Politics 101 Malaysia

Former DPM Anwar Ibrahim, now making a political comeback as an opposition leader, says the country’s next generation is ready for change

IT has been a decade since you were Malaysia’s deputy premier. As you return to active politics, what can you say to - and about - young voters?

WOON WUI TEK talks to Anwar Ibrahim, 12 June 2007

IT has been a decade since you were Malaysia’s deputy premier. As you return to active politics, what can you say to - and about - young voters?

Well, younger Malaysians are more amenable to change. They are not stuck to old-style politics and obsolete policies.

For instance, there is no anger or any complex over the 1969 (race riots), or the (affirmative-action) National Economic Policy (NEP). I think we can appeal to them for the future: Many think more as Malaysians than within the racial equation

DAP’s double-term Tanjong MP Chow Kon Yeow (曹观友) is a quiet, some even say shy, person and not a limelight seeker.

If you don’t recognise him, and you probably won’t, and sees him in a kopitiam, he could be mistaken for the nerdy IT geek from the shop next door.

But then, Chow, as he’s known to colleagues, walks softly but carries a big stick.

As Penang DAP’s chairman, his responsibility is to keep his troops fighting fit and ready to face the government in any issues affecting society, leading to the gruelling hand-to-hand battles in the trenches when elections are called.

In this exclusive interview with Politics 101, Chow figures Penang having a Umno CM within 20 years ‘cannot be ruled out’.

Dismissing the Joceline Tan-manufactured myth that DAP Penang has plans to capture the state in the next round, Chow throws a stun grenade at it.

The Chow Kon Yeow Interview ”Continued”

When Lucia tagged me to do the 15th countdown entry for the Nizham Bashir-initiated 50 Posts To Independence series, I knew I have to pull out something special for this one.

I have to blog on “anything that makes Malaysia special” to me. Bugger. That got me stumped.

Then I thought, yes, an honest, hard-working and down-to-Earth politician makes Malaysia special to me.

This series is special and I wanted a special person to be a part of this. Someone like DAP Seputeh MP Teresa Kok Suh Sim (郭素沁) who, day in day out, helps make the country a little more special for you and I.

I decided to kacau Seputeh a little on an issue of national importance. I proposed and she accepted, the invitation to give me an exclusive interview for this series.

The interview questions were designed to invite her give us a peep into her private life and her political and personal challenges. She explains events which are not widely known, busts some myths and takes us along on a trip that reveals she’s as human as the next person. ”Continued”

Nurul Izzah Anwar, 26, cannot help being a ‘famous daughter’ but, as a newcomer to politics, she wants to be judged in her own right, on her efforts and what she can offer to the public.

She tells Beh Lih Yi of malaysiakini her plans and preparations, and gives her views on current issues including the deterioration in race relations, the lack of cooperation among opposition parties, and the spat between ex-premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his handpicked successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Malaysiakini: What have you been doing while out of the limelight since 2005? Nurul Izzah: I was in Washington doing my master’s programme in international relations, majoring in Southeast Asian studies. I completed my degree and am back (in Malaysia) for good. As a temporary respite, this helped all of us to gather our thoughts and to reflect. Now I am ready to take on the next level of challenges. What will be the next level for Nurul Izzah?

There are many challenges to tackle. Right now I am based in my father’s (Anwar Ibrahim’s) office. I help with our main activities in preparing for the general election, working closely with PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat, of which Anwar is adviser).

How are you helping your father?

I am co-ordinating his political programmes, of course, working closely with the political outfit. I am also very much involved in the general campaign with the opposition, especially with PKR. ”Continued”

I recently approached NST junior scribe Melissa Darlyne Chow(right) for an interview.

In case it has slipped your memory, Melissa was the victim of the Penang Council’s failed voyourism attempt on the modestly attired thighs of some woman reporters covering the council meet.

Anyway, here’s a brief Q&A with the friendly Melissa.

1) Explain abit abt yr position with the NST. How long have you been with the paper and what are your beats? Answer: I’ve been with NST for a good two months now. I usually cover courts, and also other stuff. Could be anything. Except that I don’t do crime. ”Continued”

By: R.Manirajan (sun2surf Mon, 23 Oct 2006)

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says he does not condone bad leadership which will cause a lot of Chinese votes to go to the Opposition.

He said by continuing to do what he is doing, he is trying to do is save Umno from bad leadership.

Mahathir said the economy is doing badly and the Chinese community, especially, is very unhappy about what is happening in the country.

“Some Chinese people who came to see me told me that they will not vote for Barisan Nasional in the next general election and will instead vote for the opposition.

They (Chinese) say it is not easy to do business here anymore and some of them have and are moving their business to China.” ”Continued”

Former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim was clearly excited when he saw some 30 members of the press awaiting his press conference after delivering a special speech to the delegates of Parti Keadilan Rakyat national congress last Friday. Arfa’eza A Aziz reports for malaysiakini, Dec 28.

“I’ve not done this for a very long time. I’ve missed this,” he quipped before fielding questions from the journalists.

Question: You spoke that you will not be rejoining Umno. That question has dogged you for a very long time. Can you say for certain that you will not be rejoining Umno?

Anwar: There are two issues which I had to clarify. Many of my friends in Umno at the supreme council level and heads of divisions, who kept very much in touch with me … have appealed that I consider (rejoining Umno). And I have never at any time refused or deny such rare opportunities to have these exchanges (with them). ”Continued”