Who does Ahmad Ismail of Bukit Bendera act for? Who gains from his acts?
Readers will see from the articles below that Ahmad Ismail appears to be both an Anwar and Badawi loyalist. Might be stirring tensions in Penang so as to bring to a conclusion a shared, or common agenda?
As reported in The Edge Financial Daily , 10 September 2008:
Wanita Gerakan has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to sack Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail and detain him under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The result of non-action by the prime minister could lead to Wanita Gerakan urging the party’s leadership to leave the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, Wanita Gerakan chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe told reporters at Gerakan’s headquarters in Cheras here yesterday.
“We are very angry at the irresponsible act of Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who tore the portrait of Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon in front of the media yesterday afternoon in Penang,” she said.
Showing a portrait of Abdullah, Tan questioned: “How would Umno members feel if a member of the component party in BN tore the picture of Umno’s president?
“Surely, Umno members would feel angry and go berserk. This is how we feel right now,” Tan added.
Ahmad incurred the wrath of the Chinese community by referring to them as “pendatang” and, therefore were squatting in the country at a ceramah during the recent Permatang Pauh by-election. He also blamed Gerakan and its loss of support among the Chinese community as the reason for BN’s dismal showing in Penang.
Ahamd Ismail's history:
A) The crowd of supporters at sacked deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's residence came alive tonight when his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, took centre-stage to thank them for their support.
Another speaker was Senator Datuk Ahmad Ismail of Umno Bukit Bendera who said the division fully supports Anwar. Anwar, who addressed the crowd about 10pm, said he was touched by their support
(Anwar's wife thanks gathering for support.
By Toh An Nee
270 words
15 September 1998
The Sun)
B) The Umno Bukit Bendera division, which held a special meeting yesterday, decided to ask that Anwar be given a fair trial in defending himself against the allegations.
"As stated by Dr Mahathir before, we should not pronounce someone guilty until the courts have stated so.
"Anwar should be given a chance to explain his side to the people so that peace can be preserved in the country," the division said in a Press statement today.
The statement was signed by Bukit Bendera division chief Senator Datuk Ahmad Ismail, his deputy Azmi @ Iskandar S.H.O. Merican, its Youth wing leader Mohd Ismail Mohd Othman, deputy Youth chief Ismadi Abu Bakar, assistant secretary Syed Abdul Kadir Aidid, deputy Youth treasurer Azhar Ahmad and the division's Youth information chief Yahaya Ibrahim.
Other signatories were Bukit Bendera Wanita chief Haslinda Mohd Hashim and her deputy Asnah Hussain.
The division said it supported Dr Mahathir as Umno president and Prime Minister.
"We also support Anwar as both are personalities and leaders who are hard to replace," they added.
(All 11 Youth divisions in Penang back Dr Mahathir
9 September 1998
The New Straits Times)
C) The tour kicked off Saturday afternoon at Datuk Seri Anwar's birthplace of Cherok Tok Kun, in the northern Malaysian state of Penang, where more than 8,000 people swarmed the whitewashed wooden house of Datuk Seri Anwar's father. The crowds spilled onto the narrow village roads and into neighbors' gardens in the usually quiet village of wooden huts and coconut trees.
He was joined on stage by several local officials of the United Malays National Organization, the ruling party headed by Dr. Mahathir. "We support Dr. Mahathir," said Ahmad Ismail, an UMNO division chief from Penang island, part of the state of Penang. "But sometimes, even he makes mistakes."
(Malay Crowds Flock to Anwar In Heartland
By Chen May Yee
Staff Reporter
1174 words
14 September 1998
The Asian Wall Street Journal)
D)The state Umno's recent meeting which endorsed the supreme council's decision to expel former deputy party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was held in proper manner.
Its deputy liaison committee chairman Datuk Mohd Shariff Omar, in saying this, dismissed Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail's claims that the meeting was not properly held and therefore the decision taken by the nine division leaders present was null and void.
(Meeting on expulsion was proper - Penang Umno. 14 September 1998,The Sun)
E)THE hottest topic at the Umno General Assembly yesterday was the posting of a list of recipients of special shares and Finance Ministry projects allocated during Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's tenure as Finance Minister.
Highway and outer ring-road in Penang to Metroworks Construction Sdn
Bhd. Major shareholders: Datuk Ahmad Ismail, Datuk Annuar Othman and Datuk
Ahmad Fuad Mohd Ali
F) Datuk Ahmad Saad, Datuk Ahmad Ismail and other Penang politicians closely allied with Anwar attended a dinner at Datuk Abdullah's house on Saturday night.
Datuk Ahmad Saad, the acting divisional chief in Anwar's former constituency, said that the former No 2 should have refrained from attacking the party, and put his own interests on the backburner.
