Malaysiakini reports that former BN coalition partner and now opposition Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has confirmed that it will be contesting in the Batu Sapi parliamentary by-election.
NST Online reports that Sabah PKR is divided on whether it should contest in that by-election, with former Sabah PKR chief Ansari Abdullah in favour of PKR entering the fray, whilst PKR Batu Sapi division head Datuk Nahalan Damsal is inclined to the party giving way to SAPP taking on BN in a straight fight.
Whilst Nahalan expressed his readiness to help SAPP in the by-election, he nonetheless thinks that Pakatan will not give in and will make it a three-cornered contest.
Here’s what I think both SAPP and Pakatan should do.
I understand that PKR has developed a criteria for candidate selection.
Let’s call that criteria a “MP-Aptitude test”.
Both Pakatan and SAPP should come to the negotiation table, disclose their respective proposed candidate, who should be Sabahan, measure both by that MP-Aptitude test and see who comes out tops.
Then apply a second test to both.
Let’s call this the ‘Integrity’ test.
This requires looking into the background of the candidates, to ascertain, to the extent possible, the risk factor of either turning out to be a froggie.
For instance, does either gamble heavily, or have very heavy financial commitments, or known to engage in socially questionable behavior such as may expose the person to blackmail?
What if both prospective candidates emerge from this exercise with flying colours?
If Pakatan is sincere about wanting to take BN out in the next general election and, to that end, working with all like-minded parties, Pakatan should not only give way to SAPP in this by-election but also throw the full weight of its election machinery behind SAPP to help secure their victory in Batu Sapi.
This would be an excellent act of goodwill, and would pave the way for a good working relationship for the 13th GE.
It would also set a precedent for an objective, reasoned basis for candidate selection.
Most importantly, in my view, this will allay fears in Sabah and Sarawak that Pakatan is no better than BN in merely wanting to cease power in the states and rule from Semenanjung, rather than working with the locals to return justice and equality to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.
Batu api
October 17, 2010
Please make sure only 1 opposition party is contesting. It would be a joke if SAPP and Pakatan Rakyat can’t even come to concencious on this!
zik
October 17, 2010
PAKATAN should support SAPP!!this is best opportunity
to make BN pissing in their pants!!
Jong
October 17, 2010
The Q is, can those toads in SAPP be trusted?
shar101
October 17, 2010
Will Anwar(PKR) give way to Yong(SAPP) in the battle of hearts, minds and votes at Batu Sapi?
If he doesn’t, then it’s very clear that Anwar considers Sabah (and perhaps Sarawak too) as his ‘fixed deposit’ as much as BN did.
The same apply to DAP if they are contemplating the same thing.
P.S. Bro .. last para .. seize power, not cease power. Anwar might call you to ask “Whaddaya mean cease?“
Jong
October 17, 2010
LOL!!! slip of the finger not fault of the mind lah. I’m noted for that too!😀
Jong
October 17, 2010
Pakatan Rakyat should send in a DAP candidate.
Leave PKR to sort out their election mess at federal level; this is not the right time for them to partake in any election, not now.
rezeki iklas
October 17, 2010
I agree with your view 100%. For goodwill and long term stratergy, PKR MUST learn to give in and to look at the BIG PICTURE – The March to PUTRAJAYA IMMEDIATELT AFTER THE 13TH GE.
mauriyaII
October 19, 2010
PKR is no better or even worse than UMNO/BN by the way they have conducted the nomination process for their very first party elections.
They do not fail to point an accusing finger at the Election Commission at every election citing irregularity and favouritism towards UMNO/BN. They accuse them of gerry-mandering, vote-rigging and condoning foul play.
The recent PKR nomination process seems to have been taken out of the pro-UMNO/BN Election Commission book. When they play dirty to see that their annointed candidates get elected by hook or crook, what would be the outcome if they want to grab power in Sabah and Sarawak.
