DS Anwar Ibrahim expresses GROWING OPTIMISM...

via malaysia-chronic;le.com:~~~~~

Monday, 29 April 2013 12:49

6 days to GE13, Anwar is "MORE OPTIMISTIC" of winning but warns PR needs more than 51%

Written by  Wong Choon Mei, Alaa Soleiman, Malaysia Chronicle

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UPDATE3 WITH VIDEO Buoyed by giant crowds that have been swamping the political rallies held by his Pakatan Rakyat coalition throughout the country, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has revised upwards his expectations of winning Malaysia's 13th general election.

However, he declined to state the number of seats the PR could possibly, cautioning that PR would need more than a 51% chance to win given the widespread complaints of electoral fraud by polls observers and gerrymandering by past BN governments.

"I remain cautiously optimistic and Datuk Seri  Najib repeated my phrase in Al-Jazeera (interview) that he is also cautiously optimistic ... so I will try to use a different phrase. I would say that if we look at the mood and enthusiasm post nomination and also the *****UM-related poll, I am of course rather more optimistic now," Anwar told a press conference on Monday.

"But we have appealed to our supporters not to be overconfident, to work doubly hard because in the case and the evidence we have adduced with regards to electoral fraud and the electoral roll, we need to have 1 or 2 percentage points above 51% because the conduct of the elections is such that we will not win with 51% because we have to discount the fraud."

The 64-year-old leader admitted sheer crowd size did not necessarily translate into votes, adding that his assessment was based on "work on the ground, house-to-house campaign and the machinery on the ground".

Police, prayers and debate

Anwar also expressed grave concern over the rise in "political violence" across the country, calling on the police to act swiftly and efficiently and to provide information as promptly as possible to the public so as not to allow rumors to foment and create a sense of panic.

"On our part, we will call on our supporters not to take the bait or be any part of provocative acts in the run-up to the elections," Anwar told a press conference on Monday.

He again called on Prime Minister Najib Razak to accept a debate with the PR leadership before May 4 as "this is the best way for the people to gauge what each side had to offer the nation's future".

Anwar also announced that Nik Aziz, the PAS spiritual adviser, would be leading nationwide special Maghrib prayers (usually at 7.15pm) on May 3 to pray for a safe and peaceful polls on May 5.

MORE TO COME, PLEASE VISIT: malaysia-chronicle.com

Malaysia Chronicle

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Sunday, 28 April 2013 21:21

THANK YOU FOR THE CONFIDENCE: PKR lauds Umcedel poll - M'sians prefer Anwar to Najib

Written by  Saifuddin Nasution

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Parti Keadilan is pleased with the poll figures from Pusat Kajian Demokrasi dan Pilihan Raya Universiti Malaya (UMCEDEL) showing that our continued and sustained effort for change is bearing fruit.

Instead of dismissing its results and denigrating UMCEDEL, caretaker Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Razak should respect the findings of a poll conducted by an independent academic body of Universiti Malaya, Malaysia's oldest tertiary institution. In fact, Najib had praised UMCEDEL in June 2012 when the released poll results were in their favour.

Anwar 43%, Najib 39%

Opinion polls are barometers which, when done professionally and in accordance with best practice methodology, are relevant and reliable. Nevertheless, we will abide by the final election results as decided by the rakyat on May 5.

We at the party are pleased whilst at the same time humbled that 43% of the Malaysians asked in the poll conducted between April 3-20 believe in Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim's capabilities to be prime minister, which forms almost half the country, compared to the 39% rating for caretaker Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Razak.

It is heartening that 54% of the Malay respondents share that confidence in Dato' Seri Anwar, dispelling the allegations made that Pakatan Rakyat does not appeal to Malays.

Pakatan Rakyat is making inroads into all sectors and communities, and will build on the faith people have given us by campaigning round-the-clock with all the hours and space available to us in the next seven days before election day.

