I met Rajiv of the DAP, his wife and Edward Ling, of his campaign team, if not the team manager.
We discussed the proposed debate.
And Rajiv promised to revert to me today if he would participate.
Edward sms’d me earlier this afternoon to apologise that Rajiv would be unable to participate in the debate and thanked the organisers for the offer.
Simon and Mak have agreed to make themselves available.
I have spoken to Victor and we have decided to proceed with the debate with the two independent candidates to give those voters interested a chance to get to know them.
This, though, provided we are able to secure a hall for Saturday afternoon.
Will keep you updated.
The People's Parliament 
KY
April 23, 2013
Indians are very good orator. In short say, there are exemplary speakers & this is 1 reason why most lawyers are usually Indians.
However for this Indian of whom would be gunning for Bukit Gasing, hasn’t this thambi got the balls???? Or is it this thambi simply lacks the ability of what many Indians has???
I’m a voter in this constituency & I have trouble deciding who to vote for since it’s a 4 corner fight but the BALL-LESS attitude of this Indian DAP wanker (RAJIV) certainly had help me ease my decision making. This coward thambi CONFIRMED will NOT get my vote!!!
Another Anak Bangsa Malaysia
April 23, 2013
KY,
“Indians are very good orator. ”
Wot a senseless statement!!
But then after reading the rest of your comment, I realised that you seem to make lots of senseless statements.
Lemme see now, you are a Barisan voter, right?
ctteo
April 23, 2013
What a shame!!
The DAP candidate should be showing a better example!!
Steve Ong
April 23, 2013
There should be a debate if a candidate is running for a post. Period. ‘Running away’ goes to show that the person/s are just ‘jokers’ and must not be voted in.
malchindian
April 23, 2013
What will Mak and Lee debate on? experience? expertise? philosophical outlook? promises if they are voted in? I keep thinking report card. Rajiv has one in a different constituency. He has a track record of delivering. Mak and Lee should graciously step aside for Rajiv. Work against BN but learn.
I think the commentator “bigger picture” in the other thread is spot on and I agree with him/her. In future, I would like to see home-grown MPs (Mak and Lee) representing their own turf. Dont’ you find this current transplanting and bud-grafting of MPs all over the place confusing?
Bonchon
April 23, 2013
This debate is a good idea. However, I would like disagree with other people calling En. Rajiv a coward. I was in DUMC the other day where both barisan and pakatan candidates had a debate. And for a first timer, I would say Rajiv impressed me. He was able to hold his ground, debate with Loh Seng Kok of MCA. I would say Rajiv gained votes that day, and maybe even showed people how he is competent to be ADUN of bukit gasing (too bad I don’t vote there).
I don’t think it’s rajiv’s competency to debate that is the issue. He is after all a world’s debater and has been in local council in subang jaya since 2009. I think it’s an issue of schedule. He goes to 2 ceramahs a night and does the walkabouts in the mornings (his schedule posted in his Facebook is exhausting me even by reading it).
To those saying Rajiv does not have the balls, come to dap ceramahs. Every night got one. Listen to him. If he still does not show you how he knows his shiznit, then I concede defeat.
the mythbuster
April 23, 2013
Rajiv may not have the balls to debate. He may even be emulating the ball-less PM of Malaysia. On the other hand he might have done his homework among the voters and has decided not to waste precious time debating. Whatever his reasons are, they may be construed as lame excuses without merit.An insider says he will inform of his stand during a ceramah very soon. Let us wait and see what he has to say.
Amaranathan
April 23, 2013
He is there, ballsy enough to be a candidate. He may be a man of few words but one the right character and credibility , which for me, is better than gas-bags who would serve themselves only. Please give the benefit of the doubt
annabrella
April 23, 2013
How is a parliamentary representative or state assembly representative going to let those whom s/he wishes to represent at national or state level know what s/he has to say about what s/he will do if s/he gets elected if s/he won’t even participate in a moderated open debate with his competitor candidates in front of his/her constituent electorate?
Is the voting electorate supposed to read their candidates’ minds or just accept candidates are okay to be elected merely because they smile at them or carry their children or shake their hands or give them some printed pieces of paper on which they have written potential plans of stuff they will do after they are elected?
What’s the reason for this DAP candidate declining to participate in what is a perfectly reasonable pre-election activity and expectation of the voting electorate? Too shy to speak in public or too inexperienced for the role?
“Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.
Sheila Santharamohana
April 24, 2013
I think it is a scheduling problem. According to earlier plans, this debate was supposed to be at 2pm. Now it’s at 4pm. If you look at Rajiv’s schedule below, you’ll see why he declined. If people in P105 and N34 were so interested, they should have tried to attend the one at DUMC.
