Up to the time of writing this, my post yesterday announcing my resignation drew 147 comments.
If it were not for the fact that I am loathe to censor comments save for the use of colourful or racist language, I would have deleted most of the comments as it was so painful to read how one man who, in my estimation, has done so much for so many of us at great cost to himself and his family, is today alluded to with so much hate and venom.
Unlike most of you, I have had the honour of living at RPK and Marina’s home in Manchester.
A narrow link house.
If I stretched my arms out as I walked through the corridor, I would damage the knuckles on both clenched fists.
It pales in comparison to their bungalow or semi-d in Sungai Buloh.
I spent a week with them in Manchester.
I observed a simple, frugal lifestyle.
Winter was about to kick in then. And I was already missing my sunny homeland. What about them?
Many of you may already have forgotten why RPK and Marina are now in exile.
I’ve linked 3 posts below.
The first and the second I wrote in 2008, whilst RPK was detained in Kamunting.
The last, before he and Marina took flight to go into exile.
Please read them all. Read the comments too. Who knows, you might just be reading now what you wrote then.
Have we misrepresented ourselves to RPK?
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends
Many of you appear to be of the view that RPK has betrayed us, and has sold out.
I think you premise this on his interview with TV3 last March and his latest interview with NST and Utusan.
I do not share this view.
Mine is premised on the man and Marina that I believe I have come to know.
We cannot both be right.
Let us all hope and pray that the error is yours and not mine.
You have my word, though, that should I discover the error to be mine, I will not hesitate to disclose all that I know to you.
Meanwhile, this divergence of view aside, we are all committed to see the end of UMNO and BN’s reign of tyranny and rape and plunder.
Let not this difference of opinion distract us from the work before us.
In my last post I had said that by God’s will, we will, together, plant love, tenderness and respect in this land of ours.
To those of you who believe that this man who once served us all so selflessly has, for whatever reason, left us, I urge you to let the process of planting love, tenderness and respect begin now.
If you truly believe this, rather than hate, pray that God returns RPK to our course.
Whilst I do not advocate this, if you must hate, save it for all that UMNO and BN do.
For me, I will pray that I will never ever have to say sorry to you for being wrong. You might want to add this in your prayers, too.
The People's Parliament 
marqueyee
January 3, 2012
ok lets pray !!!!!
calaw
January 3, 2012
Well said, Haris! It is a little sad on how things went. I originally follow RPK, and when he set up MCLM with you, I followed you as well. While both of you have the similar principles, your style and executions are rather different… maybe this culminates into you leaving MCLM… Oh well, perhaps that can’t be help. I still believe in political activist like you and RPK, and will continue to support in whatever way I can.
lim
January 3, 2012
I think most of us were in the a state filled with ambiguity and anger while seeing what RPK has done in the past few days. Yet, I’m still waiting for any clarification from the involved one. I hope all of us were wrong when the story tells the truth in one day. Nevertheless, It will never stop the wind of change in Malaysia as long as there is someone stood still against the devil.
raticulous
January 3, 2012
I am just simply confused. Why use the BN controlled media? that’s the 64 Ringgit question thats refusing to stop its buzzing around my head. And the timing?
raticulous,
I understand. But as you harbour these legitimate questions, and await some sanity to emerge from this seeming madness, can we not recall that this man has served us, and well at that, and withhold the unrestrained condemnation?
And if, as many think, he has sold out, ask ourselves how many can endure what he and his family are going through without capitulating?
How many have accused him of selling out to save his son? I ask those who make this allegation, how many would stand by and do nothing if similarly circumstanced?
raticulous
January 4, 2012
yes, you’re right, no judgement yet, at least till the Fat Lady sings
Malaysianatheart
January 16, 2012
Yo bro, the fact is that he has sold out – that’s what we, the masses that have hinged our hopes on a few good men like you, are trying to tell you. Time to leave the man to his own devices as he cannot now align himself with the cause for whatever reasons. Thats what we are trying to tell you. So, your resignation has drawn a lot of support. Its the right course.
His motives for selling out – yes I agree, it would take a Jesus Christ type character to withstand the pressures that have been piled on RPK and his family. What you have interpreted as venom and hate is really heartfelt disappointment. Understandable as it is – RPK’s capitulation still tugs at our heartstrings.
My heart goes out to him. I too am a husband and a father. Forgive our rantings and ravings about your friend. Even if it all finally comes out in the wash without a doubt that he was flipped – you will owe no one an apology. You have behaved how I would expect my best friend to behave if I was in RPK’s shoes. Unfortunately, I do not have a friend like you are to RPK – not many of us do. I hope that RPK realizes that. God has blessed him – with you as a friend. God willing, it will all work out in the end – and we shall all live happily ever after!
ctteo
January 3, 2012
A voice of reason and calm amidst the turbid storm.
Yes, I will pray as well that I will not have to read your apology for being wrong.
chkiew
January 3, 2012
Dear Harris,
I am just one of the silent members who supported your cause. Let’s face it, everybody has a price, RPK may have started with good intention and determination. But BN’s carrot and stick works on many, save for some real players like LKS, Karpal, Nik Aziz etc. I guess RPK was a tough nut to crack, but he crack nonetheless. Let’s move on, he has change side, but the fact on the ground hasn’t change a bit.
Jesse James
January 3, 2012
I have a tendency to assume that NST would have spun his words in the interview and so did all the other local mainstream media..twisting and blowing it up..just like the TV3 fiasco…however he’s yet to make any clarifications on all this..I do understand his frustrations on PR’s non-ending internal issues..especially at the top..how can we rely on a sputtering and faltering alternative choice..how can we show a united front? ..Lastly may we know as to what made you resign from MCLM ?
Jesse James,
I have made my reasons for resigning explicitly clear in my earlier post.
If, perchance, you are looking for unstated reasons, i cannot help you for there are none.
Greg Lopez
January 3, 2012
RPK has the right to air his views. In a democratic Malaysia that would be the norm. However, I would expect MCLM, SABM and BERSIH to be issue related and their leaders to comment only on the issues that their movements promote.
I respect and defend RPK’s rights to air his views. But as you have resigned from the leadership of SABM (before) and MCLM now because of clear objective to remove UMNO, so should RPK of MCLM.
If Dato Ambiga should also make personal comments of the political leadership of this country on both sides, I would also expect her to resign from the Chair of Bersih. At present, she is the model of leadership of non-partisan social movements that I envision.
We need to keep MCLM, SAMB & Bersih focused on the issues and not personalities.
saw hin seang
January 3, 2012
No. MCLM does not belong to RPK or anyone for that matter so is Bersih. MCLM, Bersih…belongs to the Rakyat.
Joachim Thayalan
January 3, 2012
I agree with u.
Bobby
January 3, 2012
They have taken it hook, line and sinker.
Hahaha RPK, bamboozled them again.
Best of luck to both sides.
