又一民政领袖效劳民盟政府
陈记光受委雪土地委会主席
黄凌风 | 5月28日 晚上8点47分
tan kee kong interview 240805 forward thinking继李家全之后，又有一名民政党领袖将为人民联盟州政府效劳！雪州政府今日宣布，委任民政党联邦直辖区主席陈记光（左图）出任该州土地发展调查委员会主席。
由人民联盟执政的雪州，今日在行政议会会议后，仿效槟城政府委任前民政党副总秘书李家全的做法，委任陈记光领导一个特别工作队，专司研究州内的土地管理事务、政策和问题，并向州政府建议解决方案。
雪州大臣卡立依布拉欣在新闻发布会上表示，这个工作队将拥有6名成员，除了陈记光之外，另一名联合主席是聂莫哈末再因（Nik Mohd Zain bin Nik Mohd Yusof）。
前土地部秘书长任联合主席
陈记光曾於1999年至2004年出任土地及合作社发展部副部长，而聂莫哈末再因则在1996年至2002年期间出任该部的秘书长。
卡立表示，有鉴于上述两人的工作经验，相信他们对于土地事务拥有资深的经验。
他说，雪州政府非常关注州内的土地管理问题，因此上述特别工作队也将探讨州政府所实施的电子土地计划（e-tanah）成效。
认识卡立逾廿载，友人献意
陈记光告诉《当今大马》，他是为了“协助面对诸多土地问题的雪州人民”，才接受雪州政府的委任。
他说，早在他於1995年踏入政坛前，就已经认识卡立依布拉欣，两人相识已超过廿载。
陈记光透露，一名两人都认识的朋友在两周前献意他出任上述职位，结果他答应有关的委任。
他也有出席今天的雪州行政议会上，并获得全体行政议员的支持。
询及他为民盟州政府效劳，是否会担心被民政党纪律对付的问题时，陈记光表示，政党应该是一个协助人民的平台，他是基于这个原则才接受雪州政府的委任。
步李家全后尘退党？言之过早
针对他是否会步李家全的后尘退党时，陈记光淡淡的回答说，目前言之过早，一切胥视局势的发展而定。
虽然坊间传言他有意在来届民政党党选挑战党主席一职，但是陈记光今日受询时，却全推到媒体身上，指一切都是媒体的揣测。
“这些只是媒体制造的谣言。我没有这么说过，不是从我口中说出来的。”
家全是在4月20日，接受槟州首席部长林冠英委任，出掌两个负责规划槟州经济的要职，即槟州发展机构（PDC）董事，以及投资槟城（Invest Penang）董事兼执行委员会主席。
李家全在接受委任时，透露本身是以槟州子民身份接受委任，并宣布退隐活跃政治，只保留民政党的党员身份。但是随后，他却收到民政党所发出的纪律信函要求他解释为何不应被对付。遭到多名党领袖批评下，李家全随即宣布退出民政党和抽离政党政治，以平息委任的争议。他也是自大选后首位退出民政党的高层领袖。
在李家全宣布退党后，以陈记光为首的一群民政党联邦直辖区领袖，曾炮轰该党前主席林敬益“逼走”李家全，并违背其不干预党务的承诺。
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Another trip to Port Dickson at Negeri Sembilan
After traveling at Genting I decided with my Brother K T Ang another Gerakan Member to Port Dickson at Negeri Sembilan. Reaching by our own car and have no direction which hotel to stay, we just trying our luck and dropping by the Avillion resort. What a surprise ! this place is good and have direct sea view. I would strongly recommending you all to stay at this resort for holiday, nice location, convenience, good services, good felicities and fantastic sea view, just step down from the room you just can enjoy the it, to be continue..............
Tsu Koon to play mediator role
Tsu Koon to play mediator role
GEORGE TOWN: Small and medium industries (SMIs) in Penang that are facing problems can look up to former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
State Gerakan SMI bureau head Michael Heah said they could forward their grouses to the Federal Government through Dr Koh.
“Dr Koh will use his connections to channel their grievances to International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin,” he said at a press conference at the state Gerakan headquarters here yesterday.
Heah said the 3,000-odd SMIs in the state were in the dark over what was taking place in the state under the new state government.
He urged the state to work closely with the Federal Government to attract foreign investments and formulate strategies to collectively tackle difficulties and overcome challenges.