Schedule of Ceramahs with DAP:
All ceramahs start at 7.30pm
25/4 Thu – Petaling Garden Jalan 5/46 playground
Speakers: Charles Santiago, Hata Wahari, Hannah Yeoh, Lau Weng San, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, others to be confirmed
26/4 Fri – SS23 Tennis Courts
Speakers: Khalid Samad, Tony Pua, Lau Weng San, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, Tiew Way Keng, others to be confirmed
27/4 Sat – Sungai Way Football Field (opp SRJK(C) Sungai Way)
Speakers: Tony Pua, Teng Chang Khim, V Ganabathirao, Lau Weng San, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, and R Kengadharan
28/4 Sun – Seksyen 17 (commercial centre car park – to be confirmed)
Speakers: Tony Pua, Ong Kian Ming, Lau Weng San, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, others to be confirmed
29/4 Mon – SS2 Taman Bandar (commercial centre)
Speakers: Lau Weng San, Ong Kian Ming, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, others to be confirmed
30/4 Tue – MBPJ Hockey Stadium, Jalan Selangor (near PJ Old Town Bus Terminal)
Speakers: Ambiga Sreenevasan, Tony Pua, Lau Weng San, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, others to be confirmed
1/5 Wed – Kpg Chempaka Basketball Court
Speakers: Tan Kok Wai, Tony Pua, Lau Weng San, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, others to be confirmed
2/5 Thu – Seksyen 5 Jalan Gasing Satellite Carpark (near St Francis Xaviers Church)
Speakers: Lau Weng San, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, and R Kengadharan others to be confirmed
3/5 Fri – Seksyen 14 playground behind Digital Mall
Speakers: Lau Weng San, Nik Nazmi, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, others to be confirmed
4/5 Sat – Finale (venue to be confirmed)
Speakers: Tony Pua, Lau Weng San, Yeo Bee Yin, Rajiv Rishyakaran, others to be confirmed
The Big Picture
April 23, 2013
Good for you Rajiv. As I mentioned earlier, no need for debates, “friendly” they may be, My opinion is still Simon & Mak think only they know better, only they can solve the problems, only they have the solution. Its all about themselves. In this election, independents are and should not be in the equation. The bigger picture matters. Its now or never! Simon & Mak should put nation before self.
Vote Rajiv! Vote for the Party! Vote Pakatan/DAP!
The Big Picture
April 23, 2013
And yes, I am a voter in PJ Selatan & Bukit Gasing – my wife too.
Mustafa
April 23, 2013
Give him the benefit of the doubt.Maybe Rajiv had other commitment.
We have to look at DAP in a bigger picture.
We must vote DAP to make sure thatbPakatan is in Power.
I dont understand you,Haris
Another Anak Bangsa Malaysia
April 23, 2013
Mustafa,
Relax, buddy. 🙂
This debate is not to entrap anybody.
It is an idea which Haris is trying out in the hope that other people will implement it in their own areas.
In this case, the idea sorta works in N34 as the 2 independents are keen to display their wares to the electorate.
In other constituencies, eg, Gelang Patah, the idea could work out very well indeed!!
Bonchon
April 24, 2013
Comrade, the only reason that I can come up with why haris wants to do this debate is to show the lesser 2 of the 3 who can hold their ground better. Maybe haris feels the victor will be Mak, since he knows Mak, knows of Simon, and does not know Rajiv. By virtue of elimination, you can already say he doesn’t give a hoot about Rajiv who he doesn’t know. Simon that he knows of he could be willing to consider as ADUN. Mak…well, for all we know, he may be rooting for mak.
Now lets say he is a fair person and is not biased towards anybody. Lets say Rajiv wins the debate. What happens then? Would Simon and mak publicly announce that they are withdrawing from the contest in favour of Rajiv? Lets say they do that. How many people would have attended the Abu debate? 500? How many voters are there in bkt gasing? How many ballots are already printed? Legally nobody can back out now. What good will any of this do?
Vaseau
April 23, 2013
Having seen first hand what he has accomplished in Subang Jaya, I have no doubt that Rajiv R. will be second to none in Gasing. He is dedicated and has the tenacity to keep at the job regardless of obstacles. His hands on approach since 2009 will stand him in good stead. Given the fact that he is running a threadbare campaign with very few resources, he has to make hard choices where his time and presence are concerned. Unlike Najib, who despite his billions and the entire machinery of government at his disposal, studiously avoids debates, Rajiv is simply trying to do the best he can during the campaign.
rajan
April 23, 2013
Harris,
I believe that rajiv should debate the other candidates but the timing of it could be a problem to him. Im sure DAP chose him for being an all rounder and not a sweet spoiled brat.
Im sure the other indies will not have a busy schedule whereas rajiv apart from his ceramah will also speak at other PR candidates ceramah.
Calling him a ballsless person on the basis of him declining the invitation is being stupid .
Why are the indis contesting and what can they do even if they win?? An island at the assembly ? Or is it to be addressed as YB ? What have they done on the micro level or marco level in their contituency. No one has even heard about these indie hyenas. Just residing and hanging out at a nice little corner does not qualify them to represent the residents there.
The indis are just ‘kacau daun’ come this ge13 which is crucial to UBAH,ABU and kickout the mental cases from deciding how we the people want to live our lifes.
bigjoe99
April 23, 2013
Just saw Rajiv spoke in public. He looks green and public speaking wise sounds like one..Looks sincere, enthusiastic and almost innocent. Seems to have analytical skills but leadership wise highly unimpressive..No way he is ready for a public debate at the last minute..
