Malaysians await with bated breath as 16 September 2008 or 916 approaches, some with high expectations, some with trepidations and some with nonchalance. It is the day which Anwar Ibrahim has claimed, where there will be a change of government in the country. This will be triggered by the cross-over of some MPs from the BN to the Pakatan Rakyat (PR). If there are more than 30 MPs who decide to join PR it will have more than 112 seats, a majority in the 222-seat parliament which will entitle PR to form the federal government.
Some Malaysians are sceptical that the envisaged change will happen although the number of sceptics are diminishing. They say it is just political posturing, psychological warfare or an attempt to encourage more MPs from Sabah and Sarawak to make the transition since 16 September is Malaysia Day - the day Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya to form Malaysia. They are also doubtful of the morality of such cross-overs.
However, Anwar has maintained unwaveringly that 916 will happen. Other PKR leaders have also declared that they have the numbers for PR to take over. Even BN has been shakened even though outwardly the BN leaders try to maintain a stoic confidence. The fact that they had approved the hurriedly arranged and chaotic study tour to Taiwan for 49 of the back-bencher BN MPs who are prime targets for defection indicates the disarray and confusion in the BN on how to preempt 916.
The despicable use of the the ISA to detain Raja Petra, Teresa Kok and Tan Hoon Cheng without justification also shows an increasingly panicky and desperate government trying to create diversions and fear. It is still not clear who is responsible for giving the green light to invoke the draconian ISA. However, it does not matter anymore because it has succeeded only to alienated the people further. Of course, this does not diminish the seriousness of the detention without trial of Raja Petra and Teresa Kok. Malaysians must still demand for their immediate release.
The use of the ISA has also served to dispel doubts anyone may have on the morality of forming the government by using the defections of BN MPs. In the face of such high-handed and immoral act of arresting these Malaysians without giving them the opportunity to defend themselves in court, it is no longer wrong to change the government since it has lost its moral authority to run the country. As Tunku Abdul Aziz puts it, the current government is in "complete moral decay".
Politicians in Gerakan and MCA have broken ranks and have openly condemned the use the ISA. Apparently, even UMNO politicians have expressed their doubts about the use of the ISA. The de facto law minister, Zaid Ibrahim, has just threatened to resign if the government continues to invoke the ISA. Even before the ISA arrests, there were already calls within some of these component parties for them to pull out of BN. The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) is just waiting to be sacked from BN after expressing support for a no-confidence vote against the PM and will meet on 17 September to decide its future signalling a likely withdrawal from BN.
All this means that the defection of more BN MPs is going to snowball and there is nothing which can possibly reverse this trend. The Pakatan Rakyat has proposed meeting with the PM ostensibly to discuss national security and the future of Malaysian politics. Perhaps, a surprise may be in store for Malaysians after such a meeting. It may be rather far-fetched to expect the MP for Kepala Batas to cross-over, but maybe a smooth transition may be worked out somehow. After all, despite the criticisms hurled at him the current PM may have the decency to put the interest of the country ahead of personal and his party's interest.
I believe 916 is inevitable. I believe that PR has the numbers to carry out the planned change of government and the list is growing longer. It may not be on 16 September, it may not be 17 September, it may not even be 20 September but it will happen soon. Hence, if we stop looking at 916 as a date, a slight delay should not be a disappointment. 916 as a symbol which represents the aspiration of Malaysians for a change to a better Malaysia where there is real freedom, justice and equality for all Malaysians and good governance, transparency and accountability in government will inevitably come true.
Showing posts with label Elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elections. Show all posts
September 14, 2008
September 2, 2008
Shooing Away BN component parties
Penang UMNO's Ahmad Ismail has created an uproar with his racist remarks about Malaysian Chinese during a ceramah in the Permatang Pauh by-election. Even the normally docile BN politicians are forced to come out to condemn his remarks and have called for stern action to be taken against him. They have recognized that such racist remarks in the past have alienated a large portion of the electorate resulting in the dismal performance of the BN parties in the March 8 elections. They know that to keep quiet again in the face of such blatant racist remarks will mean the loss of any remaining supporters they may have.
The greatest disappointment is the lame response of the PM who meekly says that he will tell Ahmad not to do it again! Is Badawi's position in UMNO so weak that he cannot even reprimand this UMNO division leader for such racist remarks?
Ahmad Ismail is linked to the controversial RM1.02 billion PORR project in Penang. He is a director of Peninsular Metroworks Sdn. Bhd., the company which was awarded the PORR project. In 2006, he was declared a bankrupt and was removed as a Penang Island Municipal (MPPP) councillor but was later reinstated by the then CM, Koh Tsu Koon when he managed to set aside the bankrupcy judgement against him.
The greatest disappointment is the lame response of the PM who meekly says that he will tell Ahmad not to do it again! Is Badawi's position in UMNO so weak that he cannot even reprimand this UMNO division leader for such racist remarks?
Ahmad Ismail is linked to the controversial RM1.02 billion PORR project in Penang. He is a director of Peninsular Metroworks Sdn. Bhd., the company which was awarded the PORR project. In 2006, he was declared a bankrupt and was removed as a Penang Island Municipal (MPPP) councillor but was later reinstated by the then CM, Koh Tsu Koon when he managed to set aside the bankrupcy judgement against him.
| Ahmad’s tongue undermining BN Wan Hamidi Hamid September 01 2008 - Malaysian Insider SEPT 1 — Can Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s alleged racist remarks against the Chinese community in Malaysia be the trigger for the MCA, Gerakan and other Barisan Nasional component parties to leave the coalition? Or will they continue to grin and bear it, as they have always done for many years, despite the Bukit Bendera Umno division chief calling the Chinese “squatters” and “as the Chinese were only immigrants it was impossible to achieve equal rights amongst races” at a ceramah during the Permatang Pauh by-election recently? MCA and Gerakan leaders have made tough calls for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take stern action against Ahmad for his alleged racist remarks. But the best answer they got from Abdullah was: “I will tell him (Ahmad) not to do it again. You know in a campaign all sorts of things can come up. I don’t think he meant it. I’ll make sure to tell him not to use it again.” Veteran opposition leader Lim Kit Siang said the Prime Minister had caused great dismay and distress as he chose to demonstrate solidarity with Ahmad. “Why is the Prime Minister not prepared to show ‘solidarity’ with right-thinking Malaysians who deplore Ahmad Ismail’s insensitive, offensive, derogatory and racist remarks about the Malaysian Chinese? “I will declare my solidarity with what is right, just and true — including deploring insensitive, offensive, derogatory and racist remarks whether referring to the Malays, Indians, Kadazans or Ibans, whether it is made by a Chinese or non-Chinese leader. Why is Abdullah not prepared to take a similar stand?” he said in a statement today. Abdullah’s stand is a disappointment as if he was going against his own 51st Merdeka message urging Malaysians of all races to work together, discard differences and prejudices and to rise as citizens with strength to face all challenges. “No one citizen is recognised as being of a higher position than another in this nation. This nation belongs to all of us. Whether we rise or fall depends on all of us,” said the Prime Minister on the eve of the Merdeka anniversary, hoping for all Malaysians to give importance to solidarity. His defence of Ahmad is making BN component parties uneasy. Despite tough calls, it looks like nothing is going to happen much within the federal ruling coalition. Gerakan vice-president Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan said Abdullah’s light and non-deterrent comments would do nothing to prevent similar occurrences. “The fact that Ahmad has refused to apologise when facing the wrath of the Chinese community showed how recalcitrant, arrogant and insensitive he is to a multiracial society like Malaysia,” he said in urging the police to investigate the police reports lodged against Ahmad’s remarks. ...more |
August 31, 2008
AlJazeera - Anwar Comeback (Video)
| AlJazeera 101 East - Anwar Comeback 28 Aug 2008 - AlJazeera In an exclusive interview after reclaiming his seat in parliament, Anwar Ibrahim talks to 101 East about how he plans to change 50 years of political consensus in Malaysia. |
101 East - Anwar Comeback 28 Aug 2008 Part 1 Part 2 |
August 27, 2008
Permatang Pauh liberates country
The Permatang Pauh by-election on 26 August 2008 has been billed as "the mother of all by-elections", "the dirtiest elections ever" and "a do-or-die by-election". Not only would it decide who would be the representative for the parliamentary seat of Permatang Pauh but it would also determine whether Anwar Ibrahim, the former Deputy Prime Minister, would re-enter parliament after ten years in the political wilderness. This in turn may also mean the possibility of a change of government which many Malaysians hope will herald in a period where there will be a better Malaysia for all Malaysians.
After 10 days of intense and tumultous campaigning, polling day started on a bright note with sunny skies despite the forecast of rain. Very few people have doubts that Anwar Ibrahim would win this by-election but the question on many people's mind is the margin of victory. Would it surpass the 13,398 majority which Wan Azizah won during the March 8 general elections? Or would the persistent accusations hurled at Anwar persuade some of the voters to cast their votes for BN instead, thus reducing the majority which Anwar would get? A resounding win for Anwar would be an endorsement and a strong signal for him to lead the country.
A high voter turnout has been predicted for this by-election. The public holiday declared by the Penang state government would certainly more than offset the unusual decision of the Election Commission to fix the polling day on a weekday. The Permatang Pauh voters must realise how important this by-election is for the country. With the presence of the top leaders of both the Pakatan Rakyat and the BN canvassing for their votes and the constant media focus on the constituency, any complacent voter there would certainly be woken up from their slumber. In the March elections, the voter turnout was about 80%. The total number of voters for the by-election is 58,459. If there is increase of voter turnout to 85% there should be a total of about 50,000 casting their votes.
The racial composition for the Permatang Pauh constituency is Malays - 69.4%, Chinese - 24.5%, Indians - 6% and others - 0.1%. Most observers feel that the majority, if not all of the non-Malays voters will vote for Anwar due the racial issues which were exploited by the BN recently and in particular the Malay supremacy stance taken by UMNO. It is interesting to note that out of the 3 state constituencies in Permatang Pauh, only the mixed state constituency of Seberang Jaya was won by UMNO represented by Arif Shah in the March 8 election. Perhaps, it is due to the habit of Penangites to vote for BN in the state constituency and opposition for the parliamentary seat which saved Arif in the general elections. He won by a majority of only 533! It is very unlikely that many of the non-Malays in Seberang Jaya would vote for him for the parliamentary seat.