He said many foreign investors were adopting a “wait and see” attitude to ascertain whether the political scenario in the state was stable.
“We are facing intense competition from Asian countries. The increase in the price of raw materials and rising manpower costs has affected many SMIs in Penang.
“Some have closed down and relocated to other countries,” he said.
He said the Federal Government should continue assisting SMIs in Penang although the state was governed by Pakatan Rakyat.
The press conference was called to announce the CEO Tips Coffee Talk that will be held at Paradise Cafe near Queensbay Mall on June 5 at 7pm.
Dr Koh will be speaking at the talk themed “Challenges in the Time of Change”.
Entry to the talk sponsored by HSBC is free. Seats are limited to 100 participants. For registration, call Ng or Matthew at 046462020 before June 1.
GEORGE TOWN: Small and medium industries (SMIs) in Penang that are facing problems can look up to former Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.
State Gerakan SMI bureau head Michael Heah said they could forward their grouses to the Federal Government through Dr Koh.
“Dr Koh will use his connections to channel their grievances to International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin,” he said at a press conference at the state Gerakan headquarters here yesterday.
Heah said the 3,000-odd SMIs in the state were in the dark over what was taking place in the state under the new state government.
He urged the state to work closely with the Federal Government to attract foreign investments and formulate strategies to collectively tackle difficulties and overcome challenges.
He said many foreign investors were adopting a “wait and see” attitude to ascertain whether the political scenario in the state was stable.
“We are facing intense competition from Asian countries. The increase in the price of raw materials and rising manpower costs has affected many SMIs in Penang.
“Some have closed down and relocated to other countries,” he said.
He said the Federal Government should continue assisting SMIs in Penang although the state was governed by Pakatan Rakyat.
The press conference was called to announce the CEO Tips Coffee Talk that will be held at Paradise Cafe near Queensbay Mall on June 5 at 7pm.
Dr Koh will be speaking at the talk themed “Challenges in the Time of Change”.
Entry to the talk sponsored by HSBC is free. Seats are limited to 100 participants. For registration, call Ng or Matthew at 046462020 before June 1.
Gerakan retools itself to get back in mainstream politics
Gerakan retools itself to get back in mainstream politics
By ROYCE CHEAH
KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan will be positioning itself as the party of choice for all Malaysians under a rebranding effort that it hopes would bring the party back to mainstream politics.
At the party's 40th anniversary on Sunday, Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the party's mission was to build a united and democratic nation.
"In order to achieve this, we must consolidate, evaluate, motivate and rejuvenate the party."
Dr Koh said three thrusts would be undertaken, one of which was to voice Gerakan's ideology and policy position, and to advocate a Malaysian solution for major issues.
"The other two is to rebuild, rebrand and re-empower the party at all levels to effectively serve and represent all Malaysians and by doing so, to win the people's hearts and minds while regaining their mandate."
Dr Koh said the party was at its most challenging crossroads following the dismal results of the March 8 general election.
"Most of us are dejected or demoralised but we must keep telling ourselves that we are down but definitely not out," he said.
Dr Koh said after meeting with grassroots members over the past two months, the picture was clear that the members wanted Gerakan to continue.
"A few may have gone astray. We can understand that. But we will keep fighting because we believe we are still relevant to the people."
He added that Gerakan had to quickly understand the new political environment and that politics now had moved from being racial-based to being issues-based.
"That is exactly what we are fighting for, but somehow we ended up on the other side.
"In this case, what is good for the country is negative for the party but it confirms that this is the way forward and we definitely have a role to play."
He added that Gerakan would execute its plan via eight strategies consisting of broad plans to expand and consolidate membership while rebuilding the party in Penang.
"One of the ideas is to provide a more flexible structure by opening cyber branches so that Malaysians overseas can also participate in the party," he said.
By ROYCE CHEAH
KUALA LUMPUR: Gerakan will be positioning itself as the party of choice for all Malaysians under a rebranding effort that it hopes would bring the party back to mainstream politics.
At the party's 40th anniversary on Sunday, Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the party's mission was to build a united and democratic nation.
"In order to achieve this, we must consolidate, evaluate, motivate and rejuvenate the party."
Dr Koh said three thrusts would be undertaken, one of which was to voice Gerakan's ideology and policy position, and to advocate a Malaysian solution for major issues.
