Pertinent excerpts from the letter :
‘I write now on behalf of the many voters whose choice of candidate and party to represent them are, based on the many newsreports, in serious jeopardy should defections by BN MPs come to pass. On their behalf, I ask that should you be approached by such MPs seeking to cross over, that you insist that your party will only accept them into your fold after they have first obtained the sanction of their voters to their proposed defection.
A statement from you now to confirm that no defecting MP will be accepted without such MP first getting the consent of the voters will go a long way to allay our concerns’
The letter in full – letter-to-dsai1
If my letter to DSAI reflects how you feel about this issue, I ask that you either send in a comment to this post to state your support, or send your own letter to DSAI and send a copy of the same to thepeoplesparliament@gmail.com so that I can then post it here.
The People's Parliament 
Chong
March 23, 2008
If BR MPs trying to jump into BN, that is because they are no longer confident in BR’s ability and integrity to lead the rakyat. They will be welcomed and BN will praise them for having the courage to change their mind(and party).
If BN MPs trying to jump into BR, that is what Malaysia call immoral and unfair. BR will be guilty for buying BN MPs. New laws should be made to stop this ‘crossing over’ activity.
SV Singam
March 23, 2008
Many Sabahans and Sarawakians have expressed disappointment over the failure of the BR to coordinate their efforts and avoid 3-way fights. As a result they lost out on the opportunity to join the wave of People Power and drive UMNO the BN out.
However such sentiment cannot be taken as approval for MPs who were voted in under the BN flag now jumping ship and joining the BR. Some time in the future, we may be voting for the individual but, for now, the voting has been for the party or coalition. As such, an MP changing his party without the endorsement of his electorate is betraying a trust.
We cannot accept such MPs as worthy of our trust and would not want them to represent the Barisan Rakyat in parliament.
DR SURESH KUMAR
March 23, 2008
I absolutely agree with you bro Haris,you have reflected my thoughts,the trust of the rakyat who have chosen the BR will be severely bruised if these sort of power hungry BN parasites were to be inducted into BR,the message from the rakyat is crystal clear that they have rejected these arrogant,racist and self centred BN leeches,it is to the detrimental of the BR if they go ahead against the wishes of the rakyat.
Thanabalan
March 23, 2008
There is an urgent need for legislation to stop elected MPs or ADUNs to cross-over to the other side after winning on one party’s mandate.
We have witnessed such unhealthy practices of crossing over of elected ADUNs from the PBS party in Sabah in the 1990s.
Now, there is talk of cross-overs from BN MPs to the opposition. While we should expect integrity on the part of these MPs, such cross-overs cannot be stopped if there is no legislation to prevent it.
I agree with your call to DSAI and the other BA/BR leaders to seek the consent of the people who voted in these MPs who are planning to cross-over. Until proper legislation is put into place to prevent it!
Thanabalan,
On the matter of anti-hopping legislation, only Karpal has got it right.
Such legislation would require an amendment to Article 10 of the Federal Consitution.
I am personally against any further amendment to the FC, especially in relation to Part 2 rights.
Will try to blog on this issue later.
For now, let me just say that I think the answer lies in the ability of the voters/civil society to keep the ambitions of politicians in check
rhyder
March 23, 2008
i agree with you, harris. frogs aren’t welcome. they should do it the right way – resign from their party and get re-elected on a new ticket.
Bananachinese
March 23, 2008
Thank you, Haris. Malaysians need this. This is a very serious matter for Malaysia. When we voted for a calon, we also voted for the party.
Malaysians must penalise the naughty MP/s who wear/s the colours of a party and hop over to another whenever it suited them.
Myself also have written earlier about this in my webblog:
lung
March 23, 2008
I am not in favor of accepting any MP who hops over to BR. It will bring BR down to the level of BN.
We must be ever mindful lest BR morphs into the very monster we had fought to vanquish.
Kevin
March 23, 2008
I totally agree with your sentiment Harris. I voted for BR on the moral high grounds it took and principles it expounded. Should it proceed with taking on “defectors” to convinently and quickly become the next government, then BR is just playing realpolitik. I would henceforth just treat them and their policies as such.
saman rombey
March 23, 2008
If BR wants to cross over to BN, BN said, they are good people who wants to change. No need to change the law lah. But if BN MPs wants to cross over BR, BN said they cheaters to the rakyat. Proposed to introduce anti l0mpat lah. Common BN, what democracy you are practicing. Democracy from “utan Rimba”
Umran
March 23, 2008
Yes. Anything less would be a betrayal to the voters.
A by-election is the only honourable route for Frog MPs who are planning to hop to either side of the fence!
Isa X
March 23, 2008
I don’t agree as voters not all voted for party but issues personality personal patronage etc. etc. etc. and trusted that individual with what is not necessarily a government mandate as parrot in its manifesto its campaign or for what it have done or have not done. Have understand the many varying reasons which causes one to be elected it is in the elected prerogative to seek what’s best where and when to achieve the mission mandated to him/her.