In the other two predominantly Malay state constituencies of Permatang Pasir and Penanti, PAS and PKR won the seats in the March elections with majority of 5,433 and 2,219 respectively. BN was trying their best to win back some support in these areas by using dirty tactics of playing up the unbelievable sodomy case against Anwar and showing videos of Saiful swearing with the Koran. Instead of winning them over, these tactics have probably alienated more of the Malays voters including some UMNO supporters. Many are not convinced by the sodomy allegation against Anwar. In a survey conducted by the Merdeka center, about 60% of the Malays surveyed do not believe the sodomy claims and agree that they are politically motivated.
So, what would be the results of this mother of all by-elections Malaysia? Out of the total of about 50,000 voters predicted to come out to vote, about 30% or slightly less of the non-Malay votes should go to Anwar. Lets say about 14,000. Of the remaining Malay voters of about 36,000, more than 60% of these voters should vote for Anwar which will be about 22,000 votes. The final outcome can be Anwar - 36,000 and Arif - 14,000 but due to unexpected events such as names not appearing in the electoral rolls the predicted outcome is:
Prediction of Permatang Pauh By-election results (at 5.31 pm, 26/8/08):
Anwar Ibrahim - 35,000
Arif Shah - 15,000
Majority - 20,000
Final official results
However, when the final results were announced by the EC the actual turnout did not increase as predicted but remain almost the same as in the March 8 elections at 81%. The final official results of the Permatang Pauh by-election is as follows:
Anwar Ibrahim - 31,195 votes
Arif Shah - 15,524 votes
Hanafi - 92 votes
Majority - 15,671
Anwar has won the by-election with a higher majority of 15,671 as compared to the 13,388 majority obtained by Wan Azizah in the March 8 election. Although this is lower than what was predicted, it is still a thumping endorsement for Anwar Ibrahim.
After 10 days of intense and tumultous campaigning, polling day started on a bright note with sunny skies despite the forecast of rain. Very few people have doubts that Anwar Ibrahim would win this by-election but the question on many people's mind is the margin of victory. Would it surpass the 13,398 majority which Wan Azizah won during the March 8 general elections? Or would the persistent accusations hurled at Anwar persuade some of the voters to cast their votes for BN instead, thus reducing the majority which Anwar would get? A resounding win for Anwar would be an endorsement and a strong signal for him to lead the country.
A high voter turnout has been predicted for this by-election. The public holiday declared by the Penang state government would certainly more than offset the unusual decision of the Election Commission to fix the polling day on a weekday. The Permatang Pauh voters must realise how important this by-election is for the country. With the presence of the top leaders of both the Pakatan Rakyat and the BN canvassing for their votes and the constant media focus on the constituency, any complacent voter there would certainly be woken up from their slumber. In the March elections, the voter turnout was about 80%. The total number of voters for the by-election is 58,459. If there is increase of voter turnout to 85% there should be a total of about 50,000 casting their votes.
The racial composition for the Permatang Pauh constituency is Malays - 69.4%, Chinese - 24.5%, Indians - 6% and others - 0.1%. Most observers feel that the majority, if not all of the non-Malays voters will vote for Anwar due the racial issues which were exploited by the BN recently and in particular the Malay supremacy stance taken by UMNO. It is interesting to note that out of the 3 state constituencies in Permatang Pauh, only the mixed state constituency of Seberang Jaya was won by UMNO represented by Arif Shah in the March 8 election. Perhaps, it is due to the habit of Penangites to vote for BN in the state constituency and opposition for the parliamentary seat which saved Arif in the general elections. He won by a majority of only 533! It is very unlikely that many of the non-Malays in Seberang Jaya would vote for him for the parliamentary seat.
In the other two predominantly Malay state constituencies of Permatang Pasir and Penanti, PAS and PKR won the seats in the March elections with majority of 5,433 and 2,219 respectively. BN was trying their best to win back some support in these areas by using dirty tactics of playing up the unbelievable sodomy case against Anwar and showing videos of Saiful swearing with the Koran. Instead of winning them over, these tactics have probably alienated more of the Malays voters including some UMNO supporters. Many are not convinced by the sodomy allegation against Anwar. In a survey conducted by the Merdeka center, about 60% of the Malays surveyed do not believe the sodomy claims and agree that they are politically motivated.
So, what would be the results of this mother of all by-elections Malaysia? Out of the total of about 50,000 voters predicted to come out to vote, about 30% or slightly less of the non-Malay votes should go to Anwar. Lets say about 14,000. Of the remaining Malay voters of about 36,000, more than 60% of these voters should vote for Anwar which will be about 22,000 votes. The final outcome can be Anwar - 36,000 and Arif - 14,000 but due to unexpected events such as names not appearing in the electoral rolls the predicted outcome is:
Prediction of Permatang Pauh By-election results (at 5.31 pm, 26/8/08):
Anwar Ibrahim - 35,000
Arif Shah - 15,000
Majority - 20,000
Final official results
However, when the final results were announced by the EC the actual turnout did not increase as predicted but remain almost the same as in the March 8 elections at 81%. The final official results of the Permatang Pauh by-election is as follows:
Anwar Ibrahim - 31,195 votes
Arif Shah - 15,524 votes
Hanafi - 92 votes
Majority - 15,671
Anwar has won the by-election with a higher majority of 15,671 as compared to the 13,388 majority obtained by Wan Azizah in the March 8 election. Although this is lower than what was predicted, it is still a thumping endorsement for Anwar Ibrahim.
August 24, 2008
Illegal money destined for Permatang Pauh?
| RM16m scandal in HK: Report lodged against Sabah CM Lee Way Loon and Rahmah Ghazali Aug 22, 2008 - Malaysiakini Four DAP leaders today lodged a police report against Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman for allegedly being involved in a RM16 million smuggling scandal following the arrest of his foster brother in Hong Kong last week. "It does not matter if Musa has denied his involvement and the Permatang Pauh by-election is going on, the police and the ACA should proceed with the investigation against him,” DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang said. Kota Kinabalu MP Dr Hiew King Chiew, Sri Tanjong assemblyperson Jimmy Wong together with party stalwarts Kit Siang and Lim Lip Eng lodged the report at Dang Wangi police station at 11.30 this morning. DAP's police report was based on a Malaysia Today report which said Musa's foster brother, Michael Chia, had been arrested on his way to Kuala Lumpur carrying RM16 million cash in a bag, purportedly for use in Barisan Nasional's Permatang Pauh by-election campaign. “According to a reliable source in the Hong Kong police and Interpol, they had been keeping an eye on Micheal for the past three years. In the end, he was caught red-handed with Singaporean currency worth RM16 million placed in his suitcase,” web-portal Malaysia Today said. The report also said Michael had pleaded with the police to release him as the money belonged to Musa and he was only the 'agent' smuggling in the money. “Musa was fuming about Michael's arrest and worried he would be arrested as well. To add insult to injury, Musa's bank accounts in Hong Kong were frozen immediately,” the report added. ‘Is the money illegal?’ Kit Siang, who is also MP for Ipoh Timur, urged police to act swiftly against the chief minister and emulate the Anti-Corruption Agency's action against Perak executive councillors who were recently arrested for alleged graft. He said apart from the police, the ACA as an independent body should also take a hand in the case. Kota Kinabalu MP Hiew also raised doubts about the source of the money – where it came from and what it was actually meant for. “The police and ACA should investigate where the money came from and what it is for. Does it come from any illegal way?” questioned Hiew, adding that the latest allegation against Musa would tarnish the image of Sabahans. “We always say the Sabahans are poor, but then we have a report saying the chief minister owned RM16 million, this will definitely give a bad impression from the people in the peninsula on us,” said Hiew. Lip Eng, DAP parliamentarian for Segambut, also suggested the police held Musa’s passport so as to be fair to the recently arrested Perak excos, whose travel documents were impounded. ...source http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/88361 |
Permatang Pauh: Toh offered PKR adviser post
| Toh offered PKR good governance adviser post by Regina William 21-08-2008 - The Edge BUKIT MERTAJAM: Former Gerakan Penang state executive councillor Datuk Dr Toh Kin Woon has been offered the position of an adviser on good governance and accountability for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) by its de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Toh was offered the position during his visit to the party's operations centre at Taman Sama Gagah, Permatang Pauh. Anwar said Toh's views and experience in governance was very critical to the PKR. "I know Toh is a very difficult person to convince as he is known for his nature of being moderate and highly principled, as evident from his numerous stands on various issues which was different from Gerakan or the Barisan Nasional (BN). "I am deeply touched by his announcement in support of our struggles and principles," Anwar added. Toh who thanked Anwar for the honour said he would consider the offer after reviewing the role he had to play. At a press conference, Toh reiterated his stand that he would not join the PKR or any other political party. Toh's visit with former MCA Wanita leader Dr Tan Yee Kew, who has also quit her party, gave the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) election campaign a morale booster. "My visit here is as a citizen of Malaysia and I have already expressed my support for Anwar's agenda which emphasises honesty, sincerity, openness, ending corruption and non-racist governance. "Which is why this by-election is very important as if Anwar wins with a bigger majority, then the voice of the people will be louder in parliament against the injustices and unfairness. "The people want that and I firmly believe that Anwar is a capable leader to carry out reforms in the institutions of state, judiciary, bureaucracy, police, to enhance the level of efficiency, good governance, transparency and openness, and this is the agenda that all of us will support. "I am also in favour of PKR's new Malaysian economic agenda as the New Economic Policy (NEP), though with good intentions, has been ineffective due to abuse. Tan meanwhile expressed hope that PKR would realise the aspirations for a just Malaysia for all races and gave her full support for Anwar to be the next prime minister. Asked if his open support for the PKR was an act of betrayal to Gerakan and BN, Toh said: "I have mentioned earlier that I am no longer a Gerakan member and I don't feel that I am betraying Gerakan. If fact, what Anwar has put forward is what Gerakan has always wanted to do but now, I am continuing the same principles and ideas on a different platform and forum. "For me, it is the principles that the party stands for which are important and I believe that this is an ideal struggle as it champions unity and not focusing on racial division, and this leadership I believe is one that is honest, sincere and open," Toh added. ...source |
August 16, 2008
Chinese-savvy or not, Arif Shah represents racist Umno
Permatang Pauh by-election updates are available here.