JoanneW
April 23, 2013
If Rajiv does not have leadership skills, how is he able to run his campaign for the last week with only 3 full-time volunteers? How do you explain his DAPSY Kelana Jaya Chairmanship and his national position in DAPSY? Just because you dont see it flashed in front of you doesnt mean it doesnt exist… Rajiv is a debater in his Uni Days. I was given the honour to debate against him in the Australs.
Jonathon
April 23, 2013
Rajiv is NOT a coward; I was at DUMC as well and saw it for myself. He held his ground and confidently provided tenable solutions to a very pertinent and challenging question raised about crime rates. This as compared to the MCA participant whose response lacked the concreteness shown in Rajiv’s answer. Many months earlier I had spoken to Simon and raised the question of why he hadn’t considered working with DAP, which at that time definitely hadn’t named any candidate for Bukit Gasing. I wasn’t satisfied with his response and am glad that Rajiv has made an easy choice on who I should vote for. All said, it’ll be good for Rajiv or someone in his team to provide his reasons for turning the debate offer down.
dr thurai lingam
April 23, 2013
spot on mustapa / give him the benefit of the doubt before passing remarks on his ability /he might have prior appointments / a man who talks well does not mean he will deliver / lets stay focussed towards a better Malaysia /
Kenny
April 23, 2013
There are 4 candidates going for this Bukit Gasing seat, viz;
1. Rajiv(DAP) — Hannah Yeoh’s assistant and local councillor for Subang Jaya for 4 years.
2. Juan Seh Chang(Gerakan) — Bukit Gasing Gerakan coordinator.
3. Mak Khuin Weng(Indie) –former Star journalist, the late Edward Lee’s assistant and PJ local councillor for 4 years
4. Simon Lee(Indie) –Edward Lee’s son.
Note: The late Edward Lee was the DAP Bukit Gasing representative for 2008.
—————————
Our malaysian political situation is at a critical juncture. We are also at the crossroads. I think that is basically why you, Haris, have initiated to lead ABU.
We only have this one chance to change the nation’s course for the better.
The Battle of Malaysia, GE13, is mainly between Umno and Pakatan. It is already very unfairly, abusively and heavily stacked against Pakatan. It’s a do or die battle. All good Malaysians and available resources must be expended to focus on Umno. INDEPENDENTS SHOULD NOT COUNT NOR FEATURE AT THIS CRITICAL PERIOD OF THE NATION’S COURSE OF EVENTS.
Haris ibrahim conveniently says ‘forget about Gerakan’ and is trying to introduce Rajiv and 2 Independents to the voters for a debate, the reason being that he knows the 2 Independents but doesn’t know of Rajiv of DAP/Pakatan, even after considerable commenters from Subang Jaya have vouched for Rajiv’s past 4 years of good performance.
Whoever wins or loses the debate is not the issue here and is immaterial to the big picture. But to give the independent candidates a platform for the voters to get to know them is to create a bigger opportunity for them to split the votes.
I would say that Rajiv, perhaps after consulting his colleagues, has made the correct decision in declining the invitation for this no-gain and non-productive debate as far as bringing down Umno is concerned.
p/s: Just an observation: I wonder why the 2 Independents are not helping but are contesting against each other instead. One was the late Edward Lee’s assistant and the other, his son. How many votes do they want to split?
lizziewong
April 23, 2013
Echoing Lim Kit Siang’s call, we should vote either BN or Pakatan. No vote for independents. As for Simon Lee, even though he served as Edward’s assistant for 4 years of more, even after 4 long years, does not see it within himself to join DAP or PKR. I can only conclude that he is not into politics, but he wants to serve. In such a case, there are other avenues for him to serve. Much as we are touched that he wants to honour his late father’s memory, I doubt very much that Edward would be proud of Simon standing as an independent and deprive Pakatan of a seat this GE. No votes for independents.
Taipan
April 23, 2013
Ladies & Gentlemen,
Let’s us set aside our differences in opinion at least for now and work towards unity instead. It is not going to be easy for all of us if we failed to look at the bigger picture. I, for one, would like to believe that the DAP is not a party that condones ‘Money Politics’ where it’s candidates could buy their ways through for party positions or to stand in elections. That only happens in UMNO. So it must be for good reasons as to why Rajiv was nominated in place of others who may have lesser or even better qualifications than him. Can we agree to disagree for once?
I will vote for a 2 party system in this case.
shakuntala
April 23, 2013
Jeepers, Creepers……raise your hats to good commentators!!!
ky
April 23, 2013
simon lee for bukit gasing. let him continue his father’s legacy. rajiv can continue selling banana leaves.
lizzie
April 24, 2013
ky, simon can inherit Edward’s house or his other worldly belongings, that is simon’s dues. The nation and its future is not something that Edward can bequeath to his kids.
Colin
April 24, 2013
Why do you Chinese fellows just love to make racial references whenever you post comments? I like Simon, and after his dad passed away, he offered himself immediately as a replacement but they turned him down. But this fight is between PR and BN. He’s going to lose his deposit and he knows it. Even his deposit has ben sponsored so there’s no loss. But he’ll gain a public profile after this and that’s his only intention. But going back to selling banana leaves? Grow up la dude. Or go back to your pig farm….
