Some Perak problems solved, other small ones emerge. On the whole, I have to tell you, I’m optimistic. Maybe just geared on by the recent resolution.
This is a good time as any to make a more general comment.
Some comments have been to the effect of “See, not even one week and all the cracks are showing.”
I think this is very misleading.
If we take the time to exercise common political sense, we will find that time near political transitions should be expected to be the most tumultuous by far.
Take for example the period leading up to nomination day. Working in KeADILan’s central office, I can tell you that that period was hell.
Certain situations give themselves very naturally to massive conflict. PAS is a very well disciplined and well organised party, but even they had huge squabbles to deal with. Incidences like Fong Po Kuan’s were endemic, and KeADILan had their fair share.
Why? Because it is a time when there are a great many conflicting interests over some very high stakes – stakes that have very lasting impacts.
That’s true in the case of lobbying for candidacies, and it’s also true for Menteri Besars and State Excos.
Again, decisions made on these affairs shape the entire landscape of a political future. Most of whom successfully lobbied for candidacies have found that their efforts paid off handsomely. In the same way, State Excos have quite a lot of say in the future of state governments.
So, lots of competing interests over a pie of limited size.
All that said, don’t forget what happened after nomination day – for the most part across the board, people closed ranks and begun working their butts off campaigning.
Expect the same thing here.
Yes, we’ll fight a little about positions, etc, but once things get off the ground, expect some hardworking servants of the rakyat.
Don’t forget, due the sleepless efforts of some individuals, we managed to get straight one-to-one fights between BN and the then-opposition throughout the entirety of Peninsular Malaysia.
With due respect, whoever thinks this was an easy feat doesn’t know what s/he is talking about.
True, at some points, it didn’t seem like we would make it. In the same way, what is happening in these new state governments may look bleak.
But we got our one-to-one fights, because a group of dedicated Malaysians worked hard at it.
And I believe we’re going to get a good government not only in Perak, but in Selangor, Penang, Kedah and Kelantan, because those same Malaysians are going to work hard at it.
Well said.
If only everyone reads the voice of reason and calm here. I share your optimism for the future of the state government in those states.
would it not be better if you guys trash it out behind closed doors and not allow the other guys to take advantage of the situation. remember, they control the media.
a message to DAP: now is NOT the time to……”i want more, I want more”!!!!! wrong attitude, wrong time!!!
Why do you not, all Dap, Pas and PKR sit in a kedai Kopi and trash out your problems? Instead of having the press by your side, for that matter even M’kini. You guys are demoralising the supporters of Pas, PKR and DAP. Once you get your act togather, get one spokesman and say what you want to say. You can do that, can you? You guys are giving tons of ammo to the BN, to villify you. Pleeeeez do it right the first time. You are no more in the opposition. Let me give you an example, do not say,” Doing away with the NEP”, say the NEP will utilised across the board. That’s much better, is it not.
Interesting article on BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7292334.stm
Not directly related to politics but sounds like our situation.
“… are renowned for their ability to work together, and put the good of the community ahead of personal concerns.
But new research suggests that their xxxxx are actually hotbeds of devious, selfish and corrupt behaviour.”
Nat,
Can’t internal squabbles be kept out of the media? It’s really self destructive to have disagreements made very public. Is it political immaturity or is it something inherently wrong with the BR setup? Voters are confounded and confused. Solve issues out of the glare of publicity please.
Nat. Thanks again for the reassuring note. I was losing my sanity. We need to hope and believe again.
Open quarrels vs close door tradeoff?
Oh my, many of you just don’t understand healthy quarrels is important step for democracy. We MUST GET USED TO IT.
If BR choose close door tradeoff, it will falls like BN.
Now BR must work hard to learn how to clarify all this quarrels, find way to fix it, even by getting Malaysian involve to solve it. Don’t make it a “party problem”. It will be doom call for BR.
Instead of holding back the information. Uncle LKS just did it using his blog. And he solve it :)
Agree with you like weather in March here ‘in like a lion, out like a lamb’. So hope the politic situation in Malaysia same.
Does the state constitution limit the exco seats to 10?
Perak having 2.2millions population. 10 exco is not enough. and BR should try to get some non-political organisation involve in the process. Why not increase the exco to 15 seats instead of 10?
I will suggest this combo
MB – PAS (confirmed)
TMB 1 – DAP (confirmed)
TMB 2 – Female (open)
Of 15 Exco Seats:
8 – DAP
2 – PKR
2 – PAS
3 – Appointed neutral expert/NGO that nominated by DAP,PKR and PAS. Whether from Agri, education,manufacturing,servicing,etc.
Where is Democracy & Multi-racial Politics??
I understand that there’ll be lobbying for MB position, exco seats etc. I know that there was intense negotiations for seat allocations before polling day. However, what I don’t understand and don’t agree is this statement by PKR:-
“In the spirit of sincere openness, we stress that the composition of the Exco must reflect the composition of the population of Perak and represent the interests of all ethnic groups fairly.”
