Call on the police to respect the people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly

Press statement by M Kula Segaran, DAP National Vice Chairman and MP for Ipoh Barat, from Yong Pyong, South Korea, on Friday, February 25, 2011

According to media report, the Dang Wangi police has rejected the Human Rights Party's (HRP) application for a permit to carry out a peaceful march against the novel Interlok on Sunday.

The party has on Feb 11 submitted the necessary application to the police for a permit. I call on the police to respect the people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly and approve the application to protest the Interlok novel.

The Interlok issue hurt the Indian community yet the Government has not shown the political will to quickly resolve the issue.

The Education Minister’s announcement on Jan 27 that the novel would remain as the textbook for Form Five, but with amendments to those parts deemed offensive by the Indian community is not an acceptable solution.

It is puzzling how a book that is so controversial and hurtful to the Indian community could not be withdrawn.

According to new report, Centre for Policy Initiatives (CPI) director Lim Teck Ghee has added his voice to calls for the novel Interlok to be removed from the Form Five Malay literature syllabus due to its perpetuation of “offensive stereotyping” of minorities.

The Malaysiakini has reported as follows:-

In remarks e-mailed to Malaysiakini today, the former academician-turned-social activist said some may be tempted to invoke freedom of expression to justify maintaining the book as required reading in secondary schools.That same “freedom to offend” would not, however, be granted if the offence were against Malays, he noted.It is most unfair that the government has not done what should be done – to withdraw the book as a school text book.

It will be doubly unfair if people who exercise their constitutional right of peaceful assembly to protest against the novel are denied such right

A Malaysian Dream - Life and Times of Lim Kit Siang

The flame that burns brightly

A tribute to Lim Kit Siang, the doyen of Malaysian oppositionists
By M. Kulasegaran

“The good life,” said the French poet Alfred de Vigny “is a dream of youth realized in maturity.”
The dreams of my youth were fired by episodes in 1974 and 1978 when I was 17 and 21 years old respectively.

Their fulfillment in the ripeness of middle age is largely due to my trysts – political and social -- with Lim Kit Siang who ignited those dreams and whose arrival at the point that Shakespeare felt is the summit of a full life we laud today.

Happily for us, medical science has prolonged man’s longevity so that we in the DAP and democracy desiring citizens of our polity can keeping bringing their torches to be lit at the flame that still burns brightly in Kit Siang.

I remember the first lighting of my torch in 1974 while preparing for my Form 5 examinations. It involved the case of Kit Siang’s alleged violation of the Official Secrets Act, a case that was a cause célèbre at that time.

My friends and I breathed a huge sigh of relief when Kit Siang was fined a sum of RM1,900 that did not disqualify him from Parliament.

The second case of my torch’s igniting occurred in 1978 when enroute to Subang for my flight to England for law studies, I paused at a bookshop in Petaling Jaya and there saw and purchased a copy of ‘Time Bombs in Malaysia’, Kit Siang’s prophesy of disquiet-to-come in our beloved country.
On the long flight to London, I read the book and almost immediately began to rescind a prior decision I had made not to return to the country of my birth after my law studies for reason of its discriminatory policies.

That book still resonates in my memory and has kept my flame for the political reformation of the country burning brightly.

In the forests of the Malaysian opposition’s struggle for the reform of their country, the torch held aloft for nearly four decades by Lim Kit Siang has burned brightly, lighting the path for thousands such as I who have struggled to find their feet in the often bewildering and shifting sands of time.

Tribute to YB Lim Kit Siang, on The Occasion Of His 70th Birthday by Karpal Singh

By Karpal Singh - DAP National Chairman

When I first came back from Singapore, I began practicing in Alor Setar in 1969 and when May 13th happened, I decided something needed to be done so I joined DAP. I had heard of Kit and Fan Yew Teng as well as Dr Chen and Lee Lam Thye who were all part of the strong group they had back then.

Even then, Kit was a real force and I think he would have made a very good lawyer; he is very perceptive and sharp. He would have gone a long way in law if he had chosen to. But he is so committed to politics; I think he spends 25 hours a day on it - he borrows one hour from the next day!

When I was first sent to Alor Setar to contest, I told him, “I’m alone here and you must come over at least once,” and he did. He spared an entire day for me, walking about and attending the ceramahs. He is a very thoughtful and considerate man as well. I don’t think I have ever seen him angry or losing his temper. Of course, we all have to be fierce in Parliament as part of our job; otherwise we would be devoured.

