LORD OF THE MANOR, KING OF THE HILL!

The Manor

The Hill

1. This is the second trifecta for the Trump Administration in Washington after achieving it in 2016 winning the Presidency, and both chambers in Congress.

2. In the context of the U.S. Presidential elections, a federal trifecta occurs when a single party wins the presidency and retains or gains control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate in the same election.

3. Donald Trump's political journey is nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing two historic impeachment trials, numerous legal battles, relentless media onslaught, and two assassination attempts, one of which was millimetres from splattering his brains on the podium, he remained undeterred, fashionably winning all swings states at that.

4. There was poetic justice, too, in the fact that the State of Pennsylvania in which he almost lost his life, got red-flipped and is the one that carried him through comfortably to the Presidency.

5. Against odds that would have crushed many, he defied convention and pushed through adversity with a loyal base that grew stronger with every attempt to bring him down.

6. Trump’s campaign resonated with those prioritizing strict immigration policies, promising to address illegal immigration and bolster border security. On the economic front, he advocated for policies aimed at boosting domestic industries and promised tariffs to protect U.S. manufacturing, which appealed to many in deindustrialized regions.

7. In 1992, James Carville, a political strategist for Bill Clinton's presidential campaign coined the term, “It’s the economy, stupid ”, as a reminder to campaign staff to stay focused on key issues that resonated with voters, particularly the economy. It won Clinton his Presidency.

8. Similarly, the US ’24 voters didn’t care for virtual signals or “breaking the glass ceiling” with rich celebrities preaching about democracy and “what could be, unburdened by what has been”. 

9. Democracy is a luxury if you can’t pay the bills. Fuel and utilities have gone up by 100% since Biden took office. Some had to painfully choose either to gas up or pay for a few extra square meals.

10. Economic hardship can make democratic values and political freedoms feel secondary to basic survival needs. Trump and his team fathomed and amplified that in their campaign.

11. I correctly predicted in my last posting that Trump crosses the 300 mark in the electoral votes which helped redeem my forecasting “ craft ”.

12. It is my conclusion that beyond all the noise, animosity and gestures in the most viscious election campaign in recent American history, the primary factor that drove the people’s vote on Nov 5th was their “WALLETS”, because, . . .“it’s about the economy, stupid!” 

13. “The Patriot” Would Like To Take This Opportunity To Congratulate Donald John Trump On Becoming The 47th President-Elect Of The United States Of America. 

14. We Would Have Liked To Call His, The Greatest Comeback In Politics Of All Time, But That Title Unfortunately Belongs To A Lesser Known But No Less Controversial Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Who Against All Logic And Reason, Became The Prime Minister Of Malaysia In 2018, For The Second Time, At The Age Of 91.

Donald Trump as 47th President of the United States of America?

Once in every four years, I get a chance to make a political forecast on the outcome of the US Presidential election.

I was right in 2008, 2012 and 2016, but was wrong in 2020. Perhaps I can redeem myself this time. 

As the 2024 election approaches, it’s clear that Donald Trump has employed a different tactic and rallied an impressive team of influential surrogates—each bringing unique credentials, expertise, and followings that could play a key role in his administration and help secure his win. The combined influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard and Vivek Ramaswamy reflects a coalition that taps into the deep concerns and aspirations of many Americans across the political spectrum.

Trump’s Surrogates: Building a Unifying Coalition

1. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(RFK Jr.): Known for his long-standing advocacy on environmental and health issues, RFK Jr. has the ability to appeal to a more traditionally liberal base disenchanted with the Democratic establishment. He has a respected family name and is often seen as an icon of free speech and individual rights. In a Trump administration, Kennedy could bring a strong bipartisan approach to health and environmental policies, building bridges and legitimizing Trump’s platform across party lines. RFK Jr will be given a “carte blanche” on health issues taking big pharma to task and clamping down on corruption in related federal agencies while ensuring healthier ingredients in food in the US. But Trump has made it also clear that he is to lay off the topic of “liquid gold” which Trump will start drilling from the get go after inauguration.

