Screenshots

Jeff,
Could you please put the interesting parts of the interview on your videocast as I reside Down Under & will not be able to watch the interview.
Thanks in advance!

Give equal time and exposure to Mahathir.

Since the famous-son-in-law is allowed to roam freely about the country addressing the UMNO faithfuls, Mahathir should be accorded the same courtesy and facility, no?

Khairy: Critics ‘like monkeys shaking the tree’
07 Aug 2006

REMBAU: The Umno Youth deputy chief yesterday likened the people who slandered him as "monkeys shaking the tree".

Khairy Jamaluddin said that despite answering allegations against him in Kelantan two days ago, some people were still not satisfied.

"They say: ‘If there is no wind, how can a tree sway’. It is difficult to answer, but sometimes, we can see tree branches moving without wind. Does it really happen or there’s a monkey shaking them."

He said he regretted having to answer trivial matters about his family at Umno meetings which should be the place to discuss national and global issues.

Khairy said that he had spoken to five Umno divisions about the various accusations levelled against him and felt that it was time to move on to more important matters.

He was speaking to reporters after the simultaneous opening of the Rembau Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri delegates conferences by Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

He said that as long as he was the number two in Umno Youth, he would continue to listen to views from the grassroots.

"What’s important is Umno Youth members. If they accept my explanation, it is good enough for me. Not that I want to satisfy those who accuse me," he said.

don't be that monkey !!!!

Here is an excerpt of the interview and a challenge to the accusers:

In an angry tone he stated that “They have given the impressions that I have deceived the ‘rakyat’, that I have announced RM15 billion 9MP projects which have already been awarded to others. This is slanderous. If they are daring enough they should put it in black and white and we will take action”

Check it out at:
http://powerpresent.blogspot.com/2006/08/slanderous-accusations-9-mp-projects.html

Yeah. Open tenders. Transparency. Hooray.

Malaysia PM denies nepotism, fends off Mahathir

Mon Aug 7, 2006 5:23 AM ET
By Jalil Hamid

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi used national television on Monday to deny accusations of nepotism and to defend his squeaky-clean image, which has come under heavy attack by his predecessor.

After months of turning the other cheek, refusing to respond directly to criticism by former leader Mahathir Mohamad, the premier finally answered some of the most sensitive allegations.

Abdullah denied that his businessman son, Kamaluddin Abdullah, 38, and son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, 30, had profited from government favours or abused their connections.

"I don't want to quarrel with Tun Mahathir," Abdullah said in the 40-minute interview to be aired later on Monday. Tun is Mahathir's honorific title, the highest in Malaysian society.

"Kamal' has never abused his ties with me. Eighty percent of his business is from overseas," Abdullah said in the interview with TV3, excerpts of which were made available to Reuters.

"He is not involved with other local firms or government concessions. He has never asked help from the government or anything that required a bail-out for him."

Once the unchallenged "Mr Clean" of Malaysian politics, Abdullah and his cabinet have ended up facing the same kind of allegations that haunted Mahathir during his 22-year reign.

The irony is that Mahathir himself is leading the charge.

Mahathir, who at 81 years of age still has a sharp tongue and an acid wit, feels betrayed by Abdullah's decision to shelve some state projects that were proposed by the previous government. He says he wants answers, not Abdullah's downfall, but his attacks threaten to erode Abdullah's authority within the ruling party.

Mahathir has accused Abdullah's government of lacking "guts" and selling out Malaysian sovereignty. He has also lately attacked the business dealings of Abdullah's family members.

'MY STYLE IS DIFFERENT'

Kamaluddin was one of Malaysia's richest men last year with 330 million ringgit ($90 million) in wealth, according to a Malaysian Business magazine survey. He controls oil and gas services firm Scomi group .

Son-in-law Khairy owns a minor stake in investment bank ECM Libra and is deputy leader of the youth wing of the main ruling party, the United Malays National Organisation, which is headed by Abdullah.