DATO' SAIFUDDIN NASUTION

SECRETARY-GENERAL, PARTI KEADILAN

GE13: A former US Ambassador to Malaysia's PERSPECTIVE

Desi always believes that foreign countries' perspectives on Malaysia's general elections give an important input as Malaysia is a proud trading nation, so foreign interests are always a key factor in international relations, especially in terms of attracting foreign direct investments in a competitive world environment. From Malaysia Chronicle, here's one perspective (please don't accuse Desi as a foreign agent, OK!? I get no tip or payment in cash or kind/unkind?, even from George Sorrows, a fave whipping boy among some segments of Malaysian society who can't stand on their own two feet after 55 years of Independence!

Am I a menace to NegaraKu? ~~ YL, Desi, still THINKING ALLOWED

Thursday, 25 April 2013 07:47

Malaysia's GE13 too close to call - former US ambassador

Written by  John Malott

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Malaysia's 13th General Elections on May 5 will be the most important -- and the most hard-fought -- in Malaysian history. The United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) and its coalition partners have ruled the nation since its independence in 1957. But now, for the first time in history, the Malaysian opposition is united and strong, and it believes it has a real chance of coming to power.

And also for the first time, UMNO, as well as those who have benefited politically and economically from their connections to the ruling party, fear that the voters might reject their party and the system that have governed the country continuously for over five decades.

Major differences

This is not simply a question of who wins. There are major differences between the ruling party's and the opposition's approaches to political and human rights, economic policy, and affirmative action. An opposition victory would bring change in many areas. The opposition promises to shift the focus of the government's affirmative action programs from a race-based to a needs-based system. It pledges it will crack down on the corruption and crony capitalism that is holding back the country's economic potential, and open up more political space by easing the restrictions on political freedom.

Fortunately for the United States, there are no appreciable differences in the foreign policies of either side. But what happens on May 5 will have a major impact on Malaysia's future political and economic direction, and that is why we in the outside world need to pay attention.

No matter who wins, a realignment of Malaysian politics is inevitable. Win or lose, there will be pressures on the current Prime Minister, Najib Tun Razak, to step down. Win or lose, UMNO will have to decide whether to "re-invent" itself, something it failed to do after the last elections in 2008, when it suffered major losses.

If it does decide to change, then the question is whether it will be in the direction of more openness, or whether it is towards appealing to the more chauvinistic Malay elements in its party. If it is the latter, which I believe is more likely, then we can expect to see more racial polarization in the country as well as continued emigration by minorities, and especially college-educated minorities, to Singapore and elsewhere.

Too close to call

The election is too close to call. The ruling party has many structural advantages, including control of the television and radio networks and mainstream press; influence over the election commission and other instruments of state power, such as the police; and access to public monies for political purposes. One academic has estimated that the Najib government has spent almost US $19 billion on election-related incentives over the past four years. That is equivalent to 20% of the Government's annual budget.

The opposition, led by former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has the greater political momentum, and the Government is on the defensive for the first time in history. Judging by the turnout at political rallies, opposition enthusiasm is high, and it is making inroads into what used to be safe areas for the ruling party. It has become adept at using the internet and other alternative media to reach voters. But an opposition victory will depend not just on the will of the voters, whatever that might be, but also on ensuring that electoral fraud and intimidation are kept to a minimum.

John R. Malott was the United States Ambassador to Malaysia, 1995-1998. He has written analyses of Malaysia for the Wall Street Journal, Malaysiakini, and the East-West Center.

The above is his speech made at the National Press Club in Washington DC on April 24, 2013.

From greenboc.blogspot.com -- SHARING A FRIENDLY POST...:)

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25,Apr

"Saya Menjadi Seorang Hindu Yang Lebih Baik Selepas Berkawan Dengan Orang PAS"

Begitulah bunyi ayat yang diluahkan oleh seorang warga kita kaum India beragama Hindu....

Luahan hati ini taubat lahom tidak akan dihebahkan kepada umum oleh TV3, RTM, Utusan, Berita Harian, Bernama, NSTP maupun The Star.

Para pemimpin UMNO kalau nampak akan kata-kata sebegini punya rupa, pasti pening kepala kerana segala dakyah hatta tanda tangan MoU dengan Hindraf langsung tidak memberi kesan sokongan kaum India kepada Pakatan Rakyat terutamanya PAS yang cuba digambarkan sebagai parti yang membawa perjuangan ekstrimis.

