Egyptian Military leader Tantawi faces Mubarak's Fate - Protests continue

Some Revolutions once ignited, take on a momentum, a life of its own, and no one knows where the roller coaster on the slippery trackless path will lead to.

Protestors escalate tension and violence demanding that Tantawi whom they view as another Mubarak, will not have the patience for gradual change. It's a gamble they are willing to risk. What about the majority of the Egyptians?

Minority interests will be thrown out of the window in mob and rapid democratic changes. The Islamic Brotherhood is the front runner. Fear that attacks on Christian community which began in the last days of Mubarak's rule would worsen.

The future is bleaker than the past glories.

Quote :

Activists have also been infuriated by newspaper photos of Tantawi opening roads and other projects, images that bear a striking resemblance to events attended by Mubarak.

But what angered many Egyptians most was his testimony in the trial of Mubarak over the killing protesters early in the year. His remarks were given behind closed doors, but Tantawi later confirmed lawyers' accounts, saying Mubarak did not order the army to open fire.

'The Egyptian public was certain that Mubarak had given orders to fire at protesters,' Zayaat said. For Tantawi to give a testimony that says the opposite ultimately shakes the people's trust in him.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2065194/Tantawi-Mubarak-Protesters-target-Egypts-military-leader-chants-graffiti-things-personal-fifth-day-clashes.html#ixzz1eZLPQkhB

Turnout in Tahrir Square was less than the million people that organisers had hoped for, but it was still a massive display of popular will on a scale that was also the hallmark of the uprising in January that ousted Mubarak. Hours before the rally was due to begin makeshift hospitals around the site were struggling to cope with the injured. Medical sources said 500 people were injured in two hours alone – one every five seconds, Al-Ahram Online reported.

"The armed forces, represented by their supreme council, do not aspire to govern and put the supreme interest of the country above all considerations," Tantawi declared.

The military did not "care about who will win" and "it's up to the people to decide who will rule," he said. The army was "completely ready to hand over responsibility immediately", and to return to its original mission to protect the country if the country wanted that, via a popular referendum if need be.

"Some tried to drag us into confrontation," he said. "But we will control ourselves to the maximum. We will never kill a single Egyptian."

As his broadcast ended, chants of "go, go, the people demand the overthrow of the regime," erupted from the crowd in Tahrir Square. Tantawi, like Mubarak in February, appeared to be far behind popular demands.

Not all reaction was negative. The Muslim Brotherhood, likely to emerge as frontrunner in the parliamentary elections, and anxious they take place on schedule, appeared to indicate that it was satisfied with the amended timetable.

But there was a powerful sense that popular pressure had forced the pace.

The pace of events caught western governments on the hop, unsure whether to go beyond demands for an end to the violence, to call for the imminent elections to be postponed, or, more ambitiously, for the Scaf to surrender power.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/nov/22/egypt-protesters-tahrir-square-tantawi

The much admired and supported "people power" and democracy turn ugly :

These are not images of peaceful demonstrations and protests.

They defy authority and challenge the police and military to take drastic actions.

Tunisia Hamadi Jebeli - Caliphate statement dashed hopes for secular democracy and raised fears of Islamisation

Tunisia which sparked the Arab Spring domino has raised concern. It is common sense that in a power vacuum, two things can happen, either chaos or a well organised group, such as powerful religious setup will take over, or both if no consensus for national reconciliation can be arrived at.

With Tunisia and many Arab countries where dictatorships or authoritarianian governments fall, the absence of strong personality, institutions and worldly wise educated middle class make them extremely vulnerable.

Was this the democracy that Tunisians protestors and external supporters had envisaged?

The moderate Islamic party is not what is claimed and believed to be.

Tunisia's Islamists elects hails arrival of sixth Caliphate

Quote :

The Islamist politician likely to become Tunisia's first democratically elected prime minister has alarmed liberals and secularists by claiming the arrival of the "sixth caliphate", a controversial term for a Muslim empire.