Abdullah rejected any suggestions of nepotism, telling TV3 that his conscience was clear.

On Khairy, Abdullah said: "He bought shares to become a partner in ECM Libra...I knew he took a loan for that purpose. There is no proof that he seized government projects."

A devout Muslim, Abdullah recited some Koranic verses during the interview, part of his new tactic to respond personally to Mahathir's allegations. A nationwide roadshow is on the cards.

Abdullah's government has also embarked on a heavy spending spree, prompting speculation that he no longer has the political will to end the costly Mahathir era of mega state projects.

One of his first acts after gaining power from Mahathir in late 2003 was to shelve a major rail project.

But Abdullah recently unveiled some mega projects of his own, including a 15 billion ringgit development plan for southern Johor state. His government is also studying a proposal for a 8 billion ringgit bullet-train between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Abdullah asked Malaysians, increasingly impatient with him after securing a big reform mandate in 2004 elections, not to compare his style with Mahathir.

"This is like playing football, hardly ten minutes and people have punished me. I'm just warming up and raising the tempo," he said. "My style is different from Tun Mahathir...But I've never deviated from my long-term goal. I know where I am going." ($1=3.660 Malaysian Ringgit)

Hardtalk on CNN next?

Don't be JAGUH KAMPONG only. Tell the world!!!

Can't find any link on the TV3's Homepage on this important interview, worst still, not even listed on the TV3's Program Schedule.

2000 Buletin Utama
2100 Kawan 2006

I wish there is a public debate air live with both the former and current prime minister as the participator. It would prove very interesting.

The Star Online > Nation
Sunday August 6, 2006

Abdullah: I am not Mr 10% – not even 1%

BY JACK WONG and SHARON LING

KUCHING: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants Malaysians to know that he is not “Mr 10%”.

“This is not a minister of even 1%,” said the Prime Minister, who declared that he had never asked for kickbacks in the awarding of government contracts.

“I have nothing for myself. I don’t seek percentage from anybody who gets the job,” he said when opening the Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party general assembly in Santubong, near here, yesterday.

“There’s no allegation. Nobody has said anything. I just mentioned it, in case anybody has some funny ideas.”

Abdullah, who is Umno president and Barisan Nasional chief, said he worked hard not for personal gain but for the country’s future, and called on all Malaysians to work together towards the same goal.

“Let’s not just think of ourselves. Think of others. There must be sacrifices.”

Abdullah said it was not easy to be Prime Minister, citing as examples the distribution of seats among component parties of the Barisan in the general election and allocation of Cabinet posts.

“You cannot satisfy everybody to the extent of giving all that they want. But we have learnt to give and take – nobody takes all, nobody loses all,” he said.

The prime minister said he was a big believer in the Barisan’s philosophy of consensus among the various races and religions in the country.

“It worked well under Tunku Abdul Rahman, Tun Abdul Razak (Hussein), Tun Hussein (Onn) and Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad). So far, it has worked well with me,” he said.

Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud said the state government planned to turn 1.2 million hectares of native customary rights (NCR) land into oil palm plantations, through joint ventures, by 2010.

“The joint venture model has been well-received and we have had many applications from NCR land owners to develop their land this way,” he said, in a speech read out by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan.

Hey, how come i can't go to malaysia-today.net? It was ok this morning, but can't get in now?

same with you joe.

been trying all day long.

anyone know of this 'anomaly'?

Guess, am not alone.

Been trying...since this afternoon and a few minutes ago.

But still cant access the site.

yup; it's been down but for no reason

hope raja petra is alright ...

even since mgg pillai has been *silently* blogging when he *emigrated*, it has been rather quiet ...

Kamaluddin, Khairy Never Get Govt Projects, Says Abdullah

August 07, 2006 22:48 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Monday night denied his son, Kamaluddin, and son-in-law, Khairy Jamaluddin, have benefited including getting government projects from his position as Prime Minister.

