The house that Barisan Rakyat shall build
March 21, 2008
Penang71, in a comment, asked :
‘…can you give yr take on BN defectors joining the coalition? I feel it’s unwise to accept them – by their actions, they have proven themselves untrustworthy and greedy. They’ll contaminate the coalition. And this may not be the best of times to take over the Federal govt – a worldwide recession in on the way,the coalition may not be able to deliver on its’ rather ambitious manifesto – that would come back to bite them in 5 years. If Malaysia is to have any chance as an unified progressive country, the coalition must prove itself. Don’t bite off more than it can chew’.
_________________________
In the post entitled ‘YBs, honour the voters choice’ , I offered the following view in relation to rumours that DSAI was in East Malaysia and talking to MPs there who were contemplating defecting from BN to BR:
‘I am comforted by the assurance by DSAI as reported in Malaysiakini that BR ’will not (make an) offer (to) anyone to join us (either) with millions of ringgit or with expectations’. We don’t want the reps we have elected to succumb to unscrupulous offers. Similarly, we must demand that BN reps elected by the rakyat should also honour the choice of those voters.If indeed there are BN elected reps contemplating a cross-over to BR, they should, in my view, revert to the voters in their constituency and get their consent before doing so. Anything short of that would amount to an immoral fraud perpetrated on the voters concerned’
I also reproduce below the views of two readers of Malaysiakini which resonate with my own.
Rayn Bonna: As a Sabahan, I abhor any move by any party, Barisan Alternative or BN, to coax MPs to jump. Sabahans know what it was like to have our mandate betrayed as what happened in the 1990s when Umno (yes, Umno) sweet-talked some Parti Bersatu Sabah assemblypersons into joining BN or abandoning ship resulting in the elections’ loser, BN, helming the state government.
Anwar Ibrahim was deputy prime minister and Umno deputy president then and we knew he, too, had a role in this disgraceful ‘power grab’. Please don’t repeat this heinous crime against the voters. If any MP or assemblyperson wants to defect then do the honourable thing. Resign and let the constituents decide again.
Do not take the voters for granted. Much would I like to see a new federal government because I’ve lost confidence in BN, still, the most important thing is to respect the decision of the voters.
Besides, we in Sabah do not trust our MPs especially those from Umno. They are corrupt. If you take them now, you’ll lose in the next general election. Try us.
BR Voter: I voted for Barisan Rakyat and would love to see BR forming the federal government. However I’m strongly against the idea of persuading BN elected MPs to defect so BR can do so. There are some principles and ethics that must be upheld and that is loyalty and faithfulness. People who jump from one party to another are seldom respected, unless they do so because of genuine ideological difference and not for personal gain, but then they should do so before election and not after. Besides it they can defect from BN to BR today, they do the opposite tomorrow.
We would scream and shout if BR MPs were to defect to BN. We would call them traitors, slime balls or scumbags for betraying voters or even Malaysians, but we would welcome BN defectors and call them heroes. What heroes?
Persuading MPs to defect is tantamount to encouraging them to betray the voters. BR, please wait patiently for your time. I am very sure in 4-5 years, you will be the next federal government elected fairly and overwhelmingly by Malaysians. I will be one of them.
_______________________
The foundation and frame of the house that we are building is important.
If the materials that we have at present are insufficient to complete the whole building, let us not hastily take what our neighbours are ready to discard.
They may be termite-infested.
The rot that may have set in may be too entrenched to salvage.
Let us patiently wait to harvest from the young saplings we have planted that we must now nurture.
They will make for sturdier pillars.
March 21, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Haris,
That’s what I call a perfect analogy!
tswern,
Glad you approve
March 21, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I’m not in favour of cross-overs from which ever side. It is a complete betrayal of trust and disregard of wishes of the voters. By inviting them, DSAI would be inviting people whose arrogance and lack of integrity were the reasons we rejected them. They have no principles. The honourable thing to do would be to resign and let the rakyat decide.
In the meantime, we rakyat can wait another four years to vote in a clean govt.
March 21, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I voted for Barisan Rakyat because I believe they can put up a strong and credible opposition to BN. However, I agree with you, Haris, that they should not inherit BN elected MPs whose loyalties are questionable. Barisan Rakyat have still not proven themselves. They are on a five-year probation: deliver their promises and they should be the next federal government.
March 21, 2008 at 4:37 pm
my opinion about cross overs are different though this time round.
i believe the BR could have won this election if given fair media coverage and a neutral EC. No Phantoms voters, no police votes and no army votes to help the BN.
Had all this happened BR could have won the elections hands down, so I dont see any harm if anyone from BN crosses over to this side of the fence. But I have my reservations if it was the other way around.
malayamuda,
Would that be fair to the voters who thought they were voting in a BN rep?
