Orang Cina sudah cerdik, yang lain kurang pandai?

Nampaknya sebilangan besar pengundi Cina di Hulu Selangor telah mengikut nasihat Tok Guru Nik Aziz dengan mengambil segala hadiah yang diberi oleh Barisan Nasional tetapi apabila masa membuang undi, mereka mengundi Pakatan Rakyat. Kalau begitulah ceritanya maka pengundi-pengundi Cina ini bolehlah dikatakan lebih cerdik dan berwawasan. Bukannya bersikap ekstrem mahupun tidak berterima kasih kepada BN seperti yang dicanangkan oleh sesetengah pihak.

Kalau mengikut fahaman sesetengah pihak bahawa sesebuah kaum tertentu dikira tidak bersyukur kepada BN kalau tidak mengundi BN, maka apa pula ceritanya pada tahun 1999 apabila sejumlah besar  masyarakat Melayu telah memihak kepada pembangkang. Sebaliknya pengundi-pengundi Cina yang telah mempertahankan kemenangan BN pada masa itu. Berpandukan proses pemikiran sempit ini seperti yang ada pada Ibrahim Ali dan mereka yang sebulu dengannya, adakah ini bermakna mereka juga setuju orang-orang Melayu pada tahun 1999 juga tidak bersyukur pada kerajaan BN dan ekstrem kerana berpihak kepada PAS dan Parti KeAdilan Nasional pada masa itu ?

Dibandingkan dengan pengundi-pengundi lain, rata-rata pengundi-pengundi Cina  tidak lagi begitu senang termakan janji mahupun membuang prinsip-prinsip sendiri akibat sogokan yang diberikan semasa pilihanraya. Orang Cina kini lebih menitik-beratkan hala tuju dan masa depan negara yang diurus-tadbir dengan baik dan dengan bertanggungjawab. Janji-janji dan hadiah-hadiah yang ditaburkan semasa musim pilihanraya tidak boleh lagi dijadikan kayu ukur keprihatinan sesuatu pihak terhadap kebajikan masyarakat dan pembangunan negara. Orang-orang Cina mahu dasar-dasar jangka panjang yang benar-benar menguntungkan rakyat secara menyeluruhnya bukannya hanya untuk segelintir golongan pilihan sahaja. Tak akan pihak-pihak yang berkuasa tidak memahami perkara ini? Ataupun hakikatnya pihak-pihak tertentu walaupun tahu tetapi sememangnya tidak berhasrat untuk melakukannya atas sebab-sebab yang mereka sahaja yang tahu.

Kalau orang Cina sekarang sudah lebih cerdik memilih pemimpin dan kerajaan, mengapa pula yang lain-lain masih kurang pandai. Masih lagi menyokong pihak yang rasuah, rasis, menyalahgunakan kuasa dan memperkayakan kroni-kroni mereka sahaja. Apakah pengundi-pengundi lain ini begitu kurang cerdik sehingga begitu senang dipermain-mainkan oleh pihak-pihak tertentu yang hanya pandai taburkan janji dan berikan hadiah semasa pilihanraya tetapi pada masa yang lain hanya memperkayakan diri mereka sahaja.

Hai. Saya amat bersimpati dan sedih memikirkan pengundi-pengundi lain ini. Bila nak sedar agaknya? - Loka

Winners and Losers in Hulu Selangor

After eight straight days of an all out campaign for the control of Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat the official results shows that BN candidate P. Kamalanathan upstage PKR's Zaid Ibrahim with a 1,725 majority to be elected the new MP for the large constituency.

Even though the by-election was a direct contest between the two candidates, there are many other victors and losers as well.

The Bosses

As expected the voters of Hulu Selangor were showered with goodies in the form of cash, development projects, land titles and PROMISES. For sure these are on top of the usual 10 KG pack of rice, Milo, cooking oil, drinking water, cheap T-shirts and caps and whatever that will make the day of the makciks and pakciks and the innocent kids.

The Towkays

From the popular kaya puff shop owner to the makcik who manned the roadside stall selling air sirap, these group will be hoping that by-elections will happen more often. Of course they are not cursing the newly elected MP to drop dead any soon but they can't be blamed if that aspiration is hiding behind their smiling face thinking of the flowing ringgits for the last two weeks.

The Candidates

P. Kamalanathan might have won the seat and will be greeted as YB but in the eyes of many including the community that he claims to represent he has lost his dignity and pride when he stoop so low to appease his political masters.

Zaid Ibrahim lost in this full fledge battle and having his personal matter stripped bare for the public view but his personal conviction for the interest of the people was given a strong endorsement. The people of HS will not be seeing the last of him yet.

The Commanders

Those in HS and outsiders who visited the place during the by-election has been wondering who is really the BN candidate? People noticed the large quantity of posters, billboards  and banners of his face in town might assumed Najib Razak is the candidate.

Najib Razak is actually the real winner here. He can now claim that the BN victory is an endorsement of his leadership and policies that he rolled out since appointed as Prime Minister a year ago. But then he need to reflect deeply on the 80% of Chinese votes that went to PKR, when translated meaning the Chinese actually still has doubts over his sincerity and policies.

Anwar Ibrahim has been in the forefront campaigning for his comrade since day one. Basing on the result, his popularity and support within the Malay community is not stable and if left unchecked it will be his Archilles heel in the next general election. On the other hand he  now knows he can count on the votes from the Chinese community and the support of DAP in mobilising election machinery within the community.

Muhyiddin Yassin is one big loser in this by-election. The usual Umno practice is for the party deputy president to lead the campaign in any by-election. Initially Muhyiddin was in charge but when the tide was favoring PR, his boss Najib decided to fly straight from Japan to HS to lead the campaign. This gives the impression that Najib has no confidence on Muhyiddin leadership and a slap on the face of his deputy.