Ng
April 24, 2013
Haris, i hv just made rm200 to your war fund at around 845 pm, 23rd april. I believe in what u r doing but after reading this post, i m a little agitated, what r u trying to show sometimes??? Pls stick to yr ABU stance and realize that your stance will contribute adversely to ABu sometimes…..i dunno, but pls do yr utmost best to the caause!!!! ng
Thank you and God bless.
annabrella
April 24, 2013
I know Malaysia needs a change of government and at least a two-party system and I too despise the unaccountable lot in UMNO/BN. But I also have no wish to see a win for anyone unless it is first and foremost, a win for a everyone in a more democratic Malaysia.
IMO, public debates are not really about winning or losing the matters being debated upon. It is more about the opportunity the debate presents for open interaction and communication between the people involved so they come to understand each other a little more.
I find it difficult to understand how candidates standing for election to public roles such as legislators and proposers/reviewers of public policies and laws cannot find the time to engage in open debates (even just one for an hour at most perhaps) with their competitors and eletorate audience.
Would anyone hire anyone for any job without expecting the job candidate to go through a formal meeting or interview of some sort?
“Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.
Low Weng Soon
April 24, 2013
Three possible reasons:
1) He’s not a good orator and therefore he declines
2) He’s busy
3) He’s thinks u guys are not important enough.
The first reason is not true as he’s a good orator. I dun know which of the other two reasons is true. The facts are a) Bkt Gasing has an electorate of 34,658. In GE 12, the late Edward Lee won with a majority of 8812 against the incumbent Dato’ Dr Lim Thuang Seng of BN/Gerakan.
Let me throw some thoughts. How many can you get to gather for this debate? If the numbers are there, then I think it might be important enough for any candidate to turn up. After all busyness is a priority.
Meanwhile have a look at what Simon Lee hv to say http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31yt-nxUXKg&feature=share
annabrella
April 24, 2013
Simon Lee appears to be OK in the one-way channeled promotion on You Tube.
Personally, being pernickety about good principled politics and being someone who is extremely cautious about balancing personal freedoms and civil liberties with democratic and human rights, I would expect myself to maintain a healthy suspicion of any and all politicians who put themselves forward as paid volunteers for public roles and ask to be given delegated powers of the state to make laws and policies that will affect me personally.
So the least I would expect before I take that risk of electing one of these fellow citizen volunteers and giving them power over myself, is to insist first on a two-way conversation/ communication with them, preferably in one setting (as like them, I too am busy and do not have much time to devote to seriously vetting various candidates before I can have the information to make up my mind about them and perhaps cast my vote for one of them) so I can have the opportunity to hear what they have to say, see how straightforward or shiftily they come across as, and also how respectfully or not they seem to interact with each other since they have to work together with all manner of people to get things done and not depend on any infantile screaming and shouting at each other or maybe even having schoolyard bun fights in the state chambers of assembly where those serious business of making policies and laws that affect me take place.
Does that perhaps clarify the standards someone like me would expect as of norm from those who volunteer themselves for public role and stand for election to those roles in democratic elections?
In fact, if I were to stand as a candidate, I would make it a must to do to organise an open debate with my competitor candidates and to inform my electors of that opportunity to see us all in action. Then I would leave it to the responsibility of my constituent electorate and fellow citizens to take or leave that opportunity offered to them (out of respect and understanding for them) to meet me, vet me and check out my credentials as they think fit in the time allowed for that opportunity so that they can make an informed decision about me based on their understanding of who I am, what I stand for, what I say I will do for them and for the country, and whether they think I have the credibility to deliver those commitments or if I cannot and appear only to be playing a game of salesmanship with them.
“Imagine Power To The People” John Lennon.
Bonchon
April 24, 2013
Let me start off by saying, I am pro opposition. That said, I think it’s proper for people to look at the two sides of this story by asking ourselves two questions.
1) what is there to gain for DAPIf Rajiv stops his much needed groundwork to go for a 2-3hour debate against the independents?
2) what is there to gain by the independents, considering their established knowledge of bkt gasing, in debating against Rajiv?
In all honesty, I don’t see any other reason why Rajiv should debate aside from providing Simon and mak a public platform which normally they don’t have access to. From the way I see it, Pakatan Rakyat has one goal: to bring about change in Malaysia. And this is only possible if BN is stripped of the Federal Govt. so why debate without BN’s candidate? Yes yes, it is blasphemy to bring a BN rep into an ABU event, but is it not only fair to give the opposition a chance to debate against the only other party-coalition running?
I do not understand why Simon and mak ran in the first place. Simon, as far as I know, remains to be friendly with DAP. Mak, I’m not so sure about. And to be an effective state assemblyman you have to have allies to support you in the assembly especially if legislations are to be passed. Can both of these indies assure the rakyat that they won’t align with BN if, a very big if, they win the elections? And if ever they do, what will the rakyat do? Wouldn’t that then be too late for the people of bkt gasing?