Give some thought to that, please
March 21, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Haris,
I remember getting whacked on the head recently for talking about denying the BN their 2/3 majority and not rooting for BR forming the next government. At the risk of getting whacked again, I want to submit a somewhat contrary but practical,observation…
If Anwar goes ahead and persuades (or even pays) BN MPs to jump ship, what can you or I do? Back then, we had 2 options – speak out in blogs and exercise our voting right. Now, for the next 5 years (or so), we only have 1 option. If Anwar does not listen to our views, apart from lashing out at him, is there anything practical that we can do about it?
I have said it before and will say it again – while I trust the DAP and PAS, I have less confidence in PKR. I fear the party is already riddled with malcontents from UMNO and, possibly, other BN components. Now it looks like the situation is only going to get worse.
One of the directions available to us is to promote a closer relationship between DAP and PAS and help them become them less dependent on PKR. Only then can they say NO to Anwar from a position of relative strength.
The house that we are trying to build may end up with some rotten, possibly termite-infested timbers. What we have to do is to ensure that some of the key support timbers are termite resistant, so that the house does not collapse. Then we have to watch the other timbers and, when we get the opportunity to do so, replace those suspect ones.
Even if Anwar does get his 30 defectors and gets the mandate to form the next government, he can only work with the consensus of PAS and DAP. I trust that they are still full of idealistic zeal and can avoid infection over the next 5 years (or whatever).
Meanwhile, the BR Federal Government can address some of those issues that still remain elusive – freedom of the press, release of ISA detainees, authorisation for the ACA to act without fear or favour, cleaning up of the police force, electoral reform (including the prevention of party hopping)…
While the idea of BN candidates betraying their electorate offends me, I am prepared to accept the inevitable. Going a step further, I am prepared to explore how this can be turned to the benefit of the rakyat.
OK, topi keledar is firmly in place.
BTW, I hope the Sabah/Sarawak defectors do so en block, as a party rather than as individuals. That will be better for all in the long term.
March 21, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Yes, as a voter, I can wait for 5 years. We are in no hurry, DSAI.
It would be better if you could help to consolidate the 5 states & the coaliation into a real formidable ‘Barisan Rakyat/Alternatif’ to take on BN in 5 years time.
No ‘katak’ should be accepted. It is tantamount to betrayal of the voters.
Convince us, the voters that the coaliation of yours are capable to govern this country in 5 years time and you will get it.
March 21, 2008 at 5:13 pm
stop all the froggie moves.
agree with TYKo, i can wait another 4-5 yrs to c witness the changes the new state government n new parliament bring.
however, if AI is actively pursuing the EM MPs, i think he couldn’t wait. tis vil surely be a never-ending chapter of lack of integrity and credibility in watever sense.
March 21, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I think the general (me included) consensus is people are quite against using defectors especially those that are bought.
However SV Singam’s proposal can be food for thought too.
For me, you don’t need the topi keledar – I think you are a damn good opportunist. Why not?
Gan,
No, not opportunist. Strategist is more the word.
March 21, 2008 at 5:43 pm
This is a tricky one.
One the one hand I really want BN to get a taste of its own medicine when PBS jumped to BN in the 1990s. I can’t believe these sanctimonious BN jokers are saying jumpers are immoral when they themselves worked hard to get PBS to jump.
On the other hand, I too do not like the idea of defectors. But I am not an absolutist on this issue.
If the jump was made for money, then a BIG NO.
If it was done out of principle, then it MAYBE acceptable. We all have to realize that in Malaysia, there are extraordinary circumstances surrounding the elections.
- Were Sabahans/Sarawakians (S/S) intimidated or duped into voting BN? Were they allowed fair access to media and information?
- Were they privileged to attend the many fiery ceramahs that happened in West Malaysia? How high is the internet penetration in S/S?
- In the case of Sarawak, did they vote ol’ Pek Moh just because they want to keep UMNO out of Sarawak? But with the emergence of a potentially viable opposition from this GE, they can now consider dumping him foreva.
- Same for Sabah, maybe the voted BN because they were afraid of losing out because they were made to suffer by BN all those years that they were an opposition state. If they are no longer made to suffer by voting an alternative to BN, then I feel they should take the chance.
- Also remember, there wasn’t enough time to work out straight fights in East Malaysia. So there were many three cornered fights.
- Also remember the cancellation of the indelible ink, the postal voters, phantom voters etc. I am sure these tactics are not confined to WM.
At the same time, there are problems if there is a jump. Some of the jumpers might not be clean. And what happens to those who lost but belong to PKR, DAP etc? Wouldn’t they feel left out or even angry if the jumpers joined PKR or DAP?