Khalid Ibrahim as the Selangor Menteri Besar learn the trade to pull all the plugs as the state government to utilised all state facilities support this by-election from his predecessors but too bad that Felda is not under the control of the state government. Maybe he should be more a shrewd politician rather than a businessman when handling people from Umno.

Tok Guru Nik Aziz influence and endearment amongst the Chinese community is now gone beyond Kelantan. If he is still able to keep his momentum by the next election and campaign in BN stronghold like Johore, the Chinese voters there might shake some of the seats occupied by MCA/BN.

Lim Kit Siang is already a household name amongst the HS electorates, Malays included. Thanks to Utusan Malaysia for giving him the "coverage" from time to time. As for the Chinese voters, his presence in every political stops wstill accords him a star speaker status. With an increased of support from the Chinese, efforts need to be taken for him to penetrate the Malay electorates for the next election.

Chua Soi Lek the recently elected MCA president was not around in HS most of the time as he was said to be overseas visiting his daughter. He was only seen when Najib is in HS. His presence was nothing more than an extra in a show with Najib in the leading role. He must now dig out whatever reasons he can to explain to Najib the Chinese rejection of MCA, or is it more on Umno or he himself personally?

The Political Parties

MIC is the party of P.Kamalanathan but the party that really campaigned with whatever tricks of the trade is Umno. From the onset of this by-election it can be noticed and proven that it is Umno that called all the shots and decision making process, from the selection of candidates to whether MIC president Samy Vellu should show his face in HS. People are reminded that MIC is now Muhyiddin-In-Charge.

UMNO can now claim that the Malays are truly backing them and they have contained PKR and PAS especially PR supremo Anwar Ibrahim. But they will be barking at Chua Soi Lek asking for explanation why MCA failed to secure the Chinese votes. With millions of taxpayers money pumped into the pockets of the voters, the platform is now set for the mother of all battles - the 13th general election.

PKR losing another parliamentary seat is a big blow not just to the party but also the Pakatan Rakyat as this has increased the BN potential to reclaim 2/3 majority in Parliament. The result also shows that PKR is losing grip on whatever balance of support they have since March 2008. This party really need to revamp their election machinery if they are serious of winning seats and capturing Putrajaya.

DAP rocketing growth in terms of membership and branches since March 2008 has been a boost to the PR by-election machinery. Even though PKR lost the seat but support for the DAP is on the rise. This can be observed from the numbers of self paying volunteers from all over the country helping out in the campaign and also the huge attendance in DAP organised events during the by-election.

MCA provided token support to the BN election machinery. This is not surprising since they just went through more than one year of internal strife. Their machinery are moving half heartedly and other than some cameo appearances by some of their ministers and deputy ministers, their presence are hardly noticeable. From the result, it is not surprising if many of the 8,000 MCA members in HS voted for Zaid Ibrahim.

PAS was initially slow in mobilising their party machinery in doing real campaign work to solicite for votes even though their presence during nomination day was huge. After few days of snail paced movement which cause the Malay heartland in Felda further entrenched with Umno, PAS began to push into the Felda areas. The arrival of Tok Guru Nik Aziz provided the confidence booster but just not enough to draw out the votes.

GERAKAN which once upon time a party to be reckoned with do not even make its' presence felt in HS. Maybe only during nomination when its' president Koh Tsu Koon was a given a cameo appearance.

IPF, campaign even in death?

PPP, who is the president?

The power-play and battle of wits in HS is now over. It is time for the locals to re-claim their life in this outback district. But life would not be the same anymore. The people there now must look through their checklist on all the promises and commitments by both side of the political divide.

First thing in the morning, the people of Rasa will be waiting in front of Najib's PM office door for their RM3 million as promised. A promise is a promise even if the people of Rasa did not vote for BN. But wonders if MACC will be there too? - Loka

Hulu Selangor level playing carnival

While passing through the dark and dusty roads in the Bukit Beruntung area, rows after rows of abandoned houses and commercial shoplots hardly can be missed. It was the eve of nomination day for the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat by-election. My friends and I were travelling to Kuala Kubu Baru to have first hand experience of the Hulu Selangor by-election.

Bukit Beruntung is part of the Hulu Selangor constituency and I don't think those people staying there really "beruntung" (benefited). Most of the shophouses are vacant and any building materials like the window and door frames, metal trusses and grilles has been stolen to be sold as scraps. Lalangs had taken over in most of the vacant houses. Some who bought houses and shoplots there are still servicing bank loans on their abandoned and dilapidated properties.

On the corner of the main T-junction to Rasa,  no one will miss the command centre of Barisan Nasional on an elevated open space. There were many white tents and marquees surrounded by BN flags. This is the venue where the name of BN candidate P. Kamalanathan was announced. Interestingly, the selection of this location as BN's choice for their main operation centre in a township saddled with problems traced to the time when BN ruled Selangor was a paradox.

If BN still rules Selangor, it would have used a better location with better facilities owned by the state government. But since BN now is the state opposition, it have to make do with whatever their money can buy. Based on the huge marquees that BN is paying for at least two weeks, their war chest must be bottomless.

On the other hand, the Pakatan Rakyat are gleefully using the state and local council facilities which were denied to them pre-March 2008. Now BN is having a taste of their own medicine. The battle of space and facilities is on level playing field now. While state and local council facilities like community halls are easily available to the PR State government, BN is making use of facilities and location managed by federal agencies like the schools, agriculture centres, the newly built fire and rescue complex etc. The event to announce Zaid Ibrahim as PR's candidate was held in the Dewan Komuniti Serendah which can accommodates more than 2,000 persons.