Therefore crossing the floor cannot and should not be blanketed as an immoral or despicable act. It must be taken into context. Representatives should be made to publicly explain to their respective constituent reasons for defecting through Parliament thus given ample media coverage.Therein lies the moral checks and balance between the public and their elected representatives.
Isa X,
I beg to differ with your contention that it is a matter of prerogative for the elected.
Your contention flies in the face of the ‘People are the boss’ theory.
KCL
March 23, 2008
BN gets the simple majority to form the govt, thanks to Sabah and Sarawak. But, Pak Lah has not shown his appreciation. So, why so much of fuss if these MPs abandon the broken ship with a lousy captain?
Chong has rightly said it. BN is suffering from serious inferiority complex. When these MPs have lost faith and refuse to follow a non-leader, it is because they do not want their worthiness and capability to sink with the broken ship with a hopeless incapable captain. I do agree for them to switch to a better coalition to continue contributing to the People who have voted them in. Serve the voters well. That’s what they want. They don’t care less which party their reps come from.
Doitnow
March 23, 2008
I agree and I support. AND I would also add that under no circumstances should any monies be paid to anyone.
If ever the BN MP desires to defect, he should do so of his own volition based on an examination of his conscience and his values, and as a result of which he/she now subscribes to the principles and values of the party he will now pledge his allegiance to.
We should never condone MPs who defect for opportunistic reasons as these are the cancerous elements that are not welcomed to any of the BR parties.
queenie
March 23, 2008
you cant defect just like that. you cant hunt with the hounds and run with the hares. you had your chance before to choose your side, you cant let down the ppl who voted in your constituency. its the voters who had decided so it should be up to the voters to say aye or nay.
Jim
March 23, 2008
Haris
Your letter-to-dsai.pdf cannot be accessed; please look into the link again.
Also, you have stated that “On their behalf, I ask that should you be approached by such MPs seeking to cross over, that you insist that your party will only accept them into your fold after they have first obtained the sanction of their voters to their proposed defection”; may I ask as to whether you have thought of how, ie the process by which the said MPs can first obtain sanction of their voters?
Anyway, looking forward to reading your letter before commenting further (perhaps you can post in this blog instead of the letter being read separately as a pdf file).
Thanks.
Jim,
Could you try again? Others don’t seem to have a problem.
RAJ RAMAN
March 23, 2008
its inmoral for both parties to lure each other mp.both will deny there is money involve.politician will sweet talk everyone for their power and $.you are the hawk haris.keep on the pressure,we dont want both party to have jumping frog around as yb or mp.pkr,dap and pas have to prove to us,they are the want will rule our country the next term by performing.not by using jumping frog to form a goverment.once they do that,the human frog will keep on jumping for their power and money.thanks.raj raman.still dreaming to be malaysian putra.religion;my problem to anwser to god.
Sue
March 23, 2008
Cross over by BR to BN is not acceptable. Cross over by BN to BR also not acceptable.
Whether or not BN will accept them is not important. But what is important is this is foundamentally wrong.
When the opposition party had pin point their MP’s and BN for buying over or cross over because they fail the rakyat, this is valid argument. Whether BN will listen, well of course they won’t.
Therefore when BR want to allow BN people to cross over, i think this is ridiculos.
By doing what haris suggested obtain sanction from your voters, at least this is what a responsible MP should do, and what Anwar should do. This also show the difference between BR and BN, at least they think about people who voted those MP’s in. Even though, end of the day they might not get it, but they earn respect from the ground.
There are many rumous saying PKR approaching people to cross over so they can become ruling party. they need about 30 to reach simple majority. With previous sabah’s political parties track record — not something impossible.
I am strong supporter for BR.
However, if this really happened, then what for we still have General Election? This is merely a joke?
I don’t want a government like this, eventhough is BR who i support so far.
Huang Siew Hock
March 23, 2008
” Frog MPs ” ? I simply do not know whether they are MPs first and become frogs later or whether they were frogs first and later become MPs.
And now that there is a genuine fear that MPs in Sabah and Sarawak have been marginalised where Cabinet posts are concerned, I will not be surprised if they do jump ship and move over towards the 3-Party alliance ( PKR-DAP-Pas). I do understand their frustrations and anger for their vast support to the PM with so many MPs, without whom, BN would have lost its Federal seat of power and would be in the Opposition. It is rather funny that the PM does not appreciate this point. Or, maybe he has not know simple arithmetic! If 30 MPs from Sabah and Sarawak, not to mention West Malaysia, were to jump over, then the move would spell down on BN.
If we look at the Party composition in the Cabinet, most of the seats went to UMNO ! The two East Malaysian
States were forgotten.So, should the MPs there also forget BN ?