I feel if it happens, it should happen en bloc. East Malaysians should form a new party – Barisan Borneo – and then join the opposition as equals with the condition that they get a deputy PM. And if things do not improve for East Malaysia, then the Barisan Borneo goes independent or rejoin BN.
banjaran,
If cross-overs are going to happen, at the very least those who voted must be consulted
March 21, 2008 at 5:49 pm
I forgot to add that one taxi driver told me that he was talking to some passengers from Sabah and they told him that if they knew there was going to be a swing in WM, they would have voted differently.
Same for Sarawak. There is a lot of unhapiness with Taib but many vote that way to keep out UMNO.
One possible solution is to have a new poll in EM. Now that they know of the swing in WM, they can decide to vote BN or the someone else.
March 21, 2008 at 6:15 pm
I believe the right thing to do whether it’s the entire party or individuals, the right thing to do is to go to the voters. Remember, 2 wrongs don’t make a right.
March 21, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Is there any way for a group of us to sign a petition to send to PKR officially expressing our distaste with what they are doing. I am alarmed and horrified that DSAI, who first started out, after the elections, saying he was going to help strengthen the state governments, and only after that concentrate on his political career has taken an about turn; and is thinking of toppling the federal government through this quite unscrupulous method. The ends never justify the means.
March 21, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I still think its ok to defect in this scenario at least. BR never got anything on a silver platter. They could have probably won more and even unseated the BN at Federal level if not for the dirty tactics of the EC, EC Chairman, Govt controlled media instilling fear in the electorate, the Police stopping opposition ceremahs, phantom voters, postal votes.
I mean guys, the whole machinary was against Anwar, Kit Siang and the rest of them. Despite all that they won handsomely, dont you thinbk if thinks were a bit more transparent BR could have won ?
Even lets say the defectors resign and force a by election, do you guys actually think it will be fair. There will be lots of intimidation, threats, veiled threats, vote buying, bribery, distortion of state controlled media…………… it will be an uphill task.
eg : Rembau – initial count showed Khairy lost by a mere 100 votes, on recount he won by 5,000 votes. Are we being fair to the voters of Rembau in this case ?
Or does fairness ONLY apply when a BN MP defects to the opposition ? Mayb the majority of the voters in the constituency voted for the opposition in the first place……….. who knows ?
Que sera sera – just let what happens and happen, and we’ll take it from there…………..
malayamuda,
Can’t agree with your reasoning.
So there was wholesale cheating by BN aided by EC.
Does that now give us the licence to deny someone who genuinely wanted a BN rep the fruits of his successful vote?
Think carefully, my friend
March 21, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Dear Haris,
Unless you are a Sabahan and went through such mandate betrayal as we did, you’ll never grasp the true meaning of freedom of choice and honouring the people’s decision.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, that’s all that I can say to politicians who attempt to pervert democracy and go through the back door to form a government.
In this scenario, what distinguish the Barisan Rakyat government from the BN? We, supporters of BR condemned the BN and election commission for cheating, manipulating and abusing the electoral rolls so the BN could stay in power.
And here, we have the BR or rather Anwar Ibrahim trying to lure BN MPs to defect. What does that make us should we support the move?. Or does that make BR any difference from the BN?
I was not born yesterday as not to believe that no gula gula is given to possible defectors on either side of the fence. We Sabahans saw it all.
We were hurt and angry at being betrayed when Umno gula gula talked some PBS assemblymen to defect or leave PBS so Umno could form the state government in 1990s. And Anwar was in that Umno.
The bottom line here is that the decision of the people must be respected no matter what. If we don’t believe in this, then don’t bother to hold an election at all.
The day we override the rakyat’s decision is the day we ourselves kill/rape the process of democracy. Any leader worth his salt would defend this.
Should any MPs want to defect especially when the intention is to grab power and form a new government, then they must resign and let the voters decide.
P/S. SV Singham, looks like I’ve got to whack your head again because I am a firm believer in democracy and respecting the decision made by the people even if I don’t move with the flow.
Make sure your topi keledar is sirim approved. Maybe, Haris you should do it. You are a lawyer.
arianna,
No, I’m not Sabahan, but I am with you 100% on this.
Not about bashing Singam on the head.
The decision of the people MUST be respected. If we cannot abide by this, then we are no different from the BN politicians that we so want to see the last of.
March 21, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Haris,
You ask, “Would that be fair to voters?”
In absolute terms it would seem unfair. Voters choice we say and we insist.
However, there are voters and there are informed voters.
I have had the misfortune of having had over a dinner the occassion to talk to a very educated and articulate wife of a friend.