People think he is a very serious man but Kit has got a humorous side, too. Truly, without him, DAP would not be where it is today. As I have always said, no one is indispensible and it is true, but Kit Siang is a whisker away from being indispensible.

He is the anchor and has a lot of fortitude in the manner that he takes on various issues. In a way, I think he and I complement each other because on the legal side, I am there and have defended him a number of times.

One amazing thing about Kit is that he would never stop any of us from making any statements. Over the years, I have issued statements as I see fit and he’s never confronted me or asked what I am doing; and neither has he done so to any of the other leaders. He leaves us to form our own positions which is good, rather than having someone who bosses you around which may deter you from openly speaking what you wish. He does not breathe down anybody’s neck.

In our council meetings, he never fights; rather, he is analytical and listens to everybody first before convincing them with his views at the end.

As he turns 70, I wish him another 70 - with all our technological advances, you never know what’s possible! He is certainly needed.

Tribute To DAP Parliamentary Leader, YB Lim Kit Siang, on The Occasion Of His 70th Birthday

By Dr.Chen Man Hin - DAP Life Advisor

Right from the day he joined DAP in the latter half of 1966, Lim Kit Siang showed his flair for politics. He saw that the party could be a national party, because of its ideology of a quest for a just and equal society - a Malaysian Malaysia where all races are equal.

Inspired by this belief, Lim Kit Siang as organising secretary proceeded to visit the whole country to set up new branches with vim and vigor. He worked hard.

One night, after a ceramah he was fatigued, yet he drove himself home in the middle of night. The next day he could not remember how he had reached home. That is the mettle of a man with tremendous vision and energy to make Malaysia a better country. His drive energised other DAP members and they set up one branch after another in peninsular Malaysia.

In 1969 the May 13 riots occurred. At that time, Kit Siang was in Sabah. He immediately flew back although he knew that he would be arrested. As soon as the plane touched down, Special Branch was waiting for him. He was arrested and detained for 18 months.

He was also feared by UMNO, MCA and MIC because of his belief in multiracial unity and democracy as well as his oratory prowess at ceramahs. He had the crowd mesmerised. The leaders of the Alliance quivered when he spoke or issued fiery statements.

It cannot be denied Kit Siang was the driving force behind the success of the party. He exercised strong discipline. Trouble-makers were isolated and expelled. He was labelled a dictator by his enemies in BN. He was not. He exercised discipline so that the party would grow stronger.

Nowadays, Kit Siang has mellowed. He is more experienced and has an instinctive analysis of any political crisis.

However, Kit Siang today is no different from the younger Kit Siang. At 70, he has not slackened his pace and still travels to all parts of the country to troubleshoot and set up branches in places like Sabah and Sarawak.

What drives him relentlessly? It’s his conviction that the DAP could progress rapidly and help change the political face of the country to become a truly Malaysian First.

We are getting there, because DAP now has allies like PAS and PKR who share DAP's dream for a more just and equal society.

Kit Siang and I are long time comrades-in-arms, since 1966. I can say with authority that in DAP's roll of honour and heroes, Kit Siang is the best of the best.

Let us all wish him a happy 70th birthday.

Birthday greetings to DAP Parliamentary Leader, YB Lim Kit Siang - YBM Tengku Razaleigh Hamza

Dear Kit,

After a long journey in your political career, weathering the often rough and tumble of Malaysian politics, you somehow managed to survive and carve a popular name, an icon among your admirers and a ‘political bug’, so to speak, among your opponents.

So, you are now 70 years of age – not too young but not too old either – to go on treading the political journey. You have consistently upheld and stood your ground on matters relating to the fundamental rights of all the rakyat, irrespective of race, to free and responsible speech, the rights to enjoy a just and fair distribution of the economic and social wealth of the nation, and to political, judicial and legal justice. You have consistently and courageously spoken up against the corruption and the various misdeeds and defaults of the government and demanded actions, both in Parliment as well as outside it, depite the possible reprisals, the threats and even possible punitive actions that might be taken against you, which in fact you have suffered in the past. But you have not kept your silence; you continue to grow bigger and speak even louder.

In the end, it seems to me you are the winner because, despite what your opponents say about you, as long as you know and believe what you stand for is good for the poeple and the country, you are on the right path. Politicians, and especially those who have been given the mandate to ‘rule’ or ‘govern’ the country, must be honest, trustworthy, clean and efficient.