2. Elon Musk: As a technological visionary and one of the most influential figures in business, Musk brings credibility in innovation and economic growth. Musk’s endorsement reflects the strong alignment of Trump’s economic vision with the future of American technology and space exploration. His potential advisory role in energy policy, green tech, and space exploration could solidify Trump’s appeal to young, tech-savvy voters who are concerned about America’s leadership in these areas. Musk also owns the biggest platform in social media eliminating censorship and promoting transparency. He is also an advocate of budget efficiency and has said with conviction that he can reduce the federal budget by at least USD 2 trillion if Trump wins the Presidency. His word carries weight considering the amazing feats that he has achieved in rocket science, electronic vehicles, telecommunication and social media.

3. Tulsi Gabbard: Former Congresswoman Gabbard is widely respected for her anti-war stance and her advocacy for veterans. She has served in the army, was deployed in Iraq and knows first hand what it is to fight, survive and witness the consequences of engaging in an unnecessary war. She is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves.  Her experience in foreign policy and her staunch opposition to endless wars are highly appealing to independents and anti-establishment voters. In a Trump administration, Gabbard could potentially shape a more isolationist, diplomacy-focused foreign policy—one that resonates with Americans exhausted by international conflicts and keen on refocusing on domestic prosperity.

4. Vivek Ramaswamy: As a rising conservative star and entrepreneur, Ramaswamy appeals to young, entrepreneurial-minded voters. Known for his criticisms of “woke” policies and Big Tech censorship, he brings an intellectual voice to issues of free speech, corporate influence, and individual rights. He could serve as a valuable figure in crafting economic policies that balance growth with American values, energizing a younger demographic increasingly concerned with economic mobility and freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris' campaign is struggling for authenticity. She leaned on Hollywood endorsements and celebrity appearances to boost her appeal—moves that can appear inauthentic and disconnected from the concerns of everyday Americans. 

Her outreach to Hollywood reflects a strategy rooted in surface-level popularity rather than substantive solutions. Many voters see this approach as a sign of desperation rather than confidence, raising questions about her ability to connect with middle America and voters skeptical of elite celebrity culture.

Vice President Harris’ public messaging too often focuses on criticizing former President Trump rather than outlining specific, actionable policies. While Harris frequently highlights the perceived failures of the previous administration, she lacks clear and tangible proposals for immediate improvement in areas such as economic growth, healthcare, and crime reduction.

Voters often seek specifics on how leaders plan to address pressing concerns—like rising inflation, affordable housing, or educational reform—rather than hearing only about past administrations’ shortcomings. They need policies that address everyday challenges quickly and effectively.

In addition, her campaign is viewed as bordering on racism and sexism. Women are campaigned to vote for her just because she is one of them instead of focussing on her policies and qualifications. 

The black men of America were shamed and talked down to by Barack Obama for not showing enough support for her just because of her skin colour and sex. 

Obama’s wife doubled down and insulted men at large who support Trump at the “expense” of their wives and daughters being “collateral damage”. 

One advertisement even encouraged women to “lie” to their husbands pretending to vote for Trump but secretly voting for Harris. It demeans women by implying that they are not strong and independent enough to be honest with their spouses in respect of their choices. 

People are tired of hearing Harris’ repeated talking points about Americans having “aspirations, ambition, dreams and good work ethics.” They want to hear how she can make groceries and utilities more affordable, end the flooding of illegal immigrants, comfortably sheltering them in hotels on the taxpayers’ dime while war veterans who risked their lives for the country lies homeless on the streets.

While Kamala Harris attempts to use gender and race and leverage celebrity endorsements, Donald Trump’s campaign is drawing together diverse voices who speak to issues that genuinely impact American lives, from free speech and economic innovation to healthcare freedom and national security. 