She was very insistent that instability would set in if the opposition won. And she was persistent about BN’s authenticity.
I asked what the foundation of all that trust and insistence came from? It was all in the papers according to her. I asked if there was anything else like the net for instance. “Oh” she said, “I go into Malaysiakini occassionally”.
I responded, “I suppose you don’t subscribe to it”.
To which nope was the answer.
It did not take me 2 minutes to break her down when she proudly declared that the papers revealed Eusoff Chin’s and Lingam’s NZ holidays trying very hard to give some sense of credibility to her source.
Yes, Haris, sometimes we do give too much credit and weighting to voters. Like as if they are the be all and end all. Obviously most of us who operate on information gathered from the net know a little more and make a lot more informed decisions. I hope. You yourself, through the work you do, are directly involved in many instances with the actual happenings and you are even more informed than I can ever claim to be. Sometimes we have to make the decision and go with it.
I am not exactly averse to MPs or ADUNs jumping ship. But if it happens it has to be for no money being paid and also it should be unconditional.
Right now, BN will have shadowing its every move the prospect of seeing itself lose completely come GE13 in 2013. The blatant corrupt practices of the past might be not so blatantly carried out after all. The arrogance of the past might just disappear. War Lords will probably find no voice anymore and for once sanity and the intelligent might for once be heard at UMNO’s GAs. The keris will be left at home if not already buried. The newspapers, have hanging over their heads the prospect of explaining themselves to a new government as to why they should keep their license to print and publish under the law that they seem to be quite pleased to operate under when propaganda overtook news. BN might just clean up their act after all. But it may not be enough for my liking.
Paul,
Not with you on this.
If people are indeed the boss, then why are some being denied their successful choice because it now appears expedient?
And who are we to say that because some voters were not discerning enough in their evaluation of media news, or did not even bother to verify info at their disposal, that we can willy-nilly pay scant regard to their successful vote?
March 21, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Reminds me of Buble’s song “Sway”. Let’s not!
The people voted, so let it stand. I believe the Opposition won a lot this time not because of the greatness of DAP, PKR and PAS (no offence meant) but the people chose issues over race or religion. The 5 states now have to prove to be model states. Trying to grab more states or Federal through defection is simply going to end up in defections from both sides as the lelongs begin. Offers will go through the roof. Unnecessay dirt will be dug up. Mudslinging will take place. I don’t thibk this is what the people wanted when they voted. I know I didn’t.
Sorry, but it looks like just one man who wants to be PM. I’m not impressed.
Hear, hear!
March 21, 2008 at 7:21 pm
ok ok. if all those who want to defect resign, can you guys at least make sure there is a free and fair election ?
Because if no one can guarantee us that, then no point having a by election in the first place.
Can we have our first free and fair elections please in all these contituencies ? Or else we are just going round and round in a vicious cycle. Damned if do, damned if you dont !
March 21, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Respect the Makkal choice. I had together with my family voted for BR and turned my back on BN. The reason been I was fed up with the way BN was ruling. BR aspirations were to me a breath of fresh air.
I am absolutely against this katak moves been insuniated, BR will make a mockery of our trust we placed in them. They will be no different than the BN goons that we went to the ballot boxes to change. BR should now implement all the promises made to the Makkal. Show us that you are better at administration of our Malaysia. No excuse can justify them enticing or accepting these kataks from BN. Remember, if you fail us , we shall not hesitate to replace you at the next election. Makkal Sakti Makkal Sakti Makkal Sakti
March 21, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Haris honours me by calling me a strategist. So let’s talk strategy.
First, what can we do to stop Anwar bulldozing his agenda through? A petition, you reckon? A barrage of e-mails? Anything else? Talk is cheap. Action speaks louder. Haris, can you take the baton on this?
Next, at the risk of being called negative, if Anwar does not listen and goes ahead with accepting defections, what are our options? A protest march? That will give the BN goons something to scratch their heads over – ban us or march with us???
Finally, whatever happens, the dissolution of the BR is NOT an option. If we end up with frogs in our midst, what do we do? It may not come to pass, but we may as well give it some thought, just in case.
Topi keledar still in place, SIRIM approved somemore.