"The other two is to rebuild, rebrand and re-empower the party at all levels to effectively serve and represent all Malaysians and by doing so, to win the people's hearts and minds while regaining their mandate."
Dr Koh said the party was at its most challenging crossroads following the dismal results of the March 8 general election.
"Most of us are dejected or demoralised but we must keep telling ourselves that we are down but definitely not out," he said.
Dr Koh said after meeting with grassroots members over the past two months, the picture was clear that the members wanted Gerakan to continue.
"A few may have gone astray. We can understand that. But we will keep fighting because we believe we are still relevant to the people."
He added that Gerakan had to quickly understand the new political environment and that politics now had moved from being racial-based to being issues-based.
"That is exactly what we are fighting for, but somehow we ended up on the other side.
"In this case, what is good for the country is negative for the party but it confirms that this is the way forward and we definitely have a role to play."
He added that Gerakan would execute its plan via eight strategies consisting of broad plans to expand and consolidate membership while rebuilding the party in Penang.
"One of the ideas is to provide a more flexible structure by opening cyber branches so that Malaysians overseas can also participate in the party," he said.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
A peacefull Malaysia
Today i travel with my family, of course with my two kids to Genting, Relax.......
In my mind i thinking when this peaceful Malaysia will be last? BN also had contribute so much to Malaysia as well, we need BN to change , are you really sure you need to change government ?
Relax , i not feel like talking too much today see all of you next week, appreciate what you have now, before it is gone.
In my mind i thinking when this peaceful Malaysia will be last? BN also had contribute so much to Malaysia as well, we need BN to change , are you really sure you need to change government ?
Relax , i not feel like talking too much today see all of you next week, appreciate what you have now, before it is gone.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
From Dr M resignation to a nation Economy and politic problem......I worry Malaysia future
Dr M resignation will further weaken the Malaysia political stability, from the economic point of view, as a normal citizen we are worry about the current global problem like commodity price is raising , obviously the Oil is the main issue. USA have a sign of economic downturn already, this will be impact to Malaysia sooner or later. The former Deputy PM of Singapore Dr Tan had warned Singaporean to be get ready for the next economic turmoil.
Lets look into above matter added the instability of Malaysia political issue, would Malaysia will hit by both issue ? This is the worry, if both Economical and political issue hit our beloved Malaysia, are we strong enough like 1997 to solve the above both problem.
Today i just got some Singapore dollar from Singapore to exchange to Malaysia Ringgit, surprisingly SGD1 is equal to RM2.363. This should be the highest in this year.are this the sign of economy turmoil is coming?................
Further to this , the global natural disaster in Myanmar and china also further worsen the world economy. as a IT and Businessman , i have a feeling that the economy nightmare is coming............... be ready.........
Lets look into above matter added the instability of Malaysia political issue, would Malaysia will hit by both issue ? This is the worry, if both Economical and political issue hit our beloved Malaysia, are we strong enough like 1997 to solve the above both problem.
Today i just got some Singapore dollar from Singapore to exchange to Malaysia Ringgit, surprisingly SGD1 is equal to RM2.363. This should be the highest in this year.are this the sign of economy turmoil is coming?................
Further to this , the global natural disaster in Myanmar and china also further worsen the world economy. as a IT and Businessman , i have a feeling that the economy nightmare is coming............... be ready.........
Monday, May 19, 2008
Dr M, Sanusi quit Umno is a personal vendetta with Abdullah?（do this help UMNO and BN?)
Dr M, Sanusi quit Umno (is a personal vendetta with Abdullah)
ALOR STAR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and veteran party man Tan Sri Sanusi Junid announced Monday that they are quitting Umno. (I think Dr M , Old already, he can't wait to see the chnage, the change need time DR M, even you do not have time , you should not give a earth quake to UMNO and BN)
Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced this on Monday at 12.35pm, citing a lack of confidence in the current leadership. (Than in the first place why Dr M choose Badawi? a good and senior leader is telling us such a naive comments, i think they may have personal problem, instead of choosing wrong leader as Badawi)
"I am quitting Umno today," he told about 1,000 people, mostly Kedah Umno members, at a talk here on Monday. (than we should celebrating the senior leader retirement)
"I will write a letter to Umno headquarters to inform that I have quit the party," he said. (remember promissory estoppal OK)
He has been critical of his appointed successor Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, blaming the current Umno president for the party's disappointing performance in the 12th general election. (than how, as Pak lah to retire? or Dr M want to make the whole Malaysia to chaos ?)
