanya kepada peniaga dekat situ mengenai pusat mahasiswa tersebut.
Katanya, pagi ini, SMM bercadang untuk mengedarkan risalah berhubung bantahan terhadap e-undi sepanjang kempen pilihan raya kecil DUN Bagan Pinang.
Berikutan itu, katanya, SMM menangguhkan sementara itu rancangannya untuk mengedarkan risalah tersebut di Bagan Pinang.
"Saya dimaklumkan bahawa mereka berada di pusat itu selama kira-kira sejam sebelum beredar dari situ," katanya.
malaysiakini.com
KDN: Tiada larangan lapor isu Isa digantung
Kementerian Dalam Negeri (KDN) tidak mengeluarkan sebarang arahan yang melarang mana-mana akhbar di negara ini untuk melaporkan isu penggantungan keanggotaan Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad dalam Umno menjelang pilihan raya kecil DUN Bagan Pinang.
Ketua Setiausaha KDN Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam dalam kenyataan semalam berkata perkara itu merujuk laporan berita laman portal Malaysiakini yang bertajuk 'Larangan lapor isu Isa digantung'.
"Ingin ditegaskan bahawa tiada arahan sedemikian dikeluarkan oleh kementerian ini.
"Malaysiakini diharap agar lebih bertanggungjawab kerana penyiaran berita yang tidak benar hanya akan mengelirukan rakyat," kata beliau.
Malaysiakini melaporkan akhbar-akhbar harian berbahasa Cina telah diarahkan supaya tidak melaporkan mengenai penggantungan keanggotaan Isa. BERNAMA
Ketua Setiausaha KDN Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam dalam kenyataan semalam berkata perkara itu merujuk laporan berita laman portal Malaysiakini yang bertajuk 'Larangan lapor isu Isa digantung'.
"Ingin ditegaskan bahawa tiada arahan sedemikian dikeluarkan oleh kementerian ini.
"Malaysiakini diharap agar lebih bertanggungjawab kerana penyiaran berita yang tidak benar hanya akan mengelirukan rakyat," kata beliau.
Malaysiakini melaporkan akhbar-akhbar harian berbahasa Cina telah diarahkan supaya tidak melaporkan mengenai penggantungan keanggotaan Isa. BERNAMA
OTK, Chua punished by delegates
OTK, Chua punished by delegates
HEADNOTE: Article 35 of the MCA Constitution states that an EGM needs the votes of two-thirds of the delegates to oust the President.Now, consider the outcome of the voting on Resolution 1: That the members of the general assembly have no confidence in the leadership of president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat.
There were 1155 delegates who voted FOR this resolution, against 1141 delegates who voted AGAINST it.
The margin, therefore, is 14.
That is clearly NOT a two-thirds margin!
Original Article:
Extraordinary, indeed. Yes, it is. The MCA members decided at the Extraordinary General Meeting today to pass a vote of no-confidence against their president, Ong Tee Keat, and to close the door on Chua Soi Lek's hope to be reinstated as the deputy president.It looks like the members were fed up and decided to punish both men. Someone said it reflects the maturity of the MCA delegates.
The party is now without a president and a deputy president, but somehow many think this is the best outcome possible and that the next step for the party will be a step up.
[NST says it' s "Losers All"; it's "Dramatic Decisions" over at the Star. But Bernama decides to show us its sense of humor by asking Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his opinion here].
Footnotes: The Malay Mail's online take, 2 Losers, 3rd Force Victors
rocky's bru
Pro-Aspirasi menang percuma, pro-M dakwa disabotaj
Kumpulan pro-Aspirasi di Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) menyapu bersih kesemua 28 kerusi - tujuh kerusi umum dan 21 kerusi fakulti - selepas penamaan calon bagi pilihanraya kampus universiti tersebut ditutup semalam.
Ini ekoran empat calon pro-Mahasiswa gagal bertanding selepas gagal mendapat tandatangan pengesahan daripada naib canselor dan dekan hal ehwal pelajar UniMAP
link.
Berikutan itu semua kerusi terbabit telah dimenangi tanpa bertanding, maka tiada pilihan raya kampus akan diadakan di UniMAP tahun ini.
Sementara itu, jurucakap pro-Mahasiswa UniMAP mendakwa calon-calonnya telah disabotaj kerana Naib Cancelor, Datuk Prof Dr Kamarudin Hussin dan Dekan Hal Ehwal Pelajar (HEP) Razni Ahmad didakwanya enggan menandatangani borang pencalonan mereka.
Jurucakap itu mendakwa, naib canselor dan HEP enggan berbuat kerana mendakwa borang pencalonan itu lewat diserahkan dan mereka memerlukan masa untuk menelitinya.
Katanya, mereka menyerahkan borang tersebut kepada pejabat naib canselor pada hari Selesa - sehari sebelum penamaan calon semalam.
Ditanya mengapa mereka menghantar sehari sebelum, jurucakap menjelaskan, mereka sudah berusaha sejak hari Isnin untuk mendapatkan tandatangan naib canselor atau HEP bagi mengesahkan borang pencalonan mereka.