UMNO boleh buat apa saja.. dari menakut-nakutkan sampailah memfitnah pihak lawan, tetapi akhirnya rakyat jua yang akan membuat keputusan... Jangan kita pandang rendah kemampuan rakyat untuk berfikir dan menilai... Jangan ingat dengan pemberian BR1M rakyat sudah terasa teramat terhutang budi kepada UMNO.... Hentikan politik caci mencaci dan memfitnah lebih-lebih lagi penayangan video lucah... Sokongan rakyat kepada UMNO tidak akan bertambah malahan semakin berubah dan ramai yang berduyun-duyun berhijrah. -omakkau

DESIDERATA: Desi has been "on the road" the past week coordination the preparation and distribution of THE MESSAGE FROM CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS -- for forgift me with endless rounds of tehtarik for knot writHing "ORIGINAL" posts. After Sunday of R & R & R, I may find the dime -- Godwilling...remember my oft quoted quote? "Man proposes, God disposes" -- to do Blogging Ori! ~~ YL, Desi

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AND from motherof3mohd.blogspot.com,another titbyte:) to SHARE at brunch~~~~~

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

UMNO parti lucah

Ek eleh..... tayang bideo lucah??

Kesian... gersang ke??

Hahahaha.... gersang dan hadapkan sokongan??

Begitulah apa yang berlaku di Terengganu. Untuk mendapatkan sokongan dan menarik rakyat datang dengar ceramah mereka, UMNO Terengganu, terpaksa selitkan tayangan bideo lucah. [sini]

Hahahaahaha... Habis mokcik-mokcik... pokcik-pokcik... adek abang sekalian ternganga meleleh air lior tengok bideo lucah yang ditayangkan.

Begitulah lucah dan terdesaknyer UMNO Terengganu untuk menghadapi Pakatan Rakyat  dalam PRU ke 13 ini. Sungguh memalukan!!

You all ingat orang suka?? Orang meluat maaa...

I tell you... senjata yang digunakan untuk memburukkan imej para pemimpin PAS/PR bagi mengekalkan kuasa, akan makan tuan. 

Hancor UMNO!!

Poignant moment together -- Future PM father-and-daughter

From steadyaku47:~~~~via: http://steadyaku-steadyaku-husseinhamid.blogspot.com/2013/04/on-left-is-nurul-on-right-anwar-our.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Steadyaku47+%28steadyaku47%29

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

On the left is Nurul. On the right Anwar. Our hope for the present and the future together! ABU!

SELAMAT PAGI MALAYSIA! 

I saw this early this morning...and it gladden my heart and pulled at my heart strings! This could be you or me. This could be our family member, our sahabat...it could be any Malaysian! 

No UTK bodyguards. No fawning entourage swarming around to cater for your every need in the hope that you will throw some crumbs their way. 

Just a Father and Daughter moment! But not any Father not any Daughter! The one on the right is Anwar Ibrahim, leader of the opposition and Prime Minister designate. On the left is Nurul Izzah - Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai and also Prime Minister designate in time to come. 

There you have it...our hope for the present and our hope for the future! Together! 

Take a look. Take a good look for you might never see them this way again for a long while once this 13th general election is over and they are called upon to serve our Nation as the government of the day in Putrajaya. The burden of public office in the coming days will ask much of those that put themselves forward to be our leaders. 

For now let it be just what it is....a Father in need of a daughter's concern and love in a moment of quiet.
             

GE13: CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS HAVE ELECTION MESSAGE FOR VOTERS

from english.cpiasia.net via LINK: http://english.cpiasia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2523&catid=118&Itemid=162

Vote to ensure a better Malaysia

Written by CPITuesday, 23 April 2013 00:15

Press Statements

Press statement of Group of Concerned Citizens on the General Election

We are a group of Malaysians from diverse ethnicities, religions and backgrounds including military, academic, business, professional and the not-for-profit sector. We have been drawn together by our love for our country and our concern that this general election may see further setbacks in our aspiration for a better society.