They must have PRINCIPLES and be consistent in their upholding and promotion of the principles for the good of the rakyat and the country and not be swayed or swerved by their personal interests and greed. The rakyat look up to a Wakil Rakyat or to a government leader not because he or she is a Malay, a Chinese or an Indian, an Iban or a Kadazan; they look up to you because of your principles – principles that they can respect, trust and emulate.

On this auspicious day, may I quote Georges Pompidou who once said:

“A statesman is a politician who places himself at the service of the nation. A politician is a statesman who places the nation at his service”.

Let me now say “Selamat Menyambut Hari Jadi Yang ke-70”, in other words “Happy Birthday to You”. Wishing you good fortune, good health and long life. May you continue to tread the rough and tumble of the Malaysian political road with even greater tenacity and thrust in the years ahead until we can all together ensure that no one in the country is allowed to create a situation of disaster of the type we have just seen in Tunisia and Egypt.

Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah

Come next general elections, Malaysians must rise to the occasion and go for change through the ballot boxes.

Speech made at the Chinese New Year gathering organized by Chui Chak branch on Wednesday, February 16, 2010


Thank Chui Chak members for inviting us to the Chinese New Year dinner.

Among leaders present were Chairman,committee members and members of DAP Chui Chak branch,YB Seah Leong Peng, Sdr. Keong Meng Seng, Sdr. Chong Chee King, Sdr. Segaran(Chairman Ipoh Barat branch and also many locals.

Teoh Beng Hock‘s tragic death more than a year ago shocked the entire nation.

How could a young man who had made all the necessary preparations to marry his fiancée ended up dead after being called up by the MACC to assist as a witness in an investigation—this was the question that everyone asked.

And everyone wanted to know why.

However, after more than a year since his tragic death, there is still no answer as to how he died.

The Coroner’s court could only return an open verdict.

Although a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) was finally set up to investigate into the cause of Beng Hock’s death, Beng Hock’s family had decided today to boycott the RCI.

The decision came as the RCI ruled against the family's request to have the hearing postponed until the disposal of a judicial review filed by the family against the coroner's 'open verdict' on Teoh's death.

 Teoh family lawyer Karpal Singh had today said Teoh's family had ordered the lawyers to withdraw from the RCI as they could not accept the attorney-general's decision to pursue a revision of the inquest's open verdict, while at the same time sending three officers from his chambers as conducting officers at the RCI.

The government and the RCI ought to know that the nation has been waiting for the truth as to how Teoh Beng Hock died and any investigation must be totally fair and independent.

The RCI must also be able to command full confidence of the Teoh family and the public.

Unfortunately, the Teoh family does not have full confidence in the RCI and the only option for them is to withdraw from the proceedings.

I call on the public to support the Teoh family’s decision to withdraw from the RCI proceedings.

It has been strongly speculated, a snap poll will be held in March or April this year.

Although the Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib has said that BN has changed and reformed, it is still more talk than action.

The fact that Najib talked about ‘BN has changed” shows that he realized the need for change.

But has BN really changed or can it change?

The answer is big NO!

BN has not changed as its major policies have remained.

Even on the fight against corruption, the government has not shown much political will.

BN has been in power too long to be able to make significant and real changes which can bring about a better Malaysia.

Egyptians who had long suffered the dictatorial and corrupt rule of President Hosni Mubarak had recently toppled him through in just 18 days of display of people power.

 The wave of change is now sweeping across the Arab nations.

Come next general election, Malaysians must rise to the occasion and go for change through the ballot boxes.

I call on the voters to demonstrate the people power through their votes and vote PR coalition to bring about a better Malaysia for all Malaysians.

Let the Year of Rabbit be the year of political change to bring about a better Malaysia for all

Tuesday, February 15, 2011
I spook at the CNY gathering held at the Pasir Pinji dewan orang ramai at 9pm. The hall was packed.

After having had his honeymoon, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Taib Mahmud must have found the time to think of the date of dissolving the Sarawak State Assembly.

Speculation is rife that the Sarawak State Assembly will be dissolved soon, even probably this week.

There has been speculation over the last 3 months that the Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib may also dissolve Parliament and call for a snap poll in March or April.

I strongly believe that a snap poll is almost a certainty if BN does well in the Sarawak state election. But Najib will be forced to delay his poll plan if Sarawak BN does not perform well.

But I still believe that any delay will not stretch beyond this year.

PR Perak has set the capturing of the Federal and Perak state governments as our electoral objectives in the coming general election.

We have not set such objectives to want to enjoy the spoils of power, but to bring about a better Malaysia for all.

We want Malaysians to start a new journey with us, a journey where there will be justice, fairness and equality for all.