| Chinese-savvy or not, Arif Shah represents racist Umno: Anwar 15 August 2008 - The Sun SEBERANG PERAI (Aug 15, 2008) : Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has dismissed his BN opponent Datuk Arif Shah Omar Shah’s proficiency in Chinese as an important determinant in wooing multi-racial voters in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary by-election. "I don’t think that is the issue. The issue now is policy. It is about who can articulate the vision of the country, and represent the concerns of all Malaysians – Malays, Chinese and Indians," the PKR de facto leader said today (Aug 15) ahead of nomination on Saturday. "You can speak Mandarin. But you represent Umno. There is a big difference there." "You represent Umno when Umno is going on about a very racist agenda," he added. Anwar said this while visiting the DAP’s 24-hour Permatang Pauh election operations centre in Taman Arowana in Seberang Jaya here. Also present was DAP secretary-general and chief minister Lim Guan Eng. Anwar also lamented that a minor issue like asking for a mere ten percent quota for international and non-Bumiputra students in UiTM, which would benefit the students at the university, had been blown out of proportion by Umno members. He explained that Selangor mentri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, who is also PKR secretary-general, had only suggested that one course like the MBA be opened to international and non-Bumiputra students. "Look at what the reaction is like - so strong, racist Malay line," he said. "This is a very dangerous trend in this country after 51 years of independence." He also criticised Umno for organising a function in Penang themed on "saving" the state’s Malays and blaming Pakatan Rakyat (PR). "As if we are here bullying or killing the Malays of Penang," Anwar said. He stressed that the PR’s focus was to ensure the welfare of all races. "Every time Umno and the ruling party are under threat, they resort to the race issue," he said.. He added that his team of supporters would have to work doubly hard to explain to Malay voters how the mainstream media is being manipulated by the ruling federal government to play up the race issue and denigrate the PR. He also brushed aside recent reports that there are cracks among different parties in PR, and pointed out that both PAS president Datuk Seri Hadi Awang and DAP chairman Lim Kit Siang will escort him to the nomination centre tomorrow. He said opinions by PAS members who expressed the desire that Hadi should be the prime minister in a PR federal government were not a problem as these were views expressed freely by members. "I don’t take this as a problem. We will just discuss issues like this within the PR." He called the news reports on the matter the work of Umno-controlled media organisations which wanted to present a picture of PR falling apart. "We are not dealing with Arif Shah but the might of the BN," he said. On the possibility that Akim, a small splinter group from PAS, was planning to nominate its own candidate in the by-election, Anwar said it was part of the democratic process and would not affect his bid. "If anything, I think they will steal the Umno votes," he said. ...source |
July 20, 2008
April 1, 2008
Lest We Forget: Mahathir's Misdeeds III
The following is a letter addressed to Mahathir found on SUSAN LOONE’s blog which is worth sharing widely.
By Jayashanker Rajagopal SUSAN LOONE’s blog - 1 April 2008 Dear Tun Dr Mahathir, My first impression when I read your letter – Dr M speaks up on Rulers and politicians – The Sun 28/3/08 – was - wow, what an irony. Perhaps the irony of all ironies. The jury’s out, and you still want to justify yourself before the masses. What does it take, for you to admit, the role you played in bringing Malaysia to the depressing state that it is today - politically, socially, morally and economically? (Though the recent GE has at least offered hope- nevertheless the road ahead is still long). What does it take for you to admit, YOUR faults? The lame excuses offered in your letter – Even other accusations against me, including the dismissal of judges, were not my doing and I do not feel obliged to apologise. Ask the Tribunal to apologise. Really Tun, and you would have us to believe that you were just a passive by-stander when this nation’s bastion of justice was being flushed down into a black hole? In any event, why moot the notion of an apology, unless something wrong was committed? If yes, why did you, as the paramount leader, do nothing? To clear its good name, the Government should get credible foreign agencies to do… investigation. This, coming from an individual who bedevilled foreigners in his days. In any event, can they also pull out files from your time in office? Of course, if such an imaginary course of action was ever possible, I can just picture your response – “ I can’t remember”, or “it’s my prerogative”…. “I am aware that people are looking into possible misdeeds by me during my 22 years …..So far they have not found anything”. Well Tun, perhaps it’s because these “people” haven’t gone very far yet….but then, what do you think the VK Lingam tape episode is all about? Tun – are you really upset because of Badawi’s ineptness, or are you acting that way because Badawi cancelled your pet projects, and as a result, your cronies couldn’t get a hold of the hand-me-downs which you would have promised them during your reign? What kind of road show are you putting up here? To get sympathy from the masses? Wouldn’t it be easier if you just apologised? I sincerely doubt, as do many Malaysians, that this re-birth of Malaysia would have been possible if you were still in power today. Here you are, a trigger happy man when it concerns Badawi and his ilk. However, convenient ignorance is the order of the day when it comes to your own misdeeds of the past. Alas, for these things that you whack Badawi for, bear very much, the finger prints that you had left in your 22 years of being the nation’s Chief Executive. Many are critical of Badawi at this point, and rightly so. But was it Badawi who created the rot? Or did he inherit it before he himself went on to tinker with it? How could he have created it, in the four short years that he ruled? And yet Tun, you would aver to have us believe, that you are as innocent as a blue-eyed, sweet-dimpled baby in the evolution of all things wrong in Malaysia. Let me list it out:- * The rot of the Judiciary * The muzzled and impotent mass media * The demonising of a valid Opposition and the tactical use of the May 13 fear to augment it. * The suppression of basic civil rights - it wasn’t Badawi who started the practice of gassing the nation’s people who exercised their right to peaceful public demonstrations. * The ISA and Operasi Lallang. * The use of racial politics to rule and divide. * The corruption that is the civil service today. * The loss of billions of ringgits - this practice too, wasn’t started by Badawi, even though he certainly raised the bar! Let’s recap :- MAS, UEM, MRCB, Renong, Proton, Perwaja, Bank Bumi, the E-Village, Paya Indah Wetlands, MSC, Cyber-jaya, the Putrajaya development which today, is a certified loss, the 1998 Commonwealth Games, the purchase of MAS shares by EPF at higher than market price, the so-called “paper” loss of billions through FOREX & Tin Futures Trading, the rise of money politics in UMNO and BN, toll concessions that burden the rakyat, lop-sided agreements with Independent Power Producers, the issuance of APs, the mis-allocation of Bumi shares/contracts/scholarships etc. to relatives of Ministers and leacherous hop-on political riders, extravagant projects that provide nothing more than gloss when measuring national achievements, and so on and so forth. And just where do we conclude this list? You were definitely better than Badawi at controlling various situations in the country; but fear and an iron fisted approach was the lead course of action, in order to make it work. You are the consummate political chess grandmaster - a political Bobby Fischer, if you like - gifted with an impecable sense of timing. As it is, you are still trying to maneuver what little pawns you could find on the board today - albeit limited in your moves - very much like a Bobby Fischer coming out of retirement. Where does the buck stop? When Watergate was uncovered, it went all the way to Nixon, and the President took responsibility, as Chief Executive, and resigned. But you, dear Tun, despite clear, irrefutable evidences that lead all the way to your door step, still plead innocence, or amnesia, or powerlessness, or “its-my-prerogative” type of response. Where did Badawi and the UMNO - ites of today obtain their “ilham” to carry on business as usual? Wasn’t it you, who confronted the Rulers on their powers and later went on to curtail it - seen through the Constitutional Crisis of the 80s? So why is there so much of fuss when it comes to the drama that unfolded in Terengganu the past couple of days? Didn’t you create this constitutional ambiguity? If you were still in office, we wouldn’t have had this much freedom in voicing our opinions today. And I would be hauled by the Special Branch for daring to suggest these issues. Let’s give Badawi that much credit, please! Do you think that Malaysians are so naive so as to think that the various branches of the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Police were acting on their own volition without following the operating guidelines “established” by Putrajaya during your time? Let me give a you piece of advice - Malaysians are a forgiving lot, really. And all you have to do to earn that justifiable measure of respect on your epitaph is to apologise. I think no one is going to get vindictive if you do that - sincerely. Remember, Nixon did get his pardon. In any event, all this was your dilemma to begin with. |
March 12, 2008
Lest We Forget: Mahathir's Misdeeds II
More Malaysians dismiss Mahathir's call for Badawi to resign.