Cuba hubungai HEP
Katanya, mereka telah ke pejabat Razni pada hari Isnin tetapi beliau tidak ada di pejabat.
Jurucakap itu berkata, apabila dimaklumkam oleh calon-calon tersebut mengenai perkara itu, beliau sendiri telah cuba menghubungi Razni.
“Saya dapat bercakap dengan Razni dan beliau memberitahu saya yang dia sedang berada di Kuala Lumpur dan hanya akan balik 10 Oktober (Sabtu),” katanya.
Berikutan itu, katanya, mereka telah pergi ke pejabat naib canselor pada pagi hari berikutnya (Selasa) untuk mendapatkan tandatangan pengesahan pada pencalonan masing-masing.
Bagaimanapun, jurucakap itu mendakwa, Datuk Prof Dr Kamarudin pula cuba mengelak menemui mereka dengan alasan “mereka tidak buat sebarang temujanji untuk menemuinya”.
Selepas gagal menemui naib canselor tersebut, jurucakap itu berkata, kerani di pejabat itu meminta mereka supaya meninggalkan borang tersebut untuk “cuba ditandatangani oleh naib canselor”.
Pada sebelah petangnya, kata jurucakap itu, mereka sekali lagi pergi ke pejabat naib canselor untuk mendapatkan semula borang pencalonan mereka itu.
'Perlu masa teliti'
Bagaimanapun, katanya, kerani itu memberitahu mereka yang borang pencalonan tersebut telah dimajukan kepada HEP.
Berikutan itu, katanya, mereka pun pergi ke pejabat HEP untuk mendapatkan borang pencalonan tetapi malangnya pejabat itu telah ditutupkan sudah lepas waktu pejabat, jam 5 petang.
Katanya, pada hari Rabu - hari penamaan calon - keempat-empat calon tersebut pergi ke pejabat HEP kira-kira jam 8 pagi untuk mendapatkan semula borang pencalonan mereka.
Mereka dapat menemui HEP pada jam 10.45 pagi dan perjumpaan tersebut, Razni didakwa memberitahu mereka bahawa beliau tidak dapat menandatangani borang tersebut kerana tidak diberi masa yang mencukupi untuk menelitinya terlebih dahulu.
Jurucakap itu juga mendakwa, perkara yang sama berlaku tahun lepas.
“Ia berulang dengan skrip yang sama. Kali ini tidak boleh sembunyikannya lagi, kita mahu ketengahkan isu tersebut tahun ini," kata sumber.
Pilihan raya kampus di UniMAP tahun membabitkan pertandingan bagi 28 kerusi iaitu tujuh kerusi umum dan 21 fakulti.
malaysiakini.com
Ini ekoran empat calon pro-Mahasiswa gagal bertanding selepas gagal mendapat tandatangan pengesahan daripada naib canselor dan dekan hal ehwal pelajar UniMAP
link.
Berikutan itu semua kerusi terbabit telah dimenangi tanpa bertanding, maka tiada pilihan raya kampus akan diadakan di UniMAP tahun ini.
Sementara itu, jurucakap pro-Mahasiswa UniMAP mendakwa calon-calonnya telah disabotaj kerana Naib Cancelor, Datuk Prof Dr Kamarudin Hussin dan Dekan Hal Ehwal Pelajar (HEP) Razni Ahmad didakwanya enggan menandatangani borang pencalonan mereka.
Jurucakap itu mendakwa, naib canselor dan HEP enggan berbuat kerana mendakwa borang pencalonan itu lewat diserahkan dan mereka memerlukan masa untuk menelitinya.
Katanya, mereka menyerahkan borang tersebut kepada pejabat naib canselor pada hari Selesa - sehari sebelum penamaan calon semalam.
Ditanya mengapa mereka menghantar sehari sebelum, jurucakap menjelaskan, mereka sudah berusaha sejak hari Isnin untuk mendapatkan tandatangan naib canselor atau HEP bagi mengesahkan borang pencalonan mereka.
Cuba hubungai HEP
Katanya, mereka telah ke pejabat Razni pada hari Isnin tetapi beliau tidak ada di pejabat.
Jurucakap itu berkata, apabila dimaklumkam oleh calon-calon tersebut mengenai perkara itu, beliau sendiri telah cuba menghubungi Razni.
“Saya dapat bercakap dengan Razni dan beliau memberitahu saya yang dia sedang berada di Kuala Lumpur dan hanya akan balik 10 Oktober (Sabtu),” katanya.
Berikutan itu, katanya, mereka telah pergi ke pejabat naib canselor pada pagi hari berikutnya (Selasa) untuk mendapatkan tandatangan pengesahan pada pencalonan masing-masing.
Bagaimanapun, jurucakap itu mendakwa, Datuk Prof Dr Kamarudin pula cuba mengelak menemui mereka dengan alasan “mereka tidak buat sebarang temujanji untuk menemuinya”.
Selepas gagal menemui naib canselor tersebut, jurucakap itu berkata, kerani di pejabat itu meminta mereka supaya meninggalkan borang tersebut untuk “cuba ditandatangani oleh naib canselor”.