Hamadi Jebeli, secretary-general of Ennahda, the moderate Islamist party which romped to victory in last month's elections, told a rally in the city of Sousse: "My brothers, you are at a historic moment in a new cycle of civilisation, God willing. We are in sixth caliphate, God willing."

Party officials, who have spent months insisting they wanted to pursue secular democratic politics rather than an international Islamist agenda, were forced on the defensive after his comments were posted on the internet.

But they may have scuppered the party's hopes of forging a broad-based coalition. The left-of-centre secular Ettakatol, which came third in the vote, suspended talks with Ennahda over forming a government.

"We thought we were going to build a second republic with our partner – not a sixth caliphate," Khemais Ksila, a senior member, said.

Ennahda's other prospective coalition partner, the likewise centre-left and secular Congress for the Republic, did not follow Ettakatol's lead, perhaps soothed by a deal making its leader Moncef Marzouki interim president.

The term "caliphate" refers to a governance system based on sharia law as formerly used by successive Islamic empires. It is a sensitive term in Arab politics due to its modern associations with extremist groups like al-Qaeda and especially in Tunisia where it is promoted by the radical Salafi movement, Hizb-ut-Tahrir.

Mr Jebeli's opponents are now planning a large demonstration to coincide with the opening of the new assembly.

Australian watchdog Chief exempted from merit based public service appointment accused by US government of corporate misconduct

Australia which boasts of a clean public service and has more red tape and safeguards unmatched by any western countries other than the UK is least expected to fall into picking the wrong man for the job. But it did.

ASIC top man did not tell of lawsuits

"The federal cabinet was unaware of two US lawsuits that arose at corporate watchdog chairman Greg Medcraft's former employer before he was hand-picked for the $700,000-a-year top job.

The Treasury also confirmed it had not advertised Mr Medcraft's position and had advised ASIC to appoint him as chairman.

An ASIC spokesman said Mr Medcraft could not disclose the specifics of the case, citing confidentiality. "

While majority of public service aspirants compete for well paid jobs with stringent selection criteria, the top positions are not subject to the same rigorous exercise and due diligence?

http://www.smh.com.au/national/asic-chief-exempt-from-job-policy-20111111-1nbs2.html

To whom is the government recruiter accountable to?

Can this be hushed up and forgotten because of confidentiality and national interests?

How different is this from revolving doors and lobbying in the USA and networking or "guan xi" (a euphemism for cronyism) in China and many developing nations? It is not just another $200,000 job but a whopping $700,000 of taxpayers' money!

Yingluck Shinawatra wins landmark election to become Thailand's first female prime minister

The most popular party deserves to win!

Yingluck Shinawatra's Puea Thai won an estimated 264 seats in the 500-seat parliament. A simple majority is considered a clear mandate. With most voters coming from the populous and poorer regions and provinces, charisma and handouts seem to appeal to the people more than intellect and policy issues. Hence it was not surprising that historically, elections were won by parties that campaigned on populist policies that endeared to the poor masses and working class.

Nevertheless, Yingluck needs to muster the support of other sympathetic parties to push for certain crucial and controversial policies. The days ahead will see horsetrading to piece together a multi-party coalition government as has happened in the past Thai parliaments and cabinets.

http://www.pattayadailynews.com/en/2011/07/05/yingluck-won-whats-next-for-thailand/

Yingluck will be first female prime minister in patrichial Thailand. Hopefully, Thailand will have better luck this time.

Deep divisions surfaced on the eve of Thaksin's ouster five years ago and persisted to date. Incessant fareup of protests and government crackdown which culminated in violence have put the economy on a standstill. Foreign investors and tourists have stayed away, exacerbating the already slow recovery from GFC and domestic woes.

Outgoing PM Abhisit has been given all the opportunities and support from the military, monarchy and key power brokers. Instead of leading the country out of the economic doldrums, Abhisit has been diverting attention to foreign policy issues, such as whipping up nationalist sentiments by reigniting disputes with neighbouring countries. Hence, the saying that Democrat Party has always performed better in the opposition criticising government policies than being in government itself, holds true.