Victador
January 3, 2012
Sam,
There obviously exists no enmity between you and RPK (and he told me so last night), both of whom are very dear to the course we struggle for. Out of the 150+ comments only about 5 used compassion in understanding the way the 2 of you lead. The rest allows gullibility from the fanning by others of anger for RPK in their mob response. A poor reading from the barometer of the Malaysian mindset.
As all on the committee of MCLM are protem, the job of this committee is to call for its inaugural meeting for members to elect its exco. Can we not proceed with this? It should NOT be seen by anyone as a step backwards by you but a leap forward for MCLM to the true cause, an unfortunate few truly know what it is about.
Vic,
There is nothing to prevent what you propose now from proceeding.
The chair can convene an agm, and members can step forward to take office.
Even you, my friend.
Enmity? No reason has arisen for that.
temenggong
January 3, 2012
Haris, the error is yours entirely. Has politics taken priority above friendship and loyalty?
Now make that call to rpk and apologise for your hastiness.
Trust me, for you are not in a proper state of mind.
Kannan MSakti
January 3, 2012
We respect you decision Harris, I believe you had deep thgt about it before placing your fingers on keyboard to announce it. On RPK, this is the reality, a hero can become zero in secs due to some announcement or comments which he knows better why. Similar incident happened to Waythamoorthy whom had almost same fate as RPK living in exile. Though his announcement on PR regarding Indians issue is to ensure PR listen positively to improve but many taken negatively and even branded Waytha as BN agent too. I believe you too know how the exile leaders are living in London and continue voicing for the nation here. It is RPK’s irresponsibility to clear the doubt or let the damage be a permanent scar. MSM are good in digging and publishing for the BN benefit, we have seen in prof ramasamy case as well.
Gan
January 3, 2012
Haris … well spoken !
Alfred
January 3, 2012
Based on the waves of hatred directed at RPK, it only shows 1 thing – the majority of voters are still very immature. It is a no-brainer that UMNO has always been able to buy the votes of these 30-40% swing voters, or whom I shall call, the backbone-less. Who’s anything for UMNO now?
RPK isn’t god. He may have been boastful, but the most abundant element of his is his commitment to the rakyat. No one understands his pain and the suffering of his family more than himself. And we all kick him off the edge whilst he was down. Where’s the faith that everyone should have? The things he said about Anwar (oh please, Anwar isn’t god OK) weren’t possibly untrue. RPK has always been about 1 thing: he whacks whoever he sees fit. In my eye I don’t see any inconsistency between his principles and what was reported. Anwar was not in the opposition nearly as long as DAP and PAS – if anyone were to become the new PM, how fair it is for him and his own cronies to just benefit from the long battles others have fought when he was still an UMNO man?
RPK isn’t a celebrity gossip columnist – he’s blood and tear for real; he’s also emotional and passionate for his cause (well, that’s what I feel from following his blog over the years). I believe in him. It’s time for those nay-sayers to dig a little deeper and back in time, to find out where in the way have you lost your heart? He is a political activist, not a politician. He makes no promise that costs us real financial woes. UMNO does.
I would say this Haris, if RPK’s action has been seen as selling out to UMNO, I do feel that your divorcing from MLCM could be seen as such too.
barry
January 3, 2012
I think that RPK’s head has grown too big somehow. Unlike Haris who quietly strives for this country, RPK likes to make big scenes. Sadly, his latest drama may cost this country the chance to rid ourselves of this malignant pest called UMNO, although it remains to be seen. Surely he knew that whatever he chose to say to Utusan and TV3 would be used as bullets by the monkeys in their desperate attempts to hang on to power; and no amount of post explanation would be able to undo the damage done. And I am not talking about the one person Anwar, but the entire movement, including ABU, MCLM, PR (yes, even these lousy politicians) etc to get rid of this menace called UMNO. Anwar may end up in jail again, and may become irrelevant but the 28 millions Malaysians who will remain in this country deserve a better government.
farida
January 3, 2012
Haris,
Even as I am bewildered by what RPK has said in his interviews, I will not forget his sacrifices for the country and his efforts in trying to clear up the country’s political mess.
And as I recollect his track record, what he willingly and unwillingly endured for us, I am sure of one thing – you can’t buy this man with money or position.
To me it was a foolish move once again on RPK’s part to give interviews to MSM and cause tumult in public space but then, isn’t that ‘vintage’ RPK? To say what he feels like saying – anywhere and everywhere!
People may say his timing stinks. I say he’s no fool.
What he has up his sleeve, only God knows.
And so, it is to God we must all go, for answers.
Commentators, when you swing so easily from one end of the pendulum to the other in your assessment of people without weighing the good they have done against the bad, and you do this so often at the slightest provocation, you have actually exposed the state of your own character and
the level of maturity you possess.
Time will tell where we go from here.
I choose to pray – for RPK and all of us.
You have a beautiful heart, Haris.
I know you still love RPK and his family.
I do, too.
C.Wong
January 3, 2012
I have no problem with the PR bashing made by RPK in the papers because I do find some truth in them. Pakatan shouldn’t see this as an act of RPK selling out instead they should see it as a positive sign that if they don’t shape up, they will be shipped out. Simple as that.
william
January 3, 2012
Dear sir,
All has been said.you earn my respect . all the best and lets walk hand in hand until
the end
Gary
January 3, 2012
Hello Brother u dont have to feel sorry…….just move-on…….lest u miss the target! Lets go!!
Abdul Ibrahim
January 3, 2012
GE13 is Rakyat HOPE to replace the corrupt government with new government. Please don’t kill the people HOPE… I support you Harris…
James Nakason
January 3, 2012
“RPK may become irrelevant”, whatever, we mustn’t forget RPK’s contribution. Last few days have shaken the whole nation and sad to see this happening again. I still believe there must a unknown reason why RPK said that in his MT. Just be patience and only time will tell the whole truth … while keep our objective right, ABU ABU ABU … that is our first step get rid of evil empires in our beloved nation.
Vijay Veerappan
January 3, 2012
Thanks ‘Ris.
The anti-RPK vitriol was getting too much.
Perhaps RPK is giving us all a wake up call?
Perhaps Nurul’s time in now and not later?
Is Anwar better than Datuk Seri Nizar?
Seems to me we should give RPK the benefit of the doubt considering all that he has done and has had done to him.
Fair weather fans are always going to be losers.
ps Happy New Year..
MChk
January 3, 2012
Sad that things have to come to a head as this. Sad for you that you have to take the honourable route to distant from RPK’s interview because of your principle. We do owe RPK a debt of honour for what he stood for and what he is standing for still, calling a spade a spade.
Remie
January 3, 2012
I was looking for a rational platform to write my thoughts. This is it. I can see the separation of ways between you & RPK. You have taken a firm stand against BN and taking the “active” route. RPK wish to remain on the non-partisan path, blasting both sides (as he always have) and taking them to task for ALL their serious shortcomings.
Both routes have their merit. Many understand your forthright manner better. So, I shall try to explore RPK’s, if I may.