Abdullah said since becoming Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Kamaluddin and Khairy never abused the family ties to get government projects.

"Kamal (Kamaluddin) never misused his relations with me. Kamal was never involved in local companies or concessions. No. He never asked any help from the government. Never in anything that needs bail-out," said Abdullah, who took over the country's leadership from Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the end of 2003.

Abdullah said this in a 40-minute interview with Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini in the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3 Monday night.

Kamaluddin is the biggest shareholder in the oil and gas services company Scomi Group while Khairy owns a small interests in the investment bank ECM Libra Bhd.

Abdullah said Kamaluddin had to find projects overseas because he did not want to linked with his father.

"If people ask why go overseas, he (Kamaluddin) will say father (Abdullah) is the prime minister, it's difficult to earn a living locally. His contracts, his business, 80 per cent are from overseas. That is his livelihood," he said.

Abdullah also quashed rumours that Scomi had been awarded the monorail project in Penang.

On Khairy, he said his son-in-law took a loan to buy shares in ECM Libra.

"But, to say he grabbed projects, I've no evidence with me that Khairy has taken government projects," he said, adding that Khairy never met him to ask for projects.

Abdullah said he never interfered in his son-in-law's political career and Khairy's position as Umno Youth deputy chief was an elected post by the movement.

"I am being frank. I don't know if (Umno Youth chief) Hishammuddin (Tun Hussein) is angry with me. Hishammuddin says "the Youth has decided, I have decided, I want to nominate Khairy for Youth deputy head, Pah Lah don't disturb, this is Youth affairs," he added.

-- BERNAMA

could it be an incit-... errr... a statement to cloud hishamuddin's career..?

(let's hope you're right, cre8tif, for i am also in the soup...)

Govt Ready To Spend To Stimulate National Economy - Abdullah

August 07, 2006 21:06 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- The Government is ready to spend to stimulate the economy through the Ninth Malaysia Plan after successfully reducing the national deficit, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday night.

The Prime Minister said the RM15 billion allocation to finance 880 infrastructure projects announced under the ninth plan was the result of expenditure control measures all this while aided by higher contributions from Petronas.

"We have the money and we can take it out. Previously, when I took over the country's administration, the deficit was quite high and if it is left unchecked, it will continue to rise and bring about negative implications.

"So, time was given to address matters relating to the deficit, but we succeeded...I managed to reduce the deficit.

"From year to year, it was successfully reduced," he said in the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3. Abdullah was interviewed by Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini.

Abdullah, who is also Finance Minister, said contractors from all classes would benefit from big and small infrastructure projects.

"There are tenders for the RM15 billion that we want to spend. Through tenders, all will have the opportunities to get contracts," he said.

Abdullah said implementation of projects would also stimulate the construction sector that had slowed down currently.

On the Ninth Malaysia Plan, he said it was the foundation to achieve Vision 2020.

He said: "My plan is towards Vision 2020. So, there must be approaches implemented from now till 2020. Meaning 9MP, 10MP, 11MP. What I've said is the core," he said.

To ensure all projects planned were implemented successfully, Abdullah gave an assurance he and Cabinet ministers would monitor every project.

"We have ministers, they have to implement the projects. If they cannot, we'll replace them with others. That is what I want. The policies and strategies have been determined," he said.

Abdullah said implementation of all development projects would take into consideration all groups of society irrespective of race.

"We want to eradicate hardcore poverty by 2010 at the latest, irrespective of race. That's definite. That policy has never change.

"But among the poor, many are Malays. So, when many are Malays, we give attention to them. It seems that's the only way," he said, explaining a perception as though the government only gave priority to developing the Malays.

He said as Prime Minister of the Barisan Nasional government comprising all all races in the country, he gave an assurance that no race would be sidelined from the country's mainstream development.

-- BERNAMA

Those who can read body language can tell us more....

...why I sense a lot of "lack of self-confidence" in that interview?