The locals seems to know how deep each of the contesting parties will be able to dig their pockets to rent a place for their operation centres and accommodation for their campaign workers. It is very obvious that the locals are aware that BN can afford to pay double for any places for rent. For instance, while PR will be asked to pay RM1,000 for the rental of an empty floor, BN will be charged double the amount for the same place. If BN thinks this is unfair, they need to soul search why the Hulu Selangor people assumed BN has deep pockets!

Arriving at the Kuala Kubu Baru Kumbang new village, we were ushered to our "reserved" seats which were already occupied by other guests but the organiser was able to settle that quickly. But due to our late arrival, the dinner already half way through so we missed some of the dishes and speeches. At RM 30 per head for a Chinese sit down dinner, it was considered cheap for people staying in Klang Valley but cheaper price comes with smaller serving size.

Some of the speakers that night were top guns in Pakatan Rakyat including Anwar Ibrahim, PAS deputy president Nasharuddin and Lim Guan Eng. The Pakatan candidate Zaid Ibrahim spoke earlier and already left by the time we arrived. The others that spoke includes Tony Pua, Hatta Ramli, Charles Santiago, Lau Weng San and etc.

The presence of Anwar Ibrahim and Lim Guan Eng was received excitedly by the locals. There is no doubt who they supports in this by-election.

A quick glance shows that most of the audiences are elderly Chinese village folks. Maybe most of the younger ones are working in the city. Their votes will be critical to PR and they are expected to be contacted and encourage to return to execute their right on election day.

Most of the speakers focused on national and Selangor issues while Guan Eng provide some notes on Penang's latest development.

Having overnight at Ulu Yam Bahru, we start early the next day at about 6.40am for Kuala Kubu Bahru. Arriving at about 7.15am the traffic is already getting congested. The Election Commission already fixed specific directions for respective party supporters to follow to designated assembly locations. We were lucky to secure a space to park our car beside a building belonging to the local school alumni.

We took a short walk to DAP's Main Operation Centre at Jalan Kamaruddin. The crowd already swelling and it looks like everyone were having a carnival-like atmosphere. There were stalls selling foodstuff, political paraphernalias, T-Shirts and medicines. PAS supporters really knows how to go for the kill as most of the stalls are obviously own by them based on the goods sold in most of the stalls.

Not having our breakfasts yet we went to the coffeshop next to DAP's centre in search of food. It was filled with DAP members including Teng Chang Khim and Tony Pua having a cuppa and wan tan mee there.

Disregard of who wins this by-election, I think the coffeeshop owner and the noodles stalls proprietor just like other food vendors will be laughing all the way to the bank.

At about 8.20am we moved along with the DAP's group towards the nomination centre at Dewan Serbaguna Kuala Kubu Baru. A short distance away, DAP's group merged with the huge PKR's delegation. The crowd went into high decibels when PR's candidate Zaid Ibrahim and all the top guns make their way through the PR's supporters. There were a lot of chanting of "Reformasi", Lawan Tetap Lawan", "Hidup Malaysia" and "Hancur Umno". 

At 8.40am the PR supporters reach the police barricade and couldn't proceed further. The shouting and chanting continues while a police helicopter was seen hovering above and recording the crowd below. The morning sun was getting hot and just many others we decided to look for a place to have a cold drink. We found a corner mamak shop nearby and managed to secured some seats occupied by some PKR supporters. We were later joined by DAP Adun for Teluk Datuk, Philip Tan.

By 11.00am the crowd were thinning and we decided to walk back to the DAP operation centre. After obtaining the latest information on the candidates contesting, we decided to have our lunch. We went to a hawker centre for porridge. We  noticed that most of the customers there are PR supporters. Maybe BN supporters are having free meals at "higher" end restaurants! We have to pay from our own pockets for food, transportation and accommodation.

After lunch it was time to drive home but it was not to be as when we reached our parked car, the whole town of Kuala Kubu Bahru already turned into a huge parking area. It was a terrible traffic congestion which lasted for more than two hours.

We decided to take a rest at the school alumni building which top floor was rented to PR for accommodation. Some of the DAP volunteers were staying there. (The picture on the left was taken from the alumni building.)

After waiting for more than two hours, we walked to town centre to buy some local delicacies from the Teng Wun Bakery which has been in business since 1979. Their specialties are kaya puffs, cup cakes and butter cakes. After the free tasting, all of us were convinced to buy some home. The traffic by then already eased up and the journey home was a smooth one.

It has been an enjoyable event and eye opener for many of us who participated in this by-election nomination day. - Loka

Anwar is to blame

With the departure of MP for Bayan Baru Zahrain Hashim from Parti Keadilan Rakyat two weeks ago, it added another round of woes to PKR supremo Anwar Ibrahim who is facing second round court case on sodomy charges.

It will not be surprising if one or more of PKR's MPs decided to walk out from the party that seems facing unending problems in maintaining discipline  and loyalty amongst its elected representatives. Anwar himself already admitted his mistakes in selecting the wrong candidates for the last general election. Well, at that time he don't have much choice isn't it?

PKR's membership can be pooled into three main baskets. The first group are those who jumped ship from another party particularly from Umno. The initial batch of Umno members who switched allegiance to PKR are mostly those with third level of hierarchy in Umno, except maybe for Anwar himself, Azmin Ali, Ezam Nor (who left earlier) and a couple of others. There were so many positions for grab and opportunity to stood as election candidates which will remain a dream if they are still in Umno.

