In the pass election ever since the Pakatan Rakyat alliance was formed, Parti Keadilan Rakyat or PKR under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has always employed this tactic of having something 'unveiling' to announce.
The pass 'unveiling' announcements were nothing but mere farts and this 'cry wolf' tactic is starting to get old, moldy and lame. As the by-election for Bukit Selambau nears, PKR yet again has got some 'major surprise' to announce that they claim will determine the outcome of the said polls.
Think that those expecting a bomb of an announcement tonight will be nothing but passing wind into the night. Poor sympathizers of the party as usual will be bitterly disappointed again. PR has lost its political footing and all this said revelations are nothing but gimmicks to get crowds to attend their 'ceramahs' after all having a near empty 'ceramah' is even more embarrassing than losing the election.
To all politicians and ministers.....
Showing posts with label Pakatan Rakyat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pakatan Rakyat. Show all posts
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
It’s ok if the Government but if it’s the Opposition then it is not
One of the most telling factors that you know you might have chosen to be on the wrong side is that your opposite counter part gets whatever he or she wants.
That is what the 15 Pakatan Rakyat leaders must have been thinking when their party approved the purchase of RM130,000.00 Toyota Camrys each for their official use. This deal would cost the party about RM2million and has come under scrutiny from Barisan Nasional. Being the opportunist that BN are, Pakatan Rakyat has been accused of minding their own welfare more than that of the people. Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo was quick to the draw and seize this issue to criticize the opposition coalition.
It is quite audacious actually for Toyo to criticize such purchases as when he was the Menteri Besar of Selangor, he approved a purchase of 1 unit Mercedes S350L worth almost RM1million for his personal use with the funds from Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad. The Selangor state government had to bear that extravagant purchase and in the end the ones really paying for their luxuries is us, the tax paying Malaysians.
That is what the 15 Pakatan Rakyat leaders must have been thinking when their party approved the purchase of RM130,000.00 Toyota Camrys each for their official use. This deal would cost the party about RM2million and has come under scrutiny from Barisan Nasional. Being the opportunist that BN are, Pakatan Rakyat has been accused of minding their own welfare more than that of the people. Datuk Seri Dr Khir Toyo was quick to the draw and seize this issue to criticize the opposition coalition.
It is quite audacious actually for Toyo to criticize such purchases as when he was the Menteri Besar of Selangor, he approved a purchase of 1 unit Mercedes S350L worth almost RM1million for his personal use with the funds from Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad. The Selangor state government had to bear that extravagant purchase and in the end the ones really paying for their luxuries is us, the tax paying Malaysians.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Malaysia gifts Palestine US1million while millions of Malaysians get high taxes
Big fan of war, violence and hostilities I am not and it saddens me to read about the hardship that the Palestinians are going through. It is unfortunate that their country is engulfed in such atrocious inhumane conditions now. Everyday lives are lost, women, children, babies and infants are not spared from this perils as Israel continues its assault on the country.
What at first seemed to be a return of compliment at the Palestine, Israel has now upped a gear and it is more of an invasion now as ground troops and tanks have been deployed. Till date about 500 Palestinians and 4 Israelis have been killed and with seemingly no end to the hostilities in sight, death tolls will sure continue to rise. A lesson to be learned that this is what happens when you supply a bunch of idiots with weapons.
All over the world people have been condemning the military action of the Israelis. I too is in agreement with the views of the majority that the Isreali attacks have been brutal, inhumane and should cease immediately. War never should be an option in any kind of situation or crisis. Lives will be lost, properties damaged and the only one that stands to gain in all this chaos is the arm dealers. Victory though might award the country’s leader immortality in history but being politicians that they are, they wouldn’t mind it even though they have blood on their hands.
Having said this though it is ironic that none has condemn the Palestine government for their stupidity since it was them that drew first blood in this recent out break of hostilities. The Palestinians were the ones that let fly 2 rockets into Israel and killed 4 Isreali civilians. Though it does not justify the brutal counter fire from Israel but it was the Palestine government themselves courting with disaster. I mean you can’t possibly be that dumb as to shoot rockets into people’s backyard and not expect any serious repercussions. The fate that have befallen their country and the lives of their many innocent civilians are pretty much all of their own doing. Honestly think about it, if we were Israel, won’t we be doing the same???
Our country Malaysia has also jumped on the bandwagon at criticizing and condemning Israel. Everyday so far you can read of our ministers and politicians, both government and opposition, having a go at Israel. Needless to say we all know why the sudden relentless condemnation of Israel, because election is in the air. Sad that they are merely using other people’s misfortune to gain popularity as the Kuala Terengganu by-election nears. There is also another 2 probable reasons.
First of the other 2 reasons for Malaysia being so vocal is that the fact Malaysia just hates America and the American have always supported Israel in the past. Second probable reason could be that Palestine is a Muslim country. If memory serves me right, Malaysian government has never given a cent to any other non-Muslim country as relief aid for war.
This point can be validated by the fact that our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has approved a US1million help package to Palestine despite there are millions of Malaysians still living in poverty especially in states of Sabah and Sarawak. These communities have been living without the bare necessities for generations and our Government is instead giving more than RM3million to other country. Just to make themselves look good the Malaysian Government has once again neglected the needs of the many Malaysians.
Another point to mention of our Government’s continuous neglect is that currently a few states in Malaysia is going through bad flooding and won’t that RM3.8million be much of an aid and relief to the victims. Residents of an old folks home in Kulim has even publicly criticized the government for not sending them any help. It was understood that all these senior aged Malaysians had to evacuate themselves. Don’t these Malaysians deserve aid and assistance first before our Government tries to save the world??? Weren’t they the Government elected and they themselves have sworn to safe guard the well being of every Malaysian??? Seeing the ant across the river but failing to see the elephant standing in front of their eyes is the classic short comings of the retarded mentality that our Government is suffering from.