He sees the emergence of a 2-party system. At least, in the near term. That means that UMNO & BN is NOT exterminated. That only means that BN will cross over to the opposition seats, if the people will it. BUT, they will still be in the political arena of Malaysia, whether anyone likes it or not. The only difference is that they will not be calling the shots. BN has only lost the majority votes but still retain a minority voice. A minority voice that is just as loud as PR’s under our present circumstances.
Thus, RPK’s solution is to engage both sides. Politics is never black and white but always various shades of light & grey. Something many commentators simply refuse to understand. RPK feels that his role for a better Malaysia is to blast & chide both sides from veering too much from the “right” path, i.e. the path of “by the people” and “for the people”.
His many readers have lauded his efforts at pointing out the faults & transgressions of BN. But, few have the sensibility to hear his finding fault in the ways of PR. Thus, he makes use of MSM to broadcast is message, in a most dramatic way. AND IT HAS WORKED! I am sure in due time, some thoughtful people will see the truth of his comments about PR.
One example is Selangor’s response to his assertion of corruption. “Come to us with the evidence”. Very typical UMNO/BN response. To me, if a “credible source” allege corruption in my adminstration, I would immediately look into it instead of sitting on my hands and wait until that source reveals all & sundry! The same methodology & mentality of our great police force, “We cannot act until there is a report made”. Finally, of course, when all truth is revealed, one has a bigger damage control job to do. Do you think such mentality will change overnight when they shift from opposition to government?
Haris, I am afraid this piece is too long, so I’ll stop here. After all, it is your blog not mine.
Patrick Archibald
January 3, 2012
We have been taught : LOVE THE SINNER, but HATE THE SIN.
Amen
Ranen Bhattacharyya
January 3, 2012
Yes it has been a long and winding road, Raja Petra Kamarudin & Marina ain’t heavy- they are our brother & Sister.
Thank you for that reminder.
Am with you on this journey…..
alwin lim
January 3, 2012
HARIS You are very forgiving !!!!
Forgiving is a nature of the strong never the weak.
Ariel Rifqy
January 3, 2012
I am with you, Haris.
Laoshan
January 3, 2012
“….Anwar dalam video itu. Saya rasa orang itu Anwar. Saya tak kata 100 peratus tapi 90 peratus atau lebih itu Anwar……”
What made RPK to give such a comment like above ?!!!!
I think this comment is most damaging to RPK’s own reputation !!
What a pity ? !!
Leithaisor
January 3, 2012
Haris,
I have been reading stuff RPK wrote for something like 20 years or more, from way back before FAC and MToday. Possibly even from when he used to write a cycling column for one of the local rags if my memory has not failed me.
And my opinion about him has its basis from them many years of RPK. Have not personally interacted closely with him like you have had, so on that count, you may have a lot more to go by then me.
Yes, he did do a lot for the fight for a better Malaysia, and often paid a high price for that.
But like I have commented before, in spite of that, I could not shake off the grave concerns and distrust I had of him. However, save for some quiet discussions with a few friends, I did not voice my concerns openly.
(His old house in Bukit Rahman Putra is a nicely renovated end-lot terrace house, by the way. But still a much more luxurious abode from what you described as his current home in Manchester.)
I had to consider the possibility that he was simply doing the job and taking the hits as a paid hitman. Hard slogging and pain, paid for by some unseen puppetmaster would, in that light, be just part of the job description. So too the lies I had recounted before.
I stress that it was, and still is, a matter of me not trusting RPK. I do NOT know if he is a mercenary; I have not seen proof of that.
But if my concerns were correct, the allegation from PKR yesterday that RPK is now a mercenary for UMNO does fall into place.
But again, I have seen no proof to back that allegation, so I keep that unproven status in my mind too, and RPK remains to me “someone I do not trust”.
It would be ideal if we could , ” by God’s will… together, plant love, tenderness and respect in this land of ours”. But we’d have to clear out the parasitic plants and infestations which will kill off the good plants we’d like to see thriving, no?
Perhaps, like you said, I am wrong. Who knows?
Indeed, a friend of mine who knows RPK has always taken a similar stance as yours, and recently told me, just a couple of days before the Jan1 bombshell, that RPK considers himself a mind games master.
Latest opinion from him is along the lines of “Let’s wait and see”. Looks like he is still holding onto some hope that RPK is still on the side of the good guys fighting for a better Malaysia. Maybe RPK made another big mistake like TV3 case at most lah.
To me, that seems highly unlikely, and I’d still maintain my stance of not touching RPK with a 10 foot pole. But who knows, I may be wrong.
But do consider the other possibility: What if I am correct?
shakuntala
January 3, 2012
Do you not agree that one of the most common failings of human beings is disloyalty….the most impossible of attitudes to reconcile with. One can shed tears forever and still believe that such a thing as disloyalty is impossible.
There is only a hair’s breadth between loyalty, betrayal or neutrality.
London’s style of houses, most of them linked can still be warm and cheerful…most people there are proud of their houses, which they call HOME.
On retrospect …..we have to move on…….
Post-uterine Gestation
January 3, 2012
Consider this:
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
– originated in “The Friends of Voltaire”, 1906, by S. G. Tallentyre
KSA
January 3, 2012
RPK is a good strategist – let one side hear what they want to hear and tell the other side to clean up their act. So I go along with Bobby
Redhuan D. Oon
January 3, 2012
I am really confused. RPK left the cause? Pray for RPK? Haha… you got to be kidding me. He never left.
Baba
January 3, 2012
i like your approach haris. i have deleted malaysia today bookmark from my computer. rpk has disappointed the people he called ‘rakyat’. unlike you though we are only able to form this negative opinion based on his interview with TV3 and his recent interview with NST and Utusan. he has clearly diverted from the course. therefore i feel rpk is now irrelevant to the course. why he did so i will still give him the benifit of a doubt. however, until he returns to our course that is all he will get, a benifit of a doubt.
and as for your resignation haris, you did the right thing. respect!
Allen Tan
January 3, 2012
From this post, you seemed trying to be sincere about that you were possibly wrong. But it was sincerely wrong! You seemed still putting hope that RPK will return to the course of fighting BN and UMNO.
But I was doubtful over RPK’s action. He flew over to Singapore which is so near to us, yet you were in the dark about his presence. He did not consult you about what he was to about to talk to the UMNO media. These showed that RPK didn’t respect you.
But if you still think that you are the one who is wrong, why then you resigned? This stepped showed that how upset you were over the incident. You told us in the last post that you emailed to RPK and told him you resigned. Was there a telephone contact instead? I’m sure you wanted to talk to him and listen to his clarification.
I am for you. This letter may offend you. But I’m not apologetic. I used to pray that God to remove the UMNOputras and the PBB fellas. I think GE is coming and there is not much time for hanky-panky, so I must as well now add RPK to my such prayer list.
DC
January 3, 2012
dear friends, our bro harris has spoken great sense.
please before you spew out any more venom, think first what you have done for the cause beside being an armchair critics spewing hatred from your keyboard!
lets pray that God returns RPK to our course.
gua bay song
January 3, 2012
dei haris,
have you forgotten the likes of ezam, choo keong and gobi? RPK is the latest club member. We await your apology.