Pada sebelah petangnya, kata jurucakap itu, mereka sekali lagi pergi ke pejabat naib canselor untuk mendapatkan semula borang pencalonan mereka itu.
'Perlu masa teliti'
Bagaimanapun, katanya, kerani itu memberitahu mereka yang borang pencalonan tersebut telah dimajukan kepada HEP.
Berikutan itu, katanya, mereka pun pergi ke pejabat HEP untuk mendapatkan borang pencalonan tetapi malangnya pejabat itu telah ditutupkan sudah lepas waktu pejabat, jam 5 petang.
Katanya, pada hari Rabu - hari penamaan calon - keempat-empat calon tersebut pergi ke pejabat HEP kira-kira jam 8 pagi untuk mendapatkan semula borang pencalonan mereka.
Mereka dapat menemui HEP pada jam 10.45 pagi dan perjumpaan tersebut, Razni didakwa memberitahu mereka bahawa beliau tidak dapat menandatangani borang tersebut kerana tidak diberi masa yang mencukupi untuk menelitinya terlebih dahulu.
Jurucakap itu juga mendakwa, perkara yang sama berlaku tahun lepas.
“Ia berulang dengan skrip yang sama. Kali ini tidak boleh sembunyikannya lagi, kita mahu ketengahkan isu tersebut tahun ini," kata sumber.
Pilihan raya kampus di UniMAP tahun membabitkan pertandingan bagi 28 kerusi iaitu tujuh kerusi umum dan 21 fakulti.
malaysiakini.com
Bagan Pinang, Viva MIC!
11/10 Official Bagan Pinang result: Barisan's Mohd Isa Samad wins with a huge majority, getting 8,013 votes against 2,578 for PAS's Zulkefly-Majo-5435
Before Jai [It takes Isa Samad to win] and Parpukari [Nizar Moron!Keputusan Live dari Bagan Pinang] alerted me of the official results, I received an SMS:- MIC count says out of 1,870 Indians who cast their votes in B.Pinang today, BN got a whopping 1,387 and PAS only 483. Viva BN, Viva MIC!rocky's bru
Blogs Gaining Upperhand In 'Battle' Against Conventional Media ?
By Syed Azwan Syed Ali
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- It has to be admitted that blogs, which are part of the new generation media, have wielded great influence and swayed the thinking among the Malaysian public.
For certain reasons, blogs have gradually but distinctly usurped the influence that used to be exerted by the conventional media such as television, radio and newspapers.
The emergence of streams of blogs has reflected the society's awareness on the importance of having information but unfortunately this 'leeway' has provided the room for manipulation by irresponsible quarters.
Such a situation gives rise to a poser.
To what extent that the trials and tribulations created by this new media has its impacts on the society and nation, and what is its repercussions on the people's thinking?
Universiti Malaya's (UM) Media Studies Faculty lecturer Prof Madya Dr Abu Hassan Hasbullah said the new media is like a 'new trust' that traverses all boundaries of politics, economy, culture, ethnicity and religion.
"It is embraced by almost all of the people in the world," he told Bernama here.
This new media wielded great influence over the younger generation as they are IT-savvy and have the 'urge to know'.
Hence there are concerns among the authorities that parties with vested interest would manipulate this new media to benefit their subversive aims and objectives.
A recent example was how blogs were manipulated to create friction in the Malaysia-Indonesia ties. Even though this was not reported in the local media, but those who frequented the cyber world knew about it.
In Malaysia where the population is multi-ethnic, the challenges posed by this new media is seen to be getting more critical.
NOT TOTALLY INDEPENDENT
In Malaysia, there is no screening for this new media which is based in the Internet.
Malaysians are given the liberty and access to gain whatever information they want apart from airing their views online via blogs and news portals as provided by the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
This Act also empowers the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission as well as the police to haul up those who breached the rules.
Among the provisions of the Act on this are Section 211 and Section 233 on repulsive and obscene contents as well as abuse of the network facilities and services respectively.
Among that barred by the above sections are all forms of obscene comments, views and suggestions as well as other abhorent communications. Also included are all forms of threats that meant to hurt, dishonour and bring disrepute to others.
As of July this year, the authorities have investigated 52 cases under sections 233/211 that involved e-mails and websites.
According to the Commission, the authorities have charged 11 cases in court that involved eight individuals alleged to have sent comments that insulted the Sultan of Perak.
Even in the United States, there were bloggers who were hauled up for breaching the country's laws.
CYBER THREAT
In Malaysia, the cyber threat is on the rise and this has drawn the attention of Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
According to Dr Rais, this cyber threat has turned to be more grievous than the visible dangers as it can infiltrate the minds of the younger generation undetected.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Professor of Information Communication Technology, Prof Dr Musa Abu Hassan agreed with this.
He said the younger generation would be easily swayed as they are not matured enough to differentiate between the truth and baseless allegations.
"Internet access is wide and expansive. Every people has access to it.
"Blogs give freedom to the people and they feel not tied up to the conventional media which has restraints and shackles," he said.
He said the 'media convergence' like Youtube.com that combines texts and visuals also made the new generation to prefer the new media which is more dynamic.
