Azmin Ali insists PKR is not a Malay party

I agree with PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali’s (pic) rejection of secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution’s purported claim that PKR is a Malay-dominated party. 

The former asserted that PKR is a party for all Malaysians; that the party’s principle was to ensure that the party’s struggle could nurture a new political culture in the country, regardless of race and religion. 

As Azmin explained: “It’s true that at the early stage, it was not easy to introduce a multiracial party culture... But after almost 15 years, we are able to prove that the country’s new generation could accept the reality that racial politics should be rejected and that multiracial politics should flourish”. 

Party elections are approaching. Azmin will be contesting against Selangor MB Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the head of Hulu Selangor division, K Ramachandran for the deputy presidency. 

On Saturday, bottom-of-the-table Sunderland claimed a spectacular 2-1 win over Chelsea – and it was Jose Mourinho's first home Premier League defeat in 78 games over 2 spells as Chelsea manager. The Black Cats had possibly irreparably damaged the Blues’ EPL title ambition. 

And even better news was to follow the next day. Liverpool open up a five-point lead at the top of the summit after a hard-fought 3-2 win at Norwich.

Raheem Sterling arrowed in a long-range shot to put the Reds ahead in the fourth minute. Luis Suarez guided in a second in the eleventh minute only for Gary Hooper to slot in for Norwich after keeper Simon Mignolet's error (54). Sterling scored with a deflected shot (62) before a Robert Snodgrass header (77) gave the Canaries hope but the Reds held on to secure their 11th straight win. 

Liverpool have now confirmed their place in next season's Champions League, ahead of next Sunday's home game against Chelsea, a visit to Crystal Palace and a meeting with Newcastle at Anfield. 

Yesterday, in a Scottish Premiership match, Celtic drew 3-3 with Motherwell. Two weeks earlier, Celtic beat Dundee United 2-0. The outcomes did not change anything since Celtic are already the Scottish champions.

Karpal Singh's Funeral Given State Honors

Image credit: http://news.mylaunchpad.com.my/news/local/article/articleid/499831/en/photo-gallery-2-goodbye-to-karpal-singh 

The hearse bearing Karpal Singh’s casket leaves his house for the Dewan Sri Pinang for the public to pay their last respects, April 20,2014. Picture by KE Ooi 

Image credit: http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/20/karpal-singh-funeral/

A woman reacts as she tries to enter the Dewan Sri Penang to pay her respects to the late Karpal Singh today. The Malaysian Insider photo by Najjua Zulkefli, April 20, 2014.

Image credit:  http://3.vsr.vz.tl/assets/images/cached/pH6MChS-360.jpg

 

 

 

   

A mammoth crowd is seen as Karpal Singh's funeral cortege inches along Farquhar Street, Georgetown, April 20, 2014. Picture by KE Ooi. 

The state flag was flown at half-mast. And Karpal Singh's funeral in Penang today was accorded state honors. 

The overflowing streets of Georgetown roared with the voices of thousands calling out the name of their state’s beloved son – Karpal Singh. 

It was here that Karpal had studied, set up his legal practice, fought epic courtroom battles and debated the law. The funeral procession made its way around city streets, making stops at places dear to Karpal – the Penang High Court, his legal firm in Green Hall, the Penang state assembly building, his alma mater St Xavier’s Institution (SXI) and state DAP party headquarters in Rangoon Road – before proceeding to the Batu Gantung crematorium for the final rites. 

Even here, thousands bade an emotional final farewell to the ‘Tiger of Jelutiong’. Karpal's ashes will be scattered into the sea later this week. The precise time and location is not known yet. 

This morning, three separate official tributes were given to the former DAP national chairperson – one by the Penang state government, one by his party and one more by Pakatan Rakyat leaders led by Anwar Ibrahim. 

Lim Guan Eng, Penang chief minister in his eulogy fittingly said: “...His departure will leave an immense void not only in his family's lives, but also in all Malaysians whose lives have been inspired by his principled cause. 

To saudara Karpal’s family, we share your grief in this time of bereavement with deepest sympathies and condolences. Thomas Jefferson said that when the government fears the people, there is liberty; when the people fear the government, there is tyranny. Throughout his life, Karpal showed us how not to fear the government“. 

Rest in Peace, Karpal Singh. 

Postscript: And in indecent haste, BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Mansor can’t wait to announce that the MCA will field a candidate for the now vacant Bukit Gelugor seat in Penang. Disrespectful BN.

Langkawi Worm Insults Karpal Singh Again

  

A screen capture of Langkawi MP Nawawi Ahmad's exchange with Facebook user Shamsul Kamal Ariffin Mohd Nasir. Image credit: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/langkawi-mp-unrepentant-continues-insults-on-late-karpal-says-facebook-user 

The Langkawi worm that goes by the name Nawawi Ahmad (left) again speared the late Karpal Singh with another vicious insult. This time the latter was compared to a hostile figure in Islamic history. 

Facebook user Shamsul Kamal Ariffin Mohd Nasir told The Malaysian Insider that Nawawi, during a private Facebook exchange, had referred Karpal to Abu Jahal, considered in Islamic history as the most violent figure who fought against Prophet Muhammad in Mecca. 

"I commented on his Facebook page today to reprimand his uncivilised act which has shamed Muslims. An argument ensued between us after he sent a private message on my social page," said the corporate trainer. 

Shamsul said he was shocked to discover Nawawi defending his comparison of Karpal to Abu Jahal after the latter had apologized for his earlier posting which was roundly criticized. 

Nawawi is scuz, slime, shit. A stinking UMNO maggot.