The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, of which Umno is the largest component party, won the March 8 election with a simple majority, and saw four more states join Kelantan under Opposition rule.
Dr Mahathir urged other party members to quit too, as a way of pressuring Abdullah into vacating his post. (Than the whole Malaysia go to hell, we need a peacefull Malaysia , not a chaos Malaysia OK)
However, he advised those who do quit not to join any opposition party, adding they can all rejoin the party once there is a change in leadership.(are Dr M promoting PKR ? or PAS ? why not promoting Gerakan ?Hahah)
Abdullah has so far refused all calls for him to step down, and said he would defend his presidency in the party polls in December.
Sanusi, who is a former Kedah Mentri Besar, also quit the party on Monday.
PM Abdullah: Shocked
Meanwhile, Abdullah said he was shocked by the decision and, despite their differences, had not expected him to leave.
However, the beleaguered premier said he would stay on and fight for the party.
“Perhaps some other members might leave too, but this won’t entirely affect the party. It all depends on whether the rest want to stay on and continue to fight for the party too,” he said.
In KLANG: Former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said Dr Mahathir’s decision will affect public perception of Umno’s strength and possibly discourage youngsters from joining the party.
Many of those aged below 40 years grew up during Dr Mahathir’s premiership and hold him in high regard. ( I think so, but am not)
“Dr Mahathir’s resignation will have a huge impact on the trust that this group of people, including the Malays, have in Umno and its capability to lead the country,” he said.
He said youngsters wanting to join the party now might also shy away as questions would be raised on Umno’s ability to be effective as a party.
“These youngsters might not join other parties but they will stay away until Umno can mend the current situation and avoid splits in the party,” he said.
In PUTRAJAYA, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said it was a bad time for Dr Mahathir to quit Umno as the party was going through a difficult period.
He said the resignation would not help in efforts to rebuild Umno.
"He is doing more damage than good; whatever it is, the party is still looking for a new direction and we need everyone to remain united and not split," he said.
Syed Hamid expressed fear for the future of Umno because Dr Mahathir had a great influence and a person of his stature could rattle and destroy the party.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said Dr Mahathir's hatred for Abdullah was seemingly stronger than his love for Umno.
He said the former premier should realise that asking others to follow his footsteps would only make it easier for Pakatan Rakyat to take over the Federal Government.
"What he is saying is that if you love Umno, leave Umno -- it does not make sense," he said.
Shahrir also said that Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir should be the first to take up his father's suggestion to quit.
Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said he was surprised at the decision, but added that it was Dr Mahathir's right to do so.
"Every member has the right to join or leave the party," he said.
Asked if Umno would convene an emergency meeting, the former Umno vice-president and Selangor Mentri Besar said that "we will wait and see."
The next Umno Supreme Council meeting is scheduled to be held within two to three weeks.
Urged to reconsider
In IPOH, MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan called on Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.
Speaking at a press conference after a Wesak Day celebration at the Malaysian Buddhist Associatino (Perak branch) hall here, Ong said he was saddened by Dr Mahathir's sudden announcement.
Barisan Nasional was currently facing a huge challenge and his decision would not benefit Umno and the coalition, said Ong, who is also Housing and Local Government Minister.
As a former Prime Minister, his words carried weight and would affect all levels of the people including party leaders, he said.
“We do not hope for any more problems and neither should we create more,” he said. “Our country needs stability and not uncertainty. His decision would paint a bad impression for the rakyat (citizenry) and foreign investors,” he added.
Lumut Umno division chief Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir also urged Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.
“I feel very sad with Tun's decision to leave the party. It should not have happened in the first place,” he said.
Dr Zambry, who is also Pangkor assemblyman, said Dr Mahathir was a great leader who provided a sense of direction and ideas for the party and country.
The problem involved a former president and the present one, he said, adding that it so happened that the predecessor had appointed the current one.
“So it is a complex issue,” he said, adding that the current leadership must immediately find ways to overcome the problems in the party.
Dr Zambry pointed out that it was not unprecedented for former party presidents to quit Umno, adding that Dr Mahathir was the party's fourth president to leave the party.
The other three were the late Datuk Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn, he added.
In PETALING JAYA, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Dr Mahathir's decision would not solve the problems faced by the party and would instead give more strength to the Opposition.