"What begins as a mere blog that has personal touch has turned into social partnership," said Prof Musa, adding that the younger generation viewed the conventional media as only representing certain groups.
Saiful Nujaimi Abdul Rahman in his book "Kewartawanan Malaysia: Praktis dan Cabaran" (Malaysian Journalism: Practices and Challenges) wrote that when reading blogs, the readers were unable to differentiate between information and facts.
The UPM lecturer in communications wrote for information, truth, ambiguousity and confusion came together while facts were had gone through the process of screening.
"By logic, can we trust information that came from unreliable sources like that which has no publication licence, no news reporting integrity and no responsibility about what was reported," Saiful Nujaimi wrote in his book.
INFLUENCE ON YOUTHS
The emergence of this new media is closely linked to the younger genration where a recent study revealed that this group spent 16 hours a week to surf the Internet with or without being noticed by their parents.
This has opened up the room for pornography and has become the attention of the Information communication and Culture Ministry.
However the government's 'gullibility' towards practitioners of the new media should not be abused and turned into a licence to spread lies against any parties including the authorities.
In this context, the younger generation should be wise enough to be selective over what is being offered in the Internet despite a survey that showed only about 23 per cent readers of blogs believed what was written in them.
According to Prof Musa:"We should be aware on the sensitivity of the involved parties when giving comments or views".
He said the existing Acts are sufficient to monitor the cyber world in the country.
The words of Dr Abu Hassan summed up all. "The media should be for the benefit of all and not the otherwise".
-- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- It has to be admitted that blogs, which are part of the new generation media, have wielded great influence and swayed the thinking among the Malaysian public.
For certain reasons, blogs have gradually but distinctly usurped the influence that used to be exerted by the conventional media such as television, radio and newspapers.
The emergence of streams of blogs has reflected the society's awareness on the importance of having information but unfortunately this 'leeway' has provided the room for manipulation by irresponsible quarters.
Such a situation gives rise to a poser.
To what extent that the trials and tribulations created by this new media has its impacts on the society and nation, and what is its repercussions on the people's thinking?
Universiti Malaya's (UM) Media Studies Faculty lecturer Prof Madya Dr Abu Hassan Hasbullah said the new media is like a 'new trust' that traverses all boundaries of politics, economy, culture, ethnicity and religion.
"It is embraced by almost all of the people in the world," he told Bernama here.
This new media wielded great influence over the younger generation as they are IT-savvy and have the 'urge to know'.
Hence there are concerns among the authorities that parties with vested interest would manipulate this new media to benefit their subversive aims and objectives.
A recent example was how blogs were manipulated to create friction in the Malaysia-Indonesia ties. Even though this was not reported in the local media, but those who frequented the cyber world knew about it.
In Malaysia where the population is multi-ethnic, the challenges posed by this new media is seen to be getting more critical.
NOT TOTALLY INDEPENDENT
In Malaysia, there is no screening for this new media which is based in the Internet.
Malaysians are given the liberty and access to gain whatever information they want apart from airing their views online via blogs and news portals as provided by the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998.
This Act also empowers the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission as well as the police to haul up those who breached the rules.
Among the provisions of the Act on this are Section 211 and Section 233 on repulsive and obscene contents as well as abuse of the network facilities and services respectively.
Among that barred by the above sections are all forms of obscene comments, views and suggestions as well as other abhorent communications. Also included are all forms of threats that meant to hurt, dishonour and bring disrepute to others.
As of July this year, the authorities have investigated 52 cases under sections 233/211 that involved e-mails and websites.
According to the Commission, the authorities have charged 11 cases in court that involved eight individuals alleged to have sent comments that insulted the Sultan of Perak.
Even in the United States, there were bloggers who were hauled up for breaching the country's laws.
CYBER THREAT
In Malaysia, the cyber threat is on the rise and this has drawn the attention of Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim.
According to Dr Rais, this cyber threat has turned to be more grievous than the visible dangers as it can infiltrate the minds of the younger generation undetected.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Professor of Information Communication Technology, Prof Dr Musa Abu Hassan agreed with this.
He said the younger generation would be easily swayed as they are not matured enough to differentiate between the truth and baseless allegations.
"Internet access is wide and expansive. Every people has access to it.
"Blogs give freedom to the people and they feel not tied up to the conventional media which has restraints and shackles," he said.
He said the 'media convergence' like Youtube.com that combines texts and visuals also made the new generation to prefer the new media which is more dynamic.
"What begins as a mere blog that has personal touch has turned into social partnership," said Prof Musa, adding that the younger generation viewed the conventional media as only representing certain groups.
Saiful Nujaimi Abdul Rahman in his book "Kewartawanan Malaysia: Praktis dan Cabaran" (Malaysian Journalism: Practices and Challenges) wrote that when reading blogs, the readers were unable to differentiate between information and facts.
The UPM lecturer in communications wrote for information, truth, ambiguousity and confusion came together while facts were had gone through the process of screening.
"By logic, can we trust information that came from unreliable sources like that which has no publication licence, no news reporting integrity and no responsibility about what was reported," Saiful Nujaimi wrote in his book.