If they feel like jumping, they should do so before the Anti-hopping law is passed in Parliament. In fact, the Bn should have done this long ago. But it did not because the traffic flow was towards BN! Now, it looks like the traffic is flowing in the opposite direction; and BN is in grave danger of losing power at the Centre! This shows an opportunistic trait: what is mine should remain mine; what is yours could also be mine! Now the shoe is on the other foot! This is morality and ethics of a leadership. You do not chnage the rules of the game in mid-stream.
Note how this was played in UMNO politics when the ex-President of UMNO was almost toppled; then he changed the rule by insisting that a challenger for UMNO Presidency must have 6o nominations. Never in living history is this done ina democratic country. So, now that there is a challenger against Badawi, there is a suggestion to change the rule so that a challenger could throw his hat into the ring!
We see frogs every where. There are so many critics chastising the PM. Are they not to blame as well? So, let the frogs dance to their own tune and play their own music!
S.H. Huang
Richard teo
March 23, 2008
I dont see any wrong to accept MPs hopping to the B.R.After all B.N has used this dirty trick in Sabah before.This should teach B.N a lesson.Now only they are talking about changing the Law about party hopping. Why they didnt talk about it when they were doing it.If hopping means jicking B.n out of the federal govt and B.R taking over then by all means go for it.
BaronV
March 23, 2008
Im fully behind you on this one Haris! Whilst the individual is important, most people vote slightly, if not mainly based on party. to jump ship without voter consent tantamounts to a betrayal of trust. who and what you stand for is important, but more so how you were elected.
kim
March 23, 2008
Hi Haris, it is my view that you take such a stand based on the assumption voters vote for parties and not individuals. What do you think of your call vis a vis voters who vote for individual and not party?
Hi Kim,
Let’s say you stood and won in the last elections on a BN ticket.
Now you want to cross over to BR.
How would you know whether the voters voted you in because of you or because of your BN badge?
The surest way to know would be a by-election, no?
Otherwise, who’s to say how many voted you in not for your personal track record but because of their preference for BN.
My 2 sen
Sharing
March 23, 2008
As expressed in https://harismibrahim.wordpress.com/2008/03/21/the-house-that-barisan-rakyat-shall-build/
I agree with an Open switching of Party via a By-election for Voters to endorse!
During such period, the Capability and Ethics of the Candidates must be opened for Debate and Voters be better informed!
I hope those prefer to Change should consider also DAP or PAS and not necessarily to PKR.
Hope DAP and PAS open their arms for Capable and Ethical MP endorsed by Voters to join to work!
With Competition (in the By-election) and consideration of Parties (in BR), Please note this is the kind of Fair Election much better than last GE12.
So, WE ARE MOVING ONE STEP AHEAD, provided if the Electoral Roll for this By-election will be clean and no more Postal Vote!!
PLEASE ALLOW AT LEAST ONE CONSTITUENCY TO PUT ON TRIAL TO GET EXPERIENCE AND SET AN EXAMPLE FOR ANY MP TO “CROSS OVER” PARTY, IF RAKYATS AND PARTIES EXPERIENCED BETTER FAIRNESS!
Product of the System
March 24, 2008
I plead with Anwar Ibrahim to change his UMNO ways.
Better still, give up his Datuk Seri title that was awarded during his UMNO days.
mekyam
March 24, 2008
You have my support, Haris.
Elected representatives who would be Frogs MUST consult their electorates and get their okay.
If BR components accept them for the sake of expedience, they destroy their credibility. The BR leaders cannot talk integrity and accountability and then condone MPs who think they can do whatever they like after being elected.
All would be Frogs should call for some sort of referendums.
shar101
March 24, 2008
AI have openly admitted in the MSM that there are some truth in BN MPs wanting to join BR. He had also mentioned that there were no monetary nor other incentives for these BN MPs to do so.
In realpolitik, that’s a lot of hogwash of which we’ve heard from the likes of BN in previous years.
What we do need to know for certain now is for AI to further qualify his recent statements by saying publicly that any ‘defections’ from BN to BR will take into account a fresh mandate from the affected voters.
Protest votes against BN during GE12 were BR’s gain but please remember that such votes were done under duress. If AI were to assume otherwise i.e. that voters actually chose PKR as a better choice, he must be living in lala land. Furthermore, if and when any by-elections should come to pass, who is to say whether PKR will benefit and not DAP or PAS, or even an entirely new political party in the case of Sabah and Sarawak.
Makkal Shakti began with GE12. Let’s maintain a semblance of a higher benchmark for better governance. BR have five states (excluding FT) within their grasp. Prove to us that they can handle it with the utmost care and if so, the rakyat will be more than willing to retain them during GE13 plus encourage others to join BR as well.