...why no facts were presented during the interview...just coffee shop talk?

...why i sense a lot of "anger" when family names were mentioned?

...why it sound more like a "self-promotion" ad rather than an interview?

I was hoping to get something like Lorraine Kahn vs TDM on Hardtalk...alas, we just cannot reach that standard anymore..(especially with so many "beruks" around)

Just in case there are some of us who may have missed the 8.30 PM interview. Here a link to it.

http://blog.mscholars.com/?p=216

Don't Accuse Without Proof Or Face Consequences, Says Abdullah

August 07, 2006 23:03 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants the people alleging that there are mismanagement in the government administration to come forward with evidence or face the consequences for the lie.

The Prime Minister said the allegations levelled at his administration had portrayed a picture as though he had cheated the people.

"This is slander, if they are sincere, write a letter, be brave because you are telling the truth. Tell us and we will take action. I want them to prove how, what information, where he got the information from. I want them. If they cannot produce (evidence), then they should face the consequences," he said.

Abdullah said this in an interview with Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini in a 40-minute programme "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" aired by TV3 Monday night.

Numerous accusations were made against the Government via the Internet, questioning Abdullah's credibility to lead the nation including by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The latest allegation was that the RM15 billion worth of projects announced under the Ninth Malaysia Plan was a drama as the contractors for projects have already been selected though tenders have not been given out.

Abdullah said besides him, those who made the allegations could also write it to the police, Anti-Corruption Agency or other agencies.

"I want them to explain how can they say such things because these are all lies. They want to insult the government, they want to insult me. How can this be," he said.

The Prime Minister said those who spread slanders actually have malicious intentions to belittle him and probably they have certain agenda.

On claims that he was slow in making decisions, Abdullah admitted that he needed time because every decision he makes would have an impact on the country and people.

"There are times I must be careful. One thing I realise since becoming prime minister is that whatever I do, be it good or bad, many people will feel the consequences.

"If it is bad, the consequences are serious. If it is good, thank God, but what worries me is that if it is wrong, becomes bad, many people will suffer and face hardship, this is what I fear," he said.

Asked on his attitude considered to be too soft, Abdullah said he preferred to be a respected leader than one who is feared by the people as opined by the famous political scientist Nicolo Machiavelli.

"I don't believe. As a Muslim, Machiavelli's approach should be practised. Cannot. We cannot legitimise anything to achieve what we want. I do not hold to this philosophy," he said.

According to him, adopting a soft or harsh attitude was not an important thing to be a leader but more importantly is to uphold the truth and justice.

"If what is done is the truth and fair, then there lies the firmness in the decision. There is no need to be "gung ho". I am used to make decisions and some among them are difficult for me. There is no need to show off. That's my style," he said.

Abdullah said he always monitored the running of the government including the actions by Cabinet ministers and reprimand them when necessary.

"I reprimand them during the Cabinet meeting, over the telephone. That's my way of reprimanding people, while in the car, I'll telephone them," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Maybe TDM shld present FACTS to AAB on KJ's ECm-Libra deal since AAB has NO FACTS on his table. Else what AAB said is true, no hard evidence. I also would like to know how can one man borrow few million RM. What collateral was given? Was it bcos of his connections or relationship with PM? SOmething is still not rite but i cant figure it out.

Also, why AAB no discipline his SIL who barged into an official summit lately? Maybe wind blew him there? But there was no wind. If he is squeaky clean SIL at least have some manners.

If Lorraine Hahn can have 10mins with AAB I am sure she will put him in a tight spot in a no holds barred interview. TDM has had his time with Lorraine. How abt u?

Mmm ... hardtalk on BBC, no?

"I want them to prove how, what information, where he got the information from."

Why is the "where from" relevant?

if AAB were to be interviewed by Lorraine...the title of the programme would have to be changed to "HARDLY TALK"

Khairy Jamaluddin said that despite answering allegations against him in Kelantan two days ago, some people were still not satisfied.

