You may recall that some time back the government tried to spin on their rating in the Global Competitiveness Report, claiming that we were “eighth” among nations with a population of above 20mil - a completely arbitrary categorization, conveniently excluding Singapore of course. We had actually fallen two places. (Hey Pak Lah, isn’t it even MORE OF A SHAME if we are less competitive than countries with fewer people?)

The spinmasters are back, this time working on our International Corruption Perception Index ranking. We dropped from 23 in 1995 to 44 and 43 in 2006 and 2007. But according to Mr. Nice, we are actually IMPROVING. You see, there are more countries in the index now!

Abdullah said if one analysed the index closely, Malaysia had improved on its performance in the fight against corruption.

“From our placing at 56.1% in the list of countries surveyed in 1996, we have improved to 24% last year and then 26.9% this year.

“This means that Malaysia is better than 76% of the countries last year, up from 73.1% in 2006 and 43.9% in 1995,”he said.

Among the new countries in this year’s survey are Somalia and Afghanistan. Aren’t we all SO PROUD we are better than them?

He also contradicts himself by stating in the same article that it is more accurate to use the actual index score instead:

“A more accurate indicator to show the trend of a country’s performance in the index is the country’s score.

“Malaysia’s score since 1995 has been averaging five points, which is a good and stable level,” he said in a written reply on Monday.

Bearing in mind that the index is fucking scored OUT OF TEN, I would say we need this doddling idiot out of office as soon as possible lest he infect us all with his indifference and mediocrity.

Popularity: 51% [?]

I have to admit that sometimes - especially at the beginning of Pak Lah’s tenure - I was in the camp of those who were thinking “Oh Pak Lah’s actually a nice guy; he just doesn’t have the willpower/clout to carry out his cleanup”. But as time goes on it’s petty obvious we were all hoodwinked.

In the current judiciary scandal, I was expecting him to start as usual with “setting up a panel to investigate”. But instead I open The Star today and see this:

Abdullah said that based on the content of the video clip and transcript that was sent to his office, only a single person’s conversation could be heard despite claims that the lawyer was talking to a senior judge.

“Can we believe or accept this?” he said.

He added that if investigations revealed that the claims were false, action would be taken against those who were trying to undermine the judiciary.

The prime minister said the video recording would invoke public anger and hatred towards the judiciary.

…

He said at this juncture, the question of setting up a Commission of Inquiry did not arise as the allegations in the video clip had yet to be proven as authentic.

I mean seriously, we’re talking about a scandal up there in the ranks of US’ Watergate, and the mainstream papers are relegating the news to page 15-20 with no names and no pictures, and treating it as though the corrupt are the victims. He wants the allegations to be proved before setting up a commission. Seriously.

Popularity: 17% [?]