March 21, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Hi Friends,
Or maybe we could look at other side. Would u like to see Pak Lah to be our PM for the rest of next 5 years?? Look what happen on the day he was appointed again as PM “BSKL dropped drastically” – is this is a sign lost of confidence of investor toward BN goverment and our economy. Do you want the scene to be dragged in to the next 5 years. And what about the oil price increasE, do you thinK this present goverment going to put the price at the current price. If do so that means what ANwar has been saying was true-that goverment can reduce the price if they want to. In other word who’S THE BRAIN WITH the strategic thingking and the heart to help to ease the burden of the people DEFINITELY not PAK LAH I would say. Yet with all this resignations from within the backbone of BN-umno WOULD THIS ALSO would not DISPLAY THE HIGHEST CONFIDENCE OF INVESTOR toward our economy.ANWAR already stressed that he would not offer any kind of monetary term to the BN MPSs compared to allegation of BN offering RM1M during the election & the mystery vanished 1 PKR candidate in Selangor and the “Pusing-Pusing Cerita” by SPR about the idinble ink. Do you honestly think the present gomen wins with the true clear mandate of PEOPLE? You know what-my guts say NO….Should Sabah BN MPs jumped we welcome them but with of coz with their clear heart. And we see how The new BR Federal Goverment fare compare to ekkk” Paklah Gomen”. If they do not performed then apa lagi PRU `3 BUANGLA..At least my RM600 for my car petrol and tols expenses could be used for my the love of my Wife & Son this time arround
Lastly I would like to point out that should this MPs jumped; I agree we need the consent of voter to validate it. At least the BR federal gov. will not have
this FELLA name KHAIRY in Tingkat 4 ANYMORE. Think about the possibilty..
CHIOW
March 21, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Haris,
If you get to talk to Anwar, ask him to consider his actions and potential repercussion. As it is, joining the euphoria of voting against the BN led government, many of us have enjoyed great success and a sense of accomplishment of the elections result (eventhough suspicion of results tampering or rigging, that we achieve the aim of denying the 2/3 majority. The capturing of the prime states and strengthening Kelantan was an even bigger bonus.
It is my observation, that it was a joint effort of people with nothing to lose but alot of faith and courage, people who contribute their savings to the BR to finance their campaign, coming out their own money to buy their own dinners before attending ceramah at mosquito infested grounds. Thousand of volunteers for work for free for a worthy cause.
The migration of BN winning parlimentarians to BR just do not fit the profile of BR. They have had it easy, not knowing the struggles other faced and may not understand the true goal of BR idealist. Flattering as it may be of the interest in joining BR for free, are these Parlimentarians really out to see justice and service for its people or merely rats abandoning a sinking ship?
You must insist DSAI make that stand to ask all the “jumpers” to relinquish their position for a fresh bye election. Then, we can see whether these “kataks” truly believes in BR idealogy and bet their seats and popularity by contesting in a different suit or merely wanting to be on a winning team.
I know DSAI wants to be PM…..and desperate at that. Maybe he really wants to free Malaysia of racial devide as soon as possible, maybe he’s got some personal score to settle, or maybe he is power hungry or maybe even he got “investors” urging him take the throne at any means…. but there is a right way of doing it.
Colluding with the BN goons to call a vote of no confidence in two years time, or continue mind games with BN internal politics till it cracks is fine (it’s just political games anyway), but the people choice must be taken into consideration first.
I’ve seen some of BR candidates, and as much as I would hate to admit, many share the passion and the drive, but lacks the experience. Many “vote anything but BN” voters are also contemplating, can these bunch of newbies (exception to senior DAP, PAS, PKR politicians) really run a country.
Let run these 5 states to our ideals and principles. In two years, we show the rest of the state what a superior state is. We’ll get there……. with much more pride and satisfaction.
March 21, 2008 at 8:25 pm
AI has not made amends for his past BN/UMNO misdeeds prior to ‘98.
Last week, he was reported as saying he still have intentions to return into parliament. And now he’s planning to get BN defectors to join BR? Or was it PKR?
Well, let me suggest another option. EM politicians who are not happy with BN should in fact set up their own BR chapter. They can work on it, having the state elections as the timeframe. Let civil society there empower themselves like what happened here. You do not need AI to get this done.
I’ll admit that while much was achieved in WM since the introduction of the People’s Declaration on Feb 6th, there was very little outreach from us to EM for GE12.
Ultimately, the EM voters must decide. And we, at TPP, will be more than happy to assist. On your terms, of course.
P.S. For me personally, there’s BR (civil society) and there’s DAP/PAS/PKR. The latter have to govern justly and efficiently during this term to earn the right to use BR during GE13.
March 21, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I am against “katak” who jump from one party to another after an election especially when $$$ are involved in the jump.
The honourable thing for BR to do if there are BN MPs or ADUNs who want to defect now that the 12th election is over is to insist that these “kataks” resign from their seats and recontest in by-elections.
Having expressed what should ideally be the state of affairs, we must also be mindful of the fact that general elections in BolehLand have never been conducted on a level playing field for all contestants. And in politics, 4-5years is also a long long time.