Yingluck, a businesswoman and political novice, has to placate critics that she would pave the way for the return of her controversial brother Thaksin, grant an amnesty and recover frozen assets.

Alas, Yingluck does not have the stature as her brother Thaksin. Even if she tries to be more assertive, the various power centres will frown upon attempts to encroach into their territory of wealth and influence, the main cause of Thaksin's downfall.

Quote : Supporters say Thaksin revolutionized Thai politics with pro-business reforms and populist policies aimed at eradicating poverty. Critics accuse him of authoritarianism, crony capitalism and undermining Thailand's revered monarchy.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/05/us-thailand-election-idUSTRE76013T20110705

Yingluck would be careful not to push her luck too far or suffer the same fate as her brother. It may be prudent for her to bide for time and build up her credentials. As the Asian saying goes, vengeance calls for patience.

Thai political scene is likely to continue with its hallmark volatility as different vested interests jockey for power at every opportunity. A democratic system with disparate players and parties may no longer enjoy the effectual bedrock of constitutional monarchy when the frail King Bhumipol dies.

General Liu Yuan : calling Chinese consciousness isn't war mongering

General Liu Yuan, an alleged war monger, is the latest front page sensation. As usual western media whipped up a storm over the slightest hint of China's nationalist assertiveness. While I am no China expert, I understand where General Liu is coming from if you have read Chinese history. From the little that I have gathered from more balance and objective sources on the internet, here's the real story.

The origins of a militarist China apparently came from preface Liu Yuan wrote for the launch of a controversial compilation of social and political articles compiled in a book edited Liu's friend Zhang Musheng published more than 3 years ago. The book has been languishing in cold storage as this sort of debates are unpopular among Chinese people who are more interested in pursuing means to improve their material well-being such as giving their children a good education and buying the next electrical appliance for the house if they already own one.

Surprisingly, the audience is meant to be the Chinese people but it caught the attention of the rest of the world. Liu admonished Chinese leaders and people not to forget the past in order to move forward to a better future. He cautioned : do not imitate other models for it could become toxic if unsuited to Chinese needs and conditions.

How many Chinese have lost their lives during the Long March and World War II and earlier in the thousand of years of documented history?

The disgrace China endured, playing meek when it was militarily and economically weak, giving up its territory and resources in the face of foreign aggression and plunder, and yet unable to defend itself. Stop bullying on the playground.

Liu's reference to history must be read as a non-interventionist and non-hegomonistic posture. China's military buildup, like the Great Wall, is for defence, protect its resources supply lines and trade routes.

More importantly, Liu hoped that the younger generation could learn socialist doctrines of egalitarianism pertinent to China's context. Capitalism is a useful vehicle of growth but copying wholesale from the west may not serve China well. It has caused more pollution of the air and the minds. Liu rejected the western democratic model as unsuitable and sought an indigenous new democracy. Liu's background gives him more credibility to speak frankly against leaders who care more about enriching themselves than the people's welfare.

I suspect Liu might have tried to rehabilitate and glorify his father's place in history. The late Liu Shaoqi who promoted democratic socialist model to growth and distribute wealth among the Chinese. But that was not the thrust of his short commentary to help his friend to sell his book and ideas.

Lee Hsien Loong's cabinet lineup : retirements and promotions mark Singapore spring cleaning time

Some liberals have applauded the retirement of Singapore statesman MM Lee Kuan Yew and SM Goh Chok Tong (former PM). Sorry to disappoint, but they will continue to play their mentoring roles not limited to the parliament but two of the most important financial investment and regulatory bodies in the country – GIC and MAS. It would be more circumspect to view this as an acceptable compromise.

More deserving of national celebration is perhaps the “retirement” of not-so-old DPM Wong Kan Seng (of the infamous Mas Selamat escape), Mah Bow Tan (expensive public housing tag) and Raymond Lim (public transport inefficiencies and costs notoriety). All of which the populace seem to have made loud and clear in recent years but seem to have fallen to deaf ears to the cabinet until recently.