BHTan
January 3, 2012
I share your view. However, I felt it is not surprising to see such outbursts from those who have cared so much for our beloved country to the extent of not accepting a reverse turn from RPK himself. He is aware of the huge following behind him and naturally, any changes in his opinion will open the floodgate of severe criticism. Nobody is right or wrong, it all depends on whose side you are in. Whilst I do not agree with some comments he made, I can’t deny the fact that he may be right in some arguments. We need to take his comments and analyse it on both sides. At the end of the day, it is not what he said which is important but who we vote come this election. I know who I am voting and that matters.
navinda
January 3, 2012
Pete has always advocated the Sun Tsu’s Art of War in his approach. Even as I read the articles as published by NSTP, I suspected that Pete was up to one of his strategies to defeat the enemy, which had been since the UMNO and BN. Didn’t Pete once say that he will sweep them into the South China Sea. As a man who had consistently fought the good fight, he definitely has a plan. But why NSTP and Utusan, only Pete knows; To the majority of us, Pete has changed sides and has given Najib an advantage by his action. I will wait for Pete to explain his actions. I will condemn him if he had really turned traitor to the cause, which I doubt very much. ABU still stays. Don’t we all want a better Malaysia?
arianna
January 3, 2012
Dear Haris,
RPK is entitle to his opinion. So do we.
In Sabah, we have been through much more than you, RPK or West Malaysians can ever imagine. And we are still being treated as a colony. But we have never given up hope that a day will come when BN will be toppled. Maybe not in our lifetime but our future generations.
And I’ve seen braver men took responsibility for their actions even going to prisons more than once. As for Anwar Ibrahim, though he is tainted, and face with the prospect of going to jail (again) he didn’t leave the battlefield but fight head on alongside his comrades and the people who want change.
We all know Anwar’s sexuality did not bring the country to ruins or cause the high cost of living or worsening racial and religious tensions. The culprits are the BN leaderships. But that does not blind us to Anwar and Pakatan weaknesses and faults. Nor do we treat them as demi-gods or saviours and look the other way.
In my humble opinion, RPK did more harm than he realises. And he took delight in trampling upon a fallen man who have been stripped naked in court and in public. What right has he or any man to spit on the face of a publicly shamed man charged with political motives?
And if I may say here, Raja Petra, come home and take responsibility for your actions. Just like Anwar did or Lim Guan Eng, Lim Kit Siang and a host of other braver souls who stood with dignity with the rakyat to face BN’s many a firing squads even at the cost of some lives.
No, we did not forget that soon. Or the hardships our comrades and friends faced in their sincere struggle to create a better Malaysia.
In fact, those who forgot are the ones who pelted rocks from inside our home and not at the common enemies outside. Common sense tell us that together we stand and divided we fall.
Sadly, some of us have forgotten just that. And sadly, one of them is RPK.
Yes, he is entitle to his opinion. So am I. Take that, you rat!
(Dear Haris. This is in answer to RPK and your post). Thank you.
charlie chan
January 3, 2012
strange – for someone who is rational n objective- why the sudden 360 degree turn??? strange things happen in our political arena- we seen frogs n now cows??
Impermanence
January 5, 2012
As RPK said, 360 degree turn is no turn
ronnie
January 3, 2012
im with you haris mybrother.
eddychua
January 3, 2012
Hi Haris,how about spending more time with SABM to make our country a better place?
tired
January 3, 2012
Dear Sir,
Regards to you and your loved ones this New Year and hopes of a better one than the one before.
I agree with the estimation of the situation that you yave made, that the benefit if the doubt should be given to someone who has sacrificed so much. In that vein, i woyld like to remind you of the very thing that rpk has stated at a high cost to his esteem in the eyes of so many. You do not matter, anwar does not matter, rpk does not matter, najib does not matter. No one man or woman matters in the greater scheme of things. All that matters is Malaysia. An imagined country free of corruption, free from the taint of people who will see Her harmed for their gain. An imagined country that all Her children, regardless of race, religion or creed, can call home. An imagined country where all Her children are equal and free before Her eyes. Please look beyond anwar or anyone else in this race. Stay the course you were on, open lines of dialog with rpk, find a common ground and take our beloved nation to where She belongs. Not for rpk’s sake, not for your sake, but for the sake of a country you both love.
Pravas
January 3, 2012
Dear Haris,
While your erstwhile MCLM chairman colleague has much to say about the quality of leadership in PKR, his own performance as a leader is questionable if not despicable. For one thing, by doing what he did, he sprung a surprise on you and the others closely associated with the movement you are jointly leading. And secondly, he used his well-practiced craft of innuendo to strategically fuel the sodomy nonsense engineered by UMNO just as the court verdict is about to be announced. That is not the hallmark of an honorable man, much less a leader.
Your friend is, in my opinion, an accomplished rabble-rouser who used the power of the net to feed an information-starved, largely pro-opposition, urban electorate with tantalizing bits and pieces innuendo over the years and in the course, set himself up as a cause celebre’. He is not a leader and, given his temperament and loose cannon tendencies, will never be. Given the murky and muddy waters of Malaysian politics, (which your friend is adept at stirring with gay abandon) one may never know how this will all end. What we do know is that, your friend, has done a deep disservice to the thousands who are rooting for political change after witnessing first hand, the injustice that is being meted out to AI by Mahathir and his illegitimate offspring in UMNO.
myop101
January 3, 2012
Dear Haris,
I do not hate RPK even after those interviews. I don’t know him in person and neither have I met him but from what I have read thus far, I believe I understand where he comes from. While some say he has sold out, others say he has simply lost it, I believe he speaks of one akin to the olden day prophets warning the masses that unless they repent, they will face judgement. The worst of all the lashings is reserved to those who rule over others, and this no less is what RPK did when he gave his interviews to NST and the likes.
For a person who fight so long and so hard while undergoing so much hardships for him to give up at the last minute is simply unthinkable (at least to me). I can only see him ‘screaming’ his disappointment at PR to wake up while there is still time to salvage what they are clearly going to lose (their state governments for instance).
Where he saw as failure in the part of PKR and PR, he admonished them to change or be prepare to face the ultimatum. “The rakyat have no love for PR.” that he clearly reminded them.
If one loves the rakyat like how one loves one’s spouse, woo them and not keep pointing out their ex are idiots. The rakyat don’t need to be reminded on that when they have place some hope in PR but yet reserve heavy sentimental feelings for BN. The most effective way to make the rakyat forget about BN is to outperform BN. But PR has thus far failed to live and act in that manner.
As for his criticism of Anwar, I leave it to the courts (albeit perception of lopsided bias). To me, RPK spoke his mind by indirectly reminding PR to wake up and be prepared for a successor in case Anwar is locked up for good in jail. PR must have plan B and this plan B must show maturity in the part of PR can work together with a clear set guidelines and attack plan that shows them as the best candidate for Putrajaya.
As for working with Najib bit, he knew fully well that BN will not change. He however extended the carrot to BN in hope it will cajole them to change because who knows, maybe someday Najib might have a frightful dream that may harden his resolve to act to change for the betterment of the rakyat?