"When Pak Lah was dropped from the Cabinet in the 80s, he did not attack the government or anybody. He just kept quiet," he said, referring to the current Deputy Premier.
(Anwar made me raise crony issue, says ex-ally.
583 words
21 June 1999
Straits Time)
G)Umno's leadership will decide the fate of Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who was ordered to relinquish his post as a Penang island municipal councillor because he was bankrupt.
Penang Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim said it would leave it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is the committee chairman, to decide.
He said the matter would be discussed when Abdullah returned from his overseas trip.
It was reported yesterday that Ahmad, who is also a director of a firm linked to the Penang Outer Ring Road, had to relinquish his councillor's position as he was a bankrupt.
(Abdullah to decide Ahmad's fate
139 words
24 May 2006
New Straits Times)
H) Umno Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail is adamant that he will not relinquish any of his posts.
Ahmad, who was declared a bankrupt, had been ordered to give up his Penang Island Municipal Council position and his Umno post.
He said he had obtained a stay of execution order from the High Court and lashed out at Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon for rushing to announce that he had been stripped of his councillor's post.
"I don't know why a small fry like me has been given such widespread publicity.
"I was declared a bankrupt because of a technicality and I have sorted it out.
"All this could have been avoided if the Chief Minister had checked his facts first," he said
(Defiant Ahmad refuses to quit
477 words
26 May 2006
New Straits Times)
I) Bukit Bendera Umno Chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail is not bankrupt and will continue back as a member of the Pulau Pinang Town Council (MPPP).
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon today said that he had received a letter from the Insolvency Department confirming that Ahmad was not bankrupt.
Yesterday, Ahmad had described the actions of the state government and the MPPP in terminating him from his post of a member of MPPP as being hasty and unreasonable.
(MPPP MEMBER AHMAD ISMAIL NOT BANKRUPT, KOH SAYS
186 words
26 May 2006
Bernama Daily Malaysian News)
J)Bukit Bendera Umno Branch chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail will keep his job of councillor in the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).
Ahmad cleared his name today when the Penang High Court nullified a lower court ruling declaring him a bankrupt.
A jubilant Ahmad said he has received a letter from the state government confirming that he will be retained as MPPP councillor.
He said he was a "victim of circumstances". He acted as a guarantor for a RM1.8-million loan taken by a private company which had defaulted on the repayment.
"I thank Allah that it's all over now. I have cleared my name and now I am looking forward to serving the people of Bukit Bendera (and the MPPP)," he said.
(HIGH COURT ANNULS BANKRUPT ORDER ON AHMAD ISMAIL
136 words
27 June 2006
Bernama Daily Malaysian News)
K)Bukit Bendera Umno division head Datuk Ahmad Ismail claimed that Koh and Chia did not honour their election promises, which included introducing a programme to eradicate poverty and inculcating entrepreneurship among the Malays in the city.
Describing the Malays in Penang as the victimised minority, he asked Koh and Chia to fulfill the pledges they made and asked them to hold discussions with Umno leaders to work out the programme for the Malays.
(KOH, CHIA TAKEN TO TASK FOR NOT HONORING ELECTION PROMISES
264 words
27 August 2006
Bernama Daily Malaysian News)
As reported in The Edge Financial Daily , 10 September 2008:
Wanita Gerakan has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to sack Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail and detain him under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
The result of non-action by the prime minister could lead to Wanita Gerakan urging the party’s leadership to leave the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition, Wanita Gerakan chief Datuk Tan Lian Hoe told reporters at Gerakan’s headquarters in Cheras here yesterday.
“We are very angry at the irresponsible act of Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who tore the portrait of Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon in front of the media yesterday afternoon in Penang,” she said.
Showing a portrait of Abdullah, Tan questioned: “How would Umno members feel if a member of the component party in BN tore the picture of Umno’s president?
“Surely, Umno members would feel angry and go berserk. This is how we feel right now,” Tan added.
Ahmad incurred the wrath of the Chinese community by referring to them as “pendatang” and, therefore were squatting in the country at a ceramah during the recent Permatang Pauh by-election. He also blamed Gerakan and its loss of support among the Chinese community as the reason for BN’s dismal showing in Penang.
Ahamd Ismail's history:
A) The crowd of supporters at sacked deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's residence came alive tonight when his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, took centre-stage to thank them for their support.
Another speaker was Senator Datuk Ahmad Ismail of Umno Bukit Bendera who said the division fully supports Anwar. Anwar, who addressed the crowd about 10pm, said he was touched by their support
(Anwar's wife thanks gathering for support.