Apart from that, with our country facing economic slowdown and the prospect of hundreds of thousand Malaysians in risks of losing their jobs in the near future, one does wonder if the RM3.8million was money well spent. I am pretty sure Malaysian taxpayers are not fond of the fact that as trying times are near, our resources have been nonchalantly given away by our Government. It would be a real bitch if at the end the Government comes back saying it lacks funds and starts increasing or creating new taxes and increasing fuel prices. Knowing our flip flopping Government, that is what they are capable of doing. In the end, as usual the Rakyat is the ones that falls victim to the idiocy of the morons administering the country.
Being Malaysian, I am sure we are all used to the fact that not being a part of the crony chain of the Government goons, we will just have to continue to fend for ourselves as we have always done all this while. Help from our Government is the last thing we have all come to learn to expect. The Government whether the present or the new isn’t going to change despite all the promises and what not. It has been more than 5 decades of the same old same old so what is going to make this 2008 global economic slowdown change anything in Malaysia, or who will make the change, Najib? UMNO? Anwar? PAS? Pakatan Rakyat??? By the look of things so far, sadly to say but…..susah la!!!
What at first seemed to be a return of compliment at the Palestine, Israel has now upped a gear and it is more of an invasion now as ground troops and tanks have been deployed. Till date about 500 Palestinians and 4 Israelis have been killed and with seemingly no end to the hostilities in sight, death tolls will sure continue to rise. A lesson to be learned that this is what happens when you supply a bunch of idiots with weapons.
All over the world people have been condemning the military action of the Israelis. I too is in agreement with the views of the majority that the Isreali attacks have been brutal, inhumane and should cease immediately. War never should be an option in any kind of situation or crisis. Lives will be lost, properties damaged and the only one that stands to gain in all this chaos is the arm dealers. Victory though might award the country’s leader immortality in history but being politicians that they are, they wouldn’t mind it even though they have blood on their hands.
Having said this though it is ironic that none has condemn the Palestine government for their stupidity since it was them that drew first blood in this recent out break of hostilities. The Palestinians were the ones that let fly 2 rockets into Israel and killed 4 Isreali civilians. Though it does not justify the brutal counter fire from Israel but it was the Palestine government themselves courting with disaster. I mean you can’t possibly be that dumb as to shoot rockets into people’s backyard and not expect any serious repercussions. The fate that have befallen their country and the lives of their many innocent civilians are pretty much all of their own doing. Honestly think about it, if we were Israel, won’t we be doing the same???
Our country Malaysia has also jumped on the bandwagon at criticizing and condemning Israel. Everyday so far you can read of our ministers and politicians, both government and opposition, having a go at Israel. Needless to say we all know why the sudden relentless condemnation of Israel, because election is in the air. Sad that they are merely using other people’s misfortune to gain popularity as the Kuala Terengganu by-election nears. There is also another 2 probable reasons.
First of the other 2 reasons for Malaysia being so vocal is that the fact Malaysia just hates America and the American have always supported Israel in the past. Second probable reason could be that Palestine is a Muslim country. If memory serves me right, Malaysian government has never given a cent to any other non-Muslim country as relief aid for war.
This point can be validated by the fact that our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has approved a US1million help package to Palestine despite there are millions of Malaysians still living in poverty especially in states of Sabah and Sarawak. These communities have been living without the bare necessities for generations and our Government is instead giving more than RM3million to other country. Just to make themselves look good the Malaysian Government has once again neglected the needs of the many Malaysians.
Another point to mention of our Government’s continuous neglect is that currently a few states in Malaysia is going through bad flooding and won’t that RM3.8million be much of an aid and relief to the victims. Residents of an old folks home in Kulim has even publicly criticized the government for not sending them any help. It was understood that all these senior aged Malaysians had to evacuate themselves. Don’t these Malaysians deserve aid and assistance first before our Government tries to save the world??? Weren’t they the Government elected and they themselves have sworn to safe guard the well being of every Malaysian??? Seeing the ant across the river but failing to see the elephant standing in front of their eyes is the classic short comings of the retarded mentality that our Government is suffering from.
Apart from that, with our country facing economic slowdown and the prospect of hundreds of thousand Malaysians in risks of losing their jobs in the near future, one does wonder if the RM3.8million was money well spent. I am pretty sure Malaysian taxpayers are not fond of the fact that as trying times are near, our resources have been nonchalantly given away by our Government. It would be a real bitch if at the end the Government comes back saying it lacks funds and starts increasing or creating new taxes and increasing fuel prices. Knowing our flip flopping Government, that is what they are capable of doing. In the end, as usual the Rakyat is the ones that falls victim to the idiocy of the morons administering the country.
Being Malaysian, I am sure we are all used to the fact that not being a part of the crony chain of the Government goons, we will just have to continue to fend for ourselves as we have always done all this while. Help from our Government is the last thing we have all come to learn to expect. The Government whether the present or the new isn’t going to change despite all the promises and what not. It has been more than 5 decades of the same old same old so what is going to make this 2008 global economic slowdown change anything in Malaysia, or who will make the change, Najib? UMNO? Anwar? PAS? Pakatan Rakyat??? By the look of things so far, sadly to say but…..susah la!!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Game over for Pakatan Rakyat???
PAS with their constant bickering of implementing Hudud and Qisas law if Pakatan Rakyat ever takes over as the Federal Government has probably sealed the fate of the opposition. The momentum that the opposition has worked so hard to build up and now the idiotic wisemen of PAS has practically nailed the coffin shut.
These moronic leaders of PAS when they went for their religion required circumcision must have also circumcised their brains too. PAS till today has been the weakest and most dangerous link in the Pakatan Rakyat machinery and it is a wonder why does the Pakatan Rakyat still keep them in the coalition. PAS are clearly no team players and is like an over heavy garbage that is just sinking the Pakatan Rakyat coalition ship.
