Putrajaya’s slow reform hampering growth

Source : Free Malaysia Today

Syed Jaymal Zahiid | May 23, 2012

A World Bank reports states that the country’s export oriented economy likely to be affected by global recession.

KUALA LUMPUR: Slow economic reform is stalling the Najib administration’s aim to transform Malaysia into a high-income country by 2020, the World Bank said in its biannual East Asia and Pacific economic update.

Malaysia was told to hasten several key initiatives including dismantling its hefty subsidy regime and widen its tax base if Putrajaya is earnest in achieving its goal but noted politics was a major hurdle.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was forced to delay spending cuts amid soaring cost of living as his ruling coalition faces its toughest election yet, but the bank pointed that Putrajaya must go beyond “quick wins” if it is to flesh out its 2020 ambition.

The bank also warned that Malaysia’s export-oriented economy will likely be affected by the global recession, predicting a 4.6% growth and 5.1% next year.

Combined this with the snail-paced reform, the country’s required target of a consistent annual 7.5% growth to reach a high-income nation status in eight years’ time is in jeopardy.

The report also echoed the views of various opposition leaders who called on Najib to focus and precipitate key structural reforms needed to boost the economy.

ETP progress

But while detractors claim the premier’s reform was heading nowhere, the bank said Najib’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) has “registered notable progress”.

“The challenge now is to go beyond quick wins and accelerate the implementation of more difficult – but critical – structural reforms that lie at the core of boosting the economy into high-income levels,” it said, adding that putting reform in place could easily be accelerated.

Fear of a potential voter backlash stalled Najib’s plan to implement the goods and services tax (GST). Analysts say the new tax scheme was key to broaden Malaysia’s tight revenue stream. The unpopular plan for subsidy cuts was also delayed.

Political observers say the prime minister will first need a stronger mandate in the upcoming polls to carry on with the stringent economic measures.

Yesterday, Second Finance Minister Husni Hanadzlah conceded that it will be tough to meet the 5% to 6% growth projection from Budget 2012.

He said China’s cooling growth, weak economic recovery from the US and a prolonged eurozone crisis dragged Malaysia’s export sharply, while the World Bank said the ongoing risks to the global recovery constitute risks for Malaysian growth

 

UMNO Stifles Dissent As Polls Loom

The water dragon year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar, is special. It happens once in every 60 years and therefore considered auspicious. The dragon is ferocious, strong and believed to signify changes. In the case of Malaysia, changes we need pronto.

The recent disruption of an ABU rally clearly shows that we need to boot out the current regime. Enough of calling for reforms within the existing system of government. The rampant graft, cronyism and greed is so institutionalized in UMNO and its coalition partners that no revamp is possible.

The use of rowdies to beat up people and stop the rally show that the UMNO-led coalition government would do any trapeze artist act to stay in power.

Any leader who wants democracy and a just government would allow for the dissemination of information. Those who want to stay in power to exploit the wealth of the nation while empowering and enriching their family and friends would not be able to fight the urge to disrupt talks and meetings to stem the flow of information to the people.

The reaction of the Selangor police chief Tun Hisan Tun Hamzah further caricatures the decay of administration in the country. Tun Hisan was quick to gloss over the incident saying that nothing had happened and the hick-up was caused by unhappy residents.

The police force has the responsibility to act in a just manner to uphold law and order. It is not there to take sides or go to the mat for UMNO and its cronies. We have seen blatant discrimination acted out by the police in Malaysia – they nab peaceful protesters, beat them up and use tear gas and water canon to cow people into submission.

That’s not all. The uniformed bully-boys show their authority on the detainees by whacking them to a pulp, resulting in custodial deaths. When questioned, top-ranking police officers sing Tun Hisan’s tune.

While the government has chosen to distance itself from the display of violence at the ABU rally, the rakyat know the truth. We have seen, over the last months, the desperation of the government to flex every possible muscle to silence the opposition, disparage civil society, hood-wink the public through rhetoric and scheme strategies to keep its reins on power.

Prime minister Najib Tun Razak’s self-styled campaign peppered with claims of opening up the democratic space in the country, allowing for greater rights and putting the needs of the people first are nothing but propaganda, targeted at regaining the confidence of the people.

This was cleverly captured in Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2012, where it notes that the premier fell short in his pledges to “uphold civil liberties” and build a “functional and inclusive democracy”.

Deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson, further said that “Malaysia’s leaders are fooling themselves by thinking they can backtrack on public promises to respect the rights to demonstrate peacefully and criticize the government without fear” alluding to the Peaceful Assembly Bill that further  encroaches into the civil rights of the people.

I was cautious about celebrating the acquittal of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Most people smelled a rat when the surprise court decision came about. And as expected, an appeal has been filed.