Anwar is no angel. He got his political education from his onetime mentor, the evil mamak Mahathir. It is only natural that he might use the same dirty tactics in his quest to Putrajaya. Patronage politics of Mahathir is being reemployed in PKR too. If left unchecked PKR would turn out to be a bigger monster than UMNO/BN where patronage, corruption, arrogance, racism and religious fanaticism are practised with impunity.
PKR which is a majority Malay party might just become another with Big Brother demanding its ketuanan dues from its lesser sibilings.
Beware of PKR until and unless they put their house in order. Let us vote UMNO/BN out of Putrajaya in the 13th GE but let us not make the same mistake of letting PKR grow into another UMNO clone.
Lynn
October 17, 2010
I also totally agree with your suggestion 100%. With this method, we get the best candidate with integrity and need not fear him or her leap-frogging to BN for some material benefit. Also, as you said, Haris, this is an IMPORTANT act of goodwill that needs to be display to allay fears of Sabahans and Sarawakians of West Malaysian manipulations. Also local Pakatan leaders must accept that they have to share seats with other opposition parties; that they cannot expect to monopolise all urban seats or whatever. This last statement is a reminder especially to DAP Kuching!
Paul Warren
October 17, 2010
Haris
I think SABM should offer its services to be an independent arbiter in this candidate selection process. After all you too do have a criteria. You have the Peoples’ Declaration, you have the job spec for MPs and Aduns and Local Councilors and so on. I should think anyone vying to be candidate should be able to show knowledge of these things and a commitment to them. Then he has got to show that he presents the best candidature to the voters being a person of integrity, charisma, substance and a walker as well as a talker.
looes74
October 17, 2010
Harris,
So long that SAPP is not part of Pakatan Rakyat, I would suggest that Pakatan Rakyat proceed with the plan of contesting in the by election. It does not make any different if SAPP or PR win because it does not alter the equation. Perhaps, it’s a good thing because the pressure would be on SAPP to prove its credibility.
As for Pakatan Rakyat, since you have a habit of supporting certain candidates within PKR in PKR internal election, hear me out. Why not support Shanty from DAP?
Harris,
I can give plenty of reasons why Shanty was more suitable. She was the candidate for Sandakan who merely lost by 100 votes to LDP. Batu Sapi is actually part of Sandakan. She was a former magistrate. Ah so, she passed the integrity. PAS intention is not suitable because they got their hands full in Galas. I am absolutely sure PKR is not ready. Hence, give DAP a chance.
Sandakan & its vicinity are traditionally a DAP contested area. Why gives SAPP a chance to contest? When this party demanded for 40 state seats….I am a bit unhappy over the 40 seats arrangement for Sarawak PKR. Heck, if SAPP were SNAP & this were in Sarawak but Batu Sapi……
Pakatan Rakyat should stay put….We can talk….If not, lets test our strength in the ballot box
fcukbn
October 17, 2010
Pakatan or rather PKR should give way to SAPP because I don’t think they have a chance, given that the party is still in disarray at the moment. It’s a good testing ground for SAPP and I believe they would do well. And if they do, it could be a big boost for the opposition, Pakatan included which bodes well for the next general election. A win will certainly influence Sabahans to vote for the opposition in the coming election. Besides, the goodwill from SAPP will probably be reciprocated in the next general election. Give them a helping hand to gain their support in return. If PKR go in and lose the by-election, it will put a huge dent on their morale. BN will have a field day bragging their win. It’s just a little scarify for big things in return. Anwar, are you listening?
looes74
October 17, 2010
What makes you think so? I say lets have 3 corner fight. I would personally support Shanty Chong from DAP for PR candidate. By the way, I bet Bersekutu would come in…..What the hell? Have you ever wonder if SAPP would readmit back to BN once? May the best man win
charis14
October 17, 2010
Suggest 1 more ‘test’ i.e. does the candidate personally endorse and will be guided by the People’s Declaration (update version please) in its entirety – even if it means going against party whip instruction?