PM Lee Hsien Loong can probably sleep soundly for a while as three unpopular Ministers no longer drag down the party. He has a credible mandate to govern, a strong endorsement from the people as his constituency (Ang Mo Kio GRC) garnered 69.33% of the votes cast in 2011 GE (up from 66.14% in the last elections). Despite the “worst” results since the PAP came to power, PAP did win over 60 per cent of the total popular votes which is considered good by most world standards of developed countries. LHL's "apology" at a public rally during intense campaigning must have helped to sustain, if not, stem the tide of unhappiness in the countdown.

On the borderline is “foot in the mouth” Vivian Balakrishnan who had antagonized the intelligence and sensitivities of the educated and fringe groups. However, since he is popular with some of the young and female voters, he still serves a useful role in the PAP. He would probably do less damage as Environment Minister than his former Community and Youth portfolio.

Newbie Chan Chun Sing is Acting Minister of the office vacated by VB. Given the criticisms of his people skills, the people will be watching him closely. Like the other four new appointees to the cabinet, they have to learn the ropes quickly. The PAP is banking on the belief that freshly minted and renewed leadership who would presumably adopt a more consultative is what would please the younger generation of voters.

But that is if, and only if, they can deliver sterling performance. Certainly unhappiness with the rising costs of living, Ministers' high salaries, lax immigration policies, healthcare and other social issues, must be addressed.

And if it's not too early for the opposition to heave a sigh of relief, there are probably no defamation suits which has suffered serious backlash when it has been utilised excessively to silence the Opposition.

Spring is in the air. Singapore’s unique democratic model that balances the best of both worlds is still evolving.

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MPs sworn in at Istana. A relaxed and semi-retired Lee Kuan Yew with newly elected opposition Workers' Party parliamentarians.

Related blog post :

http://readworldevents.blogspot.com/2011/05/lee-kuan-yews-best-legacy-for-singapore.html

Shame on Malaysian Prime Minister Najib and UMNO crooks

"Instead of becoming the prime minister for all Malaysians, Najib chose to safeguard his own position first at the expense of the minorities."

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/05/16/shame-on-you-najib/

Too bad if you are a non-Malay and non-Muslim in Malaysia. (Chinese, Christians, Indians, Eurasians, Buddhists, Hindus and other minority ethnic and religious groups) There is no place for them in the sun. Only threats and discrimination rule the day and night. Most are too afraid to speak up, if they do, they fear for their lives or reprisals if support for the government is not forthcoming.

For those with short memories, here's a refresher that PM Najib has been linked to the brutal and mysterious death by detonation of his Mongolian model friend Altantuya, who's also an arms broker and lover of Najib's aide.

http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/newscommentaries/40515-wikileaks-releases-cables-on-najib-and-altantuya

http://malaysia-today.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28444:cops-have-photo-of-najib-with-altantuya&catid=19:newscommentaries&Itemid=100131

http://www.asiaone.com/News/the%2BStraits%2BTimes/Story/A1Story20080705-74796.html

It should also be reminded that Najib is the son of Tun Razak who headed the National Operations Council with all the powers under Emergency Regulations were vested in him. A book by academic Kua Kia Song cited declassified documents which shedded light that the authorities abetted militia, and were culpable for higher casualties among the Chinese.

http://www.littlespeck.com/ThePast/CPast-My-kiasoong-070517.htm

http://www.asiawind.com/forums/read.php?f=4&i=4926&t=4926

Razak belonged to the same group of young Turks had hijacked the New Economic Policy to redistribute wealth from economic growth into a blatant discriminatory policy This paved the way for the return and subsequent rise of Dr Mahathir to PM. Years of NEP that favoured the plundering UMNO elite and cronies has rendered a class forever on crutches and asking for more handouts and preferential treatment.