On Dr M calls for Pak Lah to resign vox populi - Malaysiakini 12 Mar 2008 TS Su: I totally disagree with Dr M’s call for Pak Lah to resign. The people did not vote to get rid of BN, much less Pak Lah. They want BN to stay in power and continue to rule, albeit, without a two-thirds majority. The point is to ‘teach’ BN, and in particular, Umno, a lesson. To stop them from being arrogant and corrupt. Many BN politicians are. They treated our country like their own backyard. The people can feel their corrupt practices, but few can prove. The people prefer Pak Lah to Najib any day. Pak Lah has allowed the corrupt cases such as VK Lingam tape to surface. He allowed mass rallies during the election, which we never had under Dr M’s administration. Now, this reduced majority for BN is actually a mandate for Pak Lah to eliminate corruption and arrogance among the BN leaders. He should get rid of those leaders. If he does not, the BN won’t be a ruling party anymore come next election. ***** Mr Positive: Dr M left Abdullah Ahmad Badawi a technically bankrupt country after his ‘global warming’ project in Brazil incurred the wrath and ‘financial attack’ by you-know-who in 1997/8. The resultant bad economic situation in Malaysia sprouted discontent and dissension among the populace especially the Indians and Chinese. The election results reflect the sentiments of the rakyat. Therefore, the present PM is not to be blamed. The facts point to the former ‘big mouth’ premier who brought the country to its pinnacle and downfall. Things could be a lot worse. Syabas Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for winning this election. ***** Bigben: We should be grateful to Abdullah for allowing dissenting views and allowing a free and fair election. This would not have happened with that hypocrite Mahathir. ***** Loh: I would like to say that instead of blaming Abdullah for BN's failure, Mahathir should admit that BN itself is has been a failed proposition since the very beginning and made worse during his tenure, and that the people have simply now woken up and said ‘enough is enough’. Malaysia has survived BN's rule still intact not because of the brilliance of it's leaders like Mahathir seems to believe, nor Abdullah, but because of the resilience of the rakyat who have worked hard and contributed to the nation despite BN. So perhaps instead of pointing the finger at Abdullah for destroying BN, he should take some of the credit himself. ***** Jason Khaw: PM Abdullah Badawi has contributed to the nation’s maturing process by allowing freer discussions on sensitive topics. He has allowed people to discuss and think. Only wished it had happened sooner and changes were made quicker. Now, Abdullah's government and a stronger opposition, will truly test our ability to really grow-up and I think this combination is the right one for all our people. Let's evaluate the whole process with a balanced view. Dr M's comments are unfair, as far as I am concerned. When I read it, it sounded like a description of the government he had once ruled himself. ***** A Patriot: Tun Dr Mahathir, I remember you recently said that you were confident that BN would obtain two-thirds majority. You were wrong! I think you have been wrong in the past about many things and you are still getting it wrong. I am so shocked that you still want BN and Najib around. Of course you want them around, this is part of your legacy. You are not really interested in the welfare of our country, but your own name and pride. So leave the administration of our country to the new generation. Don’t try to meddle anymore, you are a ‘has been’.You are retired so stay retired. ***** Jimmy Wong: What Mahathir is trying to do now is disturbing and is already beginning to darken the horizon of a new dawn in the political landscape following the vote for change by Malaysians. Mahathir is rallying his cronies and sycophants to blame the outcome of the election solely on Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. He is hijacking the Malaysian voice that clamoured for a change from the race-based, crony, authoritarian politics of BN that Mahathir had spawned all these years. For all Malaysians committed to not allowing this kind of politics to pollute Malaysian politics and society, let's be vigilant. The next big challenge for Malaysian netizens is to expose such vestiges of Mahathirism and expunge it from Malaysian politics, culture and society. Onward with the struggle for real change. Enough-lah, Mahathir: Can Mahathir come to terms and confess once and for all that all the corruption, lack of transparency, poor governance, unequal treatment of citizens, the manipulated judiciary, the Umno hegemony etc all started and was perpetrated by him during his reign? The only difference is that TDM is super-crafty and able to sweep issues under the carpet. And issues are not the only things he sweeps - he concocts baseless lies to put away his challengers. Tun Mahathir, stop manipulating with immediate effect. We don't need your fabrications to achieve only your manipulated ends. ***** Korrupt-ajar: Yes, yes, yes. l fully agree with Dr Mahathir that PM Abdullah should resign to take full responsibility for BN's poor polls showing. But, wait a minute, isn't this the same arrogant BN which Mahathir led and misused to systematically destroy and corrupt the various institutions of democracy? Therefore, before resigning, PM Abdullah should now do the right thing by charging Mahathir for misuse of public funds, cronyism, corruption and blatant abuse of powers. ***** Paramount Consolidated: I totally disagree with Mahathir's call for Pak Lah to step down. Mahathir's cronies are the biggest losers this time around. Mahathir has no shame. Pak Lah was God-send and did right things by going against Mahathir’s many mega projects. It is best for Pak Lah to remain than to let Najib come up what with his his unexplained lifestyle, alleged corruption in the submarine deal and others. Pak Lah is our best PM ever with his humble and liberal concepts and as such the rakyat should respect his Wisdom. ***** HL: Who is Mahathir to ask Abdullah to resign? Wasn't Mahathir the person who created the monster Malaysia Corrupted Inc.during his 22-year reign? Abdullah just so happened to be continuing his legacy. Why is he so unhappy with that? During Mahathir's 22 years of governance, there were many many occassions when many of us would have liked to stand up and heckle him loudly to resign. Abdullah gave us a voice. Gave back to us some of our freedom and dignity. My hats off to Abdullah and company. You have your place in history. Rest assured, quite different from that of Mahathir's. You can make a comeback. Do not worry. ***** E LIM: At this point, Pak Lah should be given a fair chance to lead for another term. Pak Lah should not be blamed for outcome of the results for after all he inherited a great deal of ‘challenges’ to deal with. Dr M should stop making snide remarks or degrading comments about Pak Lah if he honestly cares about our country. Unless they are sincere positive feedback for the good our Malaysia, Dr M should just focus on enjoying his retired life. So, now that the people of Malaysia have said their piece', let's give Pak Lah at least another chance to lead Malaysia with his key mission being to eradicate or if required, amputate all the rotten ills. Allah be with Pak Lah and may Pak Lah look to his Allah for leadership. ***** Ragunathan: I wish to make a clarion call to the prime minister not to step down. To be fair to the man, it is his brand of democracy that worked for the Malaysian electorate. Leaving aside the missteps, one must put things into perspective. Mahathir's call for him to step down reeks of a dastardly move to come back into the political scene and wield his influence through the back door. I doubt very much if Mahathir would have the maturity to accept the will of the people they declared on March 8. Pak Lah should not step down, but take decisive measures to prevent people with selective memories from making any come-back, and reviving projects that benefit no one but their legion of cronies. El Mark: What's all this about Pak Lah resigning? Pak Lah did not 'engineer' himself to be a PM. He was plucked and placed there. One cannot really blame him solely for what has transpired. I am sure Pak lah is now more aware and learning and will change his 'choir and repertoire'. And, with a new team in the government and with better advice, he’ll do better. Give the old chap a chance, he been thru' only a term. Let's evolve for a better Malaysia hand-in-hand but not emotionally. ***** Sandra K: Dr M has always been making a lot of noise - very unproductive. Just imagine, if it was him, and not Pak Lah who was the PM, what would have happened with this outstanding win by the opposition? Most likely, locking everyone up under ISA (I Simply Arrest!) Pak Lah was at least a gentleman, in accepting defeat, with his comment that this was how democracy works. Maybe Dr M should just leave the new government alone to do their work - I believe they do not need his interference, nor his scalding remarks. Tanpa Kepala: As far as I'm concerned Dr M is nothing but a hypocrite. He would certainly not have resigned had this happened to him. Although I consider Pak Lah and BN as the enemies of the people, I must say that, at least, with the current administration we see an improvement in media transparency. This could not have happened with Dr M at the helm. ***** Michelle Lim: The poor result for BN at the 12th general election is not Pak Lah's fault alone. It is a cumulative problem that Pak Lah took over since he came on board. All the BN leaders should rise up and give their support to our PM during this hard time. They should sit down and revisit all their policies and makr sure that they are fair and just to everyone in the country.And I really hope that others would rise up and tell Dr M to keep quiet! ***** M Lim: I feel the defeat of Barisan should not be solely blamed on our PM. The whole unfairness thing started from Dr Mahathir's time. Unfortunately, our PM inherited this and has to pay for it. I believe our PM Abdullah is a good man. He has done a lot for us like looking into daily problems. Times have changed. If Dr M was still in power today, Barisan would still have faced this exact defeat as people today are more educated and want their rights to be heard. So, don't just blame our PM. I believe our PM is a good man. ***** Kam Noris: Dear Pak Lah, no matter what, please do not step down. It’s not your fault anyway. ***** Puru: There is a lot of unfair blame on Pak Lah. Let us face it, it his openness (compared to the previous administration) allowed the people to voice their opinion. Take all the marches - do you think this would have happened in the past? I see him like the Gorbachev of Russia. He is setting the pace for reform and taking a hell of beating for it. In some ways, we need to be grateful that he allowed democracy in the country. ***** Alvin Lau: I strongly feel that Abdullah should not lose faith in himself and step down as suggested by all. This is not the true reflection of a credible leader. So, he has now been sworn in as the new PM. While I am not a fan of his, he has been entrusted to run the country (again) even if he is anything but useful. I must say that the damage has now been done, so who better to get it resolved apart from himself? If this will be his last chance to redeem himself, he must ensure his new term in the office is being run as clean as possible. Take out the rats, if it means all of them, put his personal pride and interests aside, and start working with all parties on all fronts to rise the country once again. Because you are the PM, you are the one person who can now make a difference. ***** Lilian Tan: When Dr M declared that Pak Lah should take 100% of the responsibility for Barisan's appalling performance in this election, a friend of mine declared that he was a fine one to talk. Barisan's rot set in a long time ago and Dr. M played a big role in accelerating it during his tenure. However, we should be very thankful that the voters' massive turnaround happened on Pak Lah's watch and not on Dr M's. Pak Lah is weak, ineffectual and a pathological promise-breaker, but he conceded defeat and sincerely asked that there be no trouble or violence in the streets. That there have been no ugly incidents of riots, homes burned down, people hurt or killed in the election aftermath is something we can be thankful for and proud of. I am not so sure that Dr M – legendary for his oppressive, vindictive character – would have responded likewise. ***** Lim Swee Bin: Speaking up for Pak lah, shall we never, ever forget he inherited a rotten legacy left him by his predecessor. All the things critically wrong today in our country were put in place during that long reign of 23 years, including the latest judiciary joke. There wouldn't be a March 8 and today without our present prime minister. He allowed freedom of speech like we never had for nearly a quarter of a century. He allowed an alternative press and he allowed peaceful demonstrations. He allowed competitors to roam free. He allowed us to have our say. Instead of vilifying him, let’s salute him for having the courage to let that happen. Pak Lah may not be a warrior but he has shown this greatness as a leader, in facing seeming collapse and in sticking around for the resurrection. ***** PL: It is time that Tun Mahathir gracefully retire and concentrate on his coming memoirs. Abdullah may be weak but he is not beaten. Malaysians still love him. As far as Malaysia is concerned, he was indeed a gentleman. He admitted gracefully his defeat and asked the IGP to ensure the graceful transition of power in the five states. Would you, Tun, have done the same? I don’t think so. ***** Woody Ooi: I agree that Pak Lah should go to make way for others, but not for Najib who has serious moral and integrity problems. Perhaps Shahrir Samad. To be objectively fair, the rot in system did not happen over the last four years, but cumulated over the past 22 years during Dr M’s stewardship. Perhaps Dr M should shut up and apologise instead to BN and the people of Malaysia. |
March 11, 2008
Lest We Forget: Mahathir's Misdeeds
It may be easy for Mahathir to forget the numerous misdeeds committed during his 22 years of iron-fisted rule.