Trump’s “Dream Team” Has The Potential To Resonate Beyond His Base And Tap Into The Concerns Of Disillusioned Independents, Moderate Democrats, And Young Voters, Setting Him Up For A Victory In 2024.

I’d Venture Further By Predicting He Crosses The 300 Electoral Votes, 30 More Than The Number Needed To Win, ie 270.

Verdict: 6th November (Malaysian).

THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND MALAYSIA

By FAUZIAH ISMAIL

The 2024 United States presidential election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. 

Voters in each state and the District of Columbia will select electors to the Electoral College, who will subsequently elect a president and vice president for four-year terms. The winners will be inaugurated as the 47th president and 50th vice president of the United States on January 20, 2025. 

 

Presidential candidate Kamala Harris is the 49th Vice President. Fifteen of the previous 49 vice presidents became presidents. However, eight of them assumed office upon the president's death. She is the 11th sitting vice president to seek office. Only six of the 15 vice presidents who became president were elected, while only four of the prior 10 campaigns of serving vice presidents were successful. 

Few previous presidents have run for their old posts, or anything else, while leaving office. Donald Trump is the second former president to lose a presidential election and run for re-election as a major party candidate. Read more here.

 

 If Harris wins, she will be the first female US president. She has already made history in the US as the first woman, black woman, and person of South Asian origin to serve as vice president. 

The outcome of this presidential election could affect Malaysia in a number of ways. 

The impact will be shaped by the broader geopolitical context and specific policies of the administration especially foreign policy priorities and approach to international relations. Key areas include diplomatic ties, which could impact Malaysia's strategic partners; trade policies that could impact exports and investments; its stance on Asia-Pacific security, particularly with regard to China; foreign aid or development programmes and on climate change. Overall, the impact will be shaped by the broader geopolitical context and specific policies of the administration. 

Over the last two weeks, the candidates' positions have made their stance known, and their surrogates have highlighted them in their assessments on CNN and Fox, of which many Malaysians are following ardently in the last lap of campaigning by both Harris and Trump. 

 

Harris supports initiatives that address issues such as wealth inequality, healthcare access, and minimising climate change. Trump prioritises tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong nationalist approach to trade, in addition to promoting economic growth through business incentives and a firm stance on immigration. 

Harris may place a higher priority on developing Malaysia's economic ties with Southeast Asia, potentially leading to increased trade and collaboration. Trump's "America First" approach might affect Malaysia's export-driven economy, particularly in the electronics and palm oil sectors, leading to higher tariffs or trade wars. 

Harris' consistent and cooperative US foreign policy may result in more US investment in Malaysia, notably in technology and infrastructure. As global economic uncertainty grows, Trump's isolationist US stance may result in reduced foreign direct investment in Malaysia. 

The US is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner, with bilateral trade totalling US$65.55 billion in 2023. In terms of foreign direct investment, Malaysia recorded net inflows of US$8.58 billion in 2023 in sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemical, semiconductor, consumer, and industrial electronics. 

Harris' commitment to multilateralism may strengthen regional security dynamics, benefiting Malaysia's strategic goals in the South China Sea, but Trump's government may take a more transactional approach, jeopardising Malaysia's strategic ties. 

 

Based on these assumptions, a Harris victory might lead to more constructive cooperation, with potential economic benefits for Malaysia, but a Trump victory could result in obstacles like trade conflicts and isolationist policies. 

 

Singaporean investment firm Temasek, one of the largest state-owned investors with a portfolio of S$389 billion, has also issued a cautionary view on the impact of a Trump victory in the upcoming US presidential election. 

Temasek International’s Chief Investment Officer Rohit Sipahimalani suggested in a Bloomberg interview that a second White House for Trump may not be as favourable for the global economy and financial markets as commonly believed. 

It would be interesting to see if our own national sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional, shares the same view. 

The writer worked as a journalist for 38 years, holding a number of senior editorial roles at mainstream newspapers namely Business Times and New Straits Times. She retired as NST Executive Editor in 2022.

• The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of The Patriot.