*Kerja belum buat, kuasa nak kebas dulu. Mana esai beb*
munnabhai
March 24, 2008
Bro Haris, elegantly articulated. Whole hearted agreement with the contents of the letter. Makkal Sakti Makkal Sakti Makkal Sakti
Kevin
March 24, 2008
Dear shar101,
Spot on!
Taking a cue from Harris’s analogy of a house, I would go to add this. I am not naive to think that even a house built with good saplings will last forever. No complex construct of human will last forever even if it is properly maintained, must less not maintaining it. Some might argue what’s the point in building a good house to know that it comes down one day like the shoddy one. But I like to believe in having a good house we bequeath to the future generation the time and opportunity for a better (or worst) life.
Perhaps this is best summed up as follows.. On a monument at the foot of the Fourteenth Army aka “Forgotten Army” cemetery, read this inscription: “When you go home tell them of us and say for your tomorrow we gave our today.”
Raj
March 24, 2008
I too agree that if any MP’s want to cross over, they should resign, then stand as a BR candidate in the by election.
Ahmad Navi Abdullah
March 24, 2008
Dear Harris,
WE are with you all the way. The habit of party hopping was a thing of the past. It is time we stopped MPs and State assemblymen prostituting themselves. Further, what gaurentee is there that they will not repeat the process in the future. Neither do we want these people to bring in past BN culture of buying and selling MPs into this new awakening.
Keep up your good work.
fenway
March 24, 2008
SV Singam,
You are spot on when you said this, specially for Sarawak:
“Many Sabahans and Sarawakians have expressed disappointment over the failure of the BR to coordinate their efforts and avoid 3-way fights. As a result they lost out on the opportunity to join the wave of People Power and drive UMNO the BN out.”
I did remarked then before the election, how disappointing and how cheezed off I was to see the 3-way fight that just went ahead in Sarawak. Anyway, even though 1 seat~ Stampin seat. The results: See Chee How (PKR) 2,198, Voon Lee Shan (DAP)18,896, Yong Khoon Hiang (BN) 21,966. See how close it was between DAP and BN candidates.
This impact of this result and with the dismal results by PKR candidates in Sarawak (check out PKR results), Anwar has yet gained his footings in Sarawak. In the state assemblymen composition, there is only 1 seat held by PKR and 6 by DAP. PKR rep for Padungan is Dominique Ng (the PKR state liaison chairman) and he himself had earlier declared he would contest against the DAP and BN in Kuching. But later withdrawn.
Leadership here in KL for both DAP and PKR can’t even control the state’s leadership there. Duh.
And there is this email now floating amongst Sarawakians about SUPP pulling out from Sarawak BN and Anwar is talking to them. Come on…get real. Taib and George Chan are ‘bisan’ by Sulaiman’s marriage to Anisa, George Chan’s daughter.
As far as UMNO going to enter Sarawak, I say ‘dream on’. For the dissatisfactions we may feel towards the white-haired man, we will stand behind him to ensure UMNO doesn’t set foot in our state.
So Dato Seri Anwar, if you are really sincere to us Sarawakians, prove to us that you are really sincere to fight for us locals. Not as a tool to be used for your own political agenda.
Paul Warren
March 24, 2008
I still got a problem with this one Haris!
Titanic did sink. It was a ship far less in stature that rescued those who survived.
Should the rescue ship have insisted that they wait for another ship that was equivalent to Titanic to rescue them? Should the rescue ship tell the survivors, you chose Titianic for all its promise, now go with it?
Well, I too abhor opportunists. But then again I frown the regard given to voters who responded to fear or voters who chose to be ignorant, or chose to succumb to greed. There is unfortunately the assumption that voters necessarily voted out of a clear and free conscience. And they have to live with it until the next opportunity they get. To some extent, the Sabah and Sarawak voters failed to sense the wind that blew across the peninsular. Had they, the outcome in Sabah and Sarawak would have been different.
For many an older voter, voting oposition for the first time, whether out of disgust, despair, frustration, anger or angst, there must have been a liberating feeling. Because for the first time they were able to exercise a liberated decision from within themselves. Its almost impossible to imprison someone after he has known such liberation. And he will of course be at liberty to choose to go back to voting the BN should they earn his vote of confidence by then.
The BN is still formulating this society on the assumption that we are running our races seperately in our own alloted lanes. Sadly, the factors considered in assembling the State Assemblies of Penang, Perak and Selangor is also heavily hinged on racial proportions and representations like as if this is so sacred. The PKR, DAP, PAS coalition is very much a three race thing. How I wish there were Ibans, Dayaks, Kadazans and others in equal numbers so that the race factor becomes nonsensicle. Unfortunately we are allowing MSM to place the view of BR through their kaleidoscope so that their definitions and their parameters continue to dominate how people define what PP aims to achieve. Bangsa Malaysia.