By Toh An Nee
270 words
15 September 1998
The Sun)
B) The Umno Bukit Bendera division, which held a special meeting yesterday, decided to ask that Anwar be given a fair trial in defending himself against the allegations.
"As stated by Dr Mahathir before, we should not pronounce someone guilty until the courts have stated so.
"Anwar should be given a chance to explain his side to the people so that peace can be preserved in the country," the division said in a Press statement today.
The statement was signed by Bukit Bendera division chief Senator Datuk Ahmad Ismail, his deputy Azmi @ Iskandar S.H.O. Merican, its Youth wing leader Mohd Ismail Mohd Othman, deputy Youth chief Ismadi Abu Bakar, assistant secretary Syed Abdul Kadir Aidid, deputy Youth treasurer Azhar Ahmad and the division's Youth information chief Yahaya Ibrahim.
Other signatories were Bukit Bendera Wanita chief Haslinda Mohd Hashim and her deputy Asnah Hussain.
The division said it supported Dr Mahathir as Umno president and Prime Minister.
"We also support Anwar as both are personalities and leaders who are hard to replace," they added.
(All 11 Youth divisions in Penang back Dr Mahathir
9 September 1998
The New Straits Times)
C) The tour kicked off Saturday afternoon at Datuk Seri Anwar's birthplace of Cherok Tok Kun, in the northern Malaysian state of Penang, where more than 8,000 people swarmed the whitewashed wooden house of Datuk Seri Anwar's father. The crowds spilled onto the narrow village roads and into neighbors' gardens in the usually quiet village of wooden huts and coconut trees.
He was joined on stage by several local officials of the United Malays National Organization, the ruling party headed by Dr. Mahathir. "We support Dr. Mahathir," said Ahmad Ismail, an UMNO division chief from Penang island, part of the state of Penang. "But sometimes, even he makes mistakes."
(Malay Crowds Flock to Anwar In Heartland
By Chen May Yee
Staff Reporter
1174 words
14 September 1998
The Asian Wall Street Journal)
D)The state Umno's recent meeting which endorsed the supreme council's decision to expel former deputy party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was held in proper manner.
Its deputy liaison committee chairman Datuk Mohd Shariff Omar, in saying this, dismissed Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail's claims that the meeting was not properly held and therefore the decision taken by the nine division leaders present was null and void.
(Meeting on expulsion was proper - Penang Umno. 14 September 1998,The Sun)
E)THE hottest topic at the Umno General Assembly yesterday was the posting of a list of recipients of special shares and Finance Ministry projects allocated during Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's tenure as Finance Minister.
Highway and outer ring-road in Penang to Metroworks Construction Sdn
Bhd. Major shareholders: Datuk Ahmad Ismail, Datuk Annuar Othman and Datuk
Ahmad Fuad Mohd Ali
F) Datuk Ahmad Saad, Datuk Ahmad Ismail and other Penang politicians closely allied with Anwar attended a dinner at Datuk Abdullah's house on Saturday night.
Datuk Ahmad Saad, the acting divisional chief in Anwar's former constituency, said that the former No 2 should have refrained from attacking the party, and put his own interests on the backburner.
"When Pak Lah was dropped from the Cabinet in the 80s, he did not attack the government or anybody. He just kept quiet," he said, referring to the current Deputy Premier.
(Anwar made me raise crony issue, says ex-ally.
583 words
21 June 1999
Straits Time)
G)Umno's leadership will decide the fate of Datuk Ahmad Ismail, who was ordered to relinquish his post as a Penang island municipal councillor because he was bankrupt.
Penang Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim said it would leave it to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is the committee chairman, to decide.
He said the matter would be discussed when Abdullah returned from his overseas trip.
It was reported yesterday that Ahmad, who is also a director of a firm linked to the Penang Outer Ring Road, had to relinquish his councillor's position as he was a bankrupt.
(Abdullah to decide Ahmad's fate
139 words
24 May 2006
New Straits Times)
H) Umno Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail is adamant that he will not relinquish any of his posts.
Ahmad, who was declared a bankrupt, had been ordered to give up his Penang Island Municipal Council position and his Umno post.
He said he had obtained a stay of execution order from the High Court and lashed out at Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon for rushing to announce that he had been stripped of his councillor's post.
"I don't know why a small fry like me has been given such widespread publicity.
"I was declared a bankrupt because of a technicality and I have sorted it out.
"All this could have been avoided if the Chief Minister had checked his facts first," he said
(Defiant Ahmad refuses to quit
477 words
26 May 2006
New Straits Times)
I) Bukit Bendera Umno Chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail is not bankrupt and will continue back as a member of the Pulau Pinang Town Council (MPPP).
Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon today said that he had received a letter from the Insolvency Department confirming that Ahmad was not bankrupt.