HOW THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT IS ELECTED

1. With less than a couple of weeks left before the US Elections 2024, let’s see how the President is elected.

2. It is through a system called the “Electoral College”, which takes affect after Americans cast their votes. Here's how it works in simple terms:

3. Each state gets a certain number of "electors" (Perwakilan) based on its population. The more people in a state, the more electors it has. There are a total of 538 electors nationwide broken down in the 50 States. A candidate needs a majority of 270 to win the Presidency.

Current allocations

4. The allocations below are based on the 2020 Census. They are effective for the 2024 and 2028 presidential elections.

The Electoral College:

Credit: US Govt Archives On Electoral College Allocation.

5. When a certain party gets the majority of the popular votes in each state, they will earn the total electoral votes of that particular state.

Total Electoral Votes:  538; Majority Needed to Elect:  270.

6. The 538 represents the composition of the number of Representatives (435) and Senators (100) plus additional votes for Washington, D.C. (3) in Congress at Capitol Hill.

7. However, the electors are NOT members of Congress but are determined earlier by both parties in their respective states during the primaries. 

8. For Further Illustration, Click On The Video Below:

9. I Hope This Brief Explanation Will Help Malaysians And Other Citizens Of The World Understand The American Elections System With More Clarity. 

10. Enjoy Observing The Results On The 6th Of November. (Malaysian Date). Who Do You Think Will Be Inaugurated As The POTUS On January 20th, 2024?

US Presidential Elections In The Face Of Incapacitation

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is surrounded by US Secret Service agents as he is helped off the stage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., July 13, 2024. - AP 

1. After two failed assassination attempts with a head shot and 32 days left before the US Presidential election, it is timely that we look into the election process if a candidate runs out of luck and is incapacitated or “taken out” before the polling date. 

2. While there aren’t rules governing what happens if and when a presidential candidate is assassinated, there is general guidance about what happens if a candidate dies. The Brookings Institution explains that it depends on when a candidate dies or is unable to participate in their elections. 

3. In the event of a presidential candidate’s assassination after their party convention but before the US presidential election, both major parties have similar processes for selecting a replacement. 

4. For the Republican National Committee (RNC), the 168-member committee convenes to select a new candidate, which could include the vice-presidential nominee or a prior contender. If ballots have already been printed, voters might still vote for the deceased candidate, and electors would then cast their votes for the replacement.  

5. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) follows a similar process, with its 447 members voting on a new nominee. The vice-presidential nominee or other potential candidates may be considered. Legal challenges may arise if ballots are already printed, but electors typically follow the party’s decision. 

6. Both parties rely on their internal governance, with the Electoral College playing a crucial role in formalizing the new nominee’s selection.  

7. (The Electoral College system will be explained in my next article in The Patriot). 

Reflection: 

8. On July 13th 2024, the Presumptive Presidential Nominee for the Republican party, Donald Trump was shot at and nipped in the ear in an assassination attempt in an open rally in Pennsylvania. He survived the headshot miraculously by millimetres. Unfortunately, a few of his rally-goers were hit by bullets from an AR-15 rifle. One died. 

9. On September 15th 2024, Secret Service agents foiled a second assassination attempt before the suspect managed to discharge his weapon on Former President Trump at his golf club in West Palm Beach. 

10. The last known Presidential Candidate assassinated albeit before the party convention was on June 5th 1968 when Senator Robert F Kennedy, the Candidate in the Democratic Presidential Primaries, was assassinated after addressing his supporters at The Ambassador Hotel In Los Angeles.

Chinese Votes In Mahkota

Of late, I’ve been reading and hearing too much noise about the Chinese being reluctant to vote BN in the Mahkota by-election this weekend.

This noise primarily comes from the DAP, who is using a recent issue regarding an UMNO leader’s reaction to a statement by a DAP MP. Emphasis is on the word, “reaction”.