The people must therefore be prepared to vote for change in the coming general election.Although BN has suffered its worst electoral debacle in the 2008 general election, it has not changed much.

Umno cannot change. MCA and Gerakan are still the same parties whose greatest weakness is being unable to champion for the people.MCA and Gerakan are mere passengers in the BN boat. Worse still, the boat is not moving in the right direction.Malaysians who want a better Malaysia for all must therefore reject BN in the coming general election.

It is undeniable that BN has the might of money, manpower and machinery.

But even an Egyptian dictator who had ruled the nation for 30 years fell at the feet of people power.I call on Malaysians to therefore make the Year of the Rabbit a year of political change to bring about a better Malaysia for all.

Come the next general election; ignore the MCA’s lies that a vote for Rocket or a vote for PR is a vote for an Islamic state.Islamic state is not and will not be PR policy.Reject the BN candidates, whether they are from the arrogant Umno, the useless MCA, Gerakan, MCA, PPP and other BN component parties.

Vote PR candidates and make Malaysia a better Malaysia for all.

Enough is enough; Lets start new journey with PR Government

M Kula Segaran's speech at Chinese New year function in DAP Service Centre Teluk Intan on Monday, February 14, 2011

Come next general election, Malaysians who have long yearned for change for the better should also say “enough is enough” and rise to the occasion to vote PR to form the new Federal and Perak state governments.

When delivering his speech at a Chinese New Year open house and briefing on the Malaysian Innovation Agency held at SJK (C) Sungai Way in Petaling Jaya on February 11, the Prime Minister Dato Sri Najib warned the business community that for the sake of their future, they should not take chances by supporting the opposition.

It was reported in the media that although he did not exactly indicate what he was referring to, it was indirectly meant that they should not support Pakatan Rakyat.

He was quoted as saying:-

I share your dreams and aspirations (to build the country). What I want to achieve is a tall order, and I am asking you to join me in this quest.

"The journey may be long, but let us take the journey together. This is not the time to experiment and take chances with your future. I am sure you know what I am referring to... business people are always pragmatic and astute"

I agree with Najib that business people are always pragmatic and astute. And I also agree that no one should simply take chances with their future.

But it is through change that better future can be brought about. And Malaysians must support the opposition for change. The change that will be brought about by PR is definitely going to be change for the better.

The people’s desire for change resulted in the political tsunami of the 2008 general election which caused BN its unprecedented electoral debacle. It is coming to 3 years since Malaysian voters made the historic and courageous decision to vote for change.

What has the “change” brought about? Better or worse for the people, including the business community, in the states governed by the PR state governments ?

In Penang, open tender system has been implemented to encourage transparency and fairness. Good FDI has been attracted. In Perak when PR was in power, various policies which would benefit the people eg freehold and for new villages, land and fund allocations for Chinese independent schools were introduced.

There are more examples which I can quote but suffice to say that the political change which took place in the last general election did not wreck businesses.

PR is therefore a coalition that the people can trust to being about a better Malaysia for all. In fact, the business people and all other Malaysians who want a better Malaysia should vote for change through the ballot boxes in the next general election.

A few days ago, the courageous Egyptians decided that enough was enough and fought against all odds to topple the dictator Hosni Mubarak.

Come next general election, Malaysians who have long yearned for change for the better should also say “enough is enough” and rise to the occasion to vote PR to form the new Federal and Perak state governments.

Thanks.

The fall of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak ; The might of people's power in overthrowing a dictator.

Speech by M Kula Segaran, at the Chinese New Year Open House in DAP Canning service center in Ipoh on Sunday, February 13, 2011

It was indeed a great and courageous victory for the Egyptians who had fought against all odds. Earlier last week, Prime Minister Najib had warned against any attempt to usurp political power in Malaysia, using demonstrations like those in Egypt.

“Don't think that what is happening there must also happen in Malaysia. We will not allow it to happen here,” he was reported to have said in the Star.

I wonder why Najib wanted to issue such an unnecessary warning. Opposition parties have been fighting through the ballot boxes for decades and we will aim to achieve our target of bringing about a better society for all though the electoral process.

Yesterday, he commented on the Egypt issue again. He was reported to say that one cannot equate what is happening in Egypt with Malaysia because things are very different in the two countries.

According to media report, the premier also later said that it is the BN's 'People First' policies that will ultimately be the main difference between Malaysia and former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak's 30-year regime.

It is true that the conditions in Egypt and Malaysia are not totally similar. However, there is one similarity. People do want change for the better.