However, Malaysians must never forget. They must never forget that many of the problems facing the country today originated from his administration of the country.
For Mahathir to come out to blame Badawi for "destroying" BN, the day after the momentous 2008 elections is totally uncalled for. His outburst is certainly not for the interest of the country nor even for the interest of UMNO or BN. Malaysian should never be fooled by what he or his sycophants say.
The following is a sample of what Malaysians think of Mahathir.
However, Malaysians must never forget. They must never forget that many of the problems facing the country today originated from his administration of the country.
For Mahathir to come out to blame Badawi for "destroying" BN, the day after the momentous 2008 elections is totally uncalled for. His outburst is certainly not for the interest of the country nor even for the interest of UMNO or BN. Malaysian should never be fooled by what he or his sycophants say.
The following is a sample of what Malaysians think of Mahathir.
Dedicated to Dr M - The People’s Parliament January 31, 2008 (Although this was posted before the elections it is a fitting "dedication") Too late, Dr M, too late. Too late to cover up your dark deeds by blaming the Badawi administration. How I had wished, when you were in your hospital bed in IJN recuperating, that you would do the decent thing - repent and admit all the wrongs you had done towards this nation and its people, all too numerous to enumerate here. True repentance would have led you to speak the truth at the VK Lingam session, would have caused you to open up and apologise and attempt to make things right, would have been medicine for this suffering nation. But you did not. True repentance means you are willing to do all that it takes to undo the harm you caused. But you are not. Your selective amnesia is so you. Some people say your performance before the Royal Commission was vintage Dr M. I say it was wastage. You wasted a great moment where you could have helped expose the truth. You chose self-preservation instead. Why complain and condemn BN now, Dr M? You were their best teacher and they were ready pupils to emulate your ways. So, Dr M, leave the affairs of this nation to others. Sit in your armchair, think of your deeds and sing this song dedicated to you to the tune of ‘I Started A Joke’. I started the rot That sent this nation crumbling But I wouldn’t see That the rot was in me. I took all the power And had the nation crying But I didn’t care That my rule was unfair. I started it all Caused all this mess And people had less But I, I’m on my throne I don’t care two hoots I can go it alone. I’ve started a scheme That’ll make you want me back A pity you can’t see That Malaysia needs me. |
Should Pak Lah quit? Are you insane? Hell NO! - blog.thestar.com.my Posted by: aput83 Tuesday, March 11, 2008 I like Pak Lah as a person. He's a genial old man with a wicked sense of humor. When I saw him announce the simple majority win, I almost felt sad. Almost. Then suddenly I get news that the grumpy old retired ex-PM has already started criticizing him, going so far as demanding him to step down. And, oddly enough, there are those who actually agree with Tun M. Are you kidding me? Do people not know why the Opposition could never have gotten their win if Mahathir was still Prime Minister? Do you think the EC would have been under as much pressure to make sure the elections were fair? Do people actually think that if Tun M was still Prime Minister, we would not see another Ops Lallang, with all the Opposition leaders being rallied and locked up? Do you think BERSIH and HINDRAF would actually get any attention at all? I have respect for Tun M, but this is one time he should just shut up. He ruled with an iron fist, misleading the non-Malays into thinking that he was on their side, when he never did anything of the sort. I think we all should be thankful to Pak Lah for actually allowing the Opposition to prove themselves in 5 years to the people in 5 states. True, he is not the best example of good leadership in terms of winning elections, but he has proven himself to be a gracious, humble, accepting and transparent leader, which I have never yet managed to see in my lifetime. Which is more than I can say for that grumpy, old, begrudging predecessor of his. |
'Operasi Lallang 2' on Sunday if Dr M was still PM - Malaysiakini Letter Abdullah Junid Mar 11, 08 5:52pm I refer to the Malaysiakini report Dr M calls for Pak Lah to resign. Well, well, well, now! Look which pot we have calling the kettle black. Our ‘beloved’ retired - though I'm sure he wish he wasn't - ex-prime minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad is accusing Pak Lah of destroying the Barisan Nasional and asking him to step down. I laughed so loud, I almost fell out of my chair. Dear Tun, Pak Lah did not destroy the BN. He just inherited the destruction process you had started during your 22-year dictatorship. The corruption, the arrogance, the obscene megaprojects towering over slums populated by hard-done-by Malaysians, the brutal treatment of those who had an opinion contrary to yours - these are all things that were your legacy. The thoroughly discredited judiciary, the instant-billionaire children of ‘Umno royalty’ - including your own - these are all your legacies. The cronies who looted the country's treasury, the constant purges of Umno opponents, the shameful beating up of your most feared opponent - these are all part of what history will remember you for. In fact, we all know what would have happened to leading opposition figures this past Sunday if you had still been prime minister. It would have been Operasi Lalang II. Let's go back a bit further. It was your agitation during the late 1960s that played a big role in putting Malaysia on the racist path that has led to today's overwhelming problems. The sheer arrogance of the man. Not only did he decide personally who would succeed him, but he even decided who would succeed his successor. Now that the prospects of his blue-eyed boy Najib look shaky, he's crying foul. Well, cry me a river! Mahathir's sycophants drool over his supposed charisma. But the fact is, he's been nothing more than a lifelong opportunist who could always sense which way the wind was turning, and then used his oratorical and political machinations to take advantage of them. Well, it looks like age hasn't diminished his ability to smell an opportunity. He knows Pak Lah is at his weakest now, and he has pounced right out of the gate to try and get his boy Najib installed in Putrajaya. Trouble is, he still needs to learn that loyalty in Umno is as fleeting as the post you hold. If he thinks Najib will be his hamba, he's sadly out of touch. But I'm sure many Malaysians wish Mahathir nothing less than a long, long life - long enough for him to be around and watching when Anwar Ibrahim takes the oath of office as Prime Minister. |
Whatever it is, don't listen to Mahathir - Malaysiakini Letter Al Tugauw Mar 11, 08 5:40pm I refer to the Malaysiakini report Dr M calls for Pak Lah to resign Before anyone gives any credence at all to anything that Dr Mahathir Mohamad may say, I would just like to say a few words of caution. I am quite sure that Mahathir knows that it all started when he went against Tunku Abdul Rahman (who was until then by his (Tunku’s) own admission ‘the happiest Prime Minister in the world’). That was what they wanted after all, power and money. It was not just him alone, but a whole group within Umno at the time who went by the name of the ‘Contras’ and who supposedly advocated an anti-Chinese stand (but nevertheless all had some Chinese tow kay or another behind them). Even today with their Hidup Melayu! while at the same time siphoning off as much money as they can through sheer abuse of their positions, both within and outside of government. This marked the real start of money politics in Umno and Umno's foray into business and the corporate sector - so that not very long after the implementation of the NEP, the first victim of Umno’s greed was the very bank set up to ‘help’ bumiputeras, Bank Bumiputra. Many other scandals involving enormous waste of government funds and mismanagement followed, all of which could be covered up under the guise of the NEP and through control of all mass media. Mahathir himself and his Umno (also MCA and MIC) cronies who got rich from all the money which they siphoned out of the system through sheer abuse of the NEP - and which was partly used to place him in power to take over as PM and to keep him there for 22 years, as well as to keep the BN in power for so long under Umno - are largely to blame for all these abuses. Abdullah and Najib, who followed that lead and as inheritors of that systemic abuse are also responsible as serial abusers themselves. The evidence is clear - if only ACA was given a free hand to investigate. It really does not matter whether Abdullah stays on or is replaced by Najib, as Mahathir wants. We all know that Mahathir is a man with his own agenda - national interest certainly being not a part of it. If they have not learnt their lesson and continue to abuse their positions, that will certainly be the death knell of Umno and the BN with it. Then again, perhaps that will be better for this country. Mahathir talks as if things would have beeen different under him or perhaps even under Najib (and the BN would not have lost so badly) and that Abdullah's arrogance and misplaced faith in his son-in-law was to blame. Perhaps this may be true, but that is the system which they inherited from Mahathir (and of course continued to abuse). I doubt if Abdullah's arrogance could out-do Mahathir's anytime. All I can say now is that if Umno and the BN and their leadership and members do not undertake the necessary self-reform at the federal level, they can expect to be overthrown in the next general elections. However, if Sabah and Sarawak desert the BN now, which they should, the people will not have to wait for the next general elections for at least some hope of reform to begin so that all Malaysians can get on with life under more just, equitable and fairer conditions instead of letting all these elites continue to bleed the country dry while the rest of us and the country's resources pay for it. Whatever it is, don't listen to Mahathir. |
Stop attacking Abdullah, Dr M told - Malaysiakini Mar 11, 08 6:43pm The National Union of Bank Employees (Nube) has told off former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad for rebuking his successor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. In a statement today, general secretary J Solomon said Mahathir should not be vindictive or hit out at Abdullah. “Stop being a traitor to our government and the people. The current situation in the country did not suddenly arise over the last 4-5 years,” he said. “It is years and years of pent-up frustration across the nation that has grown as a result of the ‘Mahazalim’ reign.” On Sunday, Mahathir had lashed out at Abdullah, after Barisan Nasional (BN) recorded its worst ever election results. Mahathir had led Umno and BN for 22 years before stepping down in October 2003. "My view is he has destroyed Umno, destroyed the BN and he has been responsible for this," Mahathir told reporters. "I think he should accept responsibility for this. He should accept 100 percent responsibility. I am sorry but I apparently made the wrong choice.” BN lost five states - Kelantan, Perak, Penang, Kedah and Selangor - to the opposition. It also lost its two-thirds grip on Parliament, winning only 140 of the 222 seats. Nube described the 12th general election as a true reflection of people’s power. “The result of the elections is proof of a clean and transparent election. There was no malice; otherwise the results would have been different,” the statement read. The union also advised those elected for the first time on the BN ticket to focus on fulfilling their promises to the people instead of making premature demands of Abdullah. Nube expressed its support for Abdullah’s ability to make the right decisions. “Let sour grapes whine in frustration while (Abdullah) works with the elected representatives in various states to build this nation for Malaysians. “We believe (Abdullah) is the best leader to unite and build Malaysia with the various state governments.” The union also said it hopes that those who won in the elections will ‘walk the talk’. |
March 3, 2008
Vote Against Gerrymandering
There is a general expectation that there will be a swing of votes in favour of the Opposition in the 2008 elections due to a long list of issues such as the Lingam video, PKFZ scandal, Auditor-General Report revelations of misuse of funds, Hindraf issue, Bersih rally, etc.