I am no lover of BN or PR. To me, the most important thing is the cat catches the rat whether it is black, white, green or purple.
I am prepared to toss BN out too even if it means I live on a promise yet to be fulfilled by PR. But it takes two to tango and PR mustn’t forget that they are not the only suitor in town.
Don
January 3, 2012
There there Haris, there you go getting sentimental again, where no sentiments are called for. RPK carried forward his task in a cold, calculated manner, condemning Anwar, without having to justify his condemnations with evidence. He wasn’t sentimental when he did what he did to Anwar, MCLM, etc. Why then, do you think he deserves the same compassion that he has denied others?
RPK did it once, with TC3, in Australia, on the eve of a crucial by – election. Whilst some sank their claws into him, me included, most forgave him, and forgot about the damage he had caused. I am sure you yourself, then, had begun to feel uncomfortable, however, just pushed off the entire episode and moved on.
Now, RPK has done it again, this time with greater vengeance and venom, with a clear intent to cause maximum damage to Anwar, MCLM, you, and the rest of those associated with MCLM.
How many times must RPK continue to do great harm to his friends, and to a mutual cause, before you see him for what he actually is?
We all have families to feed, to clothe, to house, to protect, etc. I have faced similar situations like RPK quite a few times in my life, i.e., having a family to feed, etc., and having to decide what to do, and I usually found a way out, a way that usually meant that I had to sacrifice, and not make my family sacrifice. However, not once, did I ever curse, condemn or criticise my friends, associates, etc., so that I can make things easier on me.
Just look at the issues before you.
The man knew precisely what he was going to say in S’pore, yet he kept it quiet from you, even when he was beside you in Phuket, just a day or two before his interview with the NST in S’pore. To me it indicates premeditated ‘high treason’, against a friend, who had stuck with him, through thick and thin. And he committed the same against Anwar and the rest.
Had he gave you some inkling of what he was about to say, and then went ahead, even if you disagreed, at least, that would have helped you mitigate, for him.
He just let loose, with no consideration whatsoever, for the damage that he was about to cause, to everyone, condemning Anwar, and heaping on Anwar all kinds of insinuations, helping to justify Anwar’s guilty verdict, and happily sending Anwar off to prison.
if RPK’s thinking is, that, Anwar must go to prison, for RPK to continue enjoying freedom, then imagine what kind of man he is.
That is one of the worst things that one can do, on another person.
You Haris, are judging the RPK of a few years ago, without allowing for the fact that he is a completely changed man now, dictated to by a different set of principles and personal circumstances, and who is vicious, full of vengeance and out for blood.
He has put you and all that were with him on the MCLM, a few years back, and thrown away all the hard work that you have all done.
How confident are you, that he hasn’t leaked information about you, the rest of his associates, MCLM’s plans, visions, etc., to the special branch?
Are you absolutely confident that he hasn’t told anything about you, and made up stories about your plans to overthrow the BN Govt? Are you absolutely confident that he hasn’t revealed, made up even, all Pakatan’s confidential information, both about the party and individuals?
Are you absolutely confident that Najib, BN and UMNO, would be happy with just an interview condemning Anwar to the gallows, and derailing the plans of the MCLM?
Think again my dear friend.
The fact that he is still unrepentant, is a clue.
Yes, we should forgive him, there’s no doubt about that, but let’s also not make excuses for him, and allow him the space to go on doing it again, and again.
But then again, I ask myself, how do you forgive someone who hasn’t asked for it, indeed still thinks he is right.
Haris, judging from his latest posting, do you honestly think that he is repentant now, or at least has some remorse in him?
You Sir, be the judge.
jamesloh
January 3, 2012
Regardless what RPK comment, we should not demonize or hate him. He’s just speaking what he believe. It’s his right to say what he feel. Most of RPK comment have been pretty consistent. He have complaint about Pakatan the first day since the Tsunami. He condemn about racism, corruption, etc. Maybe he choose the wrong time to critize PKR, Anwar, and Pakatan Rakyat. Overall, he want us to think independently and not to trust anybody blindly. I think he have succeeded on educating us to think independently. I think most Rakyat know it’s important to get rid of UMNO in order to save this country. After getting rid of UMNO, we’ll focus on getting rid of corrupt Pakatan Rakyat politician. Thus, I want to warn PKR, PAS, and DAP not to think the rakyat is so easy to be fool.
ABU!
Kua Kia Soong
January 3, 2012
I have a point to make.
I am with Haris Ibrahim on this course of action.
I oppose RPK very strongly.
However Haris Ibrahim must be criticised also, for his hypocrisy.
The hypocrisy is that Haris now suddenly advocates “love the sinner and hate his sin only”.
When it comes to RPK, Haris loves RPK. Haris treats RPK with kid’s gloves and only disagrees with RPK’s incredibly destructive actions. Haris’ argument is that RPK has supposedly contributed a lot.
But when it comes to Mahathir Mohamad on the other hand, Haris rips and shreds Mahathir as a Kerala mamak etc. for Mahathir’s sins. Sure Mahathir has sinned a lot and should be punished, but why Haris doesn’t acknowledge Mahathir’s supposed contributions too?
So this is one disturbing character trait in Haris that we have to worry about, which is Haris’ inabilty to step back and see the big picture objectively without all the buddy-buddy sentimental attachments.
This is probably the single thing that blurs Haris’ otherwise admirable judgment on reforming Malaysia.
That’s why we the people must focus on the CAUSE and the PRINCIPLES behind them, and not on RPK or even Haris.
We admire the principles and clarity of vision, not build the personality cult. We all must be leaders of our own.
Let’s focus on getting rid of UMNO and Barisan Nasional to end the mad corruption.
Sam01
January 3, 2012
Haris,
Do you think NST or TV3 will give you space and air time to air your thoughts? Of course not. Then why do you think they gave RPK space and air time?
And mind you TV 3 flew to Australia and NST flew to Bangkok to meet RPK. Why do you think they made such efforts to speak to RPK. Because there was prior arrangement as RPK must have told them that he was ready to speak what they want to hear. He would have said he was ready to bash Anwar and Pakatan if they give him space.
TV3 and NST must have gotten prior green light from Najib to interview RPK. Come on, they would shun RPK if he was still anti Najib and BN.
ablogsmith
January 3, 2012
Hi Haris. I want to contribute to ABU whether in cash of kind. As I do not have a rural kampong to bring that ABU materials, perhaps I can contribute cash, unless you have a better idea. Waiting for your response which I hope will be forthcoming.
ablogsmith,
Please await details of where contributions may be sent to.
andokc
January 3, 2012
Don’t you think that most of us might have jump the gun too fast on RPK? For him to criticize Anwar in such a way, he must has his reasons. We may not have a clue why he did that but it is definitely not a dollar sign factor, for a man that has been through hell resulting from fighting Umno. For me personally, he’s stating the fact about Anwar’s leadership & PKR & he’s entitle for his view. He’s not associated to any political party btw. Come on, btw, do we need RPK to tell us abt PKR’s flaws? To be honest, I support PKR is more of anti Umno rather than pro PKR. What RPK did could be a wake up call to Anwar & PKR if they were to lead the country 1 day? someone has to be the son of a b**ch to wake them up in a harsh way. 1 thing to ponder – many of us labelled Zaid as trojan horse when he walked out from PKR. Many of us were wrong, right?