One would think that Najib would play smart as opposed to disguising political drama as reforms. His strategy is merely short term and targeted at convincing the people to vote the government in again at the next general polls, widely expected to be held in March this year.

Once he secures a fresh term, Anwar could be found guilty and sent to languish in jail. The plot sounds familiar – its about demonizing the opposition and getting rid of vocal voices.

The trial of DAP Chairman Karpal Singh emits the same stench. He has been ordered to enter his defense by the Court of Appeal for allegedly using seditious words against the Perak Sultan three years ago.

These appeals paint Najib as a political weakling who, time and again, back pedals on promised reforms to cater to the demands of UMNO warlords. By flip flopping on his rallying cry of reforms, the prime minister blatantly shows that he is pandering to the conservative elements within his own political party.

Malaysia does not need an indecisive prime minister. We do not need a party which is corrupt to the core and would not hesitate to stir up racial sentiments to be at the helm of power. The rakyat do not need Barisan Nasional leaders who only care about lining their pockets. Malaysians do not need to put up with more sex allegations, let alone keep witnessing the unfolding of political game play in the court house.

We cannot allow Najib to play the role of mafia bosses who, in the movie “Casino”, eliminate all their opponents. Neither can we allow him his perverse pleasures of clipping the rights of the rakyat and persecuting his political rivals.
The next general election is crucial as it would determine the future of our children and the nation. As such, let’s use our voting power to show Barisan Nasional the exit.

Charles Santiago

Member of Parliament, Klang

 

A Reform Centered Cabinet?

Press Statement by Member of Parliament Klang Charles Santiago in Klang on 10th April 2009

First, we were all given the impression that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s new cabinet will be leaner. Slashing two people hardly amounts to slimming down the cabinet representation.

But what is more pertinent is Najib’s choice of candidates whom he would rely on to implement his government and social reforms in the next coming months. In contradiction to infusing new blood, he has retained most of the ministers from former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s cabinet.

Maybe Najib forgot that these ministers were an integral part of the previous government that failed to deliver on its reform promises, including the weeding out of graft. Or for that matter initiate changes to the administration of the country under ruling UMNO and its component parties.

What is even more glaring is Najib’s back-door means of appointing candidates who lost at the last general election. These ministers and deputy ministers are not answerable to the public because they were not chosen by them. Neither would they have to face their constituents. In short they are simply not accountable to anyone, except Najib.

Dropping Khairy Jamaluddin from the cabinet line-up only goes to show that Najib is pals with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad. The other theory is that Najib wants to make sure that the old man does not pass stinging remarks about his leadership from both within and outside the country.

Najib has already incurred the wrath of Abdullah’s boys for purging them out of UMNO before party elections were held. Deliberately side-lining Khairy will cause an internal strife within UMNO, which may lead to further instability and infighting within the party.

Najib does not need more problems for himself. He has been facing serious allegations linking him to the murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu, the Mongolian model.

The court verdict, sentencing the two policemen implicated in the murder to death, has only angered the rakyat more. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the former Special Task Force officers are scapegoats with absolutely no motives for blowing up Shariibuu, using powerful explosives.

Although speculations about Najib’s role in the lurid murder might linger, he could have at the very least put together a more credible team to show he is serious about reforms.

His inability to do so candidly shows that there is nothing within UMNO to help them change.

Charles Santiago

Member of Parliament, Klang.

Vice-Chairman of Selangor DAP

016-626 7797

巴生国会议员查尔斯圣地亚哥文告，2009年4月10日于巴生

纳吉新内阁无法反映改革决心

我们原本以为首相纳吉的新内阁阵容将锐减，但是仅仅减少两人，实际上变动并不大。

但更重要的是，纳吉选择了怎样的团队。他将依赖这个团队，在接下来几个月落实政府和社会改革。令人失望的，纳吉不但没有为新内阁注入新血，还沿用了前首相阿都拉内阁的大部分部长。

或许纳吉忘了，这些部长也是无法付诸改革行动的前朝政府的一部分。他们不但无法杜绝猖獗的贪污，也无法在巫统和其它成员党的领导下，启动国内的政治改革。

更令人难以接受的是，纳吉委任在上届大选的败选者入阁。这些走后门的部长和副部长无需向公众负责，也无需向任何选区负责，因为他们并非民选议员。他们除了纳吉外，不需向任何人负责。

把凯里嘉玛鲁丁排斥在内阁之外，显示纳吉向马哈迪释放善意。另一个解释是纳吉要确保这个老人不会在国内外毫不留情地批评他的施政措施。

纳吉在党选前排斥阿都拉阵营的候选人，已经激怒阿都拉的支持者。边缘化凯里将会加剧巫统的内部斗争，进而导致该党内部的不稳定和权力斗争。

纳吉也无法再承担更多问题，他一直面对涉及蒙古女郎谋杀案的指责。

法庭宣判涉及蒙古女郎谋杀案的两个警官死刑，只会继续激怒人民。我们不需要一个火箭科学家来解释两个前特种部队警官是代罪羔羊，因为他们根本没有以威力惊人的C4炸弹炸死阿旦杜亚的动机。