However, despite this expection almost all political observers and even the most optimistic Opposition leaders and supporters concede that the BN will most probably be returned to power after the 2008 elections. Why is this the case? The answer is gerrymandering or the delineation of the boundaries of the parliamentary constituencies to give unfair advantage to the BN coalition.
The smallest parliamentary seat for the Federal Territory Putrajaya has only 6,608 voters while the parliamentary seat for Kapar in Selangor has 112,224 voters! What this means is that one vote in the Putrajaya parliamentary constituency is equivalent to 17 votes in the Kapar constituency. This is grossly unfair. The usual justification given for the difference in voters in different constituencies is a "rural weightage". But Putrajaya can hardly be considered a rural area! Of course, the real reason for this discrepancy is obvious. The voters in Putrajaya are mainly civil servants and pro-BN which almost guarantee that this seat will be won by BN.
Such disturbing large discrepancies is also seen in the average voters per parliamentary constituency for the different states. For Sarawak, a state where a large number of parliamentary seats have been won by the BN in the past elections, the average voters in each parliamentary constituency is only about 29,000. However, in Selangor the average number of voters per constituency is about 71,000. To make matter worse, 3 additional parliamentary constituencies have just been created in 2006 for Sarawak which now has 31 seats for the 2008 elections - the largest number of seats for any state. If the population of the states is taken into consideration, and using Sarawak's population as the baseline then Selangor should have 53 parliamentary seats instead of 22 and Trengganu should have 18 parliamentary seats instead of only 8 seats which it currently has.
One must appreciate that such a situation should never be allowed in fair and democratic elections. The equality of voting strength must be recognised as one of the fundamental principles of fair elections. The following are extracted from guidelines from the UN Committee on Human Rights and the European Commission for Democracy Through Law.
In our original 1957 Constitution there is a provision for differences in the voters in different constituencies to provide for "rural weightage". However,the discrepancy is limited to no more than 15% from the average constituency electorate in each state. Unfortunately, due to the stranglehold the BN has in the parliament, constitutional amendments were made in 1962 and 1973 which have removed this crucial 15% restriction. In the 1973 amendments the power of the Election Commission to apportion parliamentary electoral constituencies among the various states was also removed. Both the number of constituencies and their apportionment among states were to be specified in the constitution which means that at any time the ruling coalition with its two-thirds majority in parliament can make amendments to the number of parliamentary constituencies in each state.
Such blatant gerrymandering must not be allowed to continue and major reforms of the electoral system must be carried out after the coming elections. However, the BN coalition cannot be expected to voluntarily undertake such reforms. For this to happen a stronger opposition must be voted into parliament.
However, despite this expection almost all political observers and even the most optimistic Opposition leaders and supporters concede that the BN will most probably be returned to power after the 2008 elections. Why is this the case? The answer is gerrymandering or the delineation of the boundaries of the parliamentary constituencies to give unfair advantage to the BN coalition.
The smallest parliamentary seat for the Federal Territory Putrajaya has only 6,608 voters while the parliamentary seat for Kapar in Selangor has 112,224 voters! What this means is that one vote in the Putrajaya parliamentary constituency is equivalent to 17 votes in the Kapar constituency. This is grossly unfair. The usual justification given for the difference in voters in different constituencies is a "rural weightage". But Putrajaya can hardly be considered a rural area! Of course, the real reason for this discrepancy is obvious. The voters in Putrajaya are mainly civil servants and pro-BN which almost guarantee that this seat will be won by BN.
Such disturbing large discrepancies is also seen in the average voters per parliamentary constituency for the different states. For Sarawak, a state where a large number of parliamentary seats have been won by the BN in the past elections, the average voters in each parliamentary constituency is only about 29,000. However, in Selangor the average number of voters per constituency is about 71,000. To make matter worse, 3 additional parliamentary constituencies have just been created in 2006 for Sarawak which now has 31 seats for the 2008 elections - the largest number of seats for any state. If the population of the states is taken into consideration, and using Sarawak's population as the baseline then Selangor should have 53 parliamentary seats instead of 22 and Trengganu should have 18 parliamentary seats instead of only 8 seats which it currently has.
One must appreciate that such a situation should never be allowed in fair and democratic elections. The equality of voting strength must be recognised as one of the fundamental principles of fair elections. The following are extracted from guidelines from the UN Committee on Human Rights and the European Commission for Democracy Through Law.
The UN Committee on Human Rights, General Comment 25, “The Right to Participate in Public Affairs, Voting Rights and the Right to Equal Access to Public Service”: "The principle of one person, one vote must apply, and within the framework of each State’s electoral system, the vote of one elector should be equal to the vote of another. The drawing of electoral boundaries and the method of allocating votes should not distort the distribution of voters or discriminate against any group and should not exclude or restrict unreasonably the right of citizens to choose their representatives freely." |
European Commission for Democracy Through Law: Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters Guidelines and Explanatory Report Adopted by the Venice Commission, October 2002 "2.2 Equal voting power: seats must be evenly distributed between the constituencies. i. This must at least apply to elections to lower houses of parliament and regional and local elections: ii. It entails a clear and balanced distribution of seats among constituencies on the basis of one of the following allocation criteria: population, number of resident nationals (including minors), number of registered voters, and possibly the number of people actually voting. An appropriate combination of these criteria may be envisaged. iii. The geographical criterion and administrative, or possibly even historical, boundaries may be taken into consideration. iv. The permissible departure from the norm should not be more than ten percent, and should certainly not exceed 15 percent except in special circumstances (protection of a concentrated minority, sparsely populated administrative entity). v. In order to guarantee equal voting power, the distribution of seats must be reviewed at least every ten years, preferably outside election periods." |
In our original 1957 Constitution there is a provision for differences in the voters in different constituencies to provide for "rural weightage". However,the discrepancy is limited to no more than 15% from the average constituency electorate in each state. Unfortunately, due to the stranglehold the BN has in the parliament, constitutional amendments were made in 1962 and 1973 which have removed this crucial 15% restriction. In the 1973 amendments the power of the Election Commission to apportion parliamentary electoral constituencies among the various states was also removed. Both the number of constituencies and their apportionment among states were to be specified in the constitution which means that at any time the ruling coalition with its two-thirds majority in parliament can make amendments to the number of parliamentary constituencies in each state.
Such blatant gerrymandering must not be allowed to continue and major reforms of the electoral system must be carried out after the coming elections. However, the BN coalition cannot be expected to voluntarily undertake such reforms. For this to happen a stronger opposition must be voted into parliament.
February 27, 2008
Sivarasa: In politics, the dice is always rolling
Sivarasa: In politics, the dice is always rolling (courtesy of Malaysiakini) Terence Netto Feb 27, 08 1:40pm The expression of thought in language clear as a window pane is not a quality that’s in terribly abundant supply in Malaysian politics. An hour’s conversation with Sivarasa Rasiah, the PKR parliamentary candidate for Subang, may entice one to conclude that clear convictions and lucid articulation are, after all, not that rare to find. Tangled syntax, hemming, hawing pauses, the pumping of pompous sound and fury into otherwise bland statements of the obvious – all signs of a lack of inner clarity – are conspicuous by their absence in this Rhodes scholar’s discourse. Not even steady interruptions to take mobile phone calls can skew the pellucid flow of his conversation. A mere, “Where were we?” suffices to recover the lost thread and for the chat to resume its crystalline trails. If a gift for vividness is a compelling virtue in politics, then Sivarasa ought to be home and dry in his third quest for parliamentary representation. His maiden attempt in 1999 in Ampang Jaya leveraged on the reformasi surge but fell valiantly short of success; his second attempt in Petaling Jaya Selatan in 2004 was snuffed out by the Ahmad Abdullah Badawi typhoon. For the March 8 general election, the 52-year-old lawyer is fairly sure the electoral pendulum is swinging in favour of greater representation for the opposition though he is not sure of its magnitude. “The dice is always rolling in politics,” remarked Sivarasa, in an interview with Malaysiakini during a pause for lunch in his campaign for the Subang parliament seat in Selangor. He hastened to add that unlike the numbers that come up on a roll of dice, political shifts don’t occur at random. “In the last few years, there has been a confluence of concerns among the people,” said Sivarasa. “The rise in the crime rate, the consumer price spiral, the decay in the judiciary, the perception that corruption is pervasive, inefficiency in the police force and civil service, have all combined to induce in people a feeling that things are slipping out of control. “It has not helped that Prime Minister Abdullah appears to be a captive of indecision. When people begin to say things like, ‘At least Dr Mahathir would go ahead and take a decision and stick by it even if it was an unpopular one,’ you are in trouble because at the last election Abdullah benefitted from a wave that was not so much approval of him as rejection of Dr Mahathir,” opined Sivarasa. We’re more a movement for change Obviously, electoral waves have nuances that are only evident after they have crested and ebbed. Would Sivarasa care to divine the nuances in the wave that he sees as favouring greater representation for the opposition? “I would have to be clairvoyant to do that,” he quipped. “All I’m prepared to say is that there is a shift in favour of a greater presence for us in Parliament. As for the nuances we would have to wait and see.” Sivarasa, who has alternated between central and peripheral roles in the billowing legal work that occurred at the interface between the reformasi movement and the government since the late 1990s, is unfazed by the waiting and the questing. “You must remember we belong not so much to a political party as a movement for change. A movement takes a long time to build and to coalesce into a consensus approved by the masses. There will be currents in our favour that may wax and wane. That’s the dynamics of politics. But so long as our values do not change, we can hope eventually to come up on top,” elaborated Sivarasa. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with myriad single steps,” he concluded. Sivarasa is contesting against MIC first-timer S Murugesan, 40, in a constituency which has 84,414 voters, out of which 50% are Malay, 35.9% Chinese and 13.5% Indian. In the 2004 general elections, MIC’s KS Nijhar romped home in Subang with a majority of 15,460 against PKR’s Mohd Nasir Hashim. |
High stakes in Penang