The second group are those who are Anwar-infatuated people like those involved in Abim (Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia), namely Mustaffa Kamil Ayub and Mohd Nur Manuty. The third group are those who were involved in "reformasi" and NGOs like Tian Chua, Elizabeth Wong, Sivarasiah, Irene Fernandez etc. Later, after the "merging" with Parti Rakyat Malaysia, a small group of people led by Syed Husin Ali were absorbed into the party.

It is clear that Anwar is having a lot of headaches with those who were formerly with another political party. Current problematic PKR elected representatives who are formerly from Umno includes Kulim Bandar Bharu MP Zulkifli Noordin, Zahrain Hashim and Indera Mahkota MP Azan Ismail. Wangsa Maju MP Wee Choo Keong who claims a Selangor state exco from DAP was involved with the mafia was the founding Secretary General of the mosquito party Malaysian Democratic Party after his fallout with DAP and Nibong Tebal MP Tan Tee Beng was formerly with Gerakan.

Not forgetting the duo that partly caused the fall of Pakatan Rakyat's Perak state government Jamaluddin Radzi (Adun Behrang) and Osman Jailu ( Adun Changkat Jering) and also Port Klang assemblyman Badrul Hisham who quits PKR to become BN friendly independents, whatever it means!

It seems like these people could not forget their old flames which they had cohabited for so many years even after tying the knot with a new partner. As people says, they can have a new party but their heart is still with the former party. There will be more test cases to see if political frogs can be depended on their loyalty and commitment to their new party. Those on the watch list includes former MCA vice president Chua Jui Meng and wanita deputy head Dr Tan Yee Kew. We will see where their heart lies when PKR selects the next election candidates.

Anwar is right in putting the blame on himself for selecting these political frogs and frogs-to-be. Another thing which he has not openly apologised was his haste and dream to becomes the PM by encouraging political betrayal of BN MPs so that he can secure enough seats to take over Putrajaya. While he was scheming this, he was blinded by the dream for power and blinked while his enemy BN took the opportunity to snatch Perak under his nose and created continuous problems for his PR governments in Selangor and Penang. - Loka

Higher expectation from BN

The Umno led Perak state government took the oath of duty today with a reduced number of Exco members. Only six were appointed today and the other "vacancies" are expected to be filled from amongst the three "independents" assemblymen once the tide is settle and two of them are cleared of corruption charges. These three froggie assemblymen are widely expected to officially join BN later.

As expected, the only Chinese assemblyman from MCA, Dr Mah Hang Soon was appointed as an Exco member but not as a senior Exco as DAP's Ngeh Koo Ham in the Pakatan Rakyat's state government.

The consolation is that Mah was assigned to be in charge of the non-Muslims affairs committee which was initially created by PR's state government. Previous BN Perak state government do not have this sort of committee to handle the non-Muslims affairs until the PR took over the state last year.

This may be an effort by the BN state government to win the hearts of the people who are against the taking over of the state government by BN without the mandate of the people. One of the bigger issue which BN need to face will be the conversion of land in new villages to perpertuity ownership as promised by PR.

BN will need to offer more than a committee if they intended to stay on course to win the next general election. Perakians expects the BN state government not only to maintain whatever promises and plans by the PR government but to deliver more goodies to the people to prove that they are better than PR. If it fails to do that, BN be better prepared to experience a greater nightmare in the next election if they do less than that.-Loka

Let the people decides

The Perak political situation is in shambles due to the defection of four assemblymen from the Pakatan Rakyat. One already rejoined Umno and the other three announced they are now "independents". The equation in Perak's 59 seats State Assembly after all the crossovers - PR 28 seats, BN/Umno 28 seats and three "independents" that supports BN. No one will be surprised if these "independents" will later joins BN component parties and given plump positions in the government and government link companies.

While PR Menteri Besar Nizar already announced assembly dissolved pending the royal consent of the Perak Sultan, the BN led by Najib declared they have enough seats to form the next state government.

Some questions and comparison will arises even if Najib obtained the green light from the Sultan for BN to form the new government.

1. Can the BN really represents the people of Perak when BN actually do not have the electoral mandate of the people?

2. Since nearly all of BN assemblymen are from Umno except one from MCA, can it really claim as a BN government? It is much more like Umno + 1 (MCA) government.

3. With a large populace of non-Malays in Perak, if granted by Sultan, the Umno led state government will now be seen as a Malay government against majority non-Malays assemblymen in opposition.

4. Will horse trading continues to enticed more defection, especially from Indian assemblymen in DAP to Gerakan/MIC?

5. Can BN/Umno fulfill the expectation of the electorates which already get a feel on the people friendly approach of PR? How is Umno going to deal with PR State's promised to convert new villages leasehold land to freehold which Umno originally plan to derail it?

6. Will the new BN/Umno state government be stable? If the new state government was established via the back door and with crossovers of unprincipled elected official, will it not always be clouded by the threat of similar situation?

The bottomline is that the formation of any new government through crossovers and defection is a betrayal of trust of the people that voted for the elected official and the theft of the people's right to seek and vote for their choice of representatives. The proper and decent choice is to give back the right to the people to determine who they want to lead and run the government.

This is part of the democratic process and good governance. Let the people decides. - Loka

Beyond Kuala Terengganu by-election

The coming by-election in January 17 next year for the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary will not only a test for the selected candidates but also for other interested parties and individual politicians.

The contest is expected to be a direct fight between Umno/BN against PAS/PR although independent candidates cannot be written off as a spoiler. The late Razali Ismail of Umno won the seat with a slim majority in the last election and do not expect a big majority for the winner this time around. Historically this seat has been changing hands between Umno and Pas with slim majorities.