Just my 2 cents worth
Daniel
April 24, 2013
Don’t need to waste your time to organise such debate.
Concentrate 100% in ABU please. Only 10 more days to do what ABU want to do.
If you are ok to vote for Hee Loy Sian although you admitted that he had performed poorly, surely you should vote for Rajiv and ask others to vote for Rajiv after learning what he has done in Subang Jaya.
lizzie
April 24, 2013
I had pondered that if DAP candidates were to stand on PAS ticket in Peninsula Malaysia that may help DAP’s cause further to secure more malay votes. At Gelang Patah nomination day, I bumped into several GP voters, many taukeh who closed shop for the day to come lend support to Kit. In their words, the rocket is a strong brand amongst the three pakatan partners. PAS is also a stable partner. I trust DAP that they truly want to bring a positive change to our nation. Hence, if DAP had not seen it fit to ask Edward’s son to stand on their ticket, I believe, DAP has their reasons. When pakatan did not reach a compromise with hindraf, werent we agitated and upset with pakatan? Well, events that unfolded recently show us that, pakatan was wise to not give in to hindraf. I fear what would happen if pakatan had given the 25 safe seats to hindraf… Had pakatan leaders think as we do, well, BN would be poised to win a 2/3 majority, thanks to a headstart of 25 seats curtesy of hindraf. We are in critical times, and it is no time to start losing our focus and objective of bringing in a 2-party system. Civil society can play a role, but stay out of the contest please!
lizzie
April 24, 2013
Not forgetting that a seat in the DUN or Parliment can enrich a person by RM20 million or more… I shall not trust an independent knowing this risk is real.
kc
April 24, 2013
I’ve debated with Rajiv across Asia and from Australia to Africa to Europe over a decade ago, He’s hardly ball-less.I’m sure his schedule did not permit.
If you did not catch him, here’s a vid from his first ceramah on the campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cMguaR17wI
sflyer
April 24, 2013
I can understand the need to elect the best candidate to represent you. But surely voting for an independent candidate is not consistent with ABU’s aspiration? We can do all that 3rd force thingy after we establish a strong 2-party system, which at the moment is non-existent.
the mythbuster
April 24, 2013
Independents are just paid spoilers. They are in the fray not to win but to split the votes so that the BN candidate gets an undue advantage. The MCA guy who is standing under the BN logo is another of the MCA towkays who being cronies of the evil mamak and the patronage system have become so filthy rich that they can sponsor mammoth dinners (PKFZ dinnner for 60,000 is an example) and flood the country with the “dacing” which alone portrays the truth – they say they are fair but in reality the scale (dacing) is lop sided.
Do not be conned for another 5 years or is it going to be another 5 decades? Vote for CHANGE. UBAH, UBAH through ABU and PAKATAN RAKYAT.
Shakila May
April 24, 2013
Mak was never Edward Lee’s PA. Simon Lee was PA to Edward Lee from March 2008 til his father passed in Dec 2011. He continued working in the father’s service centre til he was replaced by Kasthuri Patto in May 2012. Simon was with the father, learning and picking up every step of the way. The public servicemen in MBPJ and even the police force have good rapport with him. We need an ADUN with good ties with these two forces to make Bukit Gasing a better place.
Kenny
April 24, 2013
Shakila, thanks for pointing it out.
You’re right that Mak was not Edward’s PA. He was Edward’s assistant and campaign coordinator in the 12GE. I googled and found this:
http://elections.thestar.com.my/story.aspx?file=/2013/4/12/central/12958128#.UXd1zEojW1x
tienseven
April 24, 2013
A good article on how to choose who to vote for http://www.malaysiakini.com/columns/227804
Not all independent are out to split votes, some like Simon which I personally know has the heart to serve and really wants to see a better Malaysia.
Harry Oh
April 24, 2013
KY, I was also skeptical when my wife & I first set eyes on Rajiv, was, I think, at the SS2 DAP rally, then Paramount Garden, DUMC and last night at SS3 Basketball Court.
Yes, he lack personality but makes up with sure footing engineer-first-timer-public-political speaker. Appearing in public from morning and speaking late into the night can even wear out an experienced YB Lau Weng San (another good man).
Rajiv gave us the impression that he wishes to serve the people wherever his party placed him and his service as a councilor of MPSJ with Hannah Yeo as his mentor, I am confident of his ability to serve as a future ADUN.
The late Edward Lee was also a good politician but that doesn’t mean his son must inherit the seat. I usually admired the Independents for their guts but this GE13, we need to see a consolidation into 2 parties so that we either have a change of party or continue with a govt that cover up everything, no public tenders for mega millions projects and every year the Auditors General report goes to directly to libraries.
Malaysia needs to pull up our socks or we shall be at the bottom of every international indexes.
Kenny
April 24, 2013
Ok, I’ve been withholding this thought in me out of high respect for Haris’ ABU.
I think Haris’ political shrewdness is questionable, to the point of being gullible and made use of by his so-called 2 Indie friends, Simon and Mak.
To begin with, most if not all of the Independents in this GE13, will not win, and most likely, end up losing their deposits.