High stakes in Penang (courtesy of Malaysiakini) Bridget Welsh Feb 27, 08 12:48pm From the core base of PKR in Permatang Pauh in the mainland to the multi-ethnic diverse Gerakan seat of Jelutong on Penang island, the 12th general elections campaign is slowly gaining momentum. The stakes are arguably higher in this state than in any other. Penangites have the power to determine the future of the opposition and the multi-ethnic vibrancy of the governing BN coalition. One of the biggest tests in Penang is for Gerakan. The new party president has stepped down as chief minister to move to the federal level. Choosing the mixed constituency of Batu Kawan, his chances for re-election are strong, as long as he maintains support from the Malay community and a cohort of Chinese voters in this fast-developing constituency (Malay: 21%, Chinese: 56.6%, Indian: 22.4%). He faces the formidable opponent of Professor Dr P Ramasamy, who has galvanised the Indian community in this constituency, where the MIC is divided by infighting and the visit by party chief S Samy Vellu with police protection has served to further alienate Indian supporters from the BN. To date, the BN’s campaign in Penang has called into question its multi-ethnic representativeness. The failure of Gerakan to offer an Indian candidate in this state has created the impression that this party is not multi-racial. They have not been helped by the actions of component BN parties, as the MIC has offered two unknown candidates in the three seats it is contesting and the BN as a whole has not illustrated strong policies in this state to address concerns of ethnic marginalisation in areas of local (and national) concern such as temple demolitions, housing and access to education. The BN manifesto, while laying out a multi-ethnic framework, has yet to inspire confidence that it will translate these ideals into policies in Penang. Gerakan leaders in particular will need to illustrate that they can genuinely represent all communities. The composition of the Gerakan slate not only tests the representativeness of the party and the BN coalition, but has raised questions about the future leadership of the state. Using the slogan of ‘Reinventing’, Penangites are not clear whether Gerakan – the BN component party with the most professionals and highly qualified leaders – can offer a slate of alternatives for future development. Uninspiring heir apparent Confidence in the heir apparent Dr Teng Hock Nan (centre), has not taken root, despite his years of grooming in the state executive council. In the past two years, the management of issues of transportation and land development – especially involving the controversial movement of the Turf Club for financial gain to actors outside of the state - has not inspired confidence, and employment generation and crime have not been effectively addressed. The choice of medical doctor Teng over well-respected local urban planner Chia Kwang Chye and the dynamic hard-working lawyer Lee Kah Choon has raised questions about the leadership of the state. The questioning sentiment is most acute on the island, where the downturn in economic fortunes and challenges are most serious. Rising inequality, crime, inflation and concerns about vibrancy were echoed from throughout the state, however, from the new village of Berapit to the middle-class houses in Green Lane. Gerakan will not only have to address the disgruntlement within its party over the choice for chief ministership, but show the electorate that it can bring solutions to the crossroads for the state. It will take more than a ‘reinvention’. Gerakan has faced over the past few years declining support from the federal government. This is despite the fact that Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is from Penang. The transformation of support has evolved from a national move away from focusing on building education, policies that reinforce competitiveness in manufacturing and the orientation of the new economic policies away from the strengths of private entrepreneurship and small business that give this state competitive advantage. The Northern Corridor project has yet to bring in benefits, and these benefits are seen not to be potentially equitably allocated to the state as a whole and communities from and within Penang. Voters, for example, are asking why resources are being concentrated in Abdullah’s constituency rather than equitably distributed. Coupled with this issue of a lackluster national base of support for economic development are concerns about encroaching Umno control over the state affairs. The Turf Club project has severely alienated voters on the island, since it is seen to be driven by the interests of Umno based in the federal government, and the entire process of land development allocation for this project has lacked genuine consultation. The changing ethnic dynamics, reinforced by more seats weighted toward Malay areas in the state, are affecting the composition of state assembly. For Gerakan, the issue will be whether they maintain the dominant position within the state, or whether Umno, which has already called for the chief ministership, will demand more representation. For many non-Malay Penangites, the calls along racial lines have fostered reservations about Umno governance in the state and the overall balance of multi-ethnic representation within the coalition. In some minds, are the lessons of power-sharing of Malacca and Sabah. Penang voters will not only determine the future of Gerakan, but will be a watershed for multi-ethnic coalition dynamics and future state leadership. Return of DAP? For the opposition, the stakes are equally high. The galvanised DAP, coming off an impressive victory in the May 2006 state election in Sarawak and accepted view supported by polling of Chinese alienation, has returned to Penang for a larger mandate. They are asking voters for a more modest support than in the 1990 campaign in calling for breaking the two-thirds BN control. This marker is important since it will provide a check on issues of land development and a stronger voice for raising concerns of governance. They face a pattern of pragmatic split voting by Penang voters, who support the BN parties for service and local access to a greater degree at the state than at the federal level. While their campaign is led by Lim Guan Eng, whose commitment to service and raising issue is long-standing, many of the candidates slated are unknown and although most are originally from Penang have been based out of the state. The DAP will have to show that their youthful dynamic slate has the ability to address the concerns of Penangites. Many of the DAP candidates have long records in the party, with service experience, yet this is not clear to many voters who want access and ideas for solutions to Penang’s challenges. They face a professional slate from the MCA and Gerakan. The DAP manifesto raises the problems facing Penang, but its campaign has yet to illustrate solutions. The ability of the DAP to tap negative sentiment and translate it into positive action remains a challenge. The DAP’s dynamic younger leadership faces this difficult test. The outcome will determine whether the party can go through a generational transformation. In order for this to evolve, respected senior leaders like Karpal Singh need to share his input for Penang’s future and his party’s future. The test for PKR is as intense. The sole seat of Permatang Pauh remains highly competitive, with Umno slating the imam Firdaus Ismail the challenger who ate decisively into the party leader Wan Azizah Wan Ismail’s hold over the seat. Her supporters on nomination day were impressive, and enthusiastic, but her record of service and attention to the party affairs rather than her seat makes her vulnerable. The focus of Umno on this seat, on undercutting PKR at its core makes this fight a difficult one. What is important in this campaign compared to 2004 is the ongoing evolution of the party leadership from Wan Azizah to Anwar Ibrahim. Prevented from contesting by the early date of the election, Anwar has been given the gift by the BN in that he can advise and travel nationally rather than focus on one constituency. Yet, Permatang Pauh voters remain uncertain whether he will come back to his home base and whether their vote is for Wan Azizah or an indirect vote for him if a by-election is called in April. Acid test for PKR, Umno PKR’s test is not just about the leadership of the party and its role in one seat, but its ability to reach out and represent beyond Anwar. There are stronger candidates slated in Penang by PKR than in 2004, but the challenge of getting the brand of the party across remains formidable. They are some competitive seats as the party pushes a multi-ethnic agenda (notably Nibong Tebal), but resources remain an obstacle for the young candidates. For PKR the main test is whether it will have a base on the state that is multi-ethnic. This will involve a more dynamic campaign effort than has been illustrated so far. Behind the scenes, there is one additional test for a political party. This involves Umno. The party has brought in a senior minister to establish a mandate and fostered disgruntlement in the means in has chosen its slate. The infighting in the party remains serious, and this could lead to a change in support among Malays as well as a drop in the support for the prime minister. When Nor Mohamed Yakcob, the minister in question, has been a key part of the ministry that has raised prices by removing subsidies, it is indeed interesting to see whether accountability on the bread and butter issues will influence voters or whether resource allocation driven by state access, senior positions in government and incumbency will be decisive. Kepala Batas and Tasek Gelugor will be important constituencies to watch, as they will point to whether Abdullah’s administration and his leadership have support from within Umno and the Malay electorate as a whole. Abdullah’s ability to heal these party rifts and minimise sabotage from within his ranks will come out in the Penang polls. These contests will have important consequences for the main Umno contest, its party’s polls scheduled for later this year. Finally, and perhaps, most importantly, the polls in Penang are on the display internationally and domestically. The spotlight is focused on this pragmatic multi-ethnic electorate of largely middle-age voters. In 2004 there were concerns about electoral irregularities, notably in Permatang Pauh, and the unfair use of taxpayer resources to support specific candidates. The campaign in Penang will be one in which the fairness of the polls will be in focus. This may be the decisive factor that shapes the final outcomes. Campaigning will likely continue to follow the traditional pattern of labour-intensive hand-shaking, ceramah and face-to-face engagement, but will also be one in which concerns of phantom voters, media access, and resource allocation will be critical. In short, not only the future of the parties but the electoral process itself is at stake in Penang. Penangites traditionally relish the electoral process - expect high voter turnout and an increasingly engaged campaign as all sides address their internal and external challenges ahead. DR BRIDGET WELSH is assistant professor in Southeast Asian studies at John Hopkins University-SAIS, Washington DC. She is following the campaign trail in a number of states. Her next stop is Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. |
Vote against arrogance