The Economist has described Karpal Singh as a "rarity in the venomous world of Malaysian politics" for commanding respect from both his peers as well as his opponents.

In an obituary titled “Burning Bright”, the international politics and business weekly said condolences to Karpal's family have poured in from across the political spectrum, including from Prime Minister Najib Razak who had described the man popularly known as the Tiger of Jelutong as a "formidable opponent".

"Mr Karpal’s popularity was due to more than his tigerish courage and tenacity. His dignity, modesty, humour and courtesy, all played their parts. 

However, the weekly noted that the outpouring of sympathies and friendship was as rare as the man receiving it.

"It was also a reminder that, though his death has been received with respect and regret (some nasty political jibes notwithstanding), that is not how Malaysia's opposition politicians are treated when alive.”

Allah Killed Karpal Singh, says Zulkifli Noordin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image credit: http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/260261

 

Last morning too, Zulkifli Noordin, who is no stranger to putting his foot in his mouth, tweeted: "At a time when the PAS Kelantan government wants to implement hudud with the help of UMNO, Allah made Karpal die because he was its foremost opponent!"

 

He was clearly rejoicing. "May the struggle to implement hudud in Kelantan succeed. Thank God for the unity between PAS and UMNO, and with Karpal no longer around, I believe the path is becoming clearer!"

 

Zulkifli's sentiments appeared to be echoed by some Internet users, who circulated pictures alleged to be of Karpal's bleeding remains from the accident yesterday. The pictures were included in a collage together with a 1990 Utusan Malaysia clipping with the headline attributed to Karpal: “To form an Islamic country, over my dead body first”.

 

Also part of the collage circulating on WhatsApp is a verse from the Quran that reads, “And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion".

 

Zulkifli is sleaze, smut, scum. Malaysians should remember that Najib Razak hand-picked this slimeball as well as that other worm from Langkawi – please refer to my earlier post today – as part of his "1Malaysia" team.

 

Last afternoon, I was at Jalan SS13/5 in Subang Jaya to attend the Apex Toastmasters meeting. I was the General Evaluator. Although there were only a handful of us, it was still a good meeting because the speeches were superb and the evaluations were splendid. Anyway, the meeting started five minutes late – and so I would only give it a score of 4.5 over 10.

 

Even in Death, UMNO MP Insults Karpal Singh

As Malaysia mourns the passing of a great politician, one member from the loony party of lowlifes (I am trying very hard to be extremely polite!), Langkawi MP, UMNO's Nawawi Ahmad decided to insult the late Karpal Singh by posting a picture of the veteran politician's blood-smeared face as he lay in his Toyota Alphard following a tragic accident yesterday.

Along with the Facebook picture was a press cutting on Karpal expressing his opposition to the implementation of hudud laws in the country. And Nawawi also posted a comment which read: "Siapa nak sambut cabaran karpal singh? Sila bagi nama he he" (Who wants to challenge Karpal Singh? Please submit your name, hehe.)

The cur wrote this in reference to the newspaper article which quoted Karpal as saying: "Mahu wujudkan negara Islam langkah mayat kami dulu – Karpal Singh" (The creation of an Islamic state will only be over my dead body – Karpal Singh).

I would have liked to insult Nawawi, but with his intelligence he wouldn't even get a bit offended!

Former Perlis mufti Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin in an immediate reaction called on all to show respect for the dead icon, in line with upholding the good values of Islam.

"This is the epitome of good character and morals which makes Islam respected”.

Mohd Asri, in a statement to The Malaysian Insider said: “Absence of these attributes will only create misgivings against Islam and make people hate followers of the religion".

An idiot is an idiot is an idiot. And Nawawi fits the bill, alright.

At the AFC Toastmasters meeting in KL's Bukit Jalil on Wednesday, I presented my CC#1 speech titled “Charlie and I” – and this was my twenty-fourth time I did my Ice breaker speech. Charlie here refers to Charlie Chaplin (left) and I used him as a reference point because we both share the same birthday! April 16! This time around, my evaluator was Grace Tan.

I even received a Certificate of Achievement for this effort!

Notwithstanding the multiple times I have done CC speeches, I am always still nervy before I speak – more so, when my speeches are done impromptu. Still, I aced this speech and I am thankful that I found Toastmasters because I now speak with confidence and conviction. Toastmastering has transformed me to be a better speaker.

I would score this meeting a 7.5 over 10.
 

The Tiger of Jelutong (1940-2014)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family members at the Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh, Perak. The Malaysian Insider photo by Afif Abd Halim, April 17, 2014
 

DAP’s Karpal Singh (left) died in an accident when the MPV he was travelling in collided with a five-tonne Mitsubishi Canter lorry at KM306.1 of the North-South Expressway, near the Gua Tempurung stretch at between 1-1.15 AM today. Also killed in the accident was his assistant Michael Cornelius. Karpal was believed to be travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Penang.

 

The death of Karpal comes as a shock to Malaysians who have lionised the "Tiger of Jelutong", a moniker he earned as MP for the area from 1978 to 1999, as a champion of democracy. He was well known as a fiery orator who never backed down both in the courtroom and in Parliament and has even been detained under preventive laws through the course of his political career.

 

An accident in 2005 left Karpal confined to a wheelchair, but this did not stop him from battling for justice in the courts and in Parliament.

 

Karpal Singh was a towering Malaysian, willing to slay any Smaug if only to defend the oppressed, the under-privileged and the down-trodden. I agree with Karpal's comrade-in-arms Lim Kit Siang when he said that the best way to honor his memory is to continue with his fight for “justice, rule of law and democracy”.