These 2 guys are not even rated as political minnows, more so without a political party. They are just riding along the currently very powerful anti-BN sentiments, hoping to gain some public profile and, our Haris is unwittingly helping them to do just that. Why waste precious time? They know they are not going to win, yet, have nothing to lose.
Independent candidates are people who think very highly of themselves, self-centred and are not team players.
Worse, they might have been paid in the hope of splitting votes.
Ge13 is just 11 days away. Enough time have been expended on this matter which I think is more academic than threatening. They are many sensible comments contributed in these 2 related articles and Haris is still going on his merry way without offering his side of the argument.
Quit wasting precious time on Independents.
BC
April 24, 2013
some info on Rajiv to help voters in bukit gasing decide..
http://www.rajiv4malaysia.com/
charis14
April 24, 2013
Those of us from Subang Jaya have the opportunity to experience Rajiv’s service – since he served as councillor in 2 different locations during the past 5 years. My perception is that he was possibly one of the most effective councillors. Check out http://www.usj.com.my or ask the Residents Associations and then evaluate for yourselves.
Bigger Picture
April 24, 2013
Whatever reasons Simon and Mak have for contesting as independents, they fail to see the bigger picture, that is this coming election is not about them as independents. I remembered distinctly that Simon had actually wanted to run on a DAP platform but did not manage to DAP’s endorsement. And what did he do? Become am independent. Don’t really know but I would think that Mak also had lobbied to contest under the DAP flag but was not successful. He of course is an independent now.
Can’t Simon and Mak see beyond themselves to know that this coming election is not about them? It’s about the future of our nation and this is between umno/BN and PAKATAN. Vote the Party! Vote PAKATAN/DAP!
Kenny
April 24, 2013
Thanks for the clarification about them wanting to contest under the DAP flag. Wonder if they had wanted to join DAP as members much earlier too. If not, why didn’t they? They would be sacked by now.
So whatever the case was, the DAP turned down their offer to become candidates forcing them to become Independents?
This scenario again proves that they are feeling high over themselves simply wanting to chance upon the prevalent strong anti-BN sentiments. So it’s all about themselves, themselves, themselves and again, themselves.
Like you rightly said, they can’t see beyond themselves, meaning, they will never be good team players when it comes to the crunch.
charis14
April 24, 2013
Update… All the four N34 (Bkt Gasing) DUN candidates confirmed a GE13 Forum and voters’ education, detailed below:
Date: April 28, 2013 (Sun)
Time: 230pm to 415pm – FORUM
415pm to 445pm – VOTERS’ EDUCATION by TINDAK Malaysia
Venue: Glad Tidings Assembly, Maranatha Auditorium,
Jalan 13/4, Petaling Jaya
On top of that, the P 105 (PJS) Parliament candidates from PKR (Hee Loy Sian) and BN (Sheah Kok Fah) will also be attending.
Everyone is invited.
hurricanemax
April 24, 2013
Haris, Like you I believe in fairness, transparency and God willing a better future for Malaysia. BUT to chase after Rajiv without understanding his constraints, limitations and schedule for a townhall style debate against parties hell bent on splitting the votes? What about ABU then as the ultimate objective?
Rajiv has served selflessly as a MPSJ Councillor & Hannah’s special Asst, from midnight crisis management to 6am traffic light problems in Subang Jaya, past 4years.
Just because now he doesnt go about making speeches and having debates doesnt make him gutless. It is a hit below the belt for all of us who believe in ABU and ABbn!
I can almost assure you that Rajiv will deliver as the ADUN for gasing.
All the best.
Keith Khoo
Subang Jaya
Another Anak Bangsa Malaysia
April 24, 2013
Many of you commentators seem to have missed one key point.
The debate itself is to present a possible model for current or FUTURE elections.
Such debates are alien to Malaysian politics and until and unless somebody has a go, such debates will remain as they are – alien to Malaysian politics.
Even the level of commentary here is already doing good!!
Nobody has ever had to comment on such a bold experiment in Malaysian politics – and now you have 🙂
I bid you a warm welcome to the new Malaysia courtesy of Haris Ibrahim. 🙂
JoanneW
April 24, 2013
the only possible model for current and future elections is discourse which involves every candidate and one that is not prejudiced. Not alienating somebody and opening somebody up for cyber attacks simply because he declined your invitation because of his busy schedule. Building up a new malaysia based on threats, is it the new Malaysia you want? A malaysia fearful of the next blogpost when they want to challenge the status quo imposed by the “powerful”? How is that progress?
Kenny
April 24, 2013
Hi AABM, yes!
But would you not agree when most are aiming for the emergence of a 2-party system, which can only come about with the downfall of Umno, that any credible debate especially at this critical period should only be confined to Pakatan and BN? Why must ABU waste precious time with fly-by-night Independents giving them undue publicity in the process?
This was part of my comment in the previous related article:
“I’m all for the challenge of discussions and debates under normal circumstances, either for the exchange of ideas or just to see who the better debaters are.
I wouldn’t be opposing in this manner if the debate is between Pakatan and BN, even if it’s just at state level.”
