NIK AZIZ: Mahathir to attack UMNO from within

Suddenly it seems that everyone is caught by the political move of Dr Mahathir.


It seems that Dr Mahathir's latest strategy against his successor Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is to make a return to UMNO and back leaders to take on and topple Abdullah as party president and prime minister.

PAS spiritual leader Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said it would be better for Dr Mahathir “to attack UMNO from within”.

“I’m excited as this will weaken UMNO. I don’t understand it when he left UMNO to attack Pak Lah (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi). I don’t see the logic of attacking UMNO from the outside... now he can confront the party from within,” he said.



Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat said Pakatan Rakyat will benefit should Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad rejoin UMNO as there will be “chaos in within Umno.” “It will be exciting to see him creating chaos,” he told reporters at his office here.

"I'm excited as this will weaken UMNO. I don't understand it when he left Umno to attack Pak Lah (Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi). I don't see the logic of attacking UMNO from the outside... now he can confront the party from within," he said.

Police warns, stop making statements that will incite racial hatred

The professionalism, expertise and integrity of the polis force are well respected. As the body responsible for maintaining internal security and public order, polis carry out its duties in a professional manner and always comply with the constitution and abide by the law of the country.

In the highly sensitive political racist sentiment issues, polis once again commit to acts with the independence necessary to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing without fear or favor. The professionalism consistently had shown the enhancing in maintaining internal security and public order.

In the strongest manner yet, police yesterday warned all political parties, the public and the media not to make or post any statements on racial issues.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said the issue was getting out of hand and threatening national security.

"We are warning everyone, irrespective of who you are, that all statements on racial sentiments must cease immediately or police will take action.

"This includes the press, whether it is the print, broadcast or electronic media. There have been too many statements on racial issues by various parties, which have been nothing but lies and deceit.

"These statements are in turn exploited by other irresponsible parties through text messages, multimedia messaging and various blogs on the Internet," he said.

Ismail said police would not hesitate to use the powers at their disposal against irresponsible parties.

"These statements on racial issues and sentiments are a threat to public order and national security. It is time to nip the problem in the bud before it boils over."

He assured the public that police were investigating the case against Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who was suspended for three years from the party yesterday, adding that it would be wrapped up as soon as possible.

MPs enjoying Ramadan in Taiwan caused Sept 16 target failed

As expected, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s targeted date of Sept 16 to takeover Government did not happen on Sept 16 due to the said defector MPs are currently ‘enjoying Ramadan’ in Taiwan.

He said he had information that the MPs, who went on the Taiwan trip, were not allowed to return before Sept 16 in order to thwart the Pakatan takeover. The Pakatan Rakyat leader had initially proclaimed that his takeover would happen on Sept 16.

“We definitely have sufficient numbers (of MPs) but we would have to wait first as they are currently ‘enjoying Ramadan’ in Taiwan,” said Anwar sarcastically.

“After discussing with PAS and DAP, the date can be postponed even though our target was Sept 16 previously. He added that detailed discussions would be held with Pakatan component parties PKR, PAS and DAP to study any possible consequences.

The meeting on Pakatan’s preparations for Sept 16 will be held tomorrow evening or the following day as he had to follow court proceedings before that.

UMNO suspends Ahmad 3 years

The UMNO Supreme Council this afternoon suspended its Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail from holding any post in the party for three years effective immediately over his racial statements.

The decision to suspend him was made after nearly a three-hour meeting chaired by party president, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the party headquarters today. As a result of the suspension, Ahmad will be stripped of all party posts and voting rights, however, he will remain an ordinary member.

"The Supreme Council was of the view that Ahmad’s statements and action which had created unease, anger and objections from among BN component parties were serious and decided to suspend his rights in the party for three years according to Article 20.9 of the party constitution."

Abdullah told a press conference after the meeting that the Cabinet at its meeting Wednesday also discussed racial relations in the country.

The Cabinet feels that racial tension may arise if sensitive issues are raised. The Cabinet has ordered ministries with laws pertaining to this to enforce them.

“If it is necessary, the ISA may be used on those who stoke racial tension,” he added.

Abdullah also told Barisan Nasional component parties to be firm and take disciplinary action on their members, who also made statements that, stoked racial sentiments.