Death of Mongolian Model, Part 2

Quite interesting and well done spoof of Malaysian politics and intrigues, originally from kickdefella.

The confirmed murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu has spawned all sorts of conspiracy theories in Malaysia. Please see susanloone for one of the versions.

One of the suspects is political analyst Razak Baginda (second picture), who is known to be close to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak (last picture).

Razak Baginda, who has been charged with abetting the gruesome murder, has been released out on bail on medical grounds although murder suspects or their accomplices are rarely granted bail in Malaysia. This happened although PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (third picture) has vowed to ensure full justice in the the headline-grabbing case.

Remember Dr M?

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad may have bagged some foreign honours recently but he's still not treated like a statesman back in his own country.

He made it to the cover of the October 30 issue of Time Magazine. The cover story gave him the platform for him to voice his grouses against successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. But the article also criticised Dr M for his past excesses as the country's longest-serving premier.

And on Nov 19, Dr M became the first Malaysian to receive the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice, according to The Star. Mukhriz received the award on behalf of his father, who is still recuperating from a mild heart attack. Dr Mahathir’s personal assistant Adzlin Azhar reportedly said the award was given in recognition of Dr Mahathir’s efforts in pushing through national unity in a multiracial and multireligious country.

But Dr M was not garlanded.

Instead of analysing some of the points raised by Dr M, delegates at the recent general assembly of United Malays National Organisation simply ignored the old man.

Can't blame them completely because Badawi has postponed the party election until after the national elections. So, anyone who doesn't toe the line faces the danger of being dropped from the line-up in the general elections, which are not due until 2009.

Everyone has to toe the line even though many people feel there is merit in some of Dr M's arguments. And many probably feel that the country can do better under the current regime.

Dr M Recovering

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is recovering from his mild heart attack and has been moved out of the intensive care unit, according to media reports and bloggers in the country.

The Star said he's been receiving a steady stream of visitors such as Opposition Leader Lim Kit Siang, Information Minister Zainuddin Maidin and former political foe Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Unfortunately, some quarters think the heart attack wasn't real, and it was just a ploy to avoid going to the general assembly of the United Malays National Organisation next week amid his bickering with successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Dad doesn't believe so. He thinks that Dr M will still love to attend the meeting although many Umno members are likely to back the Umno leader of the day blindly.

Hope he gets well soon.