Nice talking, bro.
JoanneW
April 24, 2013
Today, BN supported RT organised a press conference with Juan, and the two indies. Rajiv was not invited. If these indies have the balls to be seen in public attending BN events and bringing their supporters to BN-organised events, what can you deduce?
of course lah, dont expect BN to invite rajiv. but for the indies to accept the invitation and attend? How low will you go to get press mileage? Are these the kind of candidates you support Haris? Is this the kind of people ABU is willing to support in the coming GE? You attack Rajiv despite his proven track record. Yet you support two independent candidates who, as early as today, have no issues about aligning themselves with BN.
Wake up. we all want to kick BN out but hopefully not in the expense of the Malaysians.
Joanne,
Please show me where, in any of my writings, I have either supported any of the two indies or attacked Rajiv.
Point it out to me and I will close down this blog.
Kenny
April 25, 2013
Joanne, I wish to put in a word here.
Have yet to read about it, but I will assume what you’ve written in the 1st para to be true. And if so, those 2 Indies should be totally disregarded by us from now on as they prove to be selfish opportunists.
As to the 2nd two-thirds of your 2nd para; well, well, there are strong words but false accusations.
It would be fair of you to read Haris’ 2 postings again and revert to him.
On a lighter note, Haris is threatening to throw the baby out with the bath water. 🙂
Kenny,
Sometimes, there is more to it than meets the eye.
Mak Khuin Weng
April 25, 2013
Dear JoanneW,
I’m not sure what BN supported RT press conference you were talking about… but I did attend a police meeting with community leaders where Juan Sei Chang was present. I even wrote about it on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MakKhuinWeng/posts/568871999800168
Please allow me to make some clarifications to your post.
1. I did not get an official invite from the police to attend the meeting, and I did not see Simon or Rajiv present so I assume they didn’t get an invite either. The invite that I got came from a few residents who were invited to the meeting and they kindly informed me about it. The residents who invited me specifically mentioned that it was a police initiated meeting and not one organised by any RA / RT.
2. The meeting was attended by representatives from Section 5 RA, Damansara Jaya Residents and Owners Association (DJROA), All Petaling Jaya Residents Association Coaliation (APAC) and a few others whom I did not recognise (might be Juan’s people). I know for a fact that the DJROA leadership sing praises about Tony Pua in conversation so I’m not so sure if these associations were all BN friendly.
3. The issues that were discussed were security for Bukit Gasing and Petaling Jaya in general, the contents of which I revealed in my FB post..
4. Please do check whatever misgivings you have with me directly, I can be contacted at 016-293 9603. You can also interact with me via facebook.com/makkhuinweng.
Regards.
KF Chan
April 25, 2013
There are few leaders we can really trust. Hannah Yeoh is one of them: http://youtu.be/F3JB3HVe7_0
Adam
April 25, 2013
Why is the BN candidate being left out of the debate? If I were Rajiv, I would also decline to debate with the 2 independents. BN is the main “enemy” and if they are not there to debate, what is the point? Now, if only the 2 independents are available, ABU should just cancel the debate and put more time into other areas. That is my personal opinion.
Vaseau
April 25, 2013
I don’t believe Haris is biased against Rajiv in any way. And if anyone is waiting for a hint from him as to who to support, it will be in vain.
Those who truly believe in the cause of unseating UMNO must also realize that Rajiv and the DAP/PR have the best chance of leading the charge in Bukit Gasing for two reasons. He has a proven track record of selfless service in Subang Jaya as attested by Hannah and he is backed by the collective wisdom of a party that is dedicated to removing the regime.
A vote for anyone else, however well-intentioned, will be a wasted vote and one that will see the fall of Selangor and the triumph of UMNO.
hurricanemax
April 25, 2013
come to think of it… in the 4yearsRajiv had served in SJaya, I never heard him speak/debate in public! Yes, we do talked about community work in MPSJ gathering and also across his small desk (not office) in Hannah’s ss14 office… BUT his work is all there for all SJaya residents to see. Whether the community work (under his care) was done, half done, not done they are all there on record . Just call your SJaya friends (esp those in Zone 3 and Zone 1) to find out.