They should know that their Hudud and Qisas law will never be a winning and accepted manifesto simply because Malaysia is a multi-racial country. Their primitive laws are not even preferred by their own Muslims of this country. The PAS leaders should have just kept their foul smelling crap hole mouth shut and just ride the wave. Being master tacticians that all politicians are, PAS should have known better to keep such controversial issues to themselves first till the day Pakatan Rakyat really takes over the Malaysian government. What good is it making such a big fuss about it now only to ruin your chance of getting elected into office.
That is what that doesn't make any sense at all. Politicians are a cunning and conniving bunch. Their tactics, strategy, ploy or call it whatever you like is always well planned and carefully thought out. Very seldom they would slip up and make a mistake like this to only jam their party's machinery.
Was it a boo boo by PAS issuing the statement or was it actually puposely done???
History has it that PAS and UMNO were once partners in crime before they had a fall out and went their separate ways, or did they now...??? It seems rather ironic that PAS would be dumb enough to issue such a statement which automatically swings the momentum away from Pakatan Rakyat. Their said fall out might have just been an Emmy winning performance. This might all have been a high level hush hush deal between PAS and UMNO. PAS might actually be a spin off party of UMNO to do its espionage work and to sabotage opposition parties and coalitons.
Hmmm.....now that's a food for thought isn't it. How else do you explain the wisemen, master tacticians of PAS frequently coming out with statements and issues that only seems to put the Pakatan Rakyat in hot soup. Whether or not this maybe true, it would still be in the best interest of the Pakatan Rakyat if they are really serious about toppling BN to form the next government, is to just chop off the bad leg that is just slowing them down, and that is PAS.
These moronic leaders of PAS when they went for their religion required circumcision must have also circumcised their brains too. PAS till today has been the weakest and most dangerous link in the Pakatan Rakyat machinery and it is a wonder why does the Pakatan Rakyat still keep them in the coalition. PAS are clearly no team players and is like an over heavy garbage that is just sinking the Pakatan Rakyat coalition ship.
They should know that their Hudud and Qisas law will never be a winning and accepted manifesto simply because Malaysia is a multi-racial country. Their primitive laws are not even preferred by their own Muslims of this country. The PAS leaders should have just kept their foul smelling crap hole mouth shut and just ride the wave. Being master tacticians that all politicians are, PAS should have known better to keep such controversial issues to themselves first till the day Pakatan Rakyat really takes over the Malaysian government. What good is it making such a big fuss about it now only to ruin your chance of getting elected into office.
That is what that doesn't make any sense at all. Politicians are a cunning and conniving bunch. Their tactics, strategy, ploy or call it whatever you like is always well planned and carefully thought out. Very seldom they would slip up and make a mistake like this to only jam their party's machinery.
Was it a boo boo by PAS issuing the statement or was it actually puposely done???
History has it that PAS and UMNO were once partners in crime before they had a fall out and went their separate ways, or did they now...??? It seems rather ironic that PAS would be dumb enough to issue such a statement which automatically swings the momentum away from Pakatan Rakyat. Their said fall out might have just been an Emmy winning performance. This might all have been a high level hush hush deal between PAS and UMNO. PAS might actually be a spin off party of UMNO to do its espionage work and to sabotage opposition parties and coalitons.
Hmmm.....now that's a food for thought isn't it. How else do you explain the wisemen, master tacticians of PAS frequently coming out with statements and issues that only seems to put the Pakatan Rakyat in hot soup. Whether or not this maybe true, it would still be in the best interest of the Pakatan Rakyat if they are really serious about toppling BN to form the next government, is to just chop off the bad leg that is just slowing them down, and that is PAS.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Joke of the day.....
And today's winner for the "Joke of the day" goes to the Chief Minister of Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for his comment that PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's credibility is doubtful.
He was commenting on Anwar's failed attempt to topple the BN government as promised on Sept 16, 2008. Have to admit that Anwar's failed promise has some what taken the gloss off the shine.
Now that Pakatan Rakyat and Anwar have realised that their key to victory is the votes in Sarawak and now efforts have been put in to bringing the party here. Don't think it needed rocket science Mr. Ibrahim to know the importance of the votes in Sarawak but I guess realising it now is better than later.
With the good turn out and show of support to Anwar and PR in Sibu recently, Taib is sure to be a little sore. Feeling restless and threaten as the possibility of the state election soon, Taib has jump the gun and started to his attack by character assasinating Anwar.
Well Mr. Taib, Anwar's credibility might have been somewhat shot but at least he still has character to doubt unlike you. All Sarawakians know what a lying cheat and corrupted dictator you are.....!!!
He was commenting on Anwar's failed attempt to topple the BN government as promised on Sept 16, 2008. Have to admit that Anwar's failed promise has some what taken the gloss off the shine.
Now that Pakatan Rakyat and Anwar have realised that their key to victory is the votes in Sarawak and now efforts have been put in to bringing the party here. Don't think it needed rocket science Mr. Ibrahim to know the importance of the votes in Sarawak but I guess realising it now is better than later.
With the good turn out and show of support to Anwar and PR in Sibu recently, Taib is sure to be a little sore. Feeling restless and threaten as the possibility of the state election soon, Taib has jump the gun and started to his attack by character assasinating Anwar.
Well Mr. Taib, Anwar's credibility might have been somewhat shot but at least he still has character to doubt unlike you. All Sarawakians know what a lying cheat and corrupted dictator you are.....!!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Silence, is smart at times...
In a news article published in The Star on 08.09.2008, the UMNO Youth has questioned the "deafening silence" from the bar council, NGOs and bloggers over plans by Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to woo Barisan Nasional MPs to crossover.
Its secretary, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, has come out to say that the people should tell DSAI that it is morally wrong to grab power.
Morals?!! Since when has there been any morals in politics let alone in UMNO or BN itself. The dumb dude has got no idea what he is talking about. Just saying things for the sake of talking then talking nonsence is not intelligent at all.