The anointed PM-to-be Najib Razak will be hard-up to retain this seat as a moral booster for him to take over from Abdullah Badawi in coming March. Following tradition, Najib is expected to lead the BN campaign and he cannot risked being slewed by PR in this by-election as happened in Permatang Pauh. It will be some sort of a vote of confidence for Najib if BN wins but if Pas grabbed the seat, it can be taken as a cue that the people are having doubts about his leadership.

Umno as a party will be pressurized to take this seat. Since 308 general election, this embattled party has been whacked by it's component and opposition parties on various contentious issues. If it lose this seat it will add more misery to it's already wounded image as the dominant party of BN. To ensure this did not happens, the party will be pulling out all it's tricks under it's sleeves and playing to the gallery of Malay majority voters.

Politicians aiming for posts in the March Umno election who can spare their internal party campaigning hours will be trooping to Kuala Terengganu to make their presence felt and many won't be suprised if words coming from their mouth are to boost their standing in the eyes of Umno delegates rather than fishing for voters of the constituency. Do not be alarmed if there arises many copycats of the infamous Ahmad Ismail as in the Permatang Pauh by-election. The aim is to score political points for themselves, not for Umno or BN.

The Bandar state seat within Kuala Terengganu is the only seat held by MCA as most Chinese voters are concentrated in this urban area. This will be the primary area which MCA will set up their operation center. Basing on the slim majority in previous Kuala Terengganu contests, the Chinese votes will be crucial for both sides of the political divide. Can MCA deliver the Chinese votes under the new leadership of Ong Tee Keat? This will be Tee Keat's first foray in a by-election since elected MCA president and he need to prove his leadership not only via his linguistic style but to deliver the Chinese votes to Umno.

On the other hand, Tee Keat most probably will not be actively campaigning in KT but dispatch his trusted ally Wong Foon Meng to lead the MCA campaign. Although Foon Meng is not considered a heavyweight, to the surprised of many he was picked by Tee Keat to be MCA's secretary general after the party's election. As the third in line of the party hierachy and also a KT local boy who was also a former state exco, Foon Meng is expected to be given the mandate to lead MCA's campaign in KT. It will be an opportunity for him to justified to some of his comrades who is still doubtful of his capability that he qualifies to be the secretary general and also chairman of the MCA Selangor state committee.

As for PAS, the main challenge will be on the shoulder of it's president Hadi Awang who is based in Terengganu. He lost Terengganu to Umno in 2004 after winning it in 1999 and was it's Menteri Besar. Then Pas Terengganu performed lack-lustrely in 2008 when Pakatan Rakyat took four states while retaining Kelantan. Hadi Awang have to redeem his pride and stature not only in the eyes of his comrades in Pas but also his counterparts in Pakatan Rakyat.

It is very obvious that Hadi Awang presence in PR are not significant, most of the time Pas face in PR are represented by it's deputy president Nasharuddin Isa or some other second liners. It will Hadi's fight for his national political standing especially in the opposition front which is dominated by Anwar Ibrahim and Lim Kit Siang.

With 11 days of campaigning and impact to the stakeholders, do expect the monsoon season in the east coast state to be more ferocious than usual. - Loka

What will be Abdullah's legacy?

When Abdullah Badawi replaces Mahathir Mohamad as the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2003 there were many high hopes on him to perform and govern the country to a greater heights. Many have good words for him as the Mr. Nice Guy who ascended the highest political office of the country with a remarkable and untainted records.

The expectations were indeed sky high which Abdullah is expected to deliver during his term of office. The result of the 2004 general election when BN secures 92% of the parliamentary seats was an endorsement of his premiership. After 22 years under the strong willed control of Mahathir administration, the rakyat expected a change towards a more open and freer society.

While many exhibits their confidence for the new PM that period of time, there is also some who are keeping their fingers crossed. I was one of them. Only time will prove whether a person will deliver whatever he promises and fulfilled the needs of the people. Especially for those who live the life of a politician where there is no permanent friends or foes. For some promises is not always equivalent to commitment, dignity and honour. Whatever happens in the past may not guarantee the future political direction of the person will be the same.

Abdullah promises a lot and now he is left with only less than six months to deliver them before he calls it a day and retires as PM. Whether he can fulfilled all his promises within this short period is indeed a huge question since he had 5 years to do it but met with many stumbling block especially from his own Umno people. The results of the 2008 general election provides the drawing on the board that Abdullah and BN fails to understand the happening on the ground. Their supporters deserted them in droves. Maybe they were still enjoying the extended 2004 honeymoon. Some still dreamt of being in honeymoon and having the denial syndrome. When will they wake up? Maybe next general election when they won't be having their bed to lie on to dream anymore!

Knowing that he won't be Umno president and PM by March 2009, akin to a lame duck PM, what makes Abdullah thinks that he can overcome all those obstacles in the next six months to fulfil his promises and leave a legacy in Malaysian history?

No doubt about it, Abdullah premiership did brought change in the democratic process especially in comparison to previous PMs. The rise of NGOs and community groups in voicing their comments on the state of the nation and seeking justice and equality for the people which is unseen of during the previous Mahathir's adminstration shows that Abdullah initailly governed the country with a big ear approach . He listens.

We can't say that he did not try. The question is whether did he tried hard enough? He listens but did he courageously take actions after he heard the voices of unhappiness from the people. Later during the sunset of his premiership, he still listens but to those who asked him to used the big stick. How is his performance in managing not only the country but also his own people especially in Umno and his close associates and relatives? History will be the witness to his legacy. Will he utilised the last six months as PM to leave a legacy for the many generations to come or it will be something else?