Malaysians need a better government and good governance, especially in these tumultuous times of heightened racial discord and religious hatred and extremism.

If we succeed, we can be a modest example for the rest of the world in the way we tackle our racial and religious differences and in our resolve and actions to ensure social justice and the fair distribution of the wealth of our land.

Past governments and politicians have too often failed us by abusing the public treasury for private gain, by concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few, and by debasing our democratic rights. For some years now, we have been one of the top countries in the world in terms of illicit outflows of money. According to Global Financial Integrity, the total 10-year estimate of financial outflow for Malaysia was RM871.4 billion for 2000-2010. No country in the world can afford such a high level of capital flight.

The coming elections provides us an opportunity to exercise our individual and collective right to decide on who will lead this country in the next five years and manage our finances, economy and society in a fair and just manner. If we choose badly we will have only ourselves to blame.

click on picture to enlarge

We wish to share with voters in this election pamphlet, which is being disseminated throughout the country, our concerns as well as our position on the principles and values that can propel our country towards that better society that we seek and which all Malaysians deserve and can be proud of. We believe that most Malaysians share not only these concerns but also our expectations of the high moral and ethical standards from the parties and politicians that will soon come into power. 

We hope that this election message – a non-partisan one – will be etched in the minds and memories of those who will shortly take political office as well as of all voters so that the promise of moral and good governance is in the forefront of national priority, not just during the election campaign period and particularly on election day but every day during the next four or five years.

Other citizens and civil society organisations wishing to endorse this or a similar message are free to adopt or adapt it, and disseminate in their own names.

Civil society leaders endorsing this message:

Ahmad Farouk Musa
Arshad Raji
Azmi Sharom
K J John
Koon Yew Yin
Lim Teck Ghee
Masjaliza Hamzah
Raja Petra Kamarudin
Ramon Navaratnam
Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh
Thasleem Mohamed Ibrahim
S Thayaparan
Zaid Ibrahim


DESIDERATA: ESTEEMEDREADERS here/hear are encouraged to visit the original website of cpiasia.net to leave their Comments there/dare! :) YL, Desi, only a messenger doing his small byte in the last 100-metre dash in a 1,500-m race!

PS: I am proud to report I had served as inaugural editor at cpiasia.net headed by DR LIM TG; during my time there we Co-organised TWO of the four annual BUM forum/dinner meetings to mark WORLD PRESS FREEDOM day.

First endorsement of several *BUM Wakil Rakyat defending their Seats -- UPDATED 22 April

*BLOGGERS UNIVERSE MALAYSIA, evolved from its first year as Bloggers United Malaysia.

This is my preliminary thought-sharing with my Esteemed Readers on the Candiadtes nominated yesterday for the 13th General Elections (GE13)

On the Right Hand column I have featured the pictures of THREE immediate past MPs from PKR (one is also conconcurrently immediate ADUN plusbeing the first Menteri Besar from Pakatan Rakyat of Selangor, and he is Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim


TO BE CONTINUED:~~~~~

Resumed writHing at 12.49PM, April 22, the THIRD DAY of GE13 campaign after the Nominations last Saturday April 20. This time aropund the field is CROWDED BY THE RECORD NUMBERS of Independent candidates, which in most cases would BENEFIT BN-UMNO.. The question at the back of Desi's mind -- Do these Independents take out their own monies to finance their contests? OR WHO HAS SUCH DEEP POCKETS TO "SPONSOR" THEM? You tell Desi -- I'll bye ye endless rounds of tehtarik at De Miang COrNer if you can catch me (like how you can catch the multi-million-dollared sponsors?!)

First noteworthy  endorsement from Desi of the FIVE named leaders highlighted in my RH Column are all from PKR because I know them well enough to want to "endorse" them. With one exception i.e. Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, ex-MB of the richest state in Malaysia (which Najib is eye-ing with fat and hungry look  to grab back, hence he's leading the BN assault in Selangor), THE OTHER FOUR ARE ACTIVE BLOGGERS who Desi has had the privilege ofinteracting occasionally with the past 6-7 years. Khalid later supported the non-political-party-affiliated Bloggers' activities by SPONSORING TWICE as head of Selangor state government donating each RM10,000 in consecutive years to the Organising Committeee for BUM2010 and BUM2011.