INFLUENCE ON YOUTHS
The emergence of this new media is closely linked to the younger genration where a recent study revealed that this group spent 16 hours a week to surf the Internet with or without being noticed by their parents.
This has opened up the room for pornography and has become the attention of the Information communication and Culture Ministry.
However the government's 'gullibility' towards practitioners of the new media should not be abused and turned into a licence to spread lies against any parties including the authorities.
In this context, the younger generation should be wise enough to be selective over what is being offered in the Internet despite a survey that showed only about 23 per cent readers of blogs believed what was written in them.
According to Prof Musa:"We should be aware on the sensitivity of the involved parties when giving comments or views".
He said the existing Acts are sufficient to monitor the cyber world in the country.
The words of Dr Abu Hassan summed up all. "The media should be for the benefit of all and not the otherwise".
-- BERNAMA
Tenth Malaysia Plan Will Not Forsake Opposition-Held States
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The Economic Planning Unit under the Prime Minister's Department will not forsake the needs of opposition-ruled states when drawing up the 10th Malaysia Plan to be tabled in Parliament next June.
In giving this assurance, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said, the federal government would ensure fair distribution of people-centric projects to all states under the five-year plan.
"We will ensure that the plan contains a fair distribution of projects...obviously, the bigger states would have a bigger allocation but we will be equal in distribution," he told reporters after meeting representatives of the Perak Government at the unit Monday.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had, on numerous occasions, reiterated that the federal government would be inclusive in attending to the needs of opposition-held states.
"Whether we agree with their inputs or otherwise, is not important but what is important is for us to get the input from them in the first place.
"So far, I have met a few menteris besar of these opposition-held states and they are so far, satisfied with what we have told them. They felt assured and we are looking at viable projects in these states," he added.
The minister also said that to date, he had met representatives of the Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and Perak governments and that he was satisfied with dialogues held with them.
He said the 10th Malaysia Plan would roll out projects that were people-centric, which would give high impact on the lives of the people.
"For example, Perak. They want us to give priority to tourism and tourism-based industries because they are interested in nature-based tourism. We can leverage on the good infrastructure available in the state to achieve this aim.
"We also have to remember that the Plan would be based on the new national economic model with priority on high income base. We are meeting the state representatives because we want to know what they have in mind for the state," added Nor Mohamed.
He said the draft of the Plan would only be ready sometime next year, and submitted to the Cabinet for approval and subsequently tabled in Parliament.
He however, declined to reveal the amount which would fund the 10th Malaysia Plan, saying "that is confidential and would be revealed at the tabling of the Plan."
He said, unlike the previous Plans, the 10th Malaysia Plan, which was deemed important in achieving the 2020 Vision, would only outline projects on a two-year revolving basis.
"This means (that) when we table the Plan next year, we would only announce projects for 2011 and 2012. After 2012, we would again announce projects for another two years.
"This gives us flexibility in giving priority to projects. This will also take away the pressure from government agencies and ministries to submit their respective projects for five years. They only have to submit proposed projects for two years and have time to revaluate their position after the two years," said Nor Mohamed.
-- BERNAMA
In giving this assurance, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop said, the federal government would ensure fair distribution of people-centric projects to all states under the five-year plan.
"We will ensure that the plan contains a fair distribution of projects...obviously, the bigger states would have a bigger allocation but we will be equal in distribution," he told reporters after meeting representatives of the Perak Government at the unit Monday.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had, on numerous occasions, reiterated that the federal government would be inclusive in attending to the needs of opposition-held states.
"Whether we agree with their inputs or otherwise, is not important but what is important is for us to get the input from them in the first place.
"So far, I have met a few menteris besar of these opposition-held states and they are so far, satisfied with what we have told them. They felt assured and we are looking at viable projects in these states," he added.
The minister also said that to date, he had met representatives of the Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang and Perak governments and that he was satisfied with dialogues held with them.
He said the 10th Malaysia Plan would roll out projects that were people-centric, which would give high impact on the lives of the people.
"For example, Perak. They want us to give priority to tourism and tourism-based industries because they are interested in nature-based tourism. We can leverage on the good infrastructure available in the state to achieve this aim.
"We also have to remember that the Plan would be based on the new national economic model with priority on high income base. We are meeting the state representatives because we want to know what they have in mind for the state," added Nor Mohamed.
He said the draft of the Plan would only be ready sometime next year, and submitted to the Cabinet for approval and subsequently tabled in Parliament.
He however, declined to reveal the amount which would fund the 10th Malaysia Plan, saying "that is confidential and would be revealed at the tabling of the Plan."
He said, unlike the previous Plans, the 10th Malaysia Plan, which was deemed important in achieving the 2020 Vision, would only outline projects on a two-year revolving basis.
"This means (that) when we table the Plan next year, we would only announce projects for 2011 and 2012. After 2012, we would again announce projects for another two years.
"This gives us flexibility in giving priority to projects. This will also take away the pressure from government agencies and ministries to submit their respective projects for five years. They only have to submit proposed projects for two years and have time to revaluate their position after the two years," said Nor Mohamed.