Under the BN ruled government led by UMNO, the people's rights to freedom of speech and expression, freedom of the press and media, rights to equally regardless of race or religion, has all been oppressed. Where is the moral in that???
DSAI and the people's desire to end such oppression is indeed the moral thing to do, you stupid brainless dim wit.
It is the un-moral thing to do what the BN party coalition members are doing, just staying put to gain personal wealth in DSAAB retarded, corrupted government as the Rakyat suffers and the country wilts away in mismanagement.
He then continued to say that if Sept 16 occurs, he won't be surprised to see if Barisan supporters took to the streets to challenge the legitamacy of the Pakatan Rakyat government formed through undemocratic means. Bloody double standard again isn't it. They can do this but others if even attempt to show dissatisfaction in the street will have to face the wrath of the ISA.
Undemocratic?? If Pakatan Rakyat secures enough numbers of defection, by means within the constitution and laws of Malaysia, then what is so undemocratic bout that??? There is a reason for such a clause in our democratic constitution and laws of our country. It is to safe guard the Rakyat and country against mismanaging governments.
But then it'll be all talk only as usual from the BN hypocrites cause if Sept 16 happens then they will not be the ruling party anymore in the government and they don't have the balls to do nuts. What these goons will do is take to the streets and walk over to the other side and join the Pakatan.
Remember...
A democratic country is where the government is a government "of laws and not of men"!!!
The Datukshit also commented that he was surprised at the silence of the United States who usually champions the importance of democracy to the world. Doesn't he remember that not too long ago it was his seniors that told the US to shut up. So now the US keeps quite and he mocks them for their silence???
There is also this comment by the Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Telecommunications Datuk Joseph Salang saying that if Sept 16 occurs is likened to a 'political robbery'.
Eh...then what about the BN's robbery of our basic human rights, the rights to freedom of speech, the rights to equality opportunity for the Chinese and the Indians.....???
This DSAAB government along with all its existing component party MPs and ministers has just got to go. There are all nothing but a bunch of weak flip flop butt kissing jackasses.
There is an old saying....."If you ain't got anything smart to say then the intelligent thing to do is to just SHUT UP!!!"
Its secretary, Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan, has come out to say that the people should tell DSAI that it is morally wrong to grab power.
Morals?!! Since when has there been any morals in politics let alone in UMNO or BN itself. The dumb dude has got no idea what he is talking about. Just saying things for the sake of talking then talking nonsence is not intelligent at all.
Under the BN ruled government led by UMNO, the people's rights to freedom of speech and expression, freedom of the press and media, rights to equally regardless of race or religion, has all been oppressed. Where is the moral in that???
DSAI and the people's desire to end such oppression is indeed the moral thing to do, you stupid brainless dim wit.
It is the un-moral thing to do what the BN party coalition members are doing, just staying put to gain personal wealth in DSAAB retarded, corrupted government as the Rakyat suffers and the country wilts away in mismanagement.
He then continued to say that if Sept 16 occurs, he won't be surprised to see if Barisan supporters took to the streets to challenge the legitamacy of the Pakatan Rakyat government formed through undemocratic means. Bloody double standard again isn't it. They can do this but others if even attempt to show dissatisfaction in the street will have to face the wrath of the ISA.
Undemocratic?? If Pakatan Rakyat secures enough numbers of defection, by means within the constitution and laws of Malaysia, then what is so undemocratic bout that??? There is a reason for such a clause in our democratic constitution and laws of our country. It is to safe guard the Rakyat and country against mismanaging governments.
But then it'll be all talk only as usual from the BN hypocrites cause if Sept 16 happens then they will not be the ruling party anymore in the government and they don't have the balls to do nuts. What these goons will do is take to the streets and walk over to the other side and join the Pakatan.
Remember...
A democratic country is where the government is a government "of laws and not of men"!!!
The Datukshit also commented that he was surprised at the silence of the United States who usually champions the importance of democracy to the world. Doesn't he remember that not too long ago it was his seniors that told the US to shut up. So now the US keeps quite and he mocks them for their silence???
There is also this comment by the Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Telecommunications Datuk Joseph Salang saying that if Sept 16 occurs is likened to a 'political robbery'.
Eh...then what about the BN's robbery of our basic human rights, the rights to freedom of speech, the rights to equality opportunity for the Chinese and the Indians.....???
This DSAAB government along with all its existing component party MPs and ministers has just got to go. There are all nothing but a bunch of weak flip flop butt kissing jackasses.
There is an old saying....."If you ain't got anything smart to say then the intelligent thing to do is to just SHUT UP!!!"
Monday, September 8, 2008
Could be RPK's last article before ISA gets him...
Is Anwar Ibrahim unstoppable?
With the big margin he attained in the by-election, it does look as if Barisan Nasional (BN) will have a hard time stopping him. But then, as Anwar himself said, a week is a long time in politics, meaning that nothing is definite.
He is stoppable as a person, but I think what has happened to him is that he has become the focus of a lot of hope for Malaysians disillusioned with the BN system. Because he is a wily politician — or a chameleon, as critics like to say — he has been able to remake himself in the image of the reform movement that his arrest 10 years ago inspired and that developed more intensely than he could have expected. That movement has aligned itself with other oppositional forces and that new combined force now places him as its front man. In turn, he has become indispensable to that force.
Understood that way, Anwar does look unstoppable. The long-term way BN and the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) can take the wind out of his sail is to reform themselves radically, and in the process, change Malaysian politics to the extent that the polarised situation that makes someone such as Anwar so iconic disappear, or weaken. As long as BN refuses to change, the situation that created the strong opposition that adopts Anwar as its front man will continue.
His court case relating to a sodomy charge, starting on September 10, is a big worry for the opposition. A lot of resources will be focused on defending Anwar, and on weakening the prosecution's case, including proving that the charge against him is politically motivated.