I hate to see what damage they can do in the next five years. I suppose we got our work cut out for us to make sure MSM does not dominate defining society. In addition to boycotting them, we should also be telling them to stop defining BR or PP in terms that we may not be in agreement with.
K.R.Pramila
March 24, 2008
Hi Haris,
i agree with you. It’s definitely not right and infact breach of voter’s trust for anyone to cross over to another party just because the other side looks “greener”. The elected reps should honour the trust placed on them by serving people from the platfrom they were elected and should not be opportunists for whatever reason.
Everyone has 5 years, to plan, strategize, focus, prove and gain. So please prove yourselves from the place you were elected from.
temenggong
March 24, 2008
Haris,
The MP first getting the consent of the voters before defecting is impractical as there is no way to establish that. Good intention but no practical way to achieve it! Every MP will insist that, ‘I believe my voters support my decision!’
I expect 8 MPs to crossover within the next two months, no more than that. Most of this has been agreed I suppose. And I expect some east malaysian parties to leave BN but not join the BR. There is nothing wrong in a party leaving a coalition. Each must do whats in the best interests of one’s voters and party.
temenggong,
I have no issue with a party leaving a coalition on matters of policy and principle.
Difficulty getting consent of the voters to a cross over?
A by-election would be the usual way to go.
ps.nathan
March 24, 2008
Hi, I think that BR should get on with the job at hand of Governing the states under their control and prove to the Rakyak that the TRUST placed on BR was indeed right.That is more that what WE can manage for the time being
ps.nathan
March 24, 2008
Hi, I think that BR should get on with the job at hand of Governing the states under their control and prove to the Rakyak that the TRUST placed on BR was indeed right.That is more that what WE can manage for the time being.
Forget about the Frogs, becuse of their very nature they are capable of Jumping again and creating more turmoil in BR…have’nt we got enough of that already?
citizen4u
March 24, 2008
The intention to cross over to another party after being elected is a despicable act. The immoral guy who wishes to cross over and the party that accepts such a opportunist animal should be condemned in no uncertain terms.
It is not easy for an elected person to go back to the electorate to get their feedback about his/intentions. The only way is to resign and opt for a by-election which is not going to be any transparent or clean under the present political environment.
My suggestion to BR would be to govern the 5 states for the betterment of the rakyat irrespective of race, colour or creed and show to the BN what good, transparent and accountable governance is all about.
If they can do this without greed, corruption, cronyism and nepotism until the next general election, the BR would be able to capture more states and the federal government legitimately.
Back door politics (the luring over or buying over MPs or ADUNs) should be avoided at all costs. If the BR leaders indulge in or encourage such practices, they are no better than the BN.
Do not be tempted to give in to political expediency.
citizen4u
March 24, 2008
The intention to cross over to another party after being elected is a despicable act. The immoral guy who wishes to cross over and the party that accepts such an opportunist animal should be condemned in no uncertain terms.
It is not easy for an elected person to go back to the electorate to get their feedback about his intentions. The only way is to resign and opt for a by-election which is not going to be any transparent or clean under the present political environment.
My suggestion to BR would be to govern the 5 states for the betterment of the rakyat irrespective of race, colour or creed and show to the BN what good, transparent and accountable governance is all about.
If they can do this without greed, corruption, cronyism and nepotism until the next general election, the BR would be able to capture more states and the federal government legitimately.
Back door politics (the luring over or buying over MPs or ADUNs) should be avoided at all costs. If the BR leaders indulge in or encourage such practices, they are no better than the BN.
Do not be tempted to give in to political expediency.
farida
March 24, 2008
By wanting to cross over – whichever side it is – frog MPs have exposed to us their character, what they really are on the inside.
The moment something is not working in their favour, they want to jump ship. That is very telling on the kind of MP they will be in the next few years – wishy-washy, inconsistent, without scruples and without any integrity.
Obviously, it’s not about serving their constituents but serving their own selfish interests.
Perhaps it’s the money that beckons, or the position or the power dangled before their noses that they can’t resist, but they have absolutely no right to cross the political divide.
My recommendation: Get them to walk blindfolded on the plank of the BR ship and dump them into the deep blue sea.
Perhaps Ancient Mariner can officiate.
Democrats
March 24, 2008
Agree with you Haris…110%!
While I would like to see the BR get a bigger voice in parliament and hopefully take over the government one day, such victory must not be by default of crossovers.
A victory by default is a hollow victory indeed.
While, we get upset with our arms up in the air if reps we voted in of opposition jump across to BN as in Sabah in the 90s, the actions of BN people crossing over constitutes no different for betrayal of voters of BN.
While BN voters and many of us may share different ideals and preference, they non the less are still BANGSA MALAYSIA, our brothers and sister and fellow comrades of MALAYSIANship.