UMNO is used to being blamed by the Chinese party representatives in the coalition especially during election time. Perhaps, this may serve as leverage, political extortion or an excuse for their foreseeable failures in the election. I’ll leave it to the esteemed political observers to decide which if any.

Today, it’s DAP. Then, it was MCA that played the blame game for their failure to win the Chinese votes. We’re immune to it. 

DAP is demanding for an apology from the UMNO Youth Chief for his reaction to their MP’s statement. 

Would the Chinese voters be happy and/ or forgiving after the apology is made? Not by a long shot if history is anything to go by. It’s like déjà vu.

In 2008, a former UMNO Youth Chief was asked to apologise for unsheathing the Keris in an UMNO Assembly. He duly obliged and apologised profusely but the Chinese kept on harping on the issue for years after that using it as a tool on UMNO’s conscience. 

So I dare say that the same will occur in this instance. Even if an apology is given, the stats will remain the same among the Chinese voters in Mahkota. It is up to the DAP to convince them to look at the bigger picture, much like how UMNO managed to sway the Malays when it was a DAP candidate on the ballot.

The alternative to BN is PN. They must remember that Umno saved the unity government, giving DAP and the Chinese community a share of power in government when UMNO could have gone the other way and still play second fiddle in the other government leaving them out in the cold.

UMNO has made a strong and positive gesture by choosing a Mandarin speaking candidate to help serve and communicate with the community better. 

It is a dangerous wish for the Chinese community to vote PN to punish BN. It will be etched in the UMNO memory bank for the remainder of this government’s term.

If their voters are adamant in the punishment, perhaps in the next GE, BN/PN will make their wish come true, if an all Malay government (barring two seats) comes in like the administration in 2020. 

Was Life Better For Their Community Then?

Reflect On It.

TEST FOR UMNO AT IT’S OWN FORTRESS

We begin by observing the previous results. 

 

Election Date: September 28, 2024. 

Nomination Date: September 14, 2024. 

 

Looking at the immediate past results, BN should be able to win by a five-digit majority this time, given that BN and PH have merged at the federal level. However, history reminds us that in politics, anything can happen, and overconfidence can ultimately backfire. 

Several factors will be decisive: 

• Voter turnout, and
• Candidates 

VOTER TURNOUT 

Even though PH and BN have merged at the federal level, this alliance is not fully reflected in Johor, as UMNO/BN won more than two-thirds of the seats on their own in the State Assembly, and PH representatives are absent from the State EXCO. 

This could be a factor if PH supporters are not fully motivated to turn out to vote because the candidate is from BN. And if they do vote, will they be to support or punish BN? We’ll know the answer on election day. 

CANDIDATES 

Although unconfirmed, names being mentioned include the UMNO Division Chief, the Acting Wanita's Chief, the Youth Chief, and a popular celebrity/ activist from Kluang. It is also possible, though risky, that UMNO's leadership might nominate one of its Supreme Council members originally from Kluang. 

The Division Chief is a veteran, who previously served as a State Assemblyman and Exco member, and now tasked with overseeing the Mahkota by-election. However, it should be noted that people today crave for new faces coupled with youth, rather than individuals who have previously served and lost in the past elections. 

 

The Acting Wanita's Chief might be considered to "replace" the vacant seat following the death of the former Wanita’s Chief, the late Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain. Wanita Umno might demand for the seat, especially after the youth wing was given a chance in Nenggiri and successfully won the recent by-election. 

Both the Youth Chief and the Celebrity/ Activist have their strengths to be fielded. However, the advantage seems to lie with the Youth Chief as he defeated the latter in a previous race for UMNO Youth Chief in the division. 

 

ANALYSIS 

If this election turns out to be tight, UMNO’s most popular candidate among the public, should be considered, even if he/she is without a formal position in the division. 

However, with BN potentially relying on additional votes from PH, the chosen candidate must come from one of the office bearers in the local UMNO division. 

 

This is to maintain the dignity and stature of the Division. Otherwise, the significance of holding a post in UMNO would be diminished. The greatest concern now is if an "outsider" is chosen, it would risk internal sabotage or lack of cooperation from the division’s machinery. 