AG
January 3, 2012
no more RPK for me.i,ve deleted MT from my bookmark.he betrayed us.that’s a fact.
hccheah
January 3, 2012
Dear Haris it is ” Oh Lord, how many were duped and for so long” . For those who felt gratitude in whatever measure to RPK, please speak for yourself. I believe there are many discerning malaysians who do not share such sentiments.
My2cen
January 3, 2012
Haris,
When I first read RPK’s recent writings in Malaysia Today, I quickly opened up People’s Parliament to check your comments. You didn’t reply until a day later with your resignation in tow. I was pacified, as I thought the same. How can we have so much hope in MCLM and yet, so quickly backtrack on what was promised, and more, so much effort put in by your goodself and those in your local team, including the planned candidates?! I am glad that at least you are still consistent with the struggle (ABU!), and in all the platform you have worked with, nothing has changed. My trust in you has not wavered, and am hopeful to see your work in Sabah & Sarawak, our brother&sister Malaysians have suffered the pillage in silence for far too long.
At the same time, I am sad to see the about change in RPK. I think he has been influenced by his ‘friends’ visits to Manchester, the kinda non-comrade friends as defined by himself. The kind sent by Mahathir to pay him a ‘respect’ call. But most of all, I feel sad with the kind of names they have called him nowadays. There’s even worst names called in Malaysia Chronicles. I would like to remember him for all the kindness, generosity, solidarity & sacrifice he, Marina & his family showed us fellow Malaysians all these years. We should not condemn others just for difference of opinions (unless he’s a murderer, rapist, plunderer and all the ills). If things don’t work out, we can walk away. Let’s keep our cool in check.
I have learned in the past 3 years not to get worked up every time something like this happens, as it happens a lot in politics and the struggle for regaining our independence (sadly, we are still chained by UMNO with all the propaganda and lies they spew everyday in every form, that’s why we should stay away from their TV, papers, websites & most of all, their people!). Anger is a very powerful tool, if we channel it correctly, but it can be self-destructive if we abuse it. I hope that’s not what’s happening with RPK. It’s something I’m also learning to control. So the anger is now directed only at the ballot box!! No need to rant anymore, just act on it!
I hope it’s not to late to wish you & everyone a Happy, Healthy, Blessed 2012!
Linda Beauvais
January 3, 2012
” If you truly believe this, rather than hate, pray that God returns RPK to our course.
Whilst I do not advocate this, if you must hate, save it for all that UMNO and BN do.
For me, I will pray that I will never ever have to say sorry to you for being wrong. You might want to add this in your prayers, too. ” humble yet so human being.proud of u Mr.Haris. 🙂
STS
January 3, 2012
Most of the readers did not see it coming. RPK had been dropping hints that he would whack PR next. RPK knew very well that what he said against PR would not change a thing about most Malaysian perception of UMNO (Read Matthias Chiang latest article on RPK). Given RPK a break and let him come home.
jefferi
January 4, 2012
only RPK himself know why he do as he did. i hope that he has a good reason for saying the thing he said for the people sake and not because of something unknown reason that we might regret in future.
yes, pray is the only thing we can do. to pray that RPK still be at opposition side and not be on the BN-UMNO side that will made many heartbroken and sad.
Abdul Ibrahim
January 4, 2012
Read this…
http://www.malaysiatimes.my/2012/01/03/httpariffaspan-dap/
something fishy…
Crankshaft
January 4, 2012
I doubt RPK’s sold out. I think he is growing increasingly impatient and frustrated at being in exile for so long and consequently, he is acting rashly. Sometimes, riling up people can be a useful mechanism in getting things done. Sometimes, it backfires.
Personally, I don’t see what the fuss is all about. Are people (both supporters and detractors) going to believe that Anwar is guilty — simply because RPK said so?
Did he even say so, to begin with? The news — coming from the halitosis-afflicted mouth of the MSM — is something I would take with a pinch of salt.
Pravas
January 4, 2012
A small postscript before I move on to more pressing things Haris.
I am more than 95% sure that he was successfully turned around by his SB handlers while in Kamunting.
Everything said and done by him (and his secret compatriots in UMNO) since then has been scripted and stage-managed by his SB puppeteers: everything from his release, his post-release statements, his dramatic exit from the country and all those entertaining postings and appearances, his well-funded travels and finally his strategically-timed statements made exclusively to his favorite news channels in the MSM …with the sole intention of undermining the forces of change and renewal as represented by people like you.
With this turn of events, UMNO has achieved two things in one stroke: effectively dismantled MCLM and discredited the cultivated reputation of its recently acquired ‘asset’. The resignations from MCLM and the bulk of comments from his erstwhile ‘followers’ in the online media is proof of that.
But I am positive that change we all desire will happen nevertheless, if not now, sometime in the future. It will happen despite the subterfuge and the machinations of the forces stacked against all right-thinking Malaysians.
bigjoe
January 4, 2012
Actually I think MOST Malaysian take their view, they just don’t have the faith and character you have to commit to it and hence explains the attack on RPK. THIS is where RPK is wrong in believing that its the time and his role to change that at a time when the priority is ABU. In the word of a very famous man who has proven us all wrong, in getting things done, we have to be practical.
Phua Kai Lit
January 4, 2012
Dear Encik Haris
1. We can understand your personal pain because of your close
friendship with RPK.
But looking objectively at the evidence, one can only conclude that RPK
has chosen to take the path that “Rocky” and Chandra Muzaffar have taken.
In life, one has to bear responsibility for one’s actions.
To me his credibility now is zero point zero.
2. We should not be surprised by this latest turn of events. In the often sordid
world of politics, anything can happen. As the Dr M himself once cynically said,
“In politics, there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies”.
3. We should all soldier on to get rid of this kleptocratic UMNO/BN ruling regime that is
threatening to turn our beloved Malaysia into a sub-Saharan Africa-style
“failed state”.
4. Finally, history tells us that once a social movement gets going, it has a momentum
of its own. Personalities matter, but not as much as one thinks.
In solidarity,
Shobha
January 4, 2012
You are a wise man, Haris. I share your views and have faith in RPK, still. Perhaps he has something up his sleeve. God only knows, but till we know for sure, we should, not judge him, until the truth comes out. I have never, will never forget the contributions of this man.
benfoo
January 4, 2012
guys, we are loosing sight of the bigger picture here!! all said and done, we must remember that the actions of RPK (intentioned or otherwise) has indeed opened our eyes to the fact that the struggle for a better Malaysia is beyond an individual person or any person for that matter…its a collective effort and RPK’s latest actions have served to highlight this in a greater manner and need than before….
let’s look at it in a positive light…its not about RPK or Anwar or whoever….are we now leaderless in our combined struggle….we are NOT!!! we are ONE yet we are MANY!!
let’s move on and refocus on the things that matter, shall we.
bro harris….thanks for the article…and yes i agree with you that RPK has done much and sacrificed much more to bring us to this state of play and rightfully credit goes to where it is deserved…the rest and the path onwards will lie on all our shoulders from now
cheers and happy new 2012
sl
January 4, 2012
Continue the good work Haris. The rakyat must be focussed- ABU, ABU, ABU.