I know DSAI wants to PMship badly, and maybe he has some scores to settle, maybe he wants them to taste their own medicine, but we in BR believe we are better than that, that vendettas and revenge and tit or tat mentality are not of our ideals.
IF the candidates are really popular, and that their ideals are strong, the people will still vote for them regardless what flag they carry, like Sharir Samad in JB in the 80s. These are the people that BR wants. Not those who abandoning a sinking ship that they screamed and championed in the past.
Say no to party-hopping. Say yes to bye elections – and give the power of choice back to the voters.
Jim
March 24, 2008
Haris
Got it (ie finally managed to view the letter-to-dsai.pdf file).
Yes, I am in agreement with your letter, except for 2 more issues:
– Firstly, as I have asked earlier, “may I ask as to whether you have thought of how, ie the process by which the said MPs can first obtain sanction of their voters?” From your subsequent responses above, I can gather that a solution which you would have worked out in mind is for the sanction to be expressed through a by-election. In which case, to complete your letter, state it in. Otherwise, your letter appears to raise an issue, but with no solution prescribed; ie with a solution prescribed, it would make more sense when DSAI reads your letter.
– Secondly, knowing politicians, in that they would be more focused on their goals (in this case, Defection to cause the topple of the BN Government), they may or may not put heavy weightage to the issue of ethics in party-hopping which has been raised to date. However, I feel that if we can offer him an alternative solution which he can pursue, which satisfies our views on the unacceptablity of party-hopping, and also his (and our) objectives in replacing the BN Government, it is likely that he will listen more.
Hence, I wish to refer to the idea which I have suggested a few days ago (reproduced below for ease of reference), in that whilst I believe as to the need to preserve ethics, this should not stop us from being tactical.
Most of us here want to see a change in government; the difference is when and how. I belong to the group which do not mind, or actually prefer to see a change in government whilst the opportunity is there right before us.
So, my suggestion is to include the following paragraph in your letter to DSAI:
“Given the Rakyat’s reservation, or for that matter, non-acceptance of party-hopping practices, we sincerely hope that PKR will not condone the same, unless, as stated earlier, the relevant MP seek new sanctions via a by-election.
However, as with you, some of us feel that it is not unjustified for you to pursue strategies which may see to it that the Barisan Nasional Government is replaced as immediately as possible, given especially the current state of uncertainties, by a new Barisan Rakyat Government. In this respect, a solution has been mapped out and that is for the Barisan Rakyat leaders to convey publicly to “disillusioned” Barisan Nasional MPs to resign but declare themselves as Independents. The said MPs can resign on valid grounds, including, inter alia, that 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.
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 Barisan Rakyat to form government.
This strategy is worthy of pursuit on the following grounds:
– this will further weaken the Barisan Nasional Government and create fertile ground for the possible formation of the Barisan Rakyat Government,
– this will not seriously raise issues of ethics because the said candidates would have resigned on the basis of their disillusionment with the Barisan Nasional, but maintaining their independence, and declaring that they are doing so to protect the interests of their constituency (and can subsequently negotiate with the Barisan Rakyat Government to bring benefit back to their constituencies), and
– this will also give the Barisan Rakyat time to evaluate the performance and allegiance of the said MPs before deciding to accept them as members of respective parties.
Given the preceding, it is hoped that you will consider this alternative approach which is less questionable, and more supportable” (or something like that).
Over to you …
Jim
” Jim Says:
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?”
Jim and all,
Please note that the letter to DSAI as appears in PDF in the related post went out as it is by fax yesterday and by courier this morning.
Jim
March 24, 2008
Haris
If you had sent it out, can I suggest that you send out a follow up letter, based on feedback which you have obtained through this blog, including hopefully the idea of Coalition of Independents (which I have just suggested), to DSAI?
I am inclined to think that he will be selective in reading letters and that the chances are that he will likely read your letter ()more than ours.
Jim
Jim,
Noted. Let me await further comments as well as developments on this issue before deciding if a follow-up letter is warranted.
Thanks for the feedback
Jayanath
March 24, 2008
Great! Thanks.
You have captured our thoughts and sentiments on this contentious issue.
We the rakyat expect a response.
If and when, DSAI responds[preferably in writing]please keep us posted.
This one is for posterity!
Jaya
Helen Ang
March 24, 2008
Malik Imtiaz Sarwar on the position of the law as it pertains to party-hopping.
http://malikimtiaz.blogspot.com/2008/03/anti-hopping-of-politics-morality-and.html
JJ
March 24, 2008
I fully endorse this initiative. Party hopping smacks of money politics, no matter one might say in the open. This election has been said to be along pro or anti BN. Therefore, the voting can be said to be along party line. For an elected MP to jump ship should require endorsement from the electorate.
Too much time has been spent talking about party hopping instead of addressing the issues that have been raised in the election. The earlier our MPs get down to work, the better.
Cheers.