"At this time when the party is under stress, all parties including leaders and former leaders must work together to heal Umno so it becomes firm and strong," she said.
In MALACCA, Umno veteran and stalwart Tan Sri Aziz Tapa, 85, said that he was shocked at the news and was at a loss for words.
“How can it be when he (Mahathir) says that he loves Umno? I met him only few days ago in Johor and everything seemed okay. What he is doing is not right,” he said when contacted here on Monday.
Umno supreme council member Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik described the move as an "interesting but tragic development" for Umno.
"It's shocking news to me. If true, then I would say that it is an interesting yet tragic development for the party,” he said.
Reacting to Dr Mahathir's resignation, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said, “This will weaken the party at a time when it is facing its enemies.”
Dr Mahathir joined Umno at its inception in 1946.
He became a Member of Parliament in 1964 when he won the Kota Setar Selatan seat.
He lost the seat in the following general election in 1969.
Following the May 13, 1969, riots Dr Mahathir was sacked from the Umno Supreme Council on July 12 because of the widespread distribution of his letter to first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman criticising Tunku’s manner of handling the country’s administration.
Dr Mahathir rejoined Umno on March 7, 1972 and was appointed Senator in 1973. He relinquished the senatorship post a year later to contest the Kubang Pasu seat in the general elections. He was returned unopposed and was appointed Minister of Education.
In 1975, Dr Mahathir became one of the three vice-presidents of Umno.
Tun Hussein Onn appointed Dr Mahathir Deputy Prime Minister on Sept 15, 1978.
Dr Mahathir was Prime Minister of Malaysia from July 16, 1981, until Oct 31, 2003.
What our Citizen Bloggers say:
And we say good riddance
About time
Rejoice
Dr M leaves UMNO - Good
Happy days are here again
Timeline
1946: Joined United Malays National Organisation (Umno).
1947: While a medical student, he wrote extensive anti-colonial commentaries in Malay newspapers under the pen-name "Che Det".
1957: Resigned from government service as a doctor. Starts private practice.
1964: Entered active politics as Kota Star Selatan MP.
1965-1969: Member, Umno Supreme Council.
Sept 1969: Expelled from Umno for disciplinary reasons. Re-admitted on March 7, 1972.
June 1972: Elected a member of the Umno Supreme Council with the highest number of votes. Lost in the election for an Umno Vice-President post.
Dec 1972: Appointed a Senator by the Kedah State Legislative Assembly.
1974-2004: MP for Kubang Pasu, Kedah.
Sept 1974: Education Minister.
June 1975: Umno Vice-President.
March 1976: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education.
1977: Acting Chairman, Umno Liaison Committee, Malacca.
Jan 1978: Deputy Prime Minister & Trade and Industry Minister.
May 1978: Chairman, Perak Umno Liaison Committee.
Sept 1978: Umno Deputy President.
June 1981: Barisan Nasional Chairman.
June 1981: Umno President.
July 16 1981: Fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Minister of Defence (until 1986) and Minister of Home Affairs (until 1999).
July 17 1987: Umno Political Bureau Chairman.
Feb 16 1988: Pro-tem President of Umno Baru. Umno was declared an illegal society on Feb 4, 1988.
Dec 1993: Kelantan Umno Chairman. Chairman, Politics and Constitution Committees of the Supreme Council.
Sept 1998-Jan 1999: Finance Minister. June 2001 - Finance Minister.
June 22 2002: Announced his intention to resign from all political and government posts at the final day of the 56th Umno assembly. Appeals from Umno Supreme Council members.
Oct 31 2003: Retired as PM and Umno president after 22 years.
Sept 2006: Fails in bid to be an Umno delegate for the Umno general assembly coming in ninth out of 15 contestants in the Kubang Pasu division.
May 19 2008: Quits Umno
ALOR STAR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and veteran party man Tan Sri Sanusi Junid announced Monday that they are quitting Umno. (I think Dr M , Old already, he can't wait to see the chnage, the change need time DR M, even you do not have time , you should not give a earth quake to UMNO and BN)
Dr Mahathir Mohamad announced this on Monday at 12.35pm, citing a lack of confidence in the current leadership. (Than in the first place why Dr M choose Badawi? a good and senior leader is telling us such a naive comments, i think they may have personal problem, instead of choosing wrong leader as Badawi)
"I am quitting Umno today," he told about 1,000 people, mostly Kedah Umno members, at a talk here on Monday. (than we should celebrating the senior leader retirement)
"I will write a letter to Umno headquarters to inform that I have quit the party," he said. (remember promissory estoppal OK)
He has been critical of his appointed successor Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, blaming the current Umno president for the party's disappointing performance in the 12th general election. (than how, as Pak lah to retire? or Dr M want to make the whole Malaysia to chaos ?)