Yesterday, Ahmad had described the actions of the state government and the MPPP in terminating him from his post of a member of MPPP as being hasty and unreasonable.
(MPPP MEMBER AHMAD ISMAIL NOT BANKRUPT, KOH SAYS
186 words
26 May 2006
Bernama Daily Malaysian News)
J)Bukit Bendera Umno Branch chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail will keep his job of councillor in the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).
Ahmad cleared his name today when the Penang High Court nullified a lower court ruling declaring him a bankrupt.
A jubilant Ahmad said he has received a letter from the state government confirming that he will be retained as MPPP councillor.
He said he was a "victim of circumstances". He acted as a guarantor for a RM1.8-million loan taken by a private company which had defaulted on the repayment.
"I thank Allah that it's all over now. I have cleared my name and now I am looking forward to serving the people of Bukit Bendera (and the MPPP)," he said.
(HIGH COURT ANNULS BANKRUPT ORDER ON AHMAD ISMAIL
136 words
27 June 2006
Bernama Daily Malaysian News)
K)Bukit Bendera Umno division head Datuk Ahmad Ismail claimed that Koh and Chia did not honour their election promises, which included introducing a programme to eradicate poverty and inculcating entrepreneurship among the Malays in the city.
Describing the Malays in Penang as the victimised minority, he asked Koh and Chia to fulfill the pledges they made and asked them to hold discussions with Umno leaders to work out the programme for the Malays.
(KOH, CHIA TAKEN TO TASK FOR NOT HONORING ELECTION PROMISES
264 words
27 August 2006
Bernama Daily Malaysian News)
Ganesh, you demonstrate an old Jewish approach. 'Clarity over Agreement' - an adage ingrained in the Torah.
ReplyDeleteThe parliamentarian in question demonstrates several redeeming qualities which must be put forth before he is invited to explain, given that he stated a cold fact before rendering an opinion. He basically said 1. Chinese (read non-muslims) are immigrants and 2. They should emigrate. Both points are perfect grounds for a Lim - Koh type debate with say, Ganesh the moderator.
His redeeming qualities are 1. He represents in Parliament the trials and tribulations of a fair bit in his constituency. 2. He unites those who openly and privately support his sentiment. 3. He is clear. Most are not in agreement with his sentiment but he is crystal and if I may add, he stands by what he says. 4. He is a wonderful husband and a doting father to his children.
When Truman took America into an expensive Korean war, his detractors within the country trashed him. They called him a 'son of a bitch' but added that 'he is our son of a bitch'. The conjunction 'our' is the operative. It is a surreptitious shield that unites and offers a cover to make good. In the Truman example it minimized outside interference, mainly from China and Russia.
Ganesh, my point is, perception is everything in politics. The Ahmad debacle has reached the satirical columns of major newspapers worldwide, Sydney included. Yesterday, the New York Times re-posted the 'Chinese, don't behave like Jews' commentary.
My point is, the offending parliamentarian is 'ours' to deal with. He is a fellow citizen and a member of 'our family' and his views should be debated in such capacity, lest we invite unsolicited interference.
Good work Ganesh. Keep your thoughts available.
well done ganesh!
ReplyDeleteMr. Ganesh,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your research - enlightened me coz having limited time to investigate the background of "political actors".
Frankly, the timing of Ahmad Ismail's outburst (3 days b4 election) makes me wonder. Perhaps, I have some of the answers today.
Oh ya... allow me to add. It takes two to tango. Hence, on the same note, I think Sin Chew Jit Poh should be questioned too.
ReplyDeleteCan I also point out one thing that somehow always seems to be discounted.
ReplyDeletePeople evolve, grow. A person 10 years is not the same person now.
Can't Ahmad Ismail be his own man?
Has he always to be someone else's follower?
My post refers. Folks, the 'parliamentarian' in question is a 'party delegate' and not a member of the august house. Cheers
ReplyDeleteFor an Anwar supporter, he seems to be doing very well for himself with the BN regime. Hardly the characteristics of someone who has backed Anwar all this time. But this is Malaysian politics and I stand corrected if Anwar really had anything to do with this clown (aka Penang UMNO leader)and his antics. Recalling his conduct 10 years ago to attribute his actions of a few days ago are at the the behest of Anwar is more than a longshot in my book.
ReplyDeleteThe simple explanation that Penang UMNO warlords (Ahmad was not alone in this) are being threatened with certain oblivion when their gravy train is stopped makes more sense.
When their periuk nasi is threatened, these bandits band together. Never mind that people are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
I cannot find an argument to discount this one. So I think i will stick with it.
This is really a "Drama Minggu Ini"
ReplyDelete