-- BERNAMA
Murugiah Appeals ROS To Reinstate Him As PPP President
JITRA, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Expelled People's Progressive Party (PPP) supreme council member Senator Datuk T. Murugiah will appeal to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) over the invalidation of a resolution made at an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) which appointed him as the new party president.
Reiterating his stand that he would not join other parties, the deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department said he believed that the ROS would reconsider his expulsion from the party by its president Datuk M. Kayveas.
He said the appeal to the ROS would be submitted by his lawyer on Wednesday.
"I'll do whatever it takes to be back in PPP. I'm appealing the case after giving it a deep thought and finding that there is no proof that can implicate me to the offences allegedly committed by me," he told reporters after visiting a residential school here on Monday.
Murugiah had declared himself as the new PPP president after the EGM which was held in Putrajaya on April 24, but it was not recognised by the ROS.
-- BERNAMA
Reiterating his stand that he would not join other parties, the deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department said he believed that the ROS would reconsider his expulsion from the party by its president Datuk M. Kayveas.
He said the appeal to the ROS would be submitted by his lawyer on Wednesday.
"I'll do whatever it takes to be back in PPP. I'm appealing the case after giving it a deep thought and finding that there is no proof that can implicate me to the offences allegedly committed by me," he told reporters after visiting a residential school here on Monday.
Murugiah had declared himself as the new PPP president after the EGM which was held in Putrajaya on April 24, but it was not recognised by the ROS.
-- BERNAMA
Umno General Assembly Kicks Off Tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad's victory in the Bagan Pinang by-election yesterday will certainly be one of the hot topics among the delegates at the 2009 Umno General Assembly beginning tomorrow.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who has helmed the party for only seven months, acknowledged that the major victory by the veteran Umno leader would provide a new inspiration to Umno's struggles.
It was hoped that the victory would inspire the more than 2,500 delegates to push the agenda for transformation promised by the party leaders.
The assembly this year will be historical as it is being held twice within one year, and it is also the first time that a special assembly is being held during the general assembly.
The fact that the assembly is being held twice within one year is due to the postponement of the party election which should have been held in 2008 but was instead held in March this year
Meanwhile, the special general assembly on Thursday is aimed at amending the party constitution, and if accepted, it will see a more democratic Umno election.
This is a follow-up to the proposal made by Najib in his speech when he accepted the premier's post from Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the previous general assembly that, among other things, called for a wider involvement of Umno members in the party election.
Earlier, the chairman of the Main Committee for the Constitution Amendment, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, confirmed that among the proposed changes to be tabled was the abolition of the quota system for nominations of candidates.
He also hinted that the election of the top party leadership would also be held at the divisional level which would involve delegates from the branches.
The duration of the general assembly this time is also shorter, that is, four days compared with five previously.
-- BERNAMA
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who has helmed the party for only seven months, acknowledged that the major victory by the veteran Umno leader would provide a new inspiration to Umno's struggles.
It was hoped that the victory would inspire the more than 2,500 delegates to push the agenda for transformation promised by the party leaders.
The assembly this year will be historical as it is being held twice within one year, and it is also the first time that a special assembly is being held during the general assembly.
The fact that the assembly is being held twice within one year is due to the postponement of the party election which should have been held in 2008 but was instead held in March this year
Meanwhile, the special general assembly on Thursday is aimed at amending the party constitution, and if accepted, it will see a more democratic Umno election.
This is a follow-up to the proposal made by Najib in his speech when he accepted the premier's post from Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the previous general assembly that, among other things, called for a wider involvement of Umno members in the party election.
Earlier, the chairman of the Main Committee for the Constitution Amendment, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, confirmed that among the proposed changes to be tabled was the abolition of the quota system for nominations of candidates.
He also hinted that the election of the top party leadership would also be held at the divisional level which would involve delegates from the branches.
The duration of the general assembly this time is also shorter, that is, four days compared with five previously.
-- BERNAMA
Hishammuddin: MCA Leadership Crisis Will Impact BN
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein on Monday expressed concern that the MCA leadership crisis will have a direct impact on the Barisan Nasional (BN).
"I think what happened in the MCA will not have a direct impact on Umno, but my concern is if what happened in MCA will have an impact on the BN and that will have to be looked at by the MCA leaders," he said after attending the Home Ministry's Hari Raya celebration here.
The MCA extraordinary general meeting on Saturday voted for two resolutions on no-confidence in party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and annulment of Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's suspension but rejected the third resolution to reinstate Dr Chua as deputy president.
Hishammuddin said what would happen to the MCA depended on the wisdom of its Central Committee which would be meeting on Thursday to discuss the outcome of the EGM.
On whether the MCA leadership crisis would be discussed at the Umno general assembly which will be held from tomorrow until Friday, he said they would not interfere in the affairs of other BN component parties.
Hishammuddin, who is home minister, said the skirmishes in the Bagan Pinang state by-election yesterday, which involved PAS supporters, showed that the party was now acting like Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and this was a matter for concern.
-- BERNAMA
"I think what happened in the MCA will not have a direct impact on Umno, but my concern is if what happened in MCA will have an impact on the BN and that will have to be looked at by the MCA leaders," he said after attending the Home Ministry's Hari Raya celebration here.
