Two UMNO-owned papers, two different positions

The circus in UMNO is getting more and more interesting.

Looks like we are going to have a new PM soon. LOL

In order to cover up the power struggle within UMNO, Utusan has been making me its “cover girl” in the past few days. I am quite please to see the way they made me famous, because by doing so, they are degrading themselves. :-)

In today’s Utusan, the Kedah UMNO chief is quoted as asking for DAP to take disciplinary action against me for my comments on detainees’ food. He also asked DAP to follow UMNO’s example in “taking action against Ahmad Ismail for allegedly uttering seditious words”.

Hi hi, he wants the party to take action against me for describing the ISA detention camp food “similar as dog food” ah? Don’t we have better things to do?

However, in the midst of such nonsensical noise, Ku Li has come out to take a stand to slam the recent ISA arrests. I am comforted that I at least have some friends in UMNO Kelantan.

These two news reports that were published in two different UMNO-owned papers also reflect the stand and position of these two papers on the ISA. One concentrating on trivial nonsensical matters while the NST has greater depth in its reporting and analysis.

Like the slogan in the Berita Harian TV advertisement: Zaman Sudah Berubah (Time Has Changed) …… The one who refused to change and still choose to stay behind times, will be chucked by readers sooner or later.
2008/09/25 NST

Razaleigh: Use of ISA has affected govt’s credibility

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah slams the recent ISA arrests

KUALA LUMPUR: Another Umno stalwart has criticised the recent use of the Internal Security Act, saying it had eroded the government’s credibility.

Gua Musang member of parliament and Umno presidential aspirant Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said the detention under the ISA of a blogger, newspaper reporter and an opposition MP had heightened rather than calmed racial fears.

“In the present context of a leadership struggle within Umno and a strong opposition, it is impossible to dispel the notion that these measures are calculated to keep certain individuals in power.

“Nothing does more to undermine the legitimacy of a government than plainly unjust acts,” Tengku Razaleigh said in a statement here.

His criticism follows that of former de-facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, who resigned from his cabinet post last week in protest against the ISA arrests.

Blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin was on Tuesday sent to the Kamunting detention centre in Perak where he will begin his internment of up to two years under Section 8 of the ISA.

Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng have been released.

The arrests were also criticised by other Barisan Nasional component party leaders from the MCA and Gerakan.

In his statement, Tengku Razaleigh painted a bleak picture of the nation’s current political and economic situation.

He said the political and economic crisis could cascade into long-term instability for the country.

“I appeal to all parties to come together to hold an honest discussion about what is happening to our country.

“We need to come together to find unity and direction out of this dangerous situation.”

Utusan wajar saman Teresa (Utusan Malaysia 26/09/08)

Oleh ZAMZURINA AHMAD

YAN 25 Sept. - Pengerusi Badan Perhubungan UMNO Kedah, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid berkata, akhbar Utusan Malaysia wajar menyaman Teresa Kok berhubung kelantangannya menuduh akhbar itu memutarbelitkan kenyataannya pada 19 September lalu.

Menurut Mahdzir, Ahli Parlimen Seputeh merangkap Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Kinrara itu seharusnya membuat pertimbangan sebelum memberi sebarang kenyataan.

”Seharusnya sebagai ahli politik dia perlu ada kredibiliti untuk menilai apa jua makanan yang diberikan semasa dalam tahanan.

”Dia juga perlu bertanggungjawab ke atas kenyataan yang telah diberikan berhubung isu makanan yang dibangkitkannya tanpa perlu menuding jari kepada pihak lain terutama Utusan Malaysia,” kata beliau kepada pemberita selepas menyampaikan bantuan mangsa banjir di Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Guar Cempedak di sini hari ini.

Beliau mengulas desakan para pemimpin pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang menggesa Utusan Malaysia menyaman Teresa kerana membuat pelbagai tuduhan tidak benar terhadap akhbar itu.

Tambah Mahdzir, kenyataannya berhubung isu ‘makanan anjing’ seolah-olah satu penghinaan kepada pihak keselamatan terutama pasukan polis.

”Itu pun nasib baik polis bagi makan, kalau polis tak bagi makan, langsung dia tak makan,” ujarnya.

Beliau juga memberitahu bahawa Teresa tidak sepatutnya membuat kenyataan menghentam kerajaan dengan tuduhan sedemikian.

”Kita perlu ada pertimbangan apabila nak bercakap sesuatu. Jangan terlalu ekstrem hanya kerana mempunyai fahaman politik yang berlainan,” jelasnya.

Mahdzir turut menggesa agar DAP mengambil tindakan disiplin ke atas Exco Kerajaan Selangor itu seperti mana yang dilakukan oleh UMNO terhadap ahlinya sebelum ini.

”Contohnya Ahmad Ismail yang dikenakan tindakan disiplin kerana dikatakan menghasut dalam satu ucapannya di Permatang Pauh baru-baru ini.

”Jika DAP tidak mengenakan tindakan ke atas Teresa maka kita tahulah bagaimana pendirian sebenar parti itu,” tambahnya.

Sassy MP