虽然纳吉涉及这个惊人谋杀案的传闻甚嚣尘上，但他至少能组织一个更有公信力的团队以显示他意在改革。

无法做到这点，说明巫统完全没有改革的可能。

查尔斯圣地亚哥 敬上

巴生国会议员

雪州行动党副主席

016-626 7797

 

查尔斯圣地亚哥：跛脚首相和污名副首相

Source : Merdeka Review

English version : Charles Santiago : What reform? Lame Duck PM and Tainted DPM

■日期／Oct 09, 2008 ■时间／08:13:36 pm

■新闻／党团观点 ■作者／民主行动党

【党团文告／民主行动党（查尔斯圣地亚哥）】在国阵面临强势的反对阵营的挑战下，首相阿都拉宣布将在明年三月卸下巫统主席的职位。 这清楚显示首相被施压下台，即使阿都拉和其副手纳吉的权力转移计划已经安排妥当。阿都拉知道他在明年三月可能无法获得58个区部提名的竞选主席职位门槛。 巫统领袖不得勒紧套在阿都拉头上的吊绳以挽救该党受损的形象。似乎阿都拉下台，新首相就会奇迹似地重获民心。 改变领导人无法帮助巫统赢取人民的支持。巫统领袖必须落实政府内部的真正改革，革除贪污和打造一个有公信力和透明的政府，包括停止党内的朋党文化。 简言之，必须改变现有的差劲政策。国阵政府向来只会花言巧语，就像纳吉网站的影像讯息，他承诺将重振人民对公共机关的信心和“为改变奋斗”，回应人民在今年大选传达的强烈不满国阵政府的讯息。 但是以严酷的内安法令杜绝对政府的批评和打压异议，完全违背副首相承诺给予更大权利和另类意见的言论。 纳吉的改变承诺必须先从废除内安法令和释放所有扣留者开始 – 包括拉惹柏特拉、兴权会五君和其他被拘留在甘文丁长达六年之久的扣留者。 拉惹柏特拉的网站指责纳吉涉及蒙古女郎的谋杀案。 纳吉的名字也与潜水艇交易的贪污案挂钩–可以确定那不是马来西亚人心目中未来首相所应拥有的信誉。 公正来说，阿都拉继承了其前上司马哈迪留下来的贪腐政府。马哈迪一手摧毁我国的司法、驯服媒体、开启巫统的金钱政治文化和对猖獗的贪污视而不见。 但是阿都拉誓言在离任前改革政府机关、司法制度和反贪制度，只不过是空头承诺。实际上阿都拉是一个无法为国家行政系统带来任何改变的跛脚首相。 查尔斯圣地亚哥（Charles Santiago）是民主行动党雪兰莪州巴生区国会议员。

阅读次数(1442) | 读者来函(0) | 发表言论

 

查尔斯圣地亚哥：什么改革？跛脚首相和声誉受玷污的副首相

English version : Charles Santiago : What reform? Lame Duck PM and Tainted DPM

新闻文告

日期 ：2008年10月9日

在国阵面临强势的反对阵营的挑战下，首相阿都拉宣布将在明年三月卸下巫统主席的职位。

这清楚显示首相被施压下台，即使阿都拉和其副手纳吉的权力转移计划已经安排妥当。阿都拉知道他在明年三月可能无法获得58个区部提名的竞选主席职位门槛。

巫统领袖不得勒紧套在阿都拉头上的吊绳以挽救该党受损的形象。似乎阿都拉下台，新首相就会奇迹似地重获民心。

改变领导人无法帮助巫统赢取人民的支持。巫统领袖必须落实政府内部的真正改革，革除贪污和打造一个有公信力和透明的政府，包括停止党内的朋党文化。

简言之，必须改变现有的差劲政策。国阵政府向来只会花言巧语，就像纳吉网站的影像讯息，他承诺将重振人民对公共机关的信心和“为改变奋斗”，以回应人民在今年大选传达的强烈不满国阵政府的讯息。