What is Mr Abdullah's future?
History will perceive Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the accidental politician and will forgive him for many of his failures because of that. But for the moment, many Malaysians on both sides are simply exasperated by his weak leadership and his inability to adapt to changes. No one mistakes his reticence for astuteness any longer.
His time is up. He has to realise how critical reforms actually are to the future of the country.
If Anwar's attempt at toppling the government does not materialise, then the attention will turn to Umno's general assembly in December. Many Umno leaders are not willing to allow Abdullah to bide his time while they run the risk of being sidelined forever. One goes into politics to gain power, and if the power pyramid that one is part of is sinking, then at some point, one decides that it is every man for himself.
What about Umno's future?
One day quite soon, Malaysians will learn to see political coalitions as temporary solutions to imbalances in power, and not as monolithic and eternal beings that become a goal in themselves. There are no permanent allies and no permanent enemies.
It will be nearly impossible for Umno to regain its former glory. That glory depended on the BN model. Today, it is like the Kuomintang of Taiwan in the '80s. It must go through a radical change, and to do that, it may have to leave the seat of power for a while. Its members have to realise that Malaysia's wellbeing is not necessarily Umno's wellbeing.
Even if the party loses power, it can return, but in a new shape and in new alliances. The worst-case scenario is that Umno may go the way of the Communist Party in Yugoslavia and disappear. The fear then is that the country will disintegrate along with it. The best-case scenario is that politics in Malaysia will mature to the extent that political opponents no longer wish destruction on each other.
Losing will not be everything; winning will not be everything.
From now to September 16 and December, what are the signs to look for?
Abdullah presented his budget on August 29 and Parliament is now in recess until the fasting month of Ramadan is over. In the meantime, we have Wednesday to watch, when Anwar goes on trial. Should the sodomy charge be dropped, then BN admits that its tactic has backfired and it withdraws to fight another day. Should it stick, Anwar's camp will try its best to keep him out of jail.
Given how Anwar was treated the last time he was in detention, his closest supporters fear that some serious harm will come to him while in jail.
September 16 is the day to watch — Malaysia Day, the day 45 years ago when Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined the federation. Anwar chose that day as a day of reckoning because it is very symbolic to the East Malaysians who feel let down by the federal government. He promises them a better deal, a simple enough strategy.
Even if Anwar cannot convince 30 BN Members of Parliament (MPs) to cross over to his side, he is expected to mark that day in a dramatic fashion. What he could do is perhaps to get some defectors to announce their intention publicly on September 16, and then hope for a snowball effect from there. He could also announce a defection by Umno MPs. Should nine of them defect, it would mean that Umno loses its majority within the ruling BN coalition. A bigger scoop would be to get a whole party to defect, threatening the existence of BN itself.
Also important to watch will be the Umno's division elections next month. What support Abdullah still has will become clearer from that. The main challenger to Abdullah within Umno, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, will also be gauging his own strength during that time.
If Anwar were to be Prime Minister, what kind of leader would he be?
His rhetoric seems to echo the wishes of a large segment of the Malaysian population at the moment, and that segment will be dictating what kind of PM he will be. Malaysia is suffering from a leadership problem at the moment, and many are putting a lot of hope in him.
Anwar has to balance the aims of the parties in his coalition, and we will see compromises being made. That is the reality in Malaysia. But I think a culture of dialogue will be developed under his watch and that will be a great achievement indeed. I think at least that can be accomplished by him.
Anwar can be expected to use a global economic focus to expedite institutional changes and minimise differences in the agendas of various parties. There is a lot of room for change, and with the political support he seems to enjoy, he should be able to do a good job. I think the new democratic atmosphere in Malaysia will see to that.
The writer is a fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. He is the author of Lost in Transition: Malaysia under Abdullah and The Reluctant Politician: Tun Dr Ismail and His Time.
*************************************************************
16 September 2008. That is Malaysia Day. That is also the day Anwar Ibrahim is supposed to take over the government. Today, some well-known personalities are joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat. From thereon, more are expected to follow, culminating in the final exodus of Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament.
Stay tuned for the announcements to follow.Many just can’t believe that Anwar will really take over on 16 September 2008.
Some just wish it were true. Some say it’s too good to be true. Others say Anwar is just playing poker. The sceptics say Anwar is laying the ground for a self-fulfilling prophecy. What is foremost in everyone’s mind is: is Anwar playing a high-stakes poker game or will this be a gunfight at the OK Corral?
At this point of time, Anwar can no longer just play poker. No one asked him to take over the government. No one set 16 September 2008 as the deadline. This was entirely Anwar’s own choice with no pressure or cohesion whatsoever on anyone’s part. It was Anwar who 'volunteered' the entire exercise. No one forced him into the situation.
Taking all this into consideration, there is no way Anwar can renege on his ‘promise’. To do so would result in a serious erosion of credibility. If Anwar fails to deliver his 16 September 2008 promise, he might as well disappear from the scene. If 16 September 2008 comes and goes as a non-event, Anwar too will become a non-event and will have to throw in the towel and call it quits.
Anwar is no novice. He is not an amateur politician. He is as seasoned as they come. And no seasoned politician like Anwar will commit Hara Kiri. And Hara Kiri it will be if Anwar turns around on 16 September 2008 and say, "I was just joking lah."
So my money is on 16 September 2008 happening. Not happening would mean the death knell of Anwar Ibrahim. And Anwar is not ready to die just yet. If Anwar fails to deliver, that would trigger the beginning of the end for Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
Parti Gerakan Rakyat is on the verge of leaving the ruling coalition. No, it is not going to join Pakatan Rakyat. It is going to remain as an ‘independent’ party. And from there it is going to re-build its lost fortunes and revert to what it used to be when it was first launched 40 years ago in 1968.