If the playing field is not level and because of this the BN has had unfair advantage, is it wrong to play using the unfair tactics of accepting “kataks” to beat them at the game? Must BR always and forever play fair in an unfair game to start with? Must it always be fair in love and war and politics? In real life is it always so? Is it wrong to be opportunistic in politics and love and war?
Having questioned all that, i feel that what is presently happening is to cause further distress and damage now that the BN is down and disorganised. It is unlikely DSAI can find 30 or more “kataks” ready to jump the BN ship. But it is good strategy to keep them on their toes. Look and see what the new Sec-Gen of Umno and BN is doing. He claims to have sent his spies to check out these possible “kataks”.
Lone,
In wanting to level the playing field, as you put it, don’t make voters collateral damage
March 21, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Dear Haris,
The world all over reported about our elections and the surprise results.
They said many things about the thumping loss that was delivered to the so called “impregnable” BN by the Malaysian voters.
They gave credit to the maturity of the voters.They also wrote many good things about the opposition parties and their members in the wake of the BN’S tactics to snare them into racial discord immediately following the shock results.
There was glowing reports of the opposition’s restrain not to go out to the streets to celebrate the victory to avert possible trouble.
All in all,we Malaysians showed to the world of our maturity and acceptance of the results in a way where very few countries would have done.
This in a way makes us stand tall.
With such accolades and respectability…..should we stoop so low to accept frogs ?
Wouldn’t we be laughed and ridiculed at by resorting to such tactics ?
For me, these talks of hopping over simply stinks.
We tolerated the heartless regime for 50 donkey years !
Now that we have cracked a chink of their armor…..lets wait for 5 years and we will put them out via people power. That would be a real honorable victory.
I am sorry…..I cannot continue….Rafidah appeared on tevee with Sharizat….and both of them are behaving like kindy kids…… squabbling for candy….I can’t stop laughing….kah.kah,kah,kah,kah, poor Tak Rapid Dah !!!!!
BR
Rastaman JB
March 21, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I particularly like this one (your post above) & something one commentator poignantly said bears repeating: “May the force of Conscience be with you”.
March 21, 2008 at 10:12 pm
If those Sabah and Sarawak MPs want to join the federal opposition coalitions without getting monetary reward mi , I don’t see any problem with it.
If the condition for them to cross over to Barisan Rakyat component parties is to have a better deal for Sabah and Sarawak eg. more representation in federal government, higher royalties for crude oil , more development for the two states …etc, then I have no qualms about it, afterall they are Malaysians too.
Who knows when Barisan Rakyat wins the 13th GE in parliament, the incumbent government may just get the king to declare emergency and suspend parliament to cling on to power.
March 21, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Thank you Haris.
March 21, 2008 at 11:01 pm
The political tsunami that swept Malaysia during Elections 2008 has laid bare the true face of the BN and especially UMNO with regards to the issue of racism. I have without any doubt now that the BN is actually a racist party.
It was a day of pride and joy for me when I realized Malaysians were no longer voting based on race or religion. It didn’t matter if you were Malay, Chinese or Indian. It didn’t matter if the candidate was Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu or Sikh. As long as they were from PKR, PAS and DAP, they got the vote.
It really made me sick to hear UMNO leaders calling Malays ‘pengkhianat’ (traitors) just because they voted for the Opposition. We have the clowns from UMNO Penang who are demonstrating against the Penang Government for supposedly marginalizing the Malays in the state. In Selangor, we have another group of 25 moronic so-called NGO’s championing the cause of the Malays. They are even protesting against the creation of a Deputy Menteri Besar post. Want to know why they are making so much noise? Well, they just can’t stand the idea of having a non-malay and non-muslim as a Deputy Menteri Besar of Selangor. These NGO’s who are supposed to protect Malay rights and Islam are without doubt being supported and used by UMNO.
Then, we have that sickening ex-discipline teacher of an ass kisser, Ong Kah Ting. This idiot is going around saying that he is going to reach out to the Chinese community so that they will support MCA. Mah-huanlah, peng you! This racist pig is only concerned about the Chinese. What an asshole! Finally we have the guy who has pubic hair planted on his head, the chief ass wiper, Sammy Vellu. This moron doesn’t believe that the BN can be a single multi-racial party because if that happens he can’t be the head honcho for the Indians.
It is time we say no to racial politics! NO TO RACISM! NO TO BN! ENOUGH OF UMNO, MCA & MIC! WE NEED AND WE WANT A MALAYSIAN MALAYSIA WHERE EVERYONE IS EVERYONE’S BROTHER OR SISTER. Hidup Malaysia!
http://margeemar.blogspot.com
March 22, 2008 at 1:00 am
Agree totally – if MPs behave like Kataks, they belong in the longkangs/ponds, not Parliament! BR is built by the Rakyat, for the Rakyat – not Pond Fodder!