The MCA extraordinary general meeting on Saturday voted for two resolutions on no-confidence in party president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat and annulment of Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek's suspension but rejected the third resolution to reinstate Dr Chua as deputy president.
Hishammuddin said what would happen to the MCA depended on the wisdom of its Central Committee which would be meeting on Thursday to discuss the outcome of the EGM.
On whether the MCA leadership crisis would be discussed at the Umno general assembly which will be held from tomorrow until Friday, he said they would not interfere in the affairs of other BN component parties.
Hishammuddin, who is home minister, said the skirmishes in the Bagan Pinang state by-election yesterday, which involved PAS supporters, showed that the party was now acting like Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and this was a matter for concern.
-- BERNAMA
Bagan Pinang Shows New Wave of People's Support for BN
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The Barisan Nasional (BN) victory in the by-election for the Bagan Pinang state seat with a big majority yesterday shows a new wave is in the offing in regaining the people's support.
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the result gave a "new breath" that would boost confidence in the ruling coalition, and the big majority also showed that the people were starting to return to the BN fold and welcoming the concept of 1Malaysia mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"This is a new wave that can bring development and benefits to the people. The victory also gave the government the confidence to continue to carry out transformation for the benefit of the people," he told reporters here on Monday.
He also congratulated Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad for defeating PAS' Zulkefly Mohamad Omar with a majority of 5,435 votes.
Mohd Isa garnered 8,013 votes against 2,578 won by Zulkefly.
For People's Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk M. Kayveas, this also showed that the "popularity of the opposition is beginning to recede."
He said the win also showed that BN was still relevant and enjoyed the full confidence and support of all races.
"The win, being the first victory in the seven by-elections in Peninsular Malaysia since the March 2008 general election, would give renewed vigour for BN to work hard for the benefit of the people," he told Bernama.
Kayveas said the results also proved that the concept of 1Malaysia was effective and the people were responding positively.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Umno Liaison chairman Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said: "This also showed the people's confidence in the BN government led by the Prime Minister.
"I believe if the whole BN machinery, particularly Umno, worked harder and did not dance to the tune of the opposition, we will continue to get the people's support," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin said PAS should accept the defeat gracefully without blaming their loss to the postal votes which they claimed had not been transparent.
The blame placed by PAS on the postal votes and the Election Commission showed that they had lost direction, he told reporters after attending the Discussion On Business Opportunities with GLCs (government-linked corporations) at the Hotel Seri Pacific, here.
-- BERNAMA
MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the result gave a "new breath" that would boost confidence in the ruling coalition, and the big majority also showed that the people were starting to return to the BN fold and welcoming the concept of 1Malaysia mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"This is a new wave that can bring development and benefits to the people. The victory also gave the government the confidence to continue to carry out transformation for the benefit of the people," he told reporters here on Monday.
He also congratulated Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad for defeating PAS' Zulkefly Mohamad Omar with a majority of 5,435 votes.
Mohd Isa garnered 8,013 votes against 2,578 won by Zulkefly.
For People's Progressive Party (PPP) president Datuk M. Kayveas, this also showed that the "popularity of the opposition is beginning to recede."
He said the win also showed that BN was still relevant and enjoyed the full confidence and support of all races.
"The win, being the first victory in the seven by-elections in Peninsular Malaysia since the March 2008 general election, would give renewed vigour for BN to work hard for the benefit of the people," he told Bernama.
Kayveas said the results also proved that the concept of 1Malaysia was effective and the people were responding positively.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Umno Liaison chairman Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said: "This also showed the people's confidence in the BN government led by the Prime Minister.
"I believe if the whole BN machinery, particularly Umno, worked harder and did not dance to the tune of the opposition, we will continue to get the people's support," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Umno Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin said PAS should accept the defeat gracefully without blaming their loss to the postal votes which they claimed had not been transparent.
The blame placed by PAS on the postal votes and the Election Commission showed that they had lost direction, he told reporters after attending the Discussion On Business Opportunities with GLCs (government-linked corporations) at the Hotel Seri Pacific, here.
-- BERNAMA
Six Sentenced To Death Over Xinjiang Riot
URUMQI, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Six men who were convicted of murder and other crimes in the July 5 riot in Xinjiang were sentenced Monday to death after a first-instance trial, and another man was jailed for life, according to a report by China's Xinhua news agency.
Abdukerim Abduwayit, Gheni Yusup, Abdulla Mettohti, Adil Rozi, Nureli Wuxiu'er, and Alim Metyusup were sentenced to death at the Intermediate People's Court in Urumqi.
Tayirejan Abulimit was given life imprisonment, a lesser punishment as he admitted charges of murder and robbery and helped the police capture Alim Metyusup.
All seven men had been convicted of murder, and some of them were also convicted of arson or robbery.
The seven were the first to be sentenced over the riot, which left 197 people dead and more than 1,600 injured in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
-- BERNAMA
Abdukerim Abduwayit, Gheni Yusup, Abdulla Mettohti, Adil Rozi, Nureli Wuxiu'er, and Alim Metyusup were sentenced to death at the Intermediate People's Court in Urumqi.