In Malaysia, the desire of the voters for change has resulted in the BN suffering its most unprecedented and unexpected electoral debacle, losing its traditional parliamentary majority in the Dewan Rakyat as well the governmental power to rule in five states.

Malaysians’ power lies in their votes. In a democracy, change will be brought about through the ballot boxes and Pakatan Rakyat is determined to call on the people to vote for change in the next general election.

The Egyptians’ victory against the dictator has also shown the power of social networking media and internet tools in organizing and mobilizing people.

In preparing for the coming general election, PR must maximize the effective use of these tools to effectively spread our message of change to the voters.

It has been speculated for some time that a snap poll will be held in March or April this year.

The Prime Minister’s meeting with Umno divisions is certainly another reason why it is likely that a snap poll will soon take place.

The coming general election is undoubtedly going to be the most important election in the nation’s history.

Unlike all previous elections where the talk and possibility of the Opposition toppling the BN government would be regarded as a political joke, the political landscape since the 2008 general election has changed.

In the coming general election, BN will have to face with the real possibility of being toppled from power. Hence, we can expect the coming electoral battle to be the dirtiest in the nation’s history as BN will do all it can to cling to power.

Pakatan Rakyat must therefore be better prepared.

I therefore propose that the PR leadership Council to immediately set up a Seat Negotiation Committee to begin the process of seat negotiations among our component parties, including if need be and for strategic reasons, the swapping of seats.

"The Indian community must be united and send one clear message to the Education Minister on INTERLOK"

Media Statement by M.Kulasegaran on "Interlok...the way forward" organized by National Interlok Action Team (NIAT) at Somma Hall, Wisma Tun Sambathan, Kuala Lumpur on 12th February 2011

Let me start by asking two simple questions

Firstly, is it not a fact that the Interlok novel contains inaccuracies, distortions and demeaning, derogatory words which have hurt the Indian community?

Secondly, is it not logical and right for the Government to withdraw the book?

These are simple questions which everyone can see. Yet the issue has dragged on simply because the federal government is dragging its feet on the issue.

Let me ask two more questions:-

1. Can such a controversial book be used as a school text book?

2. Can it truly promote better racial understanding and forge unity?

The answers are simple. We don’t need a genius to give the answers. The book is not suitable as a text book and it certainly cannot promote unity. It is in fact against the 1 Malaysia concept.

I must say that those who argue that one must read the book in the right context or as a whole do not understand or have failed to understand why the Indian community is angry with and hurt by the inaccuracies and demeaning words found in the book.

Why can’t we just have a text book that is non controversial and acceptable to all?

Why is it so difficult for the federal government to right an obvious wrong?

I will say firstly that the federal government lacks the political will to resolve the issue and secondly, despite having suffered unprecedented loss of Indian support in the last general election, it is still not sensitive enough to the feelings and demands of the Indian community.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has recently said that the novel Interlok will remain as a literature textbook for Form Five students, but changes will be made to parts deemed sensitive by the Indian community.

He further said an independent panel would be set up to study the types of amendments and submit recommendations to the Government.

“The decision to continue using the novel, with amendments so as not to hurt the feelings of the Indian community, is the best solution,” Muhyiddin said in a statement.

But can Muhyiddin guarantee that all inaccuracies and demeaning words will be deleted / amended to the satisfaction of the Indian community?

I do not think so and I therefore do not agree that what he has announced is the best solution. The best, simple and right solution will be the withdrawal of the book.

The Indian community must be united and send one clear message to the Education Minister—we will not compromise and want the Interlok novel to be withdrawn.

Last year, there was the failed attempt to compulsorily acquire the Indian heritage land in Sitiawan.

Now we have this Interlok issue which again shows that the BN government is not sensitive to the feelings of the Indian community.

If the Interlok issue is not satisfactorily resolved, we must be prepared to make it a major issue in the coming general election.

High crime rates involving Indian youths, government cannot pretend its not a major issue!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Yesterday morning, a granny of 73years old was brutally killed when 4 youths, after robbing her killed her.

Today, together with DAP members, I visited the bereaved family and extended my condolences.

Despite the Government‘s claim that the police has been successful in bring down crime rate in the country, many Malaysians still do not feel safe.
The government needs to admit the fact that many people are still complaining about crimes in the country and their fear of crime.

I can say that many Ipoh residents in fact still fear crime although official statistics show that there has been a drop in crime index.

It is also alarming that many Indians youths are involved in crimes.