FINAL THOUGHTS 

Whatever The Final Decision, It Should Be Supported With Full Loyalty And Not Insubordination. May Allah SWT Guide The Leadership In Making The Best Decision For The Party, Free From External Pressures, For The Continuity Of UMNO In The Country’s Politics.

DUN MAHKOTA: UMNO AKAN DIUJI DI NEGERI KUBUNYA

Kita mulakan dengan keputusan terakhir dahulu.

Tarikh mengundi 28hb September 2024. 

Tarikh pencalonan 14hb September 2024. 

 

Kalau kita lihat keputusan lepas, BN seharusnya boleh menang dengan majoriti 5 angka kali ini kerana BN dan PH sudah bergabung di peringkat pusat. Tetapi sejarah mengingatkan kita bahawa dalam politik, apa apa pun boleh berlaku dan keyakinan yang keterlaluan boleh menghukum kita akhirnya. 

Namun beberapa perkara akan menjadi penentu: 

1. Jumlah yang keluar mengundi, dan 

2. Calon. 

JUMLAH KELUAR MENGUNDI 

Walaupun PH dan BN telah bergabung di peringkat pusat, namun penyatuan ini tidak diterjemahkan secara langsung di bumi Johor memandangkan UMNO/BN memenangi lebih 2/3 kerusi dalam Dewan Undangan Negeri, dan tiada wakil PH dalam Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Kerajaan negeri. 

Ini mungkin akan menjadi faktor jika pihak PH tidak bersungguh2 untuk menyeru penyokong mereka keluar mengundi kerana calon yang bertanding adalah dari parti BN. Dan jika penyokong mereka keluar mengundi, adakah mereka akan membantu atau menghukum BN? Jawapannya akan terserlah pada hari undi kelak. 

CALON 

Walaupun tidak dapat disahihkan, antara nama yang disebut-sebut adalah Ketua UMNO Bahagian, Pemangku Ketua Wanita, Ketua Pemuda dan seorang bekas penghibur/ aktivis Kluang yg agak tersohor. Juga tidak mustahil jika UMNO Pusat dengan bahayanya mencalonkan seorang dari ahli Majlis Kerja Tertingginya yg berasal dari Kluang. 

Ketua Bahagian boleh dikatakan seorang veteran yg pernah menjadi ADUN dan EXCO Negeri yang kini ditugaskan sebagai Pengarah Operasi PRK DUN Mahkota. Akan tetapi, harus diingat bahwa rakyat kini mendahagakan pelapis dan darah muda untuk diangkat menjadi wakil mereka dan bukan lagi individu lama yang pernah berkhidmat dan kalah di PRU sebelum ini. 

Pemangku Ketua Wanita pula mungkin dipertimbangkan untuk “mengganti” kerusi yang kosong berikutan kematian bekas Ketua Wanitanya, AlMarhumah Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain. Mereka mungkin menuntut kerusi itu di atas kuota Wanita lebih-lebih lagi setelah di Nenggiri, calon Pemuda UMNO telah diberi tempat dan seterusnya memenangi pilihanraya kecil tempohari. 

Kedua2 Ketua Pemuda dan Penghibur/Aktivis pula ada kekuatan masing-masing dan boleh diketengahkan. Namun “advantage” memihak kepada Ketua Pemuda kerana beliau telah mengalahkan Penghibur/Aktivis tersebut dalam pertandingan yg lepas untuk kedudukan Ketua Pemuda UMNO Bahagian. 

ANALISA 

Jika pilihanraya ini sengit, maka calon UMNO yg paling terkenal di kalangan rakyat, walaupun tidak memegang jawatan dalam Bahagian, harus dipertimbangkan. 

Namun dalam keadaan yang agak selesa kini memandangkan BN mungkin boleh mengharapkan kepada tambahan undi dari PH jika mereka jujur, calon yang dipilih sewajibnya datang dari salah seorang pemegang jawatan di dalam UMNO Bahagian tersebut. 

