, the Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor told The Malaysian Insider that “the much-publicised national reconciliation talks between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Rakyat will not be taking off anytime soon as Umno has still to get the green-light from its allies in BN”.
“We are going to have our first meeting and we need to engage the other parties in this effort as well” said Tengku Adnan, adding that only Umno has so far agreed to the talks.
“We are BN, and we work on a consensus basis as a multi-racial party, so we need to include the rest in it.”
I find this the height of irresponsibility for two reasons.
Firstly, Adnan had been appointed by the Cabinet to liaise with the Pakatan Rakyat on the proposed national reconciliation and national consensus talks.
Why is Adnan still dilly-dallying on the issue after two full weeks have passed.
Isn’t he aware of the urgency and priority of the bi-partisan national reconciliation and national consensus talks, especially as there are irresponsible and reckless elements – though a minority – who are trying to up the ante to destabilise the country through incessant incitement of racial and religious hatred, conflict and tension whether through demonstrations, provocative banners or extremist utterances, including raising the spectre of another May 13 riots.
Secondly, is Adnan suggesting that there are BN component parties which opposed the proposed national reconciliation and national consensus talks with PR?
Why hasn’t the Barisan Nasional Supreme Council convened in the past two weeks to give full authorisation and mandate for the holding of a BN/PR Leaders’ Summit on national reconciliation and national consensus?
What is the stand of MCA, Gerakan, MIC and the Sabah and Sarawak component parties on the proposed national reconciliation and national consensus talks with Pakatan Rakyat?
In fact, I want to specifically ask the new top MCA leadership of Datuk Seri Liow Liong Lai and Datuk Wee Ka Siong elected some two months ago why they are not in the forefront requisitioning an urgent meeting of the BN Supreme Council meeting?
Or are the new MCA leaders only interested to get back to the Cabinet and government so as to be appointed Ministers or Deputy Ministers but totally unconcerned about the great burning national issues facing Malaysians?
Tengku Adnan said once BN coalition members agree to the talks, he will contact PR to fix a date.
When will the BN Supreme Council be meeting? And when will Adnan be contacting the PR?
The Cabinet, at its meeting, should review the non-progress in the national reconciliation and national consensus talks in the past fortnight, which has virtually reduced the whole subject into a national joke.
The question all Malaysians are entitled to ask is whether Najib and the Cabinet are really seriously about national reconciliation and national consensus rising above partisan differences to end national drift and loss of leadership and direction?
Let Najib and Cabinet furnish the answer to all Malaysians after the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.
(Media Statement in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, 11th February 2014)
#1 by Di Shi Jiu on Tuesday, 11 February 2014 - 9:19 pm
Mr Lim,
If not for the fact that I know you are the serious type, I would have thought you were joking about the inaction by BN on trying to solve a pressing problem in race relations in Malaysia.
If anything the recent protest by that “Council of Islamic NGOs” which threatened another May 13 should have spurred BN into acting swiftly.
I am starting to think that this is another “No Action Talk Only” ploy by BN to exploit the upcoming May 13 anniversary for maximum effect in swinging the Malay vote in Kajang.
#2 by yhsiew on Tuesday, 11 February 2014 - 9:56 pm
Don’t expect too much from a regressive reformist!!!
#3 by sheriff singh on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 12:15 am
Adnan is busy studying Indian temples and looking for houses to knock down in Little India.
#4 by tak tahan on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 1:25 am
Balik India la for who cares.Many already balik where they originally came from and somewhere greener pasture when they can make decent living.Non-Malays’s money are flowing out as fast as the ringgit is depreciating.Godfather has already said let this nation go bankrupt and then we shall know what will happen..Godfaher’s guess is good as or guess..is it or not Monsterball? freedom fighter,konon!!hahahaha
#5 by tak tahan on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 1:44 am
Correction..Godfather’s guess is as good as anyone else….monsterball playing with his old bols in one corner while they still can last and shine.lol
#6 by Noble House on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 3:38 am
If there is one thing that I cannot stand, it is that of pompous fools – leaders who are fools and covering it all over and impressing people as to how wonderful they are with all this hocus-pocus. The knaves would starve were there fewer fools around.
If these leaders manage not to pull us over the brink into another national disaster, despite their occasional pompous suggestions that they may feel obliged to do so, Malaysia, as a nation, may get to survive beyond Vision 2020.
#7 by lee tai king (previously dagen) on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 8:51 am
So are those goons serious?
Heck. Dont know, really. I cant think very well. Must be that fried kangkung belacan last evening. Had too much of it, I guess.
#8 by boh-liao on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 9:25 am
Y keep expecting d CABINET 2 act?
A cabinet = a LIFELESS cupboard with drawers or shelves for storing or displaying articles
#9 by Bigjoe on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 - 10:17 am
When it comes to something that is unprofitable and painful to them, Najib and the Cabinet and pretty much the entire UMNO leadership is serious only about avoiding it..EVERYONE ELSE – and it is literally EVERYONE ELSE in the whole world not just Malaysia, could go to hell if its painful and unprofitable to them..
Its called being selfish little P****s…A school and college guide to providing university information to parents and carers
Applying for a course in higher education can be
a daunting experience. Not only for students, but
also for parents and carers, especially if there
is no experience of higher education within the
family.
Both the Quality in Careers Standard and the Gatsby Benchmarks make specific references to involving and supporting parents/carers in careers education, information and guidance. It is therefore useful to be aware of the range of assistance available from universities to support you with this important area of work.
Support available for schools and colleges when offering university support to parents:
- Presentations at school or college parent’s
events (when restrictions ease). Topics can vary, but typically include
information about the benefits of higher
education, the UCAS process and student
finance.
- Information stands at a school or college (again when restrictions ease) - these provide a great opportunity to speak to either staff or current university students about entry requirements, progression opportunities and the experience of studying at a specific institution.
- Online resources - increasingly universities will provide information written specifically for parents. The UCAS website also produces a comprehensive guide for parents.
- Open days and applicant days - most universities will actively encourage parents to attend open days and applicant days - including online opportunities. It can often be reassuring for parents to learn about the environment, course structures and the financial/support services available to students.
The key higher education messages to disseminate to parents and carers
Many of you will be aware that parental
engagement can be difficult. Often, the time you
have to disseminate information can be limited.
With this in mind, here are three of the key
messages that you may find helpful to share with
them:
- The benefits of higher education – this offers more than a qualification. Students can develop a genuine enthusiasm for a subject, working alongside experts in their field. It can also help develop a student’s interpersonal skills, provide a platform to make life-long friends and participate in a range of opportunities such as studying abroad.
- Start the conversation early - it is never too early to start talking about choices including university participation and courses with students. Questions focussing on interests inside and outside of school or college and career ambitions can be a great starting point.
- The support available at your school or college - ensure that parents are aware of the support available for students. This may include the provision for attending open days, support in completing the UCAS form and information evenings forOperations returned to normal Tuesday morning at the Louisville Zoo, following a precautionary early closure Monday afternoon after a contractor crew struck a utility line while working on a new fairy penguin exhibit.
No one was injured in the accident, and no animals were harmed, although some of the animals near the Islands area were moved off exhibit and put into holding areas, said zoo spokeswoman Kyle Shepherd.
Buildings near the accident site were evacuated and all visitors were sent home shortly after the incident. The zoo closed around 4:45 p.m. Monday, about 15 minutes