Sean
October 17, 2010
Since we are alleged to be taking part in democracy, why bother testing them at all? Wouldn’t it be more meaningful to have a quick run around to conduct a straw-poll to see who the voters would prefer? Ask them % for SAPP candidate, % for PKR candidate to allow a more nuanced reply, and maybe do a small number of before-and-after straw polls to test how people felt after meeting the candidate candidates.
Isn’t a criterion one of the things called criteria when referred to plurally?
suspicious
October 17, 2010
why not pas candidate?
worldman
October 17, 2010
YOU ARE RITE, Y NOT PAS GO FOR IT. MAY SAPP OUT,
looes74
October 18, 2010
Elementary, Watson…..PAS got big battle to defend in Galas.
Remember Manek Urai….Leave it to DAP instead
Eat this
SABAH: P186 – Sandakan Voters: 32,847
Party Candidate Votes Majority 176
LDP Datuk V. K. Liew 8,297
DAP Chong Chu Lin @ Shanty 8,121
IND Fong Vun Fui 2,929
shamara
October 18, 2010
The only critieria should be who is the best candidate to beat BN. From PR I think it is PKR’s Jeffrey Kitingan, from SAPP Yong Teck Lee. Jeffrey vs Yong, I think it is Jeffrey.
looes74
October 18, 2010
Shamara,
Jeffrey was more suited to areas such as Pensiangan or Keningau. Why pit him in Batu Sapi? As for Yong’s party, since there is no agreement with SAPP, lets have a threesome
Guys,
I hated this type of strategy. Before ever discussed with Pakatan Rakyat, make announcement first. Again, why support Jeffrey or Yong & Not Shanty Chong from DAP? You guys have been putting pressure in accepting Nurul for DP. Why not accepting Shanty Chong while PKR settle the internal election issues? Ok, I agree this is only my personal view but it’s a better chance PR in snatching the seat from PBS
As for PAS supporters, settle the Galas seat first. UMNO has been launching a campaign in influecing the orang asli that it’s Niz Aziz’s fault in his failure in initiating ladang rakyat. My call to PAS Youth for Sabah….Terbang ke Kelantan….Selamatkan Galas
SAPP…..What happen to Raymond Tan’s stunt in pulling out from SAPP & jump to Gerakan….Yong Teck Lee….Settle that issue first…..And Au Kam Wah….Your 2 sandakan state seats belum selesai….Nak contest di Batu Sapi….That’s why I say lets have 3 corner fight lor
roland shen loong
October 18, 2010
PICK A YOUNG FRESH CANDIDATE FROM DAP TO REPRESENT PAKATAN ! MUST BE TRUE SABAHAN AND PAKATAN WILL BE WELL SUPPORTED BY THE RAKYAT OF SABAH IRREGARD OF MUSLIMS, CHINESE, KADAZANS OR DUSUNS !YTL AND JEFFREY HAVE BECOME STALE POLITICIANS !!!
Jong
October 19, 2010
Yes, I agree fresh young enthusiastic candidates should be given the opportunity to prove themselves. Don’t we have enough of those conniving old goats?!!
John Chiam
October 18, 2010
” Pakatan should not only give way to SAPP in this by-election but also throw the full weight of its election machinery behind SAPP to help secure their victory in Batu Sapi.”
