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.