Gerakan is going to be a most attractive party once it leaves Barisan Nasional and it launches its 'remaking' exercise. Hell, even I might get attracted to it once it transforms into what it started out in 1968. Gerakan will of course need to attract not only many professionals but from amongst all the races as well. And if Anwar falls short on 16 September 2008, Gerakan will be there with open arms to receive all the disappointed ex-Anwaristas who no longer have any confidence that Anwar is true to his word.
So, the stakes are too high not to succeed. This is not a game. It is not even a high-stakes poker game. It is a fight to the finish. It is a winner-takes-all situation. It is a last-man-standing duel. It is a gunfight at the OK Corral. And only one walks away from such a fight. And that one will be Anwar. My money is on that happening. Hell, my freedom is on that as well.
Today, I received many phone calls from concerned friends who told me that the government is considering detaining me under the Internal Security Act ‘very soon’. If that does happen, then this could probably be the last article I write, at least until 16 September 2008. So I too need Anwar to succeed. If not I will be in Kamunting for quite some time to come and you will not hear from me over the next couple of years.
Yes, I too have placed, not only my money, but also my freedom on Anwar. And if Anwar fails to deliver his promise on 16 September 2008, not only he but I as well am headed for a fall. But I have confidence he will do it. And I have confidence that my stay in Kamunting will not be for two years but for a mere two weeks.
But if I am wrong…..well, then see you maybe in six or seven years time, because for sure Najib Tun Razak will not release me in 2010 when he becomes Prime Minister. What he would do, instead, would be to rollover my two-year detention another two years, and another two years, and another two years, until I am too old to think and write anymore.
Till we meet again, if we do meet again, take care and keep the flame burning. There is still a long fight ahead of us in bringing reforms to this beloved country of ours.
With the big margin he attained in the by-election, it does look as if Barisan Nasional (BN) will have a hard time stopping him. But then, as Anwar himself said, a week is a long time in politics, meaning that nothing is definite.
He is stoppable as a person, but I think what has happened to him is that he has become the focus of a lot of hope for Malaysians disillusioned with the BN system. Because he is a wily politician — or a chameleon, as critics like to say — he has been able to remake himself in the image of the reform movement that his arrest 10 years ago inspired and that developed more intensely than he could have expected. That movement has aligned itself with other oppositional forces and that new combined force now places him as its front man. In turn, he has become indispensable to that force.
Understood that way, Anwar does look unstoppable. The long-term way BN and the United Malays National Organisation (Umno) can take the wind out of his sail is to reform themselves radically, and in the process, change Malaysian politics to the extent that the polarised situation that makes someone such as Anwar so iconic disappear, or weaken. As long as BN refuses to change, the situation that created the strong opposition that adopts Anwar as its front man will continue.
His court case relating to a sodomy charge, starting on September 10, is a big worry for the opposition. A lot of resources will be focused on defending Anwar, and on weakening the prosecution's case, including proving that the charge against him is politically motivated.
What is Mr Abdullah's future?
History will perceive Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the accidental politician and will forgive him for many of his failures because of that. But for the moment, many Malaysians on both sides are simply exasperated by his weak leadership and his inability to adapt to changes. No one mistakes his reticence for astuteness any longer.
His time is up. He has to realise how critical reforms actually are to the future of the country.
If Anwar's attempt at toppling the government does not materialise, then the attention will turn to Umno's general assembly in December. Many Umno leaders are not willing to allow Abdullah to bide his time while they run the risk of being sidelined forever. One goes into politics to gain power, and if the power pyramid that one is part of is sinking, then at some point, one decides that it is every man for himself.
What about Umno's future?
One day quite soon, Malaysians will learn to see political coalitions as temporary solutions to imbalances in power, and not as monolithic and eternal beings that become a goal in themselves. There are no permanent allies and no permanent enemies.
It will be nearly impossible for Umno to regain its former glory. That glory depended on the BN model. Today, it is like the Kuomintang of Taiwan in the '80s. It must go through a radical change, and to do that, it may have to leave the seat of power for a while. Its members have to realise that Malaysia's wellbeing is not necessarily Umno's wellbeing.
Even if the party loses power, it can return, but in a new shape and in new alliances. The worst-case scenario is that Umno may go the way of the Communist Party in Yugoslavia and disappear. The fear then is that the country will disintegrate along with it. The best-case scenario is that politics in Malaysia will mature to the extent that political opponents no longer wish destruction on each other.
Losing will not be everything; winning will not be everything.
From now to September 16 and December, what are the signs to look for?
Abdullah presented his budget on August 29 and Parliament is now in recess until the fasting month of Ramadan is over. In the meantime, we have Wednesday to watch, when Anwar goes on trial. Should the sodomy charge be dropped, then BN admits that its tactic has backfired and it withdraws to fight another day. Should it stick, Anwar's camp will try its best to keep him out of jail.
Given how Anwar was treated the last time he was in detention, his closest supporters fear that some serious harm will come to him while in jail.
September 16 is the day to watch — Malaysia Day, the day 45 years ago when Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined the federation. Anwar chose that day as a day of reckoning because it is very symbolic to the East Malaysians who feel let down by the federal government. He promises them a better deal, a simple enough strategy.
Even if Anwar cannot convince 30 BN Members of Parliament (MPs) to cross over to his side, he is expected to mark that day in a dramatic fashion. What he could do is perhaps to get some defectors to announce their intention publicly on September 16, and then hope for a snowball effect from there. He could also announce a defection by Umno MPs. Should nine of them defect, it would mean that Umno loses its majority within the ruling BN coalition. A bigger scoop would be to get a whole party to defect, threatening the existence of BN itself.
Also important to watch will be the Umno's division elections next month. What support Abdullah still has will become clearer from that. The main challenger to Abdullah within Umno, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, will also be gauging his own strength during that time.
If Anwar were to be Prime Minister, what kind of leader would he be?
His rhetoric seems to echo the wishes of a large segment of the Malaysian population at the moment, and that segment will be dictating what kind of PM he will be. Malaysia is suffering from a leadership problem at the moment, and many are putting a lot of hope in him.