Haris,
I am afraid I have to disagree with you on this. I am a voter in Batu Sapi and the likely SAPP candidate is their president Yong Teck Lee. He was with PBS from 1986 and he resigned from the party in 1994 and formed SAPP and contested- then joined BN.(PBS pulled out of BN in 1990). PBS in 1994 still won with a slim majority but because of all the katak, it was not able to form the govt. Yong went on to become the chief minister 1996-1998 in the rotation system. Besides, there are still a lot of Sandakan victims of the SAS(Saham Amanah Sabah)-when Yong was the CM – pse read this link
http://selvarajasomiah.wordpress.com/2010/08/11/yong-teck-lee-sinking-in-his-own-spin-the-art-of-bullshit/
Do you think the people of Sandakan will easily forget his GOOD deeds. I would like to suggest both SAPP and PR to support the independent who contested in 2008 and lost by 3,708 votes – Dr Francis Chung Kong Wing, a dentist. Chung contested in 2004 under Parti Bersekutu.As a dentist, he regularly traveled to the ulu area in Paitan to give free dental service to the poor kampong people. Besides, Francis Chung does not have a tainted record. Even if he were to stand as an independent again, he may lose to BN but he holds a much better advantage over Yong teck lee. In the unlikely hood of a 3 corner fight. SAPP may even lose their deposit.
looes74
October 19, 2010
Shanty Chong was from Bersekutu too before she joined DAP. Sorry to say, Bersekutu does not have much to offer just as PRM. Hence, my suggestion is for him to join DAP instead…..
I still believe DAP stands a better chance….Lets Sibu miracle continue in Sabah
Batu Sapi voter
October 19, 2010
Shanty Chong is based in Tawau. We haven’t seen her seen the last GE. Francis Chung is a local boy. His clinic is in Sandakan town. He has a large following because of his profession and as well as from the church.Most of all, he is a humble person
Sheila Pakiam
October 18, 2010
Support Haris’ thinking 100% First and foremost the integrity and the MP Aptitude test of the candidate needs to be assured. Then negotiation to let the best candidate win outright,rather than have a 3-cornered fight.
PKR for sure needs to shape up. The dates are also critical, always the odds are against us. But let me assure you, as long as we in the spirit of SABM, are making a stand for Justice and Truth the guiding power of God will be with us. More people of Integrity and competence need to step forward.
Thank you.
sheila
Batu Sapi voter
October 18, 2010
If PKR is contesting, I believe Datuk Kong Hon Ming will stand a better chance of defeating BN. PBS doesn’t have any suitable candidate. Pairin said at a news conference that possible candidates :- Datuk Thien Fui Yun, the late Edmond Chong’s wife or his own brother. We will make sure Batu Sapi will be the 2nd Miri for BN.
Batu Sapi voter
October 19, 2010
sorry…should be 2nd Sibu miracle for BN
looes74
October 19, 2010
Well, the die has casted, PKR would stand for election. Don’t know much about Kong Hon Min. Perhaps, you can share. On surface, perhaps, Kong Hon Min would be the right choice. If Francis Chong can be pulled in, lagi better
Anwar said that he would discuss with SAPP to have a one to one fight. My opinion is that the negotiation must be done without forsaking its allies within Pakatan Rakyat. SAPP’s demand for 40 state seats is fresh in my mind. Come on! even SNAP over in bumi kenyalang doesn’t make that kinda demand.
But if we need to have a threesome….Lets analyse the situation objectively. Assess the strength of SAPP. Question like SAPP’s foray would split PBS votes….Those kinda questions. With good tactics, PR would win
mrs malaprop
October 20, 2010
Since PR had already cried foul over the EC’s decision to hold both the Bati Sipi and the Galas bye-elections on 5 November, it is clear that the EC taking indtructions from their political boss has been directed to take this decision. Clearly this eas yo stretch the redources of PR . Most of the blogs have already predicted this quite early on. The intention of participating in Batu Sipi is tpto wreast the seat from BN. SAPP Zis a friendly part and packs clout with the Sabahan Chinese.
So the decision of PR/PKR is don’t field a candidate and lend it’s full weight to SAPP. PR will also gain ground experience for the next GE.