Penang 71
March 24, 2008
No matter how we look at it – party hoppers are people without loyalty – not to any party, ideology nor the people who voted them in. Their souls are perpetually up for sale to the highest bidder.The moment the going gets tough, they would abandon us too.
For the supporters of BR; BR represents a new beginning -cleanliness, fairness, acountability and a Malaysia for all.
To bring these immoral people in would contaminate all these ideals.BR would loose it’s moral high ground.
BR represents all that BN was not. How do u then justify accepting BN reps who logically represent the ethics, more accurately, lack of ethics of BN?
And how do these frogs hope to be rewarded – cabinet posts? money? lucrative contracts? If so, what about the PKR/DAP/PAS reps who stood by you and fought with you even when it was unpopular and sometimes outright dangerous to do so!
In the quest for instant gratification, let us not jeopardise the whole war. Move slowly and wisely.
garfield city
March 25, 2008
People! Please remember an important fact that to challenge the BN, you cannot be a’gentleman’ politician & still win. Yes,we have 5 states now but so what? BN still rules the COUNTRY with a simple majority. People, you have forgotten that in order to successfully implement BR’s manifesto as a whole, we need to rule Parliament. This is the right time to feed BN with their own medicine which they prescribed for decades (engaging party frogs).Who can dispense this same antidote to BN better than DSAI? This is the golden opportunity for us to realise our dream of a more capable PM in DSAI.If not for DSAI,today we may once again witness another huge migration of opposition frogs to BN. And if someone foments racial disturbance, we might as well see the return of the 5 states to BN. Dear People,think!Please think harder. To fight a demon,we don’t use Hands, we must use Brains. Let BR win the war, thereafter we begin to outlaw leap-froging once and for all. We have behaved gentlemanly for the past decades,now is the time to be strategic. Our beloved DSAI should be WANTED IN PARLIAMENT TO BE OUR NEW PM & NOT M.B. Don’t ask him to prove his worth by ruling a state,leave that job to the others in BR. I think it is destined that come May 1st,there will be another tsunami effect in our Parliament.DSAI is now 60 yrs old, we need his services for our country ASAP.
banjaran
March 25, 2008
The letter’s nicely written. Only one small suggestion -the letter might propose a few options that AI/Jumpers can consider to legitimately obtain voter consent.
Just to stoke discussions and warm up the joint a little here:
What if the EM parties withdrew from BN and formed their own EM coalition? This way BN would have 96 seats, EM 54 seats and PAS/DAP/PKR 82 seats. Nice ain’t it? I think the agung will relish flexing his muscle in this sort of parliament!
And seeing the way Perlis/Terengganu are headed, we could be seeing an additional 8 + 3 parliament seats up for grabs in a by-election.
Just assuming half of those seats (6) go to BN, then BN gets 91, PAS/DAP/PKR gets 87 and EM remains at 54. So close! If all 11 go to PAS/DAP/PKR then they have 93 seats and BN has only 85 seats! PKR/DAP/PAS wouldn’t even need MP defections! Just need a loose cooperation with EM to ensure things run smoothly.
Although I am born & bred Selangorian, I believe in the need to recognize regional distinctiveness. Kelantan, Penang and Sabah are in many ways as different as Italy is from France and Spain. Recognizing regional differences allows flexibility at the local level and adds to the richness of the nation’s fabric.
That’s why I am not really adverse to the idea of EM forming a Barisan Borneo (I should copyright this name! And I wish they would form a party just for Selangor!) Parliament gets another possible check and balance – if either PKR/DAP/PAS or BN misbehaves, BB can tip the scales the other way. The only thing is I hope Taib and Musa Aman are kicked out of BB!
And if you’re wondering why I use PKR/DAP/PAS, and not BR, it is because they themselves have not endorsed the concept. It may take them time or it just might be the case that if the rakyat wants a pure & untainted BR, they may have to start from scratch and form one themselves. As we can see, established political parties carry a lot of baggage – already we can see many comments here about not trusting AI’s ambitions etc. And many people have told me they cannot relate to existing parties, whether BN or otherwise. Think about it.
banjaran
March 25, 2008
Penang71: “No matter how we look at it – party hoppers are people without loyalty – not to any party, ideology nor the people who voted them in. Their souls are perpetually up for sale to the highest bidder.The moment the going gets tough, they would abandon us too.
For the supporters of BR; BR represents a new beginning -cleanliness, fairness, acountability and a Malaysia for all.”
_______________
I think your sentiments on party hopping are too sweeping. Decisions are not made in a vaccuum. Context is also important. For example, if a party was turning to Nazi-ism, wouldn’t you want your MP to defect? Or at least resign? Would you say they are selling their soul then?