Sadly, excluded from the NEP are the poor rural Malays who lived by moderate Islam and do not subscribe to the corrupt and extremist ways of UMNO. They are the ones who should be helped. But many are too weak, helpless and cowed by the powerful, that they shun taking a clear, united and objective stand for Malaysians.

Malaysian government rots and destroys, and gets away by putting the blame on the victims. Najib has failed to rein in on his followers who oppressive the people as they wish. He has failed in his duty as PM. Malaysians are ashamed of having Najib as PM. But the overarching fear is hanging heavily above their heads.

MP Nurul Izzah Anwar fearful of daughter's kidnap threat : contending UMNO Malay is no fair play

MP Nurul Izzah Anwar (daughter of Anwar Ibrahim) has received threats that her three year old daughter would be kidnapped via SMS.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/opinion/article/the-get-anwar-agenda/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKhBbRdu-FY

However, no one in the government is taking it seriously although most Malaysians believe that the ruling UMNO Malay government is behind all the gutter politics. In the last two decades, UMNO tactics are no longer confined to mudlslinging, incriminating innocent, but have expanded to jail, violence and assassinations. Instead of dispelling suspicions by getting the police to investigate, the government is in denial mode. Prime Minister Najib and his wife are non-chalant. They did not think it was necessary to protect the kid of their political rival.

There are indications that the corrupt UMNO that rules on racial discrimination and intimidation may not secure a strong enough mandate to form a government. Coercion and threats of violence and bloodshed should UMNO loses and unleashes its militia and thugs beholden to their cronies have visibly escalated in the runup to next year's general elections.

UMNO obviously sees Nurrul as a threat to its power. That she is the daughter of Anwar Ibrahim and a charismatic leader who is able to work with other opposition parties of different races and religions, makes her a formidable contender. Being an opposition politician in Malaysia is a dangerous venture, an understatement. Moreover, Nurrul, or any non-UMNO politician for that matter, who is hugely popular are targeted for elimination. Even an innocent child's life will not be spared.

Mind you : Malaysia is not a modern Islamic democratic state.

Former DPM Anwar Ibrahim (who has been repeatedly framed by successive UMNO government) and his daughter MP Nurrul Izzah.

Nicole Seah - a gracious loser, a potential leader

Keep it up, Nicole Seah. You have the makings of a future leader.

Letter :

My friends, my fellow Singaporeans,

We may have lost an election but tonight we have rediscovered something so much more valuable - the pride of being Singaporeans. My fellow party members and I began all of this because we felt that we needed to speak up not just for you, but also ourselves.

The competition has been robust; sides were taken and things were said. But now that the contest is over, we must come together as one country and work to build that future we want.

When we choose our leaders, we ask of them not just their industry but also their judgment. We may not always agree with our government, but it is our responsibility to engage them in intelligent debate so that policies made in our name serve the common good.

Tonight our hearts are with Mr Low Thia Kiang and the Workers' Party. They have made political history in Singapore and they have made us proud. For the next 5 years, we will depend on them to be our voices in Parliament. We are comforted that we will be well represented.

The great joy we feel at the election of the Workers' Party is matched only by our profound sadness at the exit tonight of two great men from the political scene.

We want to pay tribute to Mr George Yeo, the outgoing Foreign Minister. Not since the tenure of the late Mr S Rajaratnam has anyone defined our foreign policy like Mr Yeo. A soldier, a scholar, a statesman. And to top it all off, a perfect gentleman. We hope that he will consider a run for the Presidency later this year. We believe he will be another peoples' President and we cannot think of a better person to continue representing us to the world.

We also want to express our gratitude to Mr Chiam See Tiong who together with the late J B Jeyaretnam fought for ordinary Singaporeans at a time when it was much tougher for opposition politicians. Mr Chiam, all Singaporeans owe you a debt of gratitude and we salute you. We will carry on the work you began.

And so my friends, in closing I just want to remind all of you that while the votes have been cast and tallied, the work has just begun.

We know the kind of Singapore we want - we have been talking about it for months now. The time for talk is over; lets get it done.