但是以严酷的内安法令杜绝对政府的批评和打压异议，完全违背副首相承诺给予更大权利和另类意见的言论。

纳吉的改变承诺必须先从废除内安法令和释放所有扣留者开始 – 包括拉惹佩特拉、兴权会五君和其他被拘留在甘文丁长达六年之久的扣留者。

拉惹佩特拉的网站指责纳吉涉及蒙古女郎的谋杀案。

纳吉的名字也与潜水艇交易的贪污案挂钩 – 可以确定那不是大马人心目中未来首相所应拥有的信誉。

公正来说，阿都拉继承了其前上司马哈迪留下来的贪腐政府。马哈迪一手摧毁我国的司法、驯服媒体、开启巫统的金钱政治文化和对猖獗的贪污视而不见。

但是阿都拉誓言在离任前改革政府机关、司法制度和反贪制度，只不过是空头承诺。实际上阿都拉是一个无法为国家行政系统带来任何改变的跛脚首相。

查尔斯圣地亚哥

巴生国会议员

 

Charles Santiago : What reform? Lame Duck PM and Tainted DPM

Press Statement

9 October 2008

What reform? Lame Duck PM and Tainted DPM

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had announced his decision to relinquish power next March as the besieged ruling Barisan Nasional coalition struggles to face an emboldened opposition.

It is clear the premier had been pressurized to step down despite a planned transition of power to his deputy, Najib Tun Razak in 2010. It also takes very little to sum up that Abdullah was aware he would not get the mandatory 58 divisional nominations to contest his presidency at the party’s internal election next March.

UMNO leaders have evidently tightened the noose on Abdullah in a desperate bid to restore the party’s marred image. It is as if Abdullah is shown the exit and a new prime minister would magically regain the confidence of the people.

A changing of guards would not help UMNO win support from people. Its leaders must be committed to reforms within the government, wiping out corruption and putting in place an accountable and transparent government including ending cronyism in the party.

In short a reversal of shoddy policies is a must. Mere rhetoric, like the video message on Najib’s website, pledging to restore confidence in public institutions and “to work for the change'” that the public demanded at this year’s election falls short of peoples expectations.

But nabbing people under the draconian Internal Security Act to silence criticisms against the government and keep a lid on dissent completely contradicts the deputy premier’s promise to allow for greater rights and alternative views.

Najib’s commitment to work for change must begin with an end to ISA and release of all detainees – including Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Hindraf five and detainees who have been in Kamunting for more than six years.

Raja Petra Kamaruddin’s website postings implicated Najib to the murder of a Mongolian woman.

Najib’s name is also synonymous with corruption involving submarine deals – certainly not the kind of credentials Malaysians would hope for the country’s future Prime Minister.

Abdullah, to be fair, inherited a corrupt government from his former boss Dr Mahathir Mohamad who had single-handedly ruined the judiciary, domesticated the media, introduced money politics in UMNO and had his eyes wide shut to rampant corruption.

But Abdullah’s vows to reform government institutions, the judiciary and clean up corruption before he leaves government is all but mouth service. In effect Abdullah is a lame duck Prime Minister who would not be able to effect any changes to the country’s administrative system.

Charles Santiago

Member of Parliament, Klang

016 – 626 7797

 

Charles Santiago : Introduce Reforms in the Spirit of Eidulfitri 1429 Hijrah

PRESS STATEMENT

Date    : 1 Oct 2008

I wish all Muslims a very happy Aidilfitri. Muslims in the country and around the world have been fasting over the past month, performing prayers and spreading the message of love, and peace to strengthen their religious resolve and relationship between their brethren in faith and tolerance towards others.

In line with this spirit of Hari Raya, let us come together and demand for the repeal of the country’s harsh Internal Security Act. This colonial relic denies detainees their right to be heard in an open court and also allows indefinite detention, at the whims and fancy of the Home Minister.

I appeal to all Malaysians to show their solidarity with Raja Petra Kamaruddin, the Hindraf five and other ISA prisoners whose fundamental rights have been robbed from them.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has appeared on the local television station, Astro Awani, to extend his wishes to the people. In this spirit, I call upon the premier to make a bold decision to free all the 62 ISA detainees with immediate effect.

We are aware that Abdullah’s top job is in a limbo. The Prime Minister has been dogged with calls for resignation from within the ruling UMNO and opposition camps. Bowing to pressure, Abdullah has hinted he might throw in the tower earlier than 2010. Before Abdullah leaves, I urge him to leave a mark in Malaysia’s political history by abolishing the harsh ISA, which is widely used to curb dissent in the country.

While celebrating this joyous occasion which fosters goodwill among people from all walks of life, I also strongly urge Abdullah to abandon the DNA Identification Bill 2008 which is a legal and human rights disaster. The Bill places excessive powers in the hands of the police and Home Affairs Minister and is therefore open to abuse.

Let us begin Eid with a staunch hope that it would usher in a new era of reforms in Malaysia – reforms that are targeted at allowing people to regain their freedom of speech and fundamental rights.

Eid Mubarak.

CHARLES SANTIAGO

Member of Parliament, Klang

 

阿都拉改革议程的终结

Source : Merdekareview

English version : Charles Santiago : The End of Abdullah’s Reform Agenda?

阅读全文点击这里