March 22, 2008 at 1:59 am
Ur right of course that any one who wants to jump must get the consent of the voters.
If a better deal arises out there for my constituency and the nation, I absolutely would want my MP to go for it instead of waiting for another 5 years. But as you said, I want to be consulted. The challenge then is how to go about getting voter consent legitimately. Should they have a referendum? I think it is time to introduce the culture of referendums to Malaysia.
The cleaner way of course if for the MPs to resign en masse and recontest.Then Borneo voters can either choose to go along with the WM sentiment which perhaps they weren’t aware of prior to the elections or choose to stick with BN. And they might even get some new traffic lights and re-paved roads and other goodies out of it.
March 22, 2008 at 2:26 am
While I emphatise with most readers’ negative comments about jumping ship, I have a lightly different view.
The most important to ask, “What is the motive?”
If the motive is “money”, the answer is a big “NO”.
If the motive is “positions”, same, a big “NO”
However, if the motive is altruistic for the development of a 2-party system in Malaysia- “why not”. Jumping ship in politics is nothing new and pratised worldwide but the motive must be right.
People in Sabah and Sarawak has been colonised by UMNO. They had a raw deal. The merger of Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya is the merger of 3 “countries” and not 14 states (including Singapore).
Another 4 or 5 years, BN will use all its money, media and machinery to weaken the opposition states. All they need is to give some sweets, release Hindraf 5, mild reform on election laws etc and the raayat will be seduced again. New UMNO president such as Tengku Razaleigh, prince, suave and technocrat and people will go gaga again like in 2004.
Opportunity knocks on the door but once, “Just Do It”
Michael,
You speak of the motive of the defector.
What of the aspiration of the voter who hoped for a BN rep? Does the voter count for nothing?
March 22, 2008 at 6:05 am
I do not believe enough BN MPs will crossover to cause a change the government, nor would I welcome it. An unstable BR administration is even worse. BR is under probation the next 5 years and their leaders should use the time to build their track record and gain trust from voters. Their impatience to form the next government by any means is not to their credit nor will it be viewed favorably. Is it due to one man’s naked ambition to be PM? Is such a change at this juncture better for the people of Malaysia? I have my doubts.
clearwater,
I share your concerns and sentiments
March 22, 2008 at 9:27 am
From Wikipedia quoted from Karl Donitz:
The betrayer of military secrets is a pariah, despised by every man and every nation. Even the enemy whom he serves has no respect for him, but merely uses him. Any nation which is not uncompromisingly unanimous in its condemnation of this type of treachery is undermining the very foundations of its own state, whatever its form of government may be.
I agree with you totally that the ends do not justify the means. The change we wish to see in Malaysia might not be even seen in our lifetime but it is the effort to change that matters!
March 22, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Hi Haris
I agree with your reply on the aspiration of the voter with the following caveat.
In a perfect enviroment where the voters are educated and complete access to information, public debates on issues etc, the voter himself would be able to make an “informed” decision on whom to vote.
In a scenario like in Malaysia and esp in Sabah and Sarawak, voters do not have the luxury of information. RM200 and a kain songket will “kau tim” the voter. So is this democracy then? History has shown that majority is not always right too.
It is a difficult call here, “To do or not to do” or between the devil or deep blue sea.
The bottom line, I would support a “defector” if he did that not for monetary gains or position under the above scenario.
Luckily, I do not have to make such a decision.
Michael,
You and I voted for change. And we would be horrified if our rep now switched.
Someone else voted to keep his BN rep. What motivated his vote is not known to us. Ignorance, lack of info, money, kain songket. Your guess is as good as mine.
So we do not approve of his reasons. Does that give us the right to adopt a paternalistic ‘we know what’s good for the country’ and deny him the fruits of his vote?
Remember, the knife cuts both ways!
If we want our vote respected, we must give as good.
March 22, 2008 at 1:10 pm
I fully agree with the view that Defection is not ethical, and that if BR itself were to experience the same, we would become hopping mad.
I also agree with the view that the fact that they have been doing wrong (eg phantom voters, cancellation of indelible ink), does not mean that it is justified that we can also do wrong; as they say, 2 wrongs do not make 1 right.
However, I do not believe that we should adopt a purist approach to things, for politics, inter alia, is a tactical game. As watchdogs of the political parties and processes, we should not exclude ourselves from guiding political development in this country through the use of tactical strategies. As a matter of fact, the Civil Society movement of this country, has through its development of, inter alia, The People’s Voice and The People’s Declaration been involved tactically, and this must continue.