I am worried about your Gasing vote splits and ABU/ABbn will slip in like ghostly shadow…
ablogsmith
April 25, 2013
For PJ Selatan voters as well as voters in other constituencies. Reject all UMNO/BN candidates irrespective of reputation. Reason. BN whip which forces all BN MPs and ADUNs is enforced all the time irrespective of issues. This means that even the more reputable MPs like Tengku Razaleigh, Shahrir, have voted for bills and Constitutional Amendments in the past which are detrimental to Malaysias. On the other hand, Lim Kit Siang of DAP has clarified that if the issue concerns policy matters and manifestos, the rep have to toe party line. This is fair as before election day, these are things that voters should already know. On the other hand, if the issue is a matter of conscience, their rep can vote according to conscience. More info at Reject all Barisan candidates as long as the BN whip is imposed all the time
BC
April 25, 2013
have a look at Mak’s thoughts and thinking…seems like quite a decent guy…
http://makkhuinweng.wordpress.com/
ablogsmith
April 25, 2013
As for basis for choosing candidates, voters please focus on the role of MPs and ADUNs as policy and law makers and less so on local issues like clearing clogged drains, cutting grass, etc. These are more for Municipal Councils to tackle, and less so for ADUNs, definitely not for MPs who should focus on national issues. We don’t want longkang MPs like Chew Mei Fun who is good for helping clear clogged drains but utterly failed as a law maker. Unfortunately majority of Malaysian voters are still relatively immature and vote on which candidates can help them clear clogged drains and who attend their children’s wedding etc. I hope the majority of PJ Selatan voters who go for the forum remember this and decide accordingly. More info:
Barisan Nasional Members of Parliament, the whip and the DNA bill
Why I am a supporter of DAP: whip is not applied all the time
Brains need to be unclogged, not drains
Bigger Picture
April 25, 2013
Simon & Mak – it’s still not too late to swallow your pride and do the right thing. Put the nation and the rakyat before yourself. Withdraw from contesting. You will get more respect then.
Steve Ong
April 26, 2013
S&M…both of you will be SALUTED upon withdrawing!!!
Bonchon
April 28, 2013
Mak, you say that you are non-partisan. That you do not have any political leanings. Then why is your assistant carrying your campaign flyers in a Barisan Nacional bag. The forum in glad tidings just now is not the first instance. We’ve seen it a number of times after a friend pointed it out to us. (And yes, we have pictures as evidence.)
It’s either you are insensitive to the political climate around you or you have chosen the party to align with.
And please, talk about how you can help people in bukit gasing and stop selling your books. Also, own up to the fact that you are, at one point, a DAP member as you are an MBPJ councillor under the DAP quota. How easy you forget and how easy you attack pakatan rakyat.
Mak Khuin Weng
April 29, 2013
Hi Bonchon,
1. He is not my assistant but a friend who wanted to watch the forum. He volunteered to distribute my books as I had been called to the stage. I was not aware he was using a BN bag. I don’t require my friends to swear fealty to me and show no allegiance to other political parties – they are friends, not slaves or mindless assistants. If he is pro-BN yet supportive of me, I’m cool with it.
2. I was a councillor under the DAP quota, but I was never a DAP member. I served the public, not DAP or Pakatan Rakyat. No part of the oath I swore during the councillor swearing in ceremony mentions that my loyalty should be to DAP / Pakatan Rakyat. Serving the public has been a privilege, and I am grateful to DAP for the opportunity, but it doesn’t mean I turn a blind eye to the illegalities that goes on.
3. My criticisms of Pakatan Rakyat were also equally directed at Barisan Nasional. Sample: http://www.thenutgraph.com/batu-caves-condo-what-theyre-not-telling-you/
Bonchon
April 29, 2013
Mak, just to let you know and let me reiterate again, the usage of the BN bag was not limited to the forum yesterday. For the 3 diff days that your friend was carrying your flyers for you in that red BN bag, I wish somebody could have pointed it out to you, if you were not able to notice the big 1malaysia and BN logo by yourself. It is a sensitive issue esp if you’re portraying yourself as non-partisan and is running as an independent. Political sensitivities such as this should be taken into consideration.
I just hope that you prioritise the needs of the people above your own. Yesterday was a candidate’s forum not a press junket for your book. But kudos on informing people about the leasehold-freehold conversion process. Maybe you should distribute to MBPJ also? It seems the lawyers there don’t know as much as you do about the issues and the land code. Would really help a lot of people if you could share the knowledge around.
Mak Khuin Weng
April 29, 2013
Bonchon,
I have informed my friend not to bring that bag along anymore if he wants to help me. He is signed on to help BN as a counting agent (it’s good pay, apparently). I honestly did not know he carried a BN bag however, which was the freebie he got for being a BN counting agent. I don’t scrutinise the accessories my friends carry because I am just glad that they take their time off to help me for no money and the occasional abuse from people who would tear up my leaflets and scold us.
My team consists only of myself and my campaign manager. When I said I am running this campaign on a shoe-string budget, I meant it. Everyone else who is with me are friends who volunteer their free time, as and when they are available.
I do apologise for any confusion caused. I am hardly BN friendly – my opposition to development projects that were proposed by BN friendly corporations are known. That said, the project was put up for consideration by the PR controlled MBPJ.
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/4/23/central/11155527
alanhosh
May 1, 2013
Dear all, 5th of May 2013, Shall be a day to be remembered. A day of destiny. A day that dictates the future of our children and children’s children.
It shall be the day that seals their fate and your generations to come. It shall be yours, mine and each and everyone’s solemn duty to protect them and to defend them as parents, teachers, uncles, aunties, cousins, brothers and sisters.
Time to put your ego, pride and differences aside. Time to open our eyes really, really wide. Time to do what is truthfully right, to push the wrongs aside. And that is to cast our vote for the future’s rights. Do the right thing and do it with pride.
If you say you love Malaysia, you will have no other choice but to save Malaysia. And your final chance is now……………………!!! Vote for Change……………………………!!!