Tayirejan Abulimit was given life imprisonment, a lesser punishment as he admitted charges of murder and robbery and helped the police capture Alim Metyusup.
All seven men had been convicted of murder, and some of them were also convicted of arson or robbery.
The seven were the first to be sentenced over the riot, which left 197 people dead and more than 1,600 injured in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
-- BERNAMA
BN's Victory In B/Pinang Inspires Party Members
PENANG, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the Barisan Nasional (BN) victory in the by-election for the Bagan Pinang state seat in Negeri Sembilan yesterday has given a new inspiration to party members.
He hoped the win would encourage party members at all levels to work hard to achieve greater success in future.
Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad's success in defeating the PAS candidate, Zulkefly Mohamad Omar, with a majority of 5,435 votes showed that the people had more confidence and trust in the BN, the Prime Minister told reporters after meeting with Penang BN leaders, here Monday.
Najib said there were several factors that could have contributed to the BN success, including the government policies, the strength of the division and the candidate himself.
"It looks like they (the people) have more confidence and trust in the BN and this could be due to several factors which we can evaluate, whether the factor of government policies and changes made at the national level, the position of the division or the candidate himself, or a combination of the three factors," he said.
Najib, who is also the BN chairman, wanted all the component parties to carry out detailed studies on all factors for the victory or defeat of the party in any election so that it could become a guide for future polls.
"If we secure a big win, we must defend the victory, and if we lose, we must redeem the loss," he said.
He refuted the claim that the victory of the BN candidate purportedly showed that the BN condoned corrupt practices by party members.
He said he had already explained earlier that Mohd Isa had served his sentence and the offence that he had committed was not a criminal one but merely violating party ethics.
Najib's visit to Penang today was the first by him since assuming the post of Prime Minister. Besides meeting with the BN leaders here, his presence in the state was also to receive the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN), which carries the title Datuk Seri Utama, conferred by the Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas.
Meanwhile in KUCHING, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the encouraging support from the young voters for BN was a good indication of this group's confidence in the top leadership and the ruling government.
He said that in the Bagan Pinang by-election, the BN victory was due to the support given by 50 per cent of the young voters who were below 40 years old.
"Support from the young voters for the BN had been apparent not only in Bagan Pinang, but also at several other by-elections such as in Manik Urai and Permatang Pasir and other by-elections earlier," he told reporters in Kampung Ana Rais after launching the Rakan Muda Wawasan Desa Carnival.
In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the BN victory showed that the people of Negeri Sembilan realised that only the BN was capable of bringing progress and championing their cause.
"On behalf of Sabah Umno and BN, I congratulate Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad on his outstanding achievement in the Bagan Pinang by-election.
"The big majority (secured by the BN) and the decline in votes for the opposition also showed that the people were rejecting racial politics and realised the fragile coalition among the opposition," he said in a statement.
-- BERNAMA
He hoped the win would encourage party members at all levels to work hard to achieve greater success in future.
Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad's success in defeating the PAS candidate, Zulkefly Mohamad Omar, with a majority of 5,435 votes showed that the people had more confidence and trust in the BN, the Prime Minister told reporters after meeting with Penang BN leaders, here Monday.
Najib said there were several factors that could have contributed to the BN success, including the government policies, the strength of the division and the candidate himself.
"It looks like they (the people) have more confidence and trust in the BN and this could be due to several factors which we can evaluate, whether the factor of government policies and changes made at the national level, the position of the division or the candidate himself, or a combination of the three factors," he said.
Najib, who is also the BN chairman, wanted all the component parties to carry out detailed studies on all factors for the victory or defeat of the party in any election so that it could become a guide for future polls.
"If we secure a big win, we must defend the victory, and if we lose, we must redeem the loss," he said.
He refuted the claim that the victory of the BN candidate purportedly showed that the BN condoned corrupt practices by party members.
He said he had already explained earlier that Mohd Isa had served his sentence and the offence that he had committed was not a criminal one but merely violating party ethics.
Najib's visit to Penang today was the first by him since assuming the post of Prime Minister. Besides meeting with the BN leaders here, his presence in the state was also to receive the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN), which carries the title Datuk Seri Utama, conferred by the Yang Dipertua Negeri, Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas.
Meanwhile in KUCHING, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the encouraging support from the young voters for BN was a good indication of this group's confidence in the top leadership and the ruling government.
He said that in the Bagan Pinang by-election, the BN victory was due to the support given by 50 per cent of the young voters who were below 40 years old.
"Support from the young voters for the BN had been apparent not only in Bagan Pinang, but also at several other by-elections such as in Manik Urai and Permatang Pasir and other by-elections earlier," he told reporters in Kampung Ana Rais after launching the Rakan Muda Wawasan Desa Carnival.
In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the BN victory showed that the people of Negeri Sembilan realised that only the BN was capable of bringing progress and championing their cause.
"On behalf of Sabah Umno and BN, I congratulate Tan Sri Mohd Isa Abdul Samad on his outstanding achievement in the Bagan Pinang by-election.
"The big majority (secured by the BN) and the decline in votes for the opposition also showed that the people were rejecting racial politics and realised the fragile coalition among the opposition," he said in a statement.
-- BERNAMA
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