The ruling Barisan Nasional coalition, of which Umno is the largest component party, won the March 8 election with a simple majority, and saw four more states join Kelantan under Opposition rule.
Dr Mahathir urged other party members to quit too, as a way of pressuring Abdullah into vacating his post. (Than the whole Malaysia go to hell, we need a peacefull Malaysia , not a chaos Malaysia OK)
However, he advised those who do quit not to join any opposition party, adding they can all rejoin the party once there is a change in leadership.(are Dr M promoting PKR ? or PAS ? why not promoting Gerakan ?Hahah)
Abdullah has so far refused all calls for him to step down, and said he would defend his presidency in the party polls in December.
Sanusi, who is a former Kedah Mentri Besar, also quit the party on Monday.
PM Abdullah: Shocked
Meanwhile, Abdullah said he was shocked by the decision and, despite their differences, had not expected him to leave.
However, the beleaguered premier said he would stay on and fight for the party.
“Perhaps some other members might leave too, but this won’t entirely affect the party. It all depends on whether the rest want to stay on and continue to fight for the party too,” he said.
In KLANG: Former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said Dr Mahathir’s decision will affect public perception of Umno’s strength and possibly discourage youngsters from joining the party.
Many of those aged below 40 years grew up during Dr Mahathir’s premiership and hold him in high regard. ( I think so, but am not)
“Dr Mahathir’s resignation will have a huge impact on the trust that this group of people, including the Malays, have in Umno and its capability to lead the country,” he said.
He said youngsters wanting to join the party now might also shy away as questions would be raised on Umno’s ability to be effective as a party.
“These youngsters might not join other parties but they will stay away until Umno can mend the current situation and avoid splits in the party,” he said.
In PUTRAJAYA, Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said it was a bad time for Dr Mahathir to quit Umno as the party was going through a difficult period.
He said the resignation would not help in efforts to rebuild Umno.
"He is doing more damage than good; whatever it is, the party is still looking for a new direction and we need everyone to remain united and not split," he said.
Syed Hamid expressed fear for the future of Umno because Dr Mahathir had a great influence and a person of his stature could rattle and destroy the party.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Shahrir Abdul Samad said Dr Mahathir's hatred for Abdullah was seemingly stronger than his love for Umno.
He said the former premier should realise that asking others to follow his footsteps would only make it easier for Pakatan Rakyat to take over the Federal Government.
"What he is saying is that if you love Umno, leave Umno -- it does not make sense," he said.
Shahrir also said that Jerlun MP Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir should be the first to take up his father's suggestion to quit.
Umno information chief Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib said he was surprised at the decision, but added that it was Dr Mahathir's right to do so.
"Every member has the right to join or leave the party," he said.
Asked if Umno would convene an emergency meeting, the former Umno vice-president and Selangor Mentri Besar said that "we will wait and see."
The next Umno Supreme Council meeting is scheduled to be held within two to three weeks.
Urged to reconsider
In IPOH, MCA secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan called on Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.
Speaking at a press conference after a Wesak Day celebration at the Malaysian Buddhist Associatino (Perak branch) hall here, Ong said he was saddened by Dr Mahathir's sudden announcement.
Barisan Nasional was currently facing a huge challenge and his decision would not benefit Umno and the coalition, said Ong, who is also Housing and Local Government Minister.
As a former Prime Minister, his words carried weight and would affect all levels of the people including party leaders, he said.
“We do not hope for any more problems and neither should we create more,” he said. “Our country needs stability and not uncertainty. His decision would paint a bad impression for the rakyat (citizenry) and foreign investors,” he added.
Lumut Umno division chief Datuk Dr Zambry Abd Kadir also urged Dr Mahathir to reconsider his decision.
“I feel very sad with Tun's decision to leave the party. It should not have happened in the first place,” he said.
Dr Zambry, who is also Pangkor assemblyman, said Dr Mahathir was a great leader who provided a sense of direction and ideas for the party and country.