Of course, this situation is different. But who knows what motivates an MP to stay with BN? Could it be they thought it was hopeless to fight after being punished as an opposition state like in the case of Sabah? Or just fear of UMNO invading their state like in the case of Sarawak? What if they’ve been genuinely inspired by the braveness of the WM voters in calling for a change? Should they then stick it out another miserable five years with BN? I am uncomfortable with the idea of MPs hopping too. But in some cases, it merits at least a closer look without casting sweeping aspersions.
Also, what makes you think there is even a BR? And what makes you so sure that BR is so clean, fair and accountable?
banjaran,
In all the circumsyances that you’ve described, my take is that the elected rep still has an obligation to revert to the voters.
Explain to the voters the reasons for the switch contemplated.
My point is that if the voter is indeed the boss before the election, he remains the same after.
He shouls not be treated any the less after the mandate has been obtained.
Bamboo
March 25, 2008
Haris,
Well put. exactly what i feel. and i am sure many poeple out there think the same. we dont vote in the ‘frogs’ to hop parties!
SV Singam
March 25, 2008
Has there been any response from Anwar or anyone associated with him?
Even if he plans to proceed with accepting the frogs, he should do us the courtesy of explaining why he cannot accommodate our request. If he fails to do so, he is only demonstrating that he is cut from UMNO cloth.
We know what to do in GE13.
headache
March 25, 2008
Agree – no katak welcome.
If they want to join BR, let them resign and seek the blessing of the voters under the new umbrella.
Talk is cheap. Walk the talk!
azizah
March 25, 2008
i fully agree with thr content of your letter to Anwar Ibrahim and urge him to tate hi view/stand .
but honestly i doubt he will have the same view or even answer without his usual sidestepping
shar101
March 25, 2008
Banjaran’s comment (1.56am – 25th March) eloquently elucidated the options open to the EM voters which I have mentioned earlier (5.10am – 24th March).
Civil society empowering itself is the challenge put forth to any political aspirant or party with the BR crown up for grabs.
The people decide. Again and again (as in a by-elections) if necessary.
*Hmmm.. by-elections would mean that we’ll get another shot at the EC chairman. That’s very tempting, indeed*
garfield city
March 26, 2008
Please, People, I beg you all who r BR supporters to understand that in the very 1st place we voted for the opposition hoping that they win then in turn we might be blessed with a 2-party system, remember? Have u all forgotten how Mamaktir ruled us for 22 years,and how Badawi slept out the years after a huge victory in 2004? Now BR hasn’t got a chance to rule Parliament yet, but we already bombarded DSAI and gang, and worst of all we cast aspersion toward DSAI’s credibility. We call ourselves People’s Power,& we have already empowered BR in GE12,now let them march on,let us allow DSAI to lead the way b.cos we r only voters,not politicians.If DSAI could capture the jewel in the crown (Fed.Gomen)and if he disappoints us,then we shall exercise People’s Power to oust him. Don’t we lose our focus and that is we desperately need a 2-party system to save Malaysia. We shouldn’t SUDDENLY act or talk smart as though we r masters in ETHICS. Let the tiger lead the sheep and not the other way round.
garfield,
Your error is in perceiving us, the rakyat, as ‘we r only voters’.
Power rests with the voters.
Tiger lead the sheep? I thought it would be wise to keep the tiger away from the sheep!
Pratamad
March 26, 2008
SORRY IF I HAVE TO SHOUT A BIT HERE.
People, please be fair and comment only under the full context. In all statements about defection of BN MPs, KeADILan has always insisted that any such defection is way of the respective BN MPs endorsing KeADILan’s political principles, and absolutely no financial or rewards of any kind be involved. In other words, this is plain simple freedom of association, as enshrined in our Constitution.
For a more complete legal and moral analysis, you should read a very good piece in Disquiet by Malik.
Allow me to say that article like the above is taking matter out of context and it’s not fair to the person implicated. SORRY IF I HAVE TO SHOUT A BIT HERE.
People, please be fair and comment only under the full context. In all statements about defection of BN MPs, KeADILan has always insisted that any such defection is way of the respective BN MPs endorsing KeADILan’s political principles, and absolutely no financial or rewards of any kind be involved. In other words, this is plain simple freedom of association, as enshrined in our Constitution.
For a more complete legal and moral analysis, you should read a very good piece in Disquiet by Malik.
Pratamad,
I am in full agreement with Malik’s views.
myop101
March 28, 2008
I don’t think it is wrong for MPs to switch sides. They may be convicted in their hearts that the party they once belong to no longer share a common stand.
As for those who crosses over based on monetary compensation, then it is best BR don’t take any of them. But if they are truly convinced of the principles upheld by BR, why not?
Kopi_O
March 29, 2008
It’s not wrong. I suggest all those whom think it is, to go talk to some people & broaden your perspective. See long term.
Mad Piscean
February 22, 2012
Why are you all calling Pakatan Rakyat “BR”? I’m confused, or are YOU confused? LOL.