Ini memberi makna kepada darjat jawatan dan perjuangan individu yang memegang jawatan itu secara rasmi. Kalau tidak, nilai perjuangan dan yang memegang jawatan dalam parti UMNO itu akan hilang maknanya. 

Yang paling dibimbangi pula jika “orang luar” dari kepimpinan UMNO dipilih walaupun beliau seorang ahli parti dan terkenal, risiko sabotaj atau kurang kerjasama dari jentera Bahagian boleh berlaku. 

Akhir kalam, semua ini akan terbukti di petang 28hb September kelak. 

Apapun Keputusan Muktamad Yang Dibuat Harus Kita Sambut Dengan Sokongan Yang Ikhlas Dan Setia.  

Semoga Diberi Taufiq Dan Hidayah Allah SWT Kepada Pucuk Pimpinan UMNO Dalam Membuat Keputusan Yang Terbaik Untuk Parti Tanpa Menghiraukan Tekanan Dari Mana2 Pihak Yang Luar Dari Politik Demi Kesinambungan UMNO/ BN Dalam Politik Negara.

Dirgahayu Tuanku, Daulat Tuanku

Congratulations To His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim Of Johor, On Ascending The Throne As The King Of Malaysia. May His Majesty’s Reign Be Marked By Wisdom, Justice, And Dedication To The Principles Of Constitutional Monarchy, Bringing Prosperity And Harmony To The People Of Malaysia and The State of Johor.

The Law Minister Must Address The Johor Issue, Once And For All!

1. I commend the Johor State Government and the Johor Youth Council for organising the Johor Youth Meet Up last week.

2. Attended by a diverse group, many valuable ideas emerged from the event including from HRH The Regent of Johor.

3. HRH proposed several constructive ideas: i) enhancing the education system, ii) fostering creativity and productivity among Johoreans, iii) advocating for a fairer allocation of taxes to the State, and iv) promoting unity to strengthen negotiations with the federal government.

4. Unfortunately, HRH's remarks on “partnership” with” and “not belonging to” Malaysia were disproportionately highlighted, thus overshadowing these constructive proposals.

5. This sparked nationwide dialogue on constitutional matters and national unity.

6. Before we applaud ignorantly to the great soundbites by a VIP on issues that might run contra to the spirit of the two books, we need to know the entitlements in the Federal and State constitutions. 

7. There's no better way to achieve clarity than to study these foundational documents.

8. Expert interpretations of such discussions often lack finality, leaving conclusions to the public.

9. The Law Minister, as a Johorean herself,  should clarify unequivocally the states' roles within the Peninsula and differentiate them from Sabah and Sarawak.

10. This will dispel confusion and prevent misinformed discussions among citizens unfamiliar with constitutional principles.

11. Citizens parroting immune VIPs on sensitive matters concerning national security, risks sedition charges.

12. When certain quarters in Johor spewed out innuendoes of seceding from Malaysia, we had on 14th February 2017 organised a forum and invited a Constitutional expert to educate Johoreans on the matter. 

13. The Federal and State Constitutions were distributed to enhance public understanding.

14. We had proposed introducing constitutional studies in secondary schools to empower students with crucial civic knowledge.

https://www.nst.com.my/amp/news/2017/02/212445/kempas-rep-make-federal-and-johor-state-constitutions-compulsory-subjects-school

15. Shockingly, no bookstore in Johor sold these vital documents, hindering public access to constitutional information.

16. Public excitement over sensational statements stems from this lack of information.

17. Johor, like every other state, is an integral part of Malaysia.

18. While aspiring to excel, Johor's place in Malaysia is undeniable and enduring.

19. To prevent revisiting Johor's constitutional status and potential sedition, the Law Minister MUST issue a clear and definitive statement.