I won't say more about the named PKR leaders except that Sdr William Leong is presently the party's TREASURER-GENERAL, Tian Chua is an ELECTED PARTY VICE-PRESIDEN, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad is DIRECTOR OF PKR COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU (of which Desi is proud to decalre I am a member), and Sdri ElizabethWong (immediate past EXCO MEMBER, Selangor State Government), pretty vocal on Freedom of Assembly and Environment issues even before entering partisan politics. Just restate that Sdr Nik Nazmi had addressed a few forums organised by cpiasi.net (memorably when elaborating the Freedom of Information Act legislated by Selangor government --as the FIRST state to do so in the country. According to him, Nik Nazmi had stated at Bloggers' gatherings taht he first spoke  FIRSTLY as a BLOGGER, then secondly as ADUN of Seri Setia, Selangor.

PS: I will stop now to catch my breath and belated **runch -- **defined by a lazy BUMmer as "lunch on the run!" Some Ipohlang / guy whispered to Desi that during GE13, even if one is NOT BUSY, wan must make believe he/she's b C as a Bee-lah! Feel important mah?! Knot impotent OK! -- Watch thy English, whose standard has been consistently falling in dear "Bolehland" I proudly call homeland. Yes, I won't be modest in being proud of my excellent English mastery, BUT I AM ALSO "COMPETENT" ENOUGH in BM and Mandarin K!

SOMEONE in Putrajaya will be running SCARED reading this MC news report:

Saturday, 20 April 2013 07:55

Anwar draws 30,000 crowd stretching 2km to nomination centre:Confident of taking Putrajaya

Written by  Wong Choon Mei, Alaa Soleiman, Malaysia Chronicle

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VIDEOS INSERTED UPDATE 5 BERAPIT, Penang - A three-cornered fight awaits Malaysian Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim at Permatang Pauh, a constituency he has held from the 1980s, but that is unlikely to worry him much.

The more than 30,000-strong crowd stretching at least 2km long that accompanied him to the nomination centre at the Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara in Berapit, Penang is a testament to his huge popularity and resurgence as the country's foremost Malay leader.

The huge crowd of mostly everyday people from all age groups also underscores the amount of hope Malaysians have pinned on him and his Pakatan Rakyat coalition to effect change in the country. They want him not only to win the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat but also to wrest the federal government from Prime Minister Najib Razak and corruption-riddled Umno-BN coalition.

"We are quite optimistic (of wining the federal government) but we have to work very hard," Anwar told Malaysia Chronicle as his minders forged a way for him to get back onto his Jelajah Merdeka Rakyat bus.

Focus on federal government, Permatang Pauh a sure-win for Anwar

In Permatang Pauh, Anwar will face Umno's Mazlan Ismail, an engineer and vice president with Telekom Malaysia who was also a former PAS member. An independent candidate Dr Abdullah Zawawi Shamsuddin, a Penang-based medical practitioner, is the surprise third contestant.

There is little doubt that Anwar will steamroll over both Mazlan and Abdullah, who are political lightweights compared to the 64-year-old former deputy prime minister, who is not only well respected within Malaysia but maintains close rapport with top leaders from around the world.

Indeed, if Pakatan wins more than half of the federal Parliament's 222 seats, Anwar will become the country's 7th prime minister and go down in history as the first man to ever effect a regime change in Malaysia, which has been ruled by the Umno-BN since 1957.

Many pundits believe that in the past few weeks the odds have further shifted to Anwar's favor. One example cited is the latest controversy allegedly instigated by Umno-BN over the DAP's right to use its traditional 'Rocket' logo in the coming May 5 general election.

Although a late announcement from the Registrar of Societies finally confirming it would not challenge the DAP's use of the Rocket on the balloting papers, it may be too late for the Umno-BN government to regain voters' trust.