"They say: ‘If there is no wind, how can a tree sway’. It is difficult to answer, but sometimes, we can see tree branches moving without wind. Does it really happen or there’s a monkey shaking them."

Its not difficult to answer if you look at a broader angle....

On windless days, monkeys do shake trees if they notice or sense dangers around their surroundings. Don't believe me?. Go to the jungle and look for a peaceful tree with full of monkeys, they will sure shake the branches/tree as your present there is endangering their peace.

Got what I mean?. Don't undermine monkeys.

Monkeys are intelligent creatures everybody knows that. They are the closest specie to us. No monkeys reported killed in recent tsunamis.

Insulting monkeys (another creature of God) [ DELETED ]

Abdullah Keeps Silence To Avoid Discord With Dr M

August 07, 2006 21:12 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Monday night he kept silence from replying to allegations by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on several government decisions because he wanted to avoid misunderstanding with the former prime minister.

Instead, he said, it was better for the issues raised by Dr Mahathir be answered by the relevant ministers as they were more knowledgeable in their respective portfolios.

"I chose to keep silence because I do not want to quarrel with Tun in the newspapers. Tun himself had said in a statement he made, he felt hurt because he did not get the information he wanted. He hopes to be informed. If the PM does not speak, let the ministers speak."

Abdullah said this when interviewed by Bernama Chairman Datuk Mohd Annuar Zaini in the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired by TV3 tonight.

The prime minister said as the issues raised by Dr Mahathir had something to do with the government, it was appropriate for the relevant ministers to reply to all the questions raised.

"It is the people who want to know what is happening. This is what is being done and it is true the Cabinet ministers prefer if I don't talk," he said.

Abdullah said many supported his decision to keep silence to avoid confusion that might affect relations between him and Dr Mahathir.

"Many people feel if I don't talk is better. Many people told me not to talk, (it will) cause confusion. Don't. Allowing the ministers to answer is enough," he added.

-- BERNAMA

Videos on the Interview on TV3 as in earlier posting by savui.

http://blog.mscholars.com/podcast/pm1.wmv

http://blog.mscholars.com/podcast/pm2.wmv

Foreign Equity Boosts Confidence In Economy, Says PM

August 07, 2006 23:37 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has dismissed fears that acquisition of equity in local companies by foreign firms was a new form of colonisation, saying that it boosts confidence in the economy.

He said there was nothing wrong with such acquisitions as they enabled investments to be ploughed into prospective companies but warned against losing shareholding "control" to outsiders.

"Todate, we have not lost control of any of our companies to foreigners," he said in an interview over the "Bersemuka Bersama Perdana Menteri" programme aired over TV3 Monday night.

It was hosted by Bernama chairman Datuk Annuar Zaini.

"Firstly, I want to say what's wrong with foreign companies buying shares in our companies? It's good because this showed their confidence in our companies," Abdullah said.

"What's important in this is that we must protect our own interests, make sure that our 'control' is not taken over by others," he said.

He was asked on allegations that the purchase of interest in Malaysian companies by foreign companies was a new form of colonisation.

Abdullah, who is also the Finance Minister, expressed disappointment that such accusations were levelled, particularly against Singaporean investors despite other foreign investors also buying stakes in Malaysian companies.

"If Singapore wants to buy, let them buy. But many people get upset when Singapore is mentioned. I don't know why, ask them," he said.

On another note, Abdullah said Malaysia was now in a better financial position to spend for the Ninth Malaysia Plan since the government had taken steps to reduce the relatively huge budget deficit.

"We have the money which we are releasing. At the time when I took over, the deficit was very high and if allowed to increase, would have unfavourable effects, including the perception of me as Prime Minister and Finance Minister," he said.

"The deficit would have a negative impact on the economy. So at that time attention was given to issues related to the deficit. We have now succeeded in reducing the deficit. From year to year, the deficit has been reduced," he added.