Anwar has to balance the aims of the parties in his coalition, and we will see compromises being made. That is the reality in Malaysia. But I think a culture of dialogue will be developed under his watch and that will be a great achievement indeed. I think at least that can be accomplished by him.
Anwar can be expected to use a global economic focus to expedite institutional changes and minimise differences in the agendas of various parties. There is a lot of room for change, and with the political support he seems to enjoy, he should be able to do a good job. I think the new democratic atmosphere in Malaysia will see to that.
The writer is a fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. He is the author of Lost in Transition: Malaysia under Abdullah and The Reluctant Politician: Tun Dr Ismail and His Time.
*************************************************************
16 September 2008. That is Malaysia Day. That is also the day Anwar Ibrahim is supposed to take over the government. Today, some well-known personalities are joining Parti Keadilan Rakyat. From thereon, more are expected to follow, culminating in the final exodus of Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament.
Stay tuned for the announcements to follow.Many just can’t believe that Anwar will really take over on 16 September 2008.
Some just wish it were true. Some say it’s too good to be true. Others say Anwar is just playing poker. The sceptics say Anwar is laying the ground for a self-fulfilling prophecy. What is foremost in everyone’s mind is: is Anwar playing a high-stakes poker game or will this be a gunfight at the OK Corral?
At this point of time, Anwar can no longer just play poker. No one asked him to take over the government. No one set 16 September 2008 as the deadline. This was entirely Anwar’s own choice with no pressure or cohesion whatsoever on anyone’s part. It was Anwar who 'volunteered' the entire exercise. No one forced him into the situation.
Taking all this into consideration, there is no way Anwar can renege on his ‘promise’. To do so would result in a serious erosion of credibility. If Anwar fails to deliver his 16 September 2008 promise, he might as well disappear from the scene. If 16 September 2008 comes and goes as a non-event, Anwar too will become a non-event and will have to throw in the towel and call it quits.
Anwar is no novice. He is not an amateur politician. He is as seasoned as they come. And no seasoned politician like Anwar will commit Hara Kiri. And Hara Kiri it will be if Anwar turns around on 16 September 2008 and say, "I was just joking lah."
So my money is on 16 September 2008 happening. Not happening would mean the death knell of Anwar Ibrahim. And Anwar is not ready to die just yet. If Anwar fails to deliver, that would trigger the beginning of the end for Parti Keadilan Rakyat.
Parti Gerakan Rakyat is on the verge of leaving the ruling coalition. No, it is not going to join Pakatan Rakyat. It is going to remain as an ‘independent’ party. And from there it is going to re-build its lost fortunes and revert to what it used to be when it was first launched 40 years ago in 1968.
Gerakan is going to be a most attractive party once it leaves Barisan Nasional and it launches its 'remaking' exercise. Hell, even I might get attracted to it once it transforms into what it started out in 1968. Gerakan will of course need to attract not only many professionals but from amongst all the races as well. And if Anwar falls short on 16 September 2008, Gerakan will be there with open arms to receive all the disappointed ex-Anwaristas who no longer have any confidence that Anwar is true to his word.
So, the stakes are too high not to succeed. This is not a game. It is not even a high-stakes poker game. It is a fight to the finish. It is a winner-takes-all situation. It is a last-man-standing duel. It is a gunfight at the OK Corral. And only one walks away from such a fight. And that one will be Anwar. My money is on that happening. Hell, my freedom is on that as well.
Today, I received many phone calls from concerned friends who told me that the government is considering detaining me under the Internal Security Act ‘very soon’. If that does happen, then this could probably be the last article I write, at least until 16 September 2008. So I too need Anwar to succeed. If not I will be in Kamunting for quite some time to come and you will not hear from me over the next couple of years.
Yes, I too have placed, not only my money, but also my freedom on Anwar. And if Anwar fails to deliver his promise on 16 September 2008, not only he but I as well am headed for a fall. But I have confidence he will do it. And I have confidence that my stay in Kamunting will not be for two years but for a mere two weeks.
But if I am wrong…..well, then see you maybe in six or seven years time, because for sure Najib Tun Razak will not release me in 2010 when he becomes Prime Minister. What he would do, instead, would be to rollover my two-year detention another two years, and another two years, and another two years, until I am too old to think and write anymore.
Till we meet again, if we do meet again, take care and keep the flame burning. There is still a long fight ahead of us in bringing reforms to this beloved country of ours.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Joke of the day...
"Anwar should concentrate on being a responsible opposition leader instead of stirring up the people's emotion now that he is an MP." -Sarawak Environment and Public Health Minister Datuk Wong Soon Koh (The Star 28.08.2008)
Anwar is being a responsible opposition leader, much more than any BN MP's will ever be. Anwar saw the duress the Rakyat was put under by the DSAAB led BN coalition government and answered the people's call. Even with the new sodomy charges flung at him, he still didn't back down. Now that's the qualities of a strong and great leader.
DSAI needn't stir up the people's emotion, DSAAB, DSNTR and UMNO has been doing it for him.
Under these hard and trying time what have you BN MPs been doing?? Nothing accept the same job of kissing the ass of DSAAB so they can keep their high paying jobs safe. With DSAI and the Pakatan Rakyat slowly but surely growing from strength to strength, I am sure the BN cronnies are crapping in their pants now.
It's alright la, there is still a way for you goons to save yourself and your jobs when DSAI takes over. He doesn't like ass kissing but he'd sure love some ass action.....
Anwar is being a responsible opposition leader, much more than any BN MP's will ever be. Anwar saw the duress the Rakyat was put under by the DSAAB led BN coalition government and answered the people's call. Even with the new sodomy charges flung at him, he still didn't back down. Now that's the qualities of a strong and great leader.
DSAI needn't stir up the people's emotion, DSAAB, DSNTR and UMNO has been doing it for him.