Mrs Malaprop
October 20, 2010
It would be both foolhardy and suicidal to field a candidate. Since PR had already cried foul over the EC’s decision to hold both the Bati Sipi and the Galas bye-elections on 5 November, it is clear that the EC taking indtructions from their political master has been directed to take this decision. Clearly this is done to done to stretch your resources. PKR, where are your resources. All we see is a hugh hat which does not fit. Fielding a PKR candidate is simply saying to the EC yes, kick me in the face. Most of the blogs have already predicted this quite early on. The objective of participating in Batu Sipi is to wreast the seat from BN. SAPP is a friendly paryt and packs clout with the Sabahan Chinese. PKR is still very much a greenhorn and if it participate in Batu Sipi, it may get hurt badly. This bad showing will reverberate across the other Sabah. Voters will not have faith in a party who cannotstrategise and withdraw to fight another day. Don’t forget PKR has an obligation to help in Galas. So the decision of PR/PKR is Don’t field a candidate and lend it’s full weight to SAPP. PR will also gain ground hands on experience for the next GE.Voters will respect a party who understand the basic moves in the art of war.
Van Martinier
October 20, 2010
What if SAPP leaving BN ‘virtuously’ is actually a BN-concocted strategy?
Why hasn’t yet SAPP expressed its approval of some of the principles of Pakatan Rakyat which is good for Sabah (even though it remains outside Pakatan), if it is truly anti-BN?
What if we vote for SAPP only to have SAPP supporting BN again?
Hence a safe approach is to leave aside BN splinters like SAPP for the moment, as good as their candidates might be, and vote Pakatan Rakyat — just out of precaution.
Jong
October 20, 2010
That BN stench in SAPP is still very strong; that’s why I asked earlier – can those kataks in SAPP be trusted?
I still feel DAP should be given the option to field a PR candidate not PKR and to do so will be suicidal.
PKR is definitely in no position right now to be involved when they can’t even handle their own party election clean and fair like gentlemen, what else!
PENYOKONG POLITIK
October 25, 2010
orang sabah tak memilih parti tapi memilih calon siapa yang layak memimpin rakyat,sama ada pkr,bn,sapp sama saja yang penting orang yang calon tu pandai mengandalikan tugas-tugasnya sebagai wakil rakyat…..itu yang penting….
PENGENALISIS POLITIK
October 26, 2010
JIKALAU KITA LIHAT PADA CALON-CALON YANG BERTANDING SEKARANG DI BATU SAPI SANDAKAN….DIANTARA PKR(ANSARI)BN(LINDA) SAPP (DTUK YONG TECK LEE) KESEMUA INI ADA PENGALAMAN MASING-MASING DALAM BIDANG POLITIK ANSARI DULU PERNAH DI LANTIK KETUA PERHUBUNGAN PKR TAPI TAK AMANAH,LINDA KINI ORANG BARU DALAM POLITIK ORANG MASIH RAGU-RAGU..ORANG MENGUNDIPUN SEKADAR MEMPERINGATI JASA SUAMINYA PADA BN(EDMUND) MANAKALA YONG TECK LEE PERNAH MENJADI KETUA MENTERI SABAH….SAYA TIDAK MEMIHAK PADA SESIAPA TERSERAH PADA RAKYAT UNTUK MEMILIH SIAPAKAH YANG LAYAK DI ANTARA MEREKA…..FIKIR-FIKIRKANLAH RAKYAT SANDAKAN KEPUTUSAN DI TANGAN ANDA SKG…APA LAGI INILAH MASANYA MENGGUNAKAN AKAL FIKIRAN…
hj noh bin ahmad
October 27, 2010
HJ NOH BIN AHMAD
Oct 20th, 2010 at 2:12 am
ASSALAMULAIKUM DATUK SERI SAYA SALAH SEORANG PENYOKONG KUAT DARI DULU HINGGA SEKARANG…SAYA AMAT BERBANGA JIKA SUATU HARI DATUK SRI MENJADI PERDANA MENTERI MALAYSIA SUATU HARI”INSYALLAH” MUDAH-MUDAHAN DI ATAS PERJUANGAN IKHLAS DATUK SRI DOA PENYOKONG D,SRI DIMAKBULKAN DISINI SAYA ADA KOMEN DATUK SRI MENGENAI PEMILIHAN KETUA CABANG DI SEMPORNA SABAH BARU-BARU INI DI MANA HINGGA SEKARANG TIDAK ADA KEPUTUSAN MUKTAMAD…SEDANGKAN PENGUNDIAN DAN PENGIRAAN TELAHPUN DIJALANKAN DENGAN BAIK DIMANA KEPUTUSANNYA DI MENANGI OLEH PENYOKONG KUAT DATUK SRI ITU SENDIRI IAITU EN LOKMAN BIN UREH….WALAUPUN KEMENANGAN ITU TELAHPUN DIUMUMKAN OLEH EN SAIFUDDIN KAMI SELAKU AHLI PENYOKONG DATUK SRI MASIH ADA RASA SANGSI KERANA TIDAK ADA KEPUTUSAN MUKTAMAD YANG BISA KAMI HURAIKAN PADA PENYOKONG-PENYOKONG YANG LAIN SEBAB TAK ADA KENYATAANNYA…..