On the 880 development projects worth RM15 billion announced under the Ninth Malaysia Plan recently, Abdullah said it would benefit all classes of contractors.

"Look at the list, there are major projects and small projects for various types of contractors, from Class A to Class F. This is not an announcement concentrating just on major projects," he said.

On concerns that his administration was not very supportive of the first national car, the Prime Minister said on the contrary, he would do whatever possible to help Proton.

"Proton has many vendors. If Proton is sick, many vendors will be affected. Proton will not fall or be taken over," he said.

The measures include improving the National Automotive Policy announced last March, Abdullah said.

"To me, this has not been a problem. Whatever is not right, we can correct it quickly," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Sorry, Mr Prime Minister. You are just not convincing at all about telling the truth. In the whole interview, all you gave was just surface explaination which a primary school educated person can also explained.

The same goes to Khairy. What sort of Oxford graduate is he?

yes jeff, Tun did say sum stuff on AAB during the talk in Tronoh :)
have it here..

yes jeff, Tun did say sum stuff on AAB during the talk in Tronoh :)
have it here..

yes jeff, Tun did say sum stuff on AAB during the talk in Tronoh :)
have it here..

What's coming through is that he's just reacting to the surface of the tide.

Badawi should see that if people make noise or cast complaints, it's as much because events and decisions have not been made convincingly transparent enough for the rakyat not to think it's dejavu, a repeat of his predecessor's ways.

His biggest task, and that should start with himself and his cabinet, is to be transparent as part and parcel of normal procedure. And in recognition of Nades' crusade, it must also include state and municipality, not just federal within the peripheries of Putrajaya.

He cannot blame the rakyat for making noise. After all, if they didn't and Scomi got the Penang monorail project, would he then have to cancel it?

And has he considered the true fallout on his administration from his sil getting a loan from a company to buy shares in the same company whose value was multiplied by an acquisition approved by one of his portfolios?

Furthermore, one cannot take comfort that he's fully aware his administration has only been seen from day one to be partial to one community. Granted there are many who are poor in that community, for which all reasonable steps must be taken to lift them up and ameliorate their situation, but he should ask himself whether any of his party chiefs or cabinet members of the same party have done, and seen to have done, equal measure for the poor and deserving of the other communities? It's just sententious platitude to say give-and-take and no one to be left behind. In actual practice, it's far from that. Unless facts and figures come from his will of force, no one will conclude that it's not still a zero sum game.

Lastly, he should rise above the boxed way of thinking that the old measures are all that's needed to take this nation to the next level, for going out of plane is what's really needed to get that thrust to achieve 2020.

If we continue to do things and make formulas in the same past ways, we'll continue to get the same results. From my era, there's an old song; limbo rock, one recalls. We're in limbo, but it ain't rockin'.

He and everyone else reads this blog, we know as much. And that should be recognized enough for them to pay attention to what's written by the many nameless, faceless rakyat within this virual space.

Incredible, isn't it? Reality in virtuality. His spinmeisters, strategists and planners should just hunker down with him, break out of the bunker mentality, and soberly consider without fear or prejudice, what has been written by so many in blogs such as this. Not from a trite fixed path way of reacting, but with truly open and self-questioning minds that will aerate the room, and see how big the world is out there, and how small has been the level of thinking and reactions which have peppered the governance of this nation for so many years.

Since we're outa time, do it before breakfast today.

I was really put off with the i"interview" when he said "we managed to reduce deficit" and then corrected himself to say "I managed to reduced deficit" I [ DELETED ] will not behave that way, by taking credits all for himself.

In my eyes, the "interview" put him in more bad light.

I was really put off with the i"interview" when he said "we managed to reduce deficit" and then corrected himself to say "I managed to reduced deficit". A true [ DELETED ] will not behave that way, by taking credits all for himself.

In my eyes, the "interview" put him in more bad light.