I am not superstitious, but as usual I will keep my fingers crossed. For the outgoing PM Abdullah and also the incoming PM, whoever he is. - Loka

A dignified PM to be

With the pressure mounting from it's own members and leaders, it is imminent that Abdullah Badawi is expected to quit as Umno president and PM very soon. The sixth PM is expected to be appointed by the King after that.

Most will expect Umno's deputy PM Najib Razak to take over the Premiership from him. But at issue is whether the transition plan will proceed as decided by the Umno supreme council or will it face possible derailment such as Tengku Razaleigh challenge by seeking enough nominations to fight it out for the Umno presidency which by convention is also to assumed the prime minister position as leader of BN.

Another possible spanner in the works is the onslaught of Anwar's battle to attract BN parliamentarians to switch camp to PR. If it happens, the next parliament sitting after Hari Raya Puasa festival will see the appointment of a new PM by the King but it will not be Najib.

Even that is so, there are critics who thinks that it is not morally right to secure the coveted PM position using that approach since the rakyat did not decide that way on March 8 election. BN won the general election in the battle led by Abdullah Badawi and everybody knows Abdullah will be the PM when BN wins the election. If that's the case, can Najib take over as PM once Abdullah resigns midway through the term of parliament mandated by the rakyat?

Legally speaking, Najib can assumed the position as the constitution says that the King will appoints an elected MP who has the majority support of MPs of the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House). That is according to the law.

On the other hand if Anwar able to secure the majority support of the Dewan Rakyat, according to the law, he too can be PM legally. There is no mention of party affiliation by the MPs. As long as a particular MP can secure the majority support, the MP concerned can be appointed PM by the King.

There is no such thing that says whoever takes over the Umno presidency will be automatically the PM. Further more, the rakyat voted BN MPs to set up the government to be led by Abdullah not Najib. Is it morally correct to take over the PM position without seeking the consent of rakyat? Just as critics had tasked on the morality of Anwar taking over as PM via the back door without the consent of the people but by playing politics to secure power. Is Najib suspected to be doing the same too, playing politics to secure the position?

If both of them wants to walks into office with pride, respect and dignity, it will be dignified and statesman-like for them to go back to the voters for endorsement, not just depends on a political decision of a majority of 112 MPs or 25 members of the Umno supreme council.

Anyhow, both routes to power is not against the law as long as there is no acts of breaking the law such as buying over support with money, positions, sexual gratification, overseas trips or using threats of physical violence to any person or their loved ones. There is always a thin line and grey area in defining the morality and conscience of politicians in making decisions to seek higher office and power.

At the end of the day, no matter how legalistic and law abiding the method used to secure power, it is the individual's karma in facing the wrath of their almighty if their actions is not morally upright. If these matters to them though. - Loka

Jittery over a date

By tomorrow, the targeted date of Anwar's dream of being appointed the Malaysian 6th Prime Minister will be put to test.

There are those who are convinced that he will pull through with a simple majority to form the next government while there are detractors who are calling it a bluff. On the former assertion it seems that there are valid claims of confidence basing on the jittery feeling and manouvering by the Bn government.

The packing off of the 54 Bn MPs to Taiwan during the Muslims' fasting month acknowleged the tension currently felt by the Bn government. The reason of this argument is that it is not usual practice for Muslim politicians and government servants not to stay home to observe the month of Ramadhan. Travelling overseas is not a priority unless it is essential and unavoidable. It seems that both essential and unavoidable did exists on this case. The latest usaged of ISA on Malaysian citizens gave a picture of a leadership under siege and sending signals of desperate measures that backfired.

On the other hand, there is nothing much to show other than the usual rhetorics and claims by Anwar and PKR's leadership that the change of government is happening. In reality there is not a single MP from Bn that had declared their intention to join the Pakatan Rakyat government. Maybe there are some former MPs like MCA's Dr Tan Yee Kew and Gerakan's Dr Tan Kee Kwong whom already joined PKR but former MPs do not have a say in parliament isn't it. Maybe Sapp two MPs will be the first to declare? Furthermore, PR might have difficulty filling up the cabinet with qualified, experience and suitable candidates from it's own alliance. It will also expected to rope in MPs from BN as prospective cabinet ministers which might cause displeasure amongst its own members.

In the meantime, people is looking forward for a quick showdown once and for all and move on with our lives and hoping for a reduction in the cost of living.- Loka

BN kick out Umno?

What happens if all the other 12 BN components members decided enough is enough with all those arrogant behaviour and "invite" Umno to get out from BN?

At current development in the BN circle where Umno is not having the best of the days sleeping with her BN partners which includes senior partners like MCA and Gerakan, no one can predict what will happen next. Even SAPP of Sabah which was given a show-cause letter for proposing to support a vote of no-confidence against the PM are not expected to tone down their unhappiness.

Will Malaysian politics and the country heading for the better if Umno is sack from BN and then BN without Umno set up a unity government with Pakatan Rakyat? Or will the worst happens? Will Umno becomes more racialistic and extreme when push to a corner and ends up as the main opposition in Parliament and the state assemblies? Don't reject this yet, as in politics anything unthinkable and impossible can becomes a reality with Malaysian politicians!

Even those MPs having a "study tour" in Taiwan are not to be counted out in the grand design. They may be physically out of Malaysia but with the use of IT & SD (statutory declaration), they might not be here physically, but their mind is always on Malaysia. - Loka

BN members, you can re-marry

Umno president says it is within the party's right to form the Selangor state government by having PAS as it's partner since Umno has the numbers to do that.

Is he giving the green light to MCA, MIC, Gerakan, SAPP, LDP, PBS, SUPP and other non-Umno BN coalition by saying "go ahead and form the Federal government with PKR since all of you has the right and numbers to do that"!