Bajaran’s idea of “MPs to resign en masse and recontest” is a worthy idea, and if we can get them to do it, it should be supported, for “if a better deal arises out there for my constituency and the nation, I absolutely would want my MP to go for it instead of waiting for another 5 years”. Yes, the present 5+1 control of the State Governments and the Federal Territory is perhaps a god-send transition period for us to get ready for BR to rule come GE 2013. However, if through tactical moves we are able to guide the BR to gain control of the Federal Government, why not? After all, BN won through dirty tactics, as in, if not for the cancellation of the indelible ink, we would have seen a change in government.
A further idea (as distinct to Defection and Bajaran’s En Masse Resignation and Recontest) is where “disillusioned” MPs resign from BN, and declare themselves as Independents. If a string of Resignations and Declaration as Independents can be achieved such that we can see a mass of 31 MPs, who can subsequently form a loose coalition of Independents, this loose coalition can then move to support the BR to form government. The said MPs can resign on grounds that, inter alia, they have become disillusioned with the current weak Barisan Nasional, and in particular, the current weak UMNO, as well as in the interest of the national stability and the future of the nation.
Indeed, though there may be repercussions which may arise from this move, it is in my view, an option worthy of consideration, to help BR form government through tactical moves.
What do you think?
March 22, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Hi Haris
It is a difficult call. Whatever the reasons, there is no perfect answer. Just like saying, “taking one step backwards to move 2 steps forward”. Or, cutting a gangrene/cancerous leg to save the rest of the body. Or sacrifice a pawn to save the Queen.
Also, I also agree that 2 wrongs don’t make a right.
It is a tough decision and am glad that I do not have to make such a decision as yet.
March 22, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Almost all comments regarding DSAI wooing BN defections to BR centred around apprehension. Rightfully,we all fear political contamination devouring our beloved Barisan Rakyat.But I for ONE,voted for BR all b.cos, I strongly believe only DSAI will be the BEST PM for a NEW MALAYSIA,a new hope and a new vision. We need not have to worry so much about DSAI’s political acumen. My east Malaysian friends said they would have followed along with the change IF only they could have sensed it earlier. Baby BR was born & blessed mostly in west M’sia on March 8, now if many more ( other MPs )are willing to come forward to participate in blessing Baby BR further & help to propel him into adulthood ( forming the new government ) then a new auspicious name is necessary & beckoning. The more excellent & more eminent name is BARISAN MERDEKA to better reflect the 12thGE results.The nostalgic aura will be relived once again with a clear sense of belonging. A good name is very important b.cos it radiates with many feel-good factors thus entailing good ‘chi’.
March 22, 2008 at 9:14 pm
TAKING CAPABLE AND ETHICAL! NOT BY BRIBERY!
——————————-
Ethical of Candidate, in this respect, is to be fair to the Voters!
Fair in working for the Rakyats in the area and not just voters!
Fair to change party if that is for the Benefit of the Rakyats and ENDORSED by the Rakyats!
If the so called “defector” was voted with a pick of Person instead of Party and without any MONETARY offers but a position to serve the Rakyats more, this should be promoted.
As Capable and Ethical Person should be Prior to Party if he/she chooses the Direction of Fair and Responsible for the Rakyats with adoption of People’s Declaration!!
Defector of Principle and Direction is the worst
and not when “Defecting” from a Bully Party!!
If the Switching is still having the Phenomenon of taking Ah Mao or Ah Gou (anyone) by the Oppositions as in last GE12, this should be STOPPED!
BR should promote a Healthy change of Party of those Capable & Ethical MP, the same when promoting the Change of Votes from the Rakyats during GE12!!
THE MOST IMPORTANT IS EC OR GE UP TO NOW HAS NOT PROVIDED FAIRNESS FOR VOTERS OR CANDIDATES FOR A FAIR ELECTION!
IF THOSE DEFECTED BN CANDIDATES DROPPED OUT IN LAST GE, THEY LOST THEIR CHANCE OF SERVING THE RAKYATS!
OR THE RAKYATS LOST THEIR CHANCE OF HAVING A GOOD MP (if he or she is really good)!!
Rakyats should be promoted to persuade their MP to change Party if they have Capable and Ethical one for BR to take!!
BR should consider with sufficient reasons and proven records whey the Particular MP should be taken!
Try to look from a Practical point of view more than Political!
From the other side, BR has to be careful of possible hidden “Defector” from MCA or others within BR!
Any Switching with Bad Faith should be exposed and be deal with by their Voters at next GE!!
VOTERS SHOULD BE PROMOTED NOT TO TAKE ADDICT ON THE CHOICE OF PARTY BUT PERSONALITY & CAPABILITY OF THE CANDIDATES!!