Under these hard and trying time what have you BN MPs been doing?? Nothing accept the same job of kissing the ass of DSAAB so they can keep their high paying jobs safe. With DSAI and the Pakatan Rakyat slowly but surely growing from strength to strength, I am sure the BN cronnies are crapping in their pants now.
It's alright la, there is still a way for you goons to save yourself and your jobs when DSAI takes over. He doesn't like ass kissing but he'd sure love some ass action.....
Anwar Ibrahim - next PM of Malaysia???
Firstly, congrats to DSAI for such a kick ass, egg in your face win over BN in the Permatang Pauh by-election. Garnering more than 31 thousand votes and winning by a thumping fifteen thousand plus majority is quite an achievement. Clearly the people of Permatang Pauh desires change and change is what they are gonna get.
"It is a significant victory for the Pakatan Rakyat philosophy of democracy, justice, racial equality, freedom of religion, rule of law and transparency."
"This is particularly galling to UMNO to see that their traditional Malay ground has rejected their policy of Ketuanan Melayu, corruption and cronyism."
"The people have spoken. Anwar is THE ONE. He will lead the country to a new Malaysia of democracy, justice, rule of law and equal opportunity for all." -Dr. Chen Man Hin
There has been lots of congratulatory words and well wishes to DSAI for his success and now has taken a giant step towards maybe becoming Malaysia's next Prime Minister.
But before everyone gets too excited and starts putting the bullock cart in front of the bull, lets take time to make some considerations.
Hasn't all Prime Ministers to be hopefuls has all promised us the same things...what makes DSAI so different from the pass PM???
The Pakatan Rakyat philosophy of democracy, justice, racial equality, freedom of religion, rule of law and transparency sounds good doesn't it but if I'm not mistaken, one of Pakatan Rakyat component party is PAS. The party that has since its establishment been bitching for a Islam state for Malaysia and implementing the 'Hudud Laws' into our society.
PAS, now with the Pakatan Rakyat coalition ever closer to succeeding BN as the new ruling coalition, I am sure they are even more insistant of their leaders preaching and vision. Regards to this it will be interesting to see how the new Pakatan Rakyat government will be able to keep their promise of racial equality, freedom of religion and the abolishment of Ketuanan Melayu.
Equal opportunity for all and what does this imply to?? Is the new Pakatan Rakyat under DSAI leadership gonna abolish the NEP, open all universities in Malaysia so Bumiputera's will not have any admission privelleges, civil servants intakes will be more open and no favouritism will be given, projects and tenders will be open to all and the "Bumiputera only" status to be gone with???
There are more other race discrimination issues so when it was said of democracy, justice, racial equality, freedom of religion, rule of law, transparency and such does it not mean abolishment of such double standards of Bumiputera favouritism or to be more precise, Malay privelleges.....
Will Anwar be any different from DSAAB once he takes office, or will he just be like the one before him, inital talk and promise of equality but end up another totalirian dictator.....
It is great to see DSAAB, DSNTR and BN getting slapped around in the recent general and by-election but lets just not pop the champagne first. DSAI still has to become the Prime Minister first to bring any change to the country and society, and that is barring he hasn't been bullshitting about it just to get elected...
Only time will tell and it might be a welcomed change as I'm sure we are all just so fed up of the present government that we are willing to take a roll of the dice and just cross our fingers.....
"It is a significant victory for the Pakatan Rakyat philosophy of democracy, justice, racial equality, freedom of religion, rule of law and transparency."
"This is particularly galling to UMNO to see that their traditional Malay ground has rejected their policy of Ketuanan Melayu, corruption and cronyism."
"The people have spoken. Anwar is THE ONE. He will lead the country to a new Malaysia of democracy, justice, rule of law and equal opportunity for all." -Dr. Chen Man Hin
There has been lots of congratulatory words and well wishes to DSAI for his success and now has taken a giant step towards maybe becoming Malaysia's next Prime Minister.
But before everyone gets too excited and starts putting the bullock cart in front of the bull, lets take time to make some considerations.
Hasn't all Prime Ministers to be hopefuls has all promised us the same things...what makes DSAI so different from the pass PM???
The Pakatan Rakyat philosophy of democracy, justice, racial equality, freedom of religion, rule of law and transparency sounds good doesn't it but if I'm not mistaken, one of Pakatan Rakyat component party is PAS. The party that has since its establishment been bitching for a Islam state for Malaysia and implementing the 'Hudud Laws' into our society.
PAS, now with the Pakatan Rakyat coalition ever closer to succeeding BN as the new ruling coalition, I am sure they are even more insistant of their leaders preaching and vision. Regards to this it will be interesting to see how the new Pakatan Rakyat government will be able to keep their promise of racial equality, freedom of religion and the abolishment of Ketuanan Melayu.
Equal opportunity for all and what does this imply to?? Is the new Pakatan Rakyat under DSAI leadership gonna abolish the NEP, open all universities in Malaysia so Bumiputera's will not have any admission privelleges, civil servants intakes will be more open and no favouritism will be given, projects and tenders will be open to all and the "Bumiputera only" status to be gone with???
There are more other race discrimination issues so when it was said of democracy, justice, racial equality, freedom of religion, rule of law, transparency and such does it not mean abolishment of such double standards of Bumiputera favouritism or to be more precise, Malay privelleges.....
Will Anwar be any different from DSAAB once he takes office, or will he just be like the one before him, inital talk and promise of equality but end up another totalirian dictator.....
It is great to see DSAAB, DSNTR and BN getting slapped around in the recent general and by-election but lets just not pop the champagne first. DSAI still has to become the Prime Minister first to bring any change to the country and society, and that is barring he hasn't been bullshitting about it just to get elected...
Only time will tell and it might be a welcomed change as I'm sure we are all just so fed up of the present government that we are willing to take a roll of the dice and just cross our fingers.....
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