JIKA KEPUTUSAN MUKTAMAD TELAHPUN ADA TOLONGLAH DATUK BAGI ARAHAN KEPADA YANG DI PERTANGGUNGJAWAPKAN UNTUK MEMBERI KENYATAAN KEPADA KAMI PENYOKONG-PENYOKONG DATUK DI SABAH KHUSUSNYA DI SEMPORNA SUPAYA KAMI DAPAT MELAKSANKAN TUGAS KAMI MASING UNTUK MENJAYAKAN PARTI PKR DI SEMPORNA….SEHUBUNGAN DENGAN ITU JIKA SEKIRANYA EN LOKMAN BIN UREH DI PILIH SEBAGAI KETUA KAMI DI SEMPORNA KAMI MERASA BANGGA DAN BERTERIMA KASIH PADA DATUK SRI KERANA PILIHAN DATUK ITU TEPAT DIMANA IA ADALAH SALAH SEORANG PENYOKONG KUAT DATUK SRI YANG BETUL-METUL BERJUANG DALAM PKR…
MANAKALA CALON-CALON YANG LAIN ADALAH CALON YANG SENGAJA DIPASANG OLEH PIHAK PARTI LAIN(UMNO) SEPERTI PIRAMLI DITAJA OLEH YB EN BASALI.MUSTAFFA DITAJA OLEH EN WAHAB,WAHAB DI TAJA OLEH DATUK SHAFIEE APDAL…MALAH MEREKA TELAH BANYAK MEMBELANJAKAN WANG SEMATA-MATA UNTUK MENGALAHKAN EN LOKMAN BIN UREH (KETUA BARU CABANG) BAGI MENDAPATKAN KETUA CABANG INI ADALAH SATU TAMPARAN HEBAT PADA DATUK SHAFIEE(UMNO)MEREKA BERANGGAPAN PENYOKONG-PENYOKONG BOLEH DI BELI DENGAN WANG SEHINGGAKAN PADA KETIKA ITU DATUK SHAFIEE MENGADAKAN RUMAH TERBUKA AIDILFITTRI BAGI MENGELAKKAN PEMILIHAN KETUA CABANG BEJALAN DENGAN LANCAR,KINI JELAS DATUK SERI UMNO DI SEMPORNA BUKANNYA SEPERTI DULU LAGI JIKA SEKIRANYA PILIHAN KETUA TEPAT….BAGI DIRI SAYA,SAYA TAK MENYEBELAHI MANA-MANA KETUA YANG PENTING IA JUJUR DALAM PERJUANGAN PARTI…BUKANNYA SEBAGAI KUDA TUNGGANGAN…. SEKIAN…HJ NOH AHMAD AHLI PKR SEMPORNA SABAH