Sincerely, Nicole Seah NSP Candidate for Marine Parade GRCGE 2011

Lee Kuan Yew's Best Legacy for Singapore

With international media attention focus on the tiny red dot, it is difficult not to reflect on the past and how it affects the future.

The 2011 general elections in Singapore is said to be the most exciting in half a century for watchers and participants. Other than the early years when the PAP struggled to form a government from a small opposition to an equal power sharing in parliament with alleged communists, the ruling PAP now faces the toughest challenge ever.

Fret not, Lee Kuan Yew, He has earned credit for developing a regional trading post into an international icon for commerce, finance, biotechnology, education and more.

eyond the impressive economic indicators, the test of a country's developmental success is in national cohesion, diversity, community spirit and a common love for the country.

Ironically, despite the concerns and uncertainties surrounding 2011 General Elections, the ground sentiments is testimony that the nation has come of age.

Lee Kuan Yew's team was returned unopposed on nomination day. He will have to mentor the first time MPS in the Tanjong Pagar GRC in a tougher environment that is more critical of the popularity, not just capability, of parliamentarians.

Apart from the hotly contested Aljunied GRC, the PAP is likely to maintain a strong hold over parliament with a few other seats that the opposition parties might clinch.

Albeit belated, it is fortuitous to ponder on what is the best legacy that LKY has left for Singapore that he has painstakingly built. Without mass and quality education and public services that are the envy of many developed countries, the conditions for a stable transition and continuity would not be possible today. LKY should take pride in providing a conducive environment which hesitantly paved the way for greater freedom of intellectual debate to prosper so that better policies can emerge.

Having established a foundation, most Singaporeans believe they are ready to face the next lap of challenges as one united people. The citizens are keen to work steadily towards a more progressive nation. LKY and the PAP should take heart that candidates with better credentials running for public office will remove fears that the nation will fall apart in the event of freak election outcome. Prove that love for the country is not about amassing power and wealth for which only the elite are entitled to.

As all things in life, we should let nature take its own course. The passing away of LKY's wife who has meant so much to his life and career would have loosen him a little. Singapore has grown up so let the voters decide on their future. That is probably the best legacy LKY could leave Singapore. This will be another first and great achievement for Singapore on the international map.

Singapore Elections : Up-and-coming Leader Chen Show-Mao

The normally no-surprises Singapore political scene turns exciting with the emergence of some opposition candidates with impressive credentials and the people factor.

Chen Show-Mao running under the Workers' Party has been touted by commentators as the "secret weapon" who could alter the balance of unrivalled PAP dominance since the independence of the small nation state.

Matching the People's Action Party's strength of fielding high IQ scholars, Chen has more to offer. Being matured and successful, he is entering politics to serve the people. It is unlikely that he was compelled or lured by the high salaries of a Minister. He doesn't need all that. Yes, despite his achievements, Chen Show-Mao is not arrogant and therefore able to reach out to the grassroots, and understand their grievances, especially the poor and the middle class.


As for cynicism of his commitment to his country of adoption , those who have worked with him know that he is every bit a Singaporean, even though he was born in Taiwan, studied and worked internationally for the last 30 years. Indeed, his formative and teen years were spent in Singapore. He did National Service in the army.

In today's globalised world, every person in any country would have at least some friends and family members working overseas. Modern communications allow us to stay connected with news of anywhere in the world, skype and keep in touch.

It would be hypocrisy on the part of the current leadership if they contradict their longstanding attempt to convince citizens to welcome and accept foreign talents on the basis of contribution and not origins. It would be a waste if Singaporeans do not appreciate or grasp such talents.

Geniuses like Chen Show Mao will be highly sought after by the world to become one of their citizens.


Chen Show Mao demonstrated leadership qualities since high school days.
Rare photo of CSM - President of Student Council, NJC.

I've never stopped being S'porean: Chen Show Mao

http://www.todayonline.com/SingaporeVotes/EDC110425-0001118/Ive-never-stopped-being-Sporean--Chen-Show-Mao