20. Such clarity should deter other states from contemplating similar actions.

21. Autonomy In Any State Within Peninsular Malaysia Should Be Categorically REJECTED.

Conclude Thorough Investigations Before Making Public Announcements

1. I am compelled to express a critical concern regarding the recent trend of making premature public announcements related to ongoing investigations. 

2. It is imperative for the integrity of our police force and national security that statements are not made before a thorough investigation is concluded.

3. I refer to the Ulu Tiram security breach at the police station incident where the initial report quoted the authorities linking the suspect to the Jemaah Islamiyah. 

4. However, it was announced today that the suspect was NOT a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah.

5. The initial annnouncement painted a bad picture on Islam which is commonly being related to terrorism by the West with malice and Islamophobics at home.

6. It also incubates speculation among the public and insecurity among our investors including in the stock market.

7. To restore the professional standards and uphold justice, I strongly advise the authorities to adhere strictly to protocol of cases such as this ( if one even exists ).

8. Announcements must only be made after thorough investigations are concluded and verified by all necessary authorities. 

9. By ensuring that all announcements are well-founded and responsible, the law can be upheld effectively while maintaining the public’s confidence in our security forces.

10. Please Take A Moment To Recite The AlFateha For Our Fallen Men In Blue. May They Rest In Peace Amongst The Pious.

Remembering A Patriot Defender of Justice And National Security - Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar

1. The nation mourns the loss of a fearless guardian of law and order, Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar became the IGP when I was only 11 years old and remained at the helm till past my University graduation. 

2. Though I didn’t have the full details then of the crucial roles he played at security summits and enforcements which led to the neutralisation of the communists, we all knew very well that he was our “point-man”.

3. Even at a young age, I was up to speed with the state of affairs of the nation having being “forced” to listen to it on radio and television by my late father. So I practically grew up knowing this IGP threw the airwaves.

4. We found Tun Hanif (Tan Sri at the time) as a man of fearless guts and gumption after taking over at the age of 35 from a predecessor who was slained by a communist operative in broad daylight.

5. He courageously led the police force during the tumultuous era of the communist insurgency. 

6. Tun Hanif was Enforcer and Security Confidante to Tun Razak (2nd Prime Minister) and dedicated his life to safeguarding our nation against threats to its security and stability. That is how I shall remember him.

7. In this time of grief, we extend our deepest condolences to Tun Mohd Hanif Omar’s family who graciously shared him with the rest of the Country. 

8. May Allah Rest His Soul In Eternal Peace Amongst The Pious And May His Memory Continue To Inspire Us All To Strive For A Better And Safer Society.

9. On Behalf Of A Grateful Nation, I Thank You Tun. 

10. Inalillahi Wainalillahi Rojioun. AlFateha.

DIRGAHAYU TUANKU

 1. As the sun sets on His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Shah’s illustrious reign as the sixteenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong, we find ourselves compelled to express our deepest gratitude to His Majesty on his unwavering service to the realm. 

2. His Majesty's leadership has been a beacon of strength, guiding our Nation through unprecedented health, economic and political crises.

3. It will be on record that Al-Sultan Abdullah of Pahang is the most challenged and “worked” King this country has ever witnessed to date, navigating us through the Covid pandemic, a state of emergency, white flags, a hung parliament and 4 prime ministers.

4. His commitment to justice, fairness, and the well-being of his subjects has left an indelible mark on the annals of our history.

5. Through the ebb of time, his conviction to the welfare of the realm has been steadfast.

6. As we bid farewell to His Majesty's reign, we extend our heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices made, the challenges faced, and the triumphs achieved. 

7. May the years ahead bring His Majesty the tranquility and joy that he has selflessly bestowed upon us. 

8. With deepest appreciation and respect, we offer our sincerest thanks to His Majesty Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ahmad Shah for a reign that has been nothing short of Majestic.

Menjunjung Kasih Tuanku.

I remain, 

A Loyal and Obedient Servant of the Realm,

Datuk Tengku Putra Haron Aminurrashid AlHaj B Tan Sri Tengku Abdul Hamid Jumat.