"It is too late. The way the ROS and Prime Minister Najib Razak's administration handled the issue stinks to high heaven. Few voters doubt there was an attempt to shackle the DAP and the sympathy votes will flow to the Pakatan," Eddie Wong, a PKR veteran told Malaysia Chronicle.

GE13 off to a spirited start

Be that as it may, supporters from both camps are already staking claims to victory outside the IKBN compound.

The PKR camp, cheerily decorated with flags including those of coalition mates DAP and PAS, was a hive of activity. The BN camp, although much lesser in number, was situated directly opposite the Pakatan's and was just as busy and brightly decorated with trademark blue 'dacing' (weighing scales) flags and banners. Police personnel and RELA volunteers were also present in fairly large numbers.

"We hope that everything will run smoothly. Any disturbance outside will be controlled by the police," said Jusni.

Despite its huge size, the crowd at the Opposition side of the IKBN compound showed tremendous discipline - with many refusing to leave despite the blazing hot sun and preferring to wait for nearly three hours under the sweltering heat. It was only around 11.30am that Anwar finally came out from the nomination hall. He had arrived just before 9am.

Taking turns to shout 'takbir' and 'bangkit rakyat', the mixed crowd of mostly locals and consisting of both elderly and the young waited patiently until their 'hero' emerged.

"Victory, victory for the people," an elderly Malay lady told Malaysia Chronicle, when asked why she had come to support Anwar.

"The truth. BN has been around for a long time, more than 50 years and things have not changed much," she added when asked why supported the Pakatan.

For M Siva, a Malaysian Indian in his twenties and working in the entertainment industry, it is clear that nothing but a sweeping Pakatan victory will do for him. When asked why he supported the coalition, why did he want change and why did he think change was necessary, his answers were revealing in their steadfastness.

"I came to support Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. I am very sure Pakatan Rakyat will win. Because Anwar can bring the change to Malaysia. [He] can reduce the costs of living. We need to change," M Siva told Malaysia Chronicle.

Papagomo no-show

The Election Commission's returning officer Jusni Ismail had earlier estimated they could finish processing the nominations by 10.30pm. However, it was not to be and Jusni could only finalize the process an hour after his targeted time.

"We are ready to take in the papers of whomsoever wishes to contest," Election Commission's returning officer Jusni Ismail had earlier told Malaysia Chronicle outside the IKBN hall.

"At 10am, we will stop accepting nomination papers and around 10.30am, God willing, we should be able to announce the candidates."

Umno sex blogger Papagomo, who had previously declared intentions to challenge Anwar at Permatang Pauh did not turn up. Papagomo had recently posted several videos on his website that PKR leaders have condemned as gutter politicking and a "barefaced" bid by Najib's Umno party to tarnish Anwar's credibility.

Umno promises a tough fight

The IKBN center is also where nomination papers for 3 state seats will be processed - Penanti, Permatang Pasir and Seberang Jaya.

In Penanti, PKR's Norlela Yusoff will contest against Umno's Ibrahim Ahmad; in Permatang Pasir, PAS' Dr Salleh Man will fight it out with Umno's Anuar Faisal Yahaya and in Seberang Jaya, it will be PKR's arif Bahardin against Umno's Mohammad Nasir Abdullah

The supporters camped at the Umno side of the IKBN compound was significantly lesser, less than 2,000 in total. Nonetheless, they gave a spirited welcome to their candidates, who - not to be cowed by the sheer size of Anwar's supporters - linked arms and sang the BN standard as they marched out from the nomination centre.

Meanwhile, Umno leaders have vowed to give Anwar a tough fight on his home ground.

“When he (Mazlan) is ready to fight (in Permatang Pauh), it’s like (Anwar) meeting his match. He is highly qualified, while his strong religious spirit and being a PAS leader before will definitely gain him sympathy from some of the PAS people and the fence-sitters," Sidek Baba, a senior lecturer from the International Islamic University, had told Bernama last week.

“All these (factors) may give him (Mazlan) some advantage. It is a wise decision to send the best candidate there to face a leader who desperately wants to become prime minister."

Malaysia Chronicle