Vote against arrogance - Malaysiakini KJ John Feb 26, 08 2:53pm Lord Acton said, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Over the years, I have learnt that this is in fact an absolute statement and no ordinary human is really exempted from it. We saw it in 10 years with Republican rule in America and we saw the same thing in Australia. Those with absolute power think, "you are with us or against us!" The Malaysian Government is no different. After 50 years in office, since independence, the Malaysian Government is truly reflecting the epitome of the nature and culture of all such corrupted power. Ketuanan Melayu is the name of this game. The General Election is the therefore the classic opportunity for ordinary people to participate, to vote, and to make whatever changes are needed and felt in governance. It is always the ordinary people who really finally decide, never the party in power; although they have full control of all the levers of influence. Regardless, ultimately it is the individuals who walk up and can make a choice to define the difference. As we now see in America, have seen in Australia, and again in Pakistan, determined and convicted people have the power to make change happen. Sometimes sacrifices are even needed. Benazir Bhutto died for what she believed and the people did believe her too. The former Australian PM lost his seat. The American people are also asking for change for all the corrupted rhetoric of power systems; and Obama seems to have given voice to all this yearning. It is now going to be our turn. Are we mature enough to become a "developed nation?" Or, are we only condemned to remain a developing nation torn down by tribal and ethnic rhetoric of a feudal form? This article is an open one to all Malaysians to think of the reasons why we too must also vote for change in Malaysia; I am going to. It is now an established fact, thanks to a climate of openness nurtured by the Pak Lah Administration that the Government of the Day not only has a lot of power but has continuously used and abused this power with very poor and corrupted governance. Such abuses of power, as become very evident and amplified by the Lingam case in particular. The almost absolute power has seriously contributed to the rise of corrupt practices across the board and throughout Federal, State and Local Governments. Such corruption has been happening over the last 27 years because of the weakening of the originally designed system of checks and balances. The more than 2/3rd majority in Parliament is the singular core issue which makes for the Executive State; and, the resulting impotence of the judiciary is a directly related issue. The consequentially muzzled and blindly obedient media is the ultimate result of unchecked power. Bribery and corruption happens daily and directly before our very eyes. Shame in Malaysia is no more. Election goodies are being dished out without impunity; with total disregard for the Election Commission. They too are in cahoots with the government. The Law was even amended to allow the Chairman to continue for one more year! The government can therefore see no wrong, hear no wrong and do no wrong, so long as all their agents are "barisan actors." Integrity agenda Minister Rafidah used to say, she has no time for "role-players!" She only believes in assuming a role but never in playing a role. By this she means that everyone should be fully accountable for their every action. Really Minister, did you assume or play a role when you dished out all those APs to your "close friends" and allies? I am sure it was for the sake of developing the auto industry in Malaysia! What about the new holiday boat bought for the PM in the name of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong? Did you ask Pak Lah who is playing the role here? Was it Pak Lah or the King? And the new plane, whose money was used? What about the integrity agenda of the government? What about transparency and openness and greater accountability? What about the last Auditor General’s Report? Was any action taken against all those public servants who made million ringgit decisions without authority? I am talking about the responsible Secretary General or the Minister. Or, was it enough to blame clerks and charge junior officers with crimes? Why was not action taken against a known crooked person in the name of Raja Zakaria of Port Klang? When he has obviously abused power for personal wealth, is that not ugly? All the government can do is merely drop him as a candidate? Was the AG asleep or was he directed not to take action? Are all State DPPs also under the Executive instructions? Did all these crooks do no wrong? Cannot you see their faults? What about the person who has for 27 years misled all Malaysian Indians, and not just the Tamils? What about the 9million Telecoms shares? Does he still get to make one last stand? Why and for what? His personal ego? Or, because Pak Lah has no moral authority to ask him to step down, being equally guilty of such ego trips ? Therefore dear Malaysians, as we go into the 12th General Election period how must we really vote? Should we vote for a party leadership that has already been "exercising executive and absolute power for the last 55 years," or should we give the other side a chance for the first time in Malaysian history? I am going to argue for change, and therefore am asking you to also consider a vote for change and vote against arrogance. I give only three reasons for my preference. First and foremost is the lack of political will for moral leadership demonstrated by the Pak Lah Administration after we gave him absolute power to make changes? He misused that power and authority. The current and incumbent Prime Minister, who preached and propagated the agenda of integrity, has failed to promote and sustain this agenda seriously and consistently. Three obvious reasons I therefore list below three obvious reasons: 1. The Police Complaints Commission has not been set up because the Prime Minister got cold feet and realized that the corrupt Police Force can act to sabotage the Government’s agenda. The abuses of the Police were well documented by the Royal Commission Report. Therefore, what we see now recommended as a bill in Parliament is a lame and inconsequential Commission which is a watered down version of the original Complaints Commission. Why the cop out? 2. The Parliamentary Committee on Integrity which was given a two year mandate which has not been fulfilled because the Chairman of the original Committee (a Minister) resigned because the public services did not respect the Parliamentary Committee. He was supported by two Ministers who worked for opposite purposes. The PM then had no moral authority to deal with this issue and instead let things slide, which led to the resignation of the original Chairman, another Minister in Pak Lah’s Cabinet. 3. With all exposures about corruption in governance, especially the ones promoted, allowed and led by the Media, it is surprising that the PM who argued for integrity and against corruption could not execute his own policies against "the Klang railway gate-keeper turned Raja" or the "close one-eye Member of Parliament?" Both were publicly made evident cases involving obvious corruption. The PM has no moral courage to do the right thing in the right way at the right time. Therefore I conclude that there is no leadership integrity nor the requisite political will on the matter of the Nation’s Integrity Agenda, especially amongst the Cabinet, or the Chief of Executives, called the Prime Minister. The Integrity Agenda remains an espoused theory, or a political ploy, with little or no confidence amongst the people that there is any intention to carry through with the discipline required to instill such good and honorable values. At least, I remain unconvinced. It is still a worthwhile sounding agenda with little or no follow-up and follow-through in the immediate future. Maybe it was only intended to create awareness amongst the public officials; a task therefore assigned to the Integrity Institute Malaysia and their NGO allies with little of no power or teeth to do much else. Even the ACA is really no different because it reports only to the Prime Minister, instead of the Parliament! Same with the Attorney General. Second, the PM has always argued that he is the PM of all Malaysians and asked Malaysians to "work with him and not for him." He has yet to convince me that he abides by this servant leadership model. Although he writes personal notes to Pastors and Elders, and most non-Muslim leaders, when it came to the Hindraf’s real issues, this PM found no time to read the document which was personally presented by the Hindraf leaders to his office in Putrajaya. Instead, they were left to organize the march for their cause, because they were not heard or listened to. But, when it became demonstrated that their concerns were real and serious (with 30,000 supporters), and after he met with non-MIC NGOs, small actions began to be taken for the case of these marginalized Indians. Why did the Barisan Government have to wait all these years to do what a "PM of all Malaysians should have done" without being prompted, if in fact he is the PM of all Malaysians, and not just UMNO? Did they all not know the real issues? Or, is it that such appeals, even from the MIC, really fell on deaf ears within the context of UMNO belligerence? The NEP originally had a primary goal of "eradicating poverty regardless of race or economic function." Pak Lah knows that because he was part of the team which drafted it with PM Tun Razak. What happened to all such targets, even after 37 years of the NEP? The bottom 30% of Malaysian society needs to be heard and sometimes they can only do it via demonstrations, because the Government has become deaf to their concerns. Moreover, what I totally cannot accept is that in a democratic country like Malaysia, peaceful demonstrations to give voice to such issues are now not even allowed (except if it is Barisan-sponsored) because it is deemed to be against the public interest. Since when can the corrupt police alone define public interest, when the Government of the day has not taken heed to the genuine needs of these poor and marginalized Indians; which even the Government has publicly now accepted? PM Pak Lah’s "work with me not for me" edict appears to refer only to Government Departments and towards blind administrative compliance rather than for change and improvement defined by others. Working with NGOs, the Bar Council, and the Civil Society does not yet seem part and parcel of this agenda. Why? Thirdly and finally, the PM’s Islam Hadhari appears to be merely another publicity and political gimmick to ward off the more serious and sincere agenda of PAS’ Islamic State ambition. From an anti-Islamic state stance taken by the BN over the years, which is consistent with the Secular Constitution and statements of the first three former PMs, suddenly now, even the DPM of Pak Lah’s Government and son of the second PM has stated that Malaysia is an Islamic State. That singularly cheats and lies to all non-Muslims and denies the original Social Contract, and undoes the original spirit of the Alliance. Worse still this cheats, lies and breaches the formal contract with Sabah and Sarawak about the original intentions of the 1963 Malaysia Agreement. Consequences of 'false declaration' The many consequences of this "false declaration" are the following: 1. Most public servants on the ground can now decide to take on role of "moral guardians" of the enforcement of the Islamic State agenda. That is why "non-Muslim couples holding hands are now charged in court," "32 bibles are confiscated," the word "Allah is banned for Bahasa Malaysia bibles," and the increasing Islamization of public schools is evident. 2. Lina Joy, a genuine convert to Christianity from Islam was denied a Constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of religion based on her own conscience. Personal conscience cannot be denied. 3. Temples and other places of worship are not given proper locations and instead 100-year old temples built during the British Colonial rule are destroyed based entirely and purely on the "privatization of the land development for housing purposes." Whose responsibility, other than that of the Government is it to safeguard and protect the interests on these "Tamil community settlements in estates;" when the land developers are going to reap millions vide their property development. There is also the general problem of the non-allocation of proper land for the construction of places of worship by the Government. This singular issue caused a Catholic Church in Selangor to be delayed for almost 26years. Moreover, issues related to construction of churches have to be approved by the Islamic Council at the State level. Why is the Federal Constitution and its guarantees becoming subject to State level legislation, especially on non-Islamic religions? 4. The issue of body-snatching after death. Why would this face of Islam find expression under Islam Hadhari? If in fact, Islam is a peaceful religion, as propagated, is not this "after-death" care and concern rather disingenuous? In many of these cases, the original spirit of the Federal Constitution has been violated, with Judges in Civil Courts appearing to be more Muslim than the Federal Constitution’s supreme authority it gives itself. Based on the above three reasons, I would like to appeal to all peace-loving Malaysians who have in the past almost blindly voted for the Government of National Unity, with a promise of continued harmony and peace, to please reconsider and to vote for change. We need to tell the Government of the Day that the voices of ordinary people do count and not just those of their 3000 UMNO members at their General Assembly. What is the absolute worst that can happen, even if most change-minded people find the courage to try and make a difference? I still do not see more than about 75-80 seats falling to the Opposition. The Barisan Government will continue to rule but without the traditionally arrogant attitude of the past few years. Their keris-wilding antics will stop. The Barisan Rakyat (of the people, for the people and by the people) would have spoken and if the Government does not still take the ordinary people seriously, then and only then, will we ever dream of real change in power for the first time in Malaysia. But, why do we have to wait for that? That can only happen in the next General Election. It is far more positive to give the early signal now and let the Government learn that ordinary people have their own limits and that part of the message of a developed nation is having the option to change the Government. After all, that is part and parcel of evolving into a mature democracy. May God continue to have mercy on Malaysia; by denying the Government their two-thirds majority! That is my sincere prayer! |
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