The problem involved a former president and the present one, he said, adding that it so happened that the predecessor had appointed the current one.
“So it is a complex issue,” he said, adding that the current leadership must immediately find ways to overcome the problems in the party.
Dr Zambry pointed out that it was not unprecedented for former party presidents to quit Umno, adding that Dr Mahathir was the party's fourth president to leave the party.
The other three were the late Datuk Onn Jaafar, Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tun Hussein Onn, he added.
In PETALING JAYA, Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said Dr Mahathir's decision would not solve the problems faced by the party and would instead give more strength to the Opposition.
"At this time when the party is under stress, all parties including leaders and former leaders must work together to heal Umno so it becomes firm and strong," she said.
In MALACCA, Umno veteran and stalwart Tan Sri Aziz Tapa, 85, said that he was shocked at the news and was at a loss for words.
“How can it be when he (Mahathir) says that he loves Umno? I met him only few days ago in Johor and everything seemed okay. What he is doing is not right,” he said when contacted here on Monday.
Umno supreme council member Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik described the move as an "interesting but tragic development" for Umno.
"It's shocking news to me. If true, then I would say that it is an interesting yet tragic development for the party,” he said.
Reacting to Dr Mahathir's resignation, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said, “This will weaken the party at a time when it is facing its enemies.”
Dr Mahathir joined Umno at its inception in 1946.
He became a Member of Parliament in 1964 when he won the Kota Setar Selatan seat.
He lost the seat in the following general election in 1969.
Following the May 13, 1969, riots Dr Mahathir was sacked from the Umno Supreme Council on July 12 because of the widespread distribution of his letter to first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman criticising Tunku’s manner of handling the country’s administration.
Dr Mahathir rejoined Umno on March 7, 1972 and was appointed Senator in 1973. He relinquished the senatorship post a year later to contest the Kubang Pasu seat in the general elections. He was returned unopposed and was appointed Minister of Education.
In 1975, Dr Mahathir became one of the three vice-presidents of Umno.
Tun Hussein Onn appointed Dr Mahathir Deputy Prime Minister on Sept 15, 1978.
Dr Mahathir was Prime Minister of Malaysia from July 16, 1981, until Oct 31, 2003.
What our Citizen Bloggers say:
And we say good riddance
About time
Rejoice
Dr M leaves UMNO - Good
Happy days are here again
Timeline
1946: Joined United Malays National Organisation (Umno).
1947: While a medical student, he wrote extensive anti-colonial commentaries in Malay newspapers under the pen-name "Che Det".
1957: Resigned from government service as a doctor. Starts private practice.
1964: Entered active politics as Kota Star Selatan MP.
1965-1969: Member, Umno Supreme Council.
Sept 1969: Expelled from Umno for disciplinary reasons. Re-admitted on March 7, 1972.
June 1972: Elected a member of the Umno Supreme Council with the highest number of votes. Lost in the election for an Umno Vice-President post.
Dec 1972: Appointed a Senator by the Kedah State Legislative Assembly.
1974-2004: MP for Kubang Pasu, Kedah.
Sept 1974: Education Minister.
June 1975: Umno Vice-President.
March 1976: Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Education.
1977: Acting Chairman, Umno Liaison Committee, Malacca.
Jan 1978: Deputy Prime Minister & Trade and Industry Minister.
May 1978: Chairman, Perak Umno Liaison Committee.
Sept 1978: Umno Deputy President.
June 1981: Barisan Nasional Chairman.
June 1981: Umno President.
July 16 1981: Fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Minister of Defence (until 1986) and Minister of Home Affairs (until 1999).
July 17 1987: Umno Political Bureau Chairman.
Feb 16 1988: Pro-tem President of Umno Baru. Umno was declared an illegal society on Feb 4, 1988.
Dec 1993: Kelantan Umno Chairman. Chairman, Politics and Constitution Committees of the Supreme Council.
Sept 1998-Jan 1999: Finance Minister. June 2001 - Finance Minister.
June 22 2002: Announced his intention to resign from all political and government posts at the final day of the 56th Umno assembly. Appeals from Umno Supreme Council members.
Oct 31 2003: Retired as PM and Umno president after 22 years.
Sept 2006: Fails in bid to be an Umno delegate for the Umno general assembly coming in ninth out of 15 contestants in the Kubang Pasu division.
May 19 2008: Quits Umno
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