Those non-Umno BN members that are currently or already had secret discussions with Anwar should by now openly declare to the public if they had any intention to set up an enlarged Pakatan Rakyat Federal government. These parties do not have to consult or reports to Umno since it is within their right and are just following the "leadership by example" of Umno's.

It just does not make any sense for MCA, Gerakan and others who are still adamant and loyally holding on to the so-called BN power-sharing and consensus spirit when the big brother himself is planning to sleep with the common enemy. BN always claimed during each general election campaigns that opposition initiated coalition like Gagasan Rakyat and Barisan Alternatif are just marriage of convenience and all the partners are strange bed-fellows sharing the same bed but having different dreams.

Now it is clear that Umno is also having the same intention - having a marriage of convenience and sleeping on same bed with strange bed-fellows but having different dreams. If this marriage really materialised, how will the baby looks like? Will they ever have the opportunity to consumate the marriage on the same bed or marriage conditions and divorce settlements already pre-signed before they consumate the marriage?

Umno failed to woo PAS after the 308 election. Maybe the "wang hantaran" or dowry is just not attractive enough to have the hand of PAS. If Umno offers bigger dowry like the deputy PM, Minister in charge of Islam, Information, Education, Agriculture and Rural Development Cabinet portfolios plus the MB posts in Selangor and Terengganu, on top of Perak and Kelantan, maybe PAS will agree to the marriage.

Maybe the lady is still waiting for a better dowry , so the marriage is still possible. I am curious, what will Anwar/PKR offer to PAS and DAP if he is to be PM?- Loka

Local Councillors - Are we taken as Fools?

The list of appointed local councillors in Selangor has been published in the local newspaper even though it was not officially announced yet. The question that people starts to raise now is whether those councillors that were appointed are really based on their NGO affiliation as claimed.

Some of the councillors representing the NGOs category are suspected to be nominees of the political parties in Pakatan Rakyat. Not many councillors were appointed from the representatives of residents associations although they represented a main chunk of the stake holders.

What really happened in the selection process? Is PR following the BN policy of appointing their own members as councillors albeit camouflaged as NGOs representatives? Is there a hidden agenda to appoint only their own members, supporters or sympathisers of PR as local councillors? If that is true, then it is not only a slap in the face for those who believes PR is different from BN but it is far more worse than BN because the people has been taken as fools! At least BN did not make any promises to appoint NGOs representatives as councillors.

After SAPP, who is next?

Looks like Sabah Progressive Party president Yong Teck Lee is the man on the news. By declaring SAPP intention to support a no-confidence vote on the PM during next parliament seating next week is as good as saying goodbye to BN.

Maybe not. He just wants Pak Lah out, not for SAPP to get out from BN. Or is he bluffing, just like many politicians before him. Aren't we got use to having politicians announcing one thing today and doing the opposite tomorrow?

Or maybe Yong is just fishing. What is he fishing for will be clearer in next few days. People ought not be easily baited by the usual statements about Sabah not being treated fairly by the federal government. The fact on Sabahans needs being neglected and demands not taken seriously has the fair share of truth but at the end of the day, the bottomline is always about power politics. Politicians need to secure positions with political power to decide policies and influence decision making process to fulfill their agendas.

The statement on the vote of no-confidence on the PM is a means to the end. Everybody is jolted and talking about this bombshell isn't it? Yong and his SAPP is just hitting the iron while it is still hot. All the attention will be centred on him and his every moves and statements will be followed closely by both BN and Pakatan Rakyat.

If the "kiasu" syndrome also applies to all political parties, all the statements by Yong's comrades in BN denouncing his intention and declaring support to the PM need to be taken as a pinch of salt. Once these parties sensed they will lose out if still taking a safe or even neutral stand, they will shift their allegiance even before the cock crows the next morning. These people will be working very very late night until the wee hours in the morning to strategise the next step and have negotiations.

If this move creates domino effect in the BN, which party of the next 11 BN components ( except Umno and PBB)will make their stand? As mentioned, don't take too seriously on statements of support for the PM or BN by components parties or their leaders.

The announcement by Yong is a calculated move which is not necessary solely decided by him alone. If there is a hidden hand, who might it be? And it might not be the person which is in everyone's mind now.

All on board, except UMNO and PBB?

So much talk about Anwar Ibrahim's Pakatan Rakyat taking over the federal government since March 8. I am getting bored with all this cheap talk. Where is the action, man?

Yes, Anwar has been siad to be going around the world talking to BN MPs and even a cabinet minister. In a battle for the prime prize of the federal corridor of power, it seems it was Anwar that is keeping the attack on the BN fort but as shown in many historical wars - physical and political, while a warring army or party are launching the attacks, it need to be aware of counter attacks. No one knows for sure who will triumph until the last count.

If Anwar is too over confidence and arrogant himself as UMNO did before the 308 Tsunami, he might as well be swept out by defections from his own coalition! He can't denied that UMNO still controls the government machinery and also the GLCs that can dole out sweets and honeys to many of his people to cover ever rising expenses to keep their own cronies afloat.

Anyhow if the BN MPs who are neither UMNO and PBB decided to jump ship within this few weeks, Anwar will be drilling all the way to Petronas to reduce the petrol price! Is it possible for MCA's (15 MPs), MIC (3 MPs), Gerakan (2 MPs), Sabah's SAPP (2), LDP (1), PBS (3), UPKO(4) and PBRS(1) and Sarawak's SUPP(6), SPDP (5) and PRS(4) joining the Pakatan Rakyat coalition government? With 46 seats defection from these non UMNO or PBB parties, a new coalition will be formed with Pakatan Rakyat 128 seats versus UMNO-PBB alliance's 94 seats. BN would have been irrelevant by then.