GE13 is not about any personality; it is the awakened rakyat versus the thieves, pirates, bullies, period.
I see a bigger picture – certain personalities are stumbling blocks to the rakyat’s cause. They have to be dethroned; there are many good people out there who have enough of UMNO’s abuses, who want a better Malaysia, but with these personalities in the lead, it will be like ‘out of the frying pan into the fire’.
Most of what Raja Petra had said is not new (we can see if we don’t follow the herd) and if UMNO-bred and genetically similar personalities in Pakatan are dethroned, most people who are on both sides of the political divide will remain as they are, BUT the informed fence sitters (and informed BN rakyat) will be able to make calculated wise choices.
I think RPK’s timing is right especially with the GE13 just round the corner, as we need the informed rakyat to be comfortable with their calculated choices.
KC
January 4, 2012
“Anything But UMNO” and “Asalkan Bukan UMNO” is our battle cry. RPK and Haris have been role models and more importantly, each has been the vocal and visual personification of ABU.
And it is our common agreement that for a better country, we each individually need to exercise our responsibility to act and vote as such.
I am hopeful that as RPK and Haris each execute what they think is the best strategy, that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. RPK’s recent comments are excruciatingly painful to hear but as the adage goes, “Every criticism has some truth”.
My hope is the leaders in Pakatan Rakyat will be humble enough to accept meaningful criticism and improve.
My hope is that all who think RPK has sold us out to BN are totally wrong.
My hope is that we who once believed in RPK, felt his anguish, identified with his sacrifices, resonated with his opinions and rendered him our support, directly or indirectly, will be able to rejoice.
My hope is that Haris, you will continue never to waver in your fight. Your fight not alone. Your aspirations for a better Malaysia resonate with many.
Friends, even despite your best efforts, should things not pan out as we hope this election, remember, we fight a war of principles. As in all wars, some battles are lost but what is important is to go the distance to ensure that the war is won at the end.
No fate but what we make. In RPK and Haris I still trust.
wahyu9
January 4, 2012
There are many who cannot be threatened or bought outright. RPK is surely (99% sure) one of them.
Problem is, everyone has weaknesses that can be exploited. Having been addicted to his blog after I got interested in politics after Hindraf, I noticed that he was obsessed with perfection on PKR’s part after the 2008 election. His ideas on Ombudsman, trying to force non-party candidates on PKR and so on made me uneasy.
Reality is, as bad as elected representatives are, we can’t have a Iranian-style unelected overseers. And in elections, it is bad enough party members sabotage each other and we expect to parachute in non-party members. And targetting only PKR in his pet ideas was surely an insult to the party. (As events show now, even long-term PAS members are not immune to UMNO)
As people started clamouring for change, they naturally gravitated to a PR coaliation captained by Anwar. Activists and bloggers, including Harris, are no longer the main star attractions.
I have sensed some changes in the way of RPK’s articles and wanted to tell him to hold away jealousy from himself. But being a nobody, I thought maybe I am just imagining things and didn’t want to be a busybody.
I hope people like Harris and others will realise that their efforts HAVE to be selfless. They must realise that the fruits of an activist’s effort WILL be enjoyed by a politician. It is the way of life. If we don’t want it, either don’t be an activist or join politics directly.
Michael Jackson's Ghost
January 4, 2012
To those who say RPK got some grand master plan up his sleeve…………
To those who say RPK is perfectionist and only wants to improve Pakatan with his comments……..
To those who think RPK did a lot of good and only wanna do good…………
Think again la.
Why his timing so perfect one? Suddenly talk about the sex video when that issue is an old issue? Why never state his views back then and be finish with it? Why suddenly imply that Anwar is gay?
Why at this time just before the court verdict gonna come out?
Why near election time?
All this is enough to show that RPK has PROBABLY switched sides. Of course we cannot say for sure. But everything since his Sarawak election fiasco until now hints at that.
Sorry. Say goodbye to RPK, everyone.
He has long gone down the drain. Even when Malik Imtiaz Sarwar the principled lawyer has lost faith in RPK, still wanna cheer and support RPK kah?
Get back to reality, folks.
Poppyseed
January 4, 2012
RPK simply is the ‘Eve’ who was lured by the Satan to sin….but then of course the Eve (and her offsprings) were punished by God for labour pains in generations to come.
The Bible and Christian followers condemned Satan but left Eve off-hooks….should we act similarly to RPK?
Pete
January 4, 2012
Okay lol ! I shut up for now but if RPK go for another interview, he knows all hell break lose lah ! No play play ah!
robert ooi
January 5, 2012
Dear Sam,
I have the honour of meeting you in person not that long ago and my admiration for you though fomerly from afar has grew many folds.What you and colleagues are doing for Malaysians and Malaysia deserved the utmost respect. Although you are no longer with MCLM, I’m sure you have the same zeal and determination as before to do what you have been doing.
RPK according to scores had sold out and is now a turncoat???
I have the honour of knowing Pete and Marina and believe me, you could not have meet a more wonderful couple! Although of royalty, I do not detect a single streak of airs and graces in this couple and their children.
For Pete to sell out now after all his family and himself had gone through? This I refuse to believe. Whatever he had said and done I believe is for a reason not privy to us, the general public.
Like you Sam, I still believe in this man and have the priviledge of having him and Marina as friends and I hope in time he will be vindicated from all these harsh judgements.
Capt Sudhir
January 5, 2012
Politics is the art of the impossible. The impossible sometimes needs the good to seem to do evil. Both you and RPK are doing the right thing. (albeit many can’t see the big picture). The momentum was slowing so you need to sacrifice a Bishop.. the price is still the King…….and ….it is not Check that we need — but a checkmate…..KUDO’s 🙂
shakuntala
January 5, 2012
Talk or analyse till the cows come home…and never find an answer…where Petra Kamaruddin is concerned it has always been a comic opera……..sounds familiar.?……………maybe the answer he is looking for as a clever contortionist, is that we arrive by throwing him over.
And so some of us have truly done this. I have a t-shirt of his bought during the days of goggle-eyed following….I don’t throw it away, I wear it inside out.
Sue
January 6, 2012
Dear Mr Harris
I have not heard or read RP interview. Neither have I read a lot of his writing though I have read some of it. I do not agree with some of his view although I agree 100% with some of them.