Recent murder cases in Ipoh City include:-
- In December last year, V. Perumal, 67 was brutally attacked till death in Gopeng
- In December last year, Raegan was shot dead in Kampong Tawas
-In December last year, Jagadeson was burned alive together with 4 wheel drive in Simpang
- In December last year, Lawyer Bala Sundram was murdered

Serious efforts need to be put up by our police force to arrest the deteriorating condition among the Indian youths.

Most important of all, the government must come up with economic programmes to help the Indian community as an effective way to eradicate the causes which result in high crime rates involving Indian youths.

Withdraw sedition charge against Shuhaimi - first step to demonstrate Najib can learn from the lesson of Egyptian crisis

by Lim Kit Siang

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has assured Malaysians that his administration will always put the interests of the people first, saying that the events of Egypt are a lesson for all.

He said in a democratic system “we must give priority to the people” who are empowered through globalization and ICT (information and communication technology).

Najib should show that his administration is capable of learning from the lesson of the Egyptian crisis by winding down and ending political repression in the country, starting with the withdrawal of the sedition charge against Selangor PKR Assemblyman for Sri Muda Shuhaimi Shafie, who is slated to be charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court on Monday.

One important lesson for Najib from the Egyptian crisis is the top priority he must give to restore public confidence in the efficiency, independence, impartiality and professionalism of the key national institutions in the country, in particular Parliament, the judiciary, the public service in particular the Attorney-General’s Chambers, Police, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Election Commission etc.

For too long, the administration of justice whether judiciary or the the Attorney-General’s Chambers have suffered under a cloud that they are not independent or professional but have to do the political bidding of the powers-that-be, and the sedition charge against Shuhaimi is the latest reminder that the Attorney-General’s office has continued to serve the political interests of masters in Putrajaya rather than the larger and longer-term interests of Malaysians at large.

The Attorney-General had proven to be very quick on-the-draw to respond to police reports of sedition lodged against Pakatan Rakyat leaders – like the case of DAP National Chairman and MP for Bukit Glugor Karpal Singh who had been acquitted last June on the charge of allegedly uttering seditious words against the Sultan of Perak but still facing an appeal to the Court of Appeal by the AG’s Chambers – while ignoring heaps of police reports of sedition against Barisan Nasional personalities.

If the Najib administration is to learn from the lesson of the Egyptian crisis, there are many things it would have to do – but let it start with the tiny step of withdrawing the sedition charge against Shuhaimi on Monday to demonstrate that the Najib administration has the political will to walk the talk of learning the lesson from the Egyptian crisis!

BN government simply cannot change. Come next general election, Malaysians must support a new PR government to bring about a better Malaysia for all.

BN has won the Tenang by election as expected. PR did not expect to win but we had hoped to reduce the BN’s majority of 2492 obtained in 2008 general election.PR has to conduct deep analysis into the result to understand how the voting trend will affect or help in our electoral objective of Marching towards Putrajaya.

From the preliminary analysis, it is obvious that as consistent with past public survey findings, the Malay support or rather the rural Malay support for BN has increased.It also appears that there was increased Indian voter support for the BN candidate.This is an important area that PR must look into and quickly plan new strategies to win the people’s support.

Nevertheless, It is very encouraging to note that the Chinese support for the PR candidate in the Tenang by election has increased by some 10 %., despite the fact that the PR candidate is from PAS and MCA has campaigned hard on the Islamic state issue to frighten the Chinese voters.

Somehow MCA still believes that Islamic state issue is its” killer weapon” against the PR, especially the DAP.

But the result has proven that the lie that “a vote for PR is a vote for Islamic state “cannot work anymore.

However, in order for PR to achieve our target of capturing Putrajaya, we will need the support of all races in the country, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans, Orang Asli and all other minorities.

It has earlier been strongly speculated that a snap poll will be held in March or April this year. It is imperative that PR must reach out more to all communities and to effectively spread our message of Change to them.

It will soon be 3 years since BN was dealt its unprecedented electoral debacle. But has it truly learned its lessons?

According to 9^th Malaysia Plan, the government allocation per student per month is as follows:-

National school- RM33.30

Tamil school –RM 10.55

Chinese school –RM 4.50

How could the deputy Education Minister Datuk Wee Ka Siong justify his claim that the BN government has been fair to all schools?

Why the disparity of expenditure of monies between the 3 type of schools on our school going children? Are all our children not born under the Malaysian Sun?

BN government simply cannot change. Come next general election, Malaysians must support a new PR government to bring about a better Malaysia for all.