As many would realised by now, there is no permanent loyalty or friends in partisan politics. We shall wait then. Patience is an virtue.

Buddhists Apathetic?

Before and after the general election on March 8, I was asked a similiar line of question by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Why Buddhists are so quiet on issues affecting the people?

This was raised because in comparison to the other major religious groups, which in one way or another has been voicing our publicly their views and concern on the state of the nation.

The Hindus' was actively putting across their views and demands via Hindraf, the Christians were having forums in their churches and advocating their rights via sms'es and internet and Muslim groups issuing statements on their views and concerns.

What did the Buddhists do?

Nothing. Form is emptiness, emptiness is form. Right. Spot on!


When one aspiring politician raised the same issue with me few days after the election, I commented the Hindus and Christians already make their positions very clear and no one would doubt who they voted in the election. But what will be the implication if the Buddhists jumps into the bandwagon and be vociferous in their quest for their needs. Will it create a situation of the "nons" on one side of the field and the others on the opposing side? So, the Buddhists just kept quiet.

Well, this line of justification is only to pacify ourselves (the Buddhists) that we are peace loving and status-quo people and do not like to start any inkling of possible confrontation with the authorities or powers-that-be.

Buddhist leaders in this country has the tendency of solving arising issues or problems affecting the community in a "closed-door meeting" and non-confrontational approach. Most Malaysians will not even notice, because it was not in the press or blogs, that issues affecting development of Buddhist temples can take nearly 20 years to solve! In some cases, the Buddhist leaders always hoped that when the general election is looming, the powers-that-be will fast-tracked the approval for the temple development. Occasionally the wishes became a reality but sometimes it turns into another round of nightmare after the election. The actual approval are not forthcoming and will take another term of government before the matter is seriously look upon again before the next election.

Buddhists are really very patient. We will meditate and have prayers over the matter again and again. Year in, year out. We always hoped the solution will be forthcoming during the term of the current menteri besar, if not we would have to start all over again if a new MB came along.

Going back to the subject matter, are Buddhists really too soft on issues affecting the community?

It's not really the case but it's just that Buddhists especially the leaders are usually low risk takers and are not keen to rock the boat. They prefers the "follow the usual way" approach. When they faced any problems related to temple lands or visa for missionary monks, they will approach politicians from MCA to help them to solve it. How often have we heard of Buddhists approaching non-MCA or non-Gerakan political parties for help to solve problems related to their community? With the MCA and Gerakan washed-out from the west coast states, will the Buddhists shift their source of assistance to parties from Pakatan Rakyat? We shall wait and see.

Buddhists need to be aware of their rights just like any other religionists of this country. We are not seeking to be treated better at other peoples' expense nor be given special treatment. We just need to voice out our concerns and needs to the powers-that-be, whichever side of the political divide.

The Barisan Nasional need to take cognisance that the only religious group that did not openly state their demands and show any sign of their political stand is the Buddhist community. If BN is wise, they better do the needful to ensure this community will maintain their non-political stance. Buddhists has been keeping a low profile in the recent general election. No public demands or press conferences to demand for anything at all. As seems the Buddhists are very contented indeed. Is that so? Or the Buddhists has been taken for granted?

Bear in mind that while the Buddhists is the second largest religious group comprising 20.2% of citizens of Malaysia, we are only accorded ONE religious public holiday while the others like Christians and Hindus are having at least one and a half public holidays. Christians are having Christmas and Good Fridays in Sabah & Sarawak. The Hindus public holidays includes Deepavali national holiday and Thaipusam in five states and Kuala Lumpur.

Maybe the government want to consider Ullambana, Kwan Yin Birthday or Kathina? Maybe not. Already too many public holidays! Just provide us suitable tracts of land and a matching grant to develop our Dhamma education centres.

For many years the Federal government has funded official events to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa , Chinese New Year, Christmas, Deepavali, Gawai (Sarawak) and Kaamatan (Sabah). What about Wesak Day? When will the Federal and State governments, BN or PR , realised they forgotten or conveniently forgotten to sponsor an official event to celebrate Buddhists most important religious event?

Shall we as usual, keep quiet and wait and see which government, BN or PR, to be the first to response to this matter! Or shall we take this directly to the states and federal governments?

I am looking forward for the PM, Chief Ministers and Menteri Besars for all Malaysians to attend a Wesak Open House this year.

Chicken Rice and Rocket

Is there any relevancy between chicken rice and rocket. Most of us would think there is no connection. I thought so until one guy enlightened me today.

I was at my regular chicken rice stall buying dinner for my family this evening. When I asked how much I need to pay for the rice, the chicken rice seller told me I have to pay extra for the chicken rice as cost of chicken per kilogram has gone up. Then he added, "looks like price of goods went up even though the Rocket won the election."

As I drove home, I thought," the Rocket and other partners in Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will be in deep chicken shit if every man in the street thinks the same." Why is that so?

During the recent election voters were convinced to equate higher cost of living with Barisan Nasional. There were propaganda and banners written with the wordings, BN = Barang Naik. Now, with BN not in power in Kedah, Perak, Penang, Selangor and Kelantan, the ordinary folks are expecting prices of basic items not to rise. If the price of food stuffs keep on increasing, the equation will then be change and people will be upset with PR then. The new equation will be:

BN = Barang Naik
PR = Pasti Rugi

Barisan Nasional Pakatan Rakyat =BNPR = Barang Naik Pasti Rugi


So, all the PR people better ensure my regular chicken rice price stays the same until 2013 or there will be chicken shit on many faces!