I have also been sent many emails on ABU. Sorry to say that I will not be doing ABU as it is now. If the fall out with RP is about the irrelevant of certain personality in PR. I fully support his view. I feel that by doing ABU and my PM is ….. I will rather stick with the current government. A PM of a country is very important, the current one is not fantastic but I think to have your ABU alternative is suicide. A leopard does not change it’s spot even over 10 years. Moreover the leopard’s conduct over the last couple of years has not impress me of his sincerity towards the nation. RP is brave to acknowledge that. He is to be respected and should not be treated and accused the way he is now. I wish you have stand by him more.
John Lang
January 6, 2012
Dear Encik Haris, I share what you have written. I have the honour of directly associating with RPK in the late 70s when he was the Deputy Chairman of William Jack & Co in Petaling Jaya. Based on my knowledge of this man, he is not likely to sell out anyone, himself and friends included. I believe he is very frustrated with PR especially with the people heading the Selangor government, thus prompting him to consent to the interview with NST and Utusan. These people are self centric to a great extend which if they are not careful will mirror image another Perak fiasco. PKR in particular is taking thing too easy and carefree. They really need to buck-up if they are serious in retaining the Selangor government. PKR needs to identify real friends and supporters and listen and pay attention to these sincere people’s advise i.e. RPK’s as well as En Haris’s included.
Just like you, I pray RPK will return to the fold soon and at this moment, nothing except ABU should be the main focus if we truly want to save our beloved country from further rots.
Jong
January 8, 2012
‘..growing increasingly impatient and frustrated’? – Crankshaft
Think he is the only one feeling that way? What about the hurt, the pain, disappointment and betrayl felt by others? I want to know why is he doing to Anwar and Pakatan esp with Sodomy II verdict to be out in days and GE-13 to be called anytime now! He could just shut the gap up, if he had nothing nice to say! And that was no mere coincidence but downright deliberate I must say and NST is the devil’s newspaper that he was talking to. Why?
Yesterday, Malaysiakini had this to report: “RPK ready to return if freedom guaranteed”
Bet he would! He has done it, earned half his journey, now the other half depends on what else he can dish out to shock, upset and disgust Pakatan leaders & Allies – Umno/BN’s foes!
Sigh, how soon he forgets – Haris, it was you, Zorro and the many others who were there always for him, his wife and family through thick and thin when he was guest of this Umno government in Kamunting, Candlelight Vigils for him, Court visits etc. If not supporters of PAS, DAP and PKR then who else would – his royal brothers, Umno/BN?
Leena
January 10, 2012
When a person feels betrayed, that person is overcome by anger. After awhile that anger subsides and that person is able to see clearer. I will not lie to you about how I felt after the bombshell RPK dropped. I felt hurt and betrayed. Now those emotions have left me and I feel sorry that things didn’t quite turn out as “idealistic” as we would like.
RPK has his own reasons and I wish him the best. He fought a good cause and is now thinking what’s best for his family as he may feel his own mortality creeping in. It is after all, human nature.
We should look past that and move on. There is a greater cause at stake here. Let’s focus all our enegry is topping the BN/Umno machine. So, either you are with us or not. At this point, we can’t afford to let little petty things like the RPK fiasco blur our vision to create a New Malaysia 🙂
Pak Yeh
January 10, 2012
Come on Haris, wisen up.!
ABU with or without RPK.!
RPK’s way not palatable.? Choose your way.! There cannot be 2 ways nor 2 leaders.!
The history of Revolutions is rift with Counter Revolutions. Your friend can become your enemy without you knowing it at a blink of an eye..
I had believed in RPK.A pantun was adressed to him (RPK untok PM). My reason for dumping him as my leader is because he has not acted as my leader, by giving wrong and misleading directions. Details of my reasons..”RPK’s Spin” are at my blog, http://warongpakyeh.blogspot.com/2012/01/rpks-spin.html
You be our leader then brother Haris.
Rahman Hyder
January 10, 2012
bro
your resignation came right after the rpk interview was published.
we saw that as a MAJOR disagreement between the two of you.
we haven’t even formed the government and two of our heroes sudah gaduh.
what the chicken??!!
could all of you guys (including the clowns from pkr, pas and dap) stop the drama and act wisely?
if you have a falling out, do whatever you must, but MANAGE THE PERCEPTION given to the public!!
tell you what, man.
if haris ibrahim and rpk don’t convince us that they’re still friends, i for one will have lost all hope for this country.
you wrote
“If you truly believe this, rather than hate, pray that God returns RPK to our course.”
whose course?
not mine.
i would never choose a cause where friends can be dismissed so easily.
how sure are you that “our course” is the right one?
have you received Divine Inspiration?
c’mon la, bro.
the nation’s fate is at stake.
Malaysian Care
January 10, 2012
I read and listen to what RPK said in NST interview. What was wrong with it? What has really RPK sold out? Was it because he used UMNO media? Was it because RPK was critical on Anwar and alleged Selangor government corruption? Do you seriously mean RPK has no right to be critical on Anwar or PR??
If PR has done enough ground work, do you think RPK’s opinion will be able to influence the election results? During Sarawak state election, PKR failed miserably and only managed to win two seats. Was it because of RPK comments? Was it RPK influenced the voters??
Many claimed that RPK was paid $$$$$Millions by UMNO. Can you show us the proof about your lies?? No proof? Are you any different from UMNO cyber troopers for spinnning lies about RPK? Don’t you feel shame of your comments for spinning lies about RPK???
DAP chairman Karpal Singh stated two years ago, that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was ‘not fit’ to lead Pakatan Rakyat. Is Karpal Singh a sold out or UMNO stooge?
vasantha
January 11, 2012
Dear Haris,
I am so disappointed to read this post. Oh my God! you have a mega RPK fixation. You just don’t get it, do you? You expect people to love your friend despite the fact that he keeps on making mischievous comments. He undoes what a lot of good people are trying to do – bring big changes to the political landscape of the country in order to make the average man’s life a little better. it is not about ‘jaga hati kawan’. I would not vote for you because you cannot see things as it is. Ponder on your reasons for wanting to be in politics. It should not be to indulge in a ego ride! Once upon a time, I trusted this man but not anymore. I have a right to revise my opinion at any given time.Sir.
Abel
January 16, 2012
“Egos” can be a nasty thing, and yet at the same time, it is something of an indispensable element of someone who has seen success in life. One has to often make sacrifices if a TEAM effort is to succeed, and sadly Malaysians have a long way to go when it comes to learning to work as a TEAM. The obvious example is how Pakatan Rakyat seems to be tripping over itself, and..within the individual parties, the leadership is continually offending each others sensibilities…or making sweeping statements which are not cautioned and jeopardize the teams progress….I suppose those in MCLM are no exception….please take efforts to learn and grow…no individual should be greater then the cause..
siewchinteo
January 20, 2012
The quote below The People’s Parliament – “We are here, not because we are law-breakers; we are here in our efforts to become law-makers – Emmeline Pankhurst”
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There is a stature erected in honor of Emmeline Pankhurst on the grounds of Parliament House, UK 🙂
And the “we” she was referring to are the women – she was the one who pushed for allowing women to vote!
Haris & RPK – you have my vote!
Brother
September 23, 2012
It’s a long and winding road Harris. Let walk the miles together bro !