Are you suggesting that you now ignore the democratic principle of proportionate representation based on number of seats won, and follow the principle of RACIAL politics instead? Are you suggesting that within the BR, you need a Malay to represent Malay rights, a Chinese to represent Chinese rights and an Indian to represent Indian rights? Isn’t the BN doing exactly this? MCA for Chinese, UMNO for Malays, etc? So if Perak’s population is 90% Malays, you need 90% Malay exco members – irrespective of how the population voted in the various parties within BR?
The way the BR (esp DAP & PKR) has been making appointments since their unprecedented victory shows a very worrying trend. The Rakyat voted for Democracy & Meritocracy. We voted against racial politics. Having won on this platform, the BR seems to be practicing racial politics big time.
Look at Penang – You need to create new Deputy CM posts based on race. You are in fact saying that LGE represents only Chinese interests, and you need not 1 but 2 Indian & Malay deputies to represent them respectively. The DCM were appointed because of their race, not on merits. They are there today because of their skin color, not because they have the skills to manage the state.
Now, we are witnessing the same in Perak. Yes, you need a Chinese DBM(1) to protect Chinese interests & an Indian DMB (2) to protect the Indian rights. Are you again saying the Malay MB (appointed due to legal constraints) cannot or will not be representing the interest of all communities?
Extending this logic upwards, we’ll be having a Malay PM, Chinese DPM(1) & Indian DPM(2) if BR forms the federal government. Extending it downwards, we need the same 3-race leadership “gang” at town & city councils, government dapartments & agencies, etc. Yes, you’ll be witnessing a Malay VC, Chines DVC(1) and Indian DVC(2) at all our universities. Yes, going by PKR’s statement above, we will need ensure that the university senate have members appointed according to racial composition of universities, not by merit. Does not all this blow in the face of the BR’s “multi-racial” policy, esp DAP & PKR’s?? Well, at least is PAS more honest and upfront here!
So, DAP & PKR leadership, we the Rakyat have voted you in as multi-racial parties now expect you to govern along non-racial lines, based on democracy & meritocracy. If you insist on race-based appointments, I am sure BN can do a better job than you. Can you tell me why the Rakyat should continue to support you in GE13, or even during Anwar’s by-election??
Nat, I am more concerned with what MB TS Khaliad said what the Sultan advised him. telling not to change the policies and change staff.
Just read in nstp about the signing of puncak agreement by State Secretary on the eve of election. Wonder when it was stamped. Is the agreement valid?
moo_ t,
How is this open quarrel healthy for democracy? An analogy would be a couple squabbling in public -is it healthy for a relationship? Debate, discuss, yell out loud if need be , some things should remain in the private domain. It’s not for outsiders, no matter how well meaning, to witness and take sides. I am sure seat allocation for DAP/PKR/PAS in the 12th GE was difficult but it was resolved without open quarreling . Now, with some slivers of pie at stake, very public disputes have arisen. Supporters may infer the loose BR coalition is coming apart just as its critics had predicted.
“Oh my, many of you just don’t understand healthy quarrels is important step for democracy. We MUST GET USED TO IT.”
Well said moo_t, I agree with that. Let’s not have the kind of BN culture that saw Anwar and Mahathir hugging just a few weeks before the poor chap was brutally manhandled by the former pharaoh. My dearest wish is that in the next elections, DAP/PKR/PAS can have primaries to pick the best candidate for any seat before facing off with the BN. How fantastic would that be! Open, honest, problem-solving democracy… not just anti-BN jingoism. Is Malaysia ready for that? We’ll see…
as for…
“Perak having 2.2millions population. 10 exco is not enough. and BR should try to get some non-political organisation involve in the process. Why not increase the exco to 15 seats instead of 10?”
I’ve already disagreed with this idea on other blogs (including yours) but – sorry la – I have to disagree with it here too. I can see why you are proposing this idea, and I do appreciate you taking time with this, but I still believe that executive bloat is something we should try to avoid. The EXCO posts are meant to run certain government functions – and at the state level, frankly, there are not that many. In order to have efficient governance it’s better to have a controlled number of people calling the shots and reporting directly to the MB and coordinating inter-departmental affairs. More people is not necessarily a good thing… executive job is something like running a big business. Too many chefs spoil the broth!
And to counter your suggestion of population size being relevant… India’s population >1B, ~30 executive members. USA population ~ 300M, ~ 20 executive members. China’s executive contains around 30 people if I’m not mistaken. Malaysia got 55 jokers! Malaysia BOLEH mann…! A big executive is a bad BN culture, which we should not emulate.
In addition, the EXCOs will consult with NGOs, but NGOs need not (and I think cannot) be given EXCO posts. Engaging with the 2.2M population is the task of the ADUNs, not the EXCOs.
If we want to expand the EXCO (which, again, I think requires state constitution amendments – ain’t gonna happen in Perak) I think we need a much better reason than political expediency.
What am I praying for Nat? I am praying very hard that the current surface cracks doesn’t become a huge fissure that no amount of cement and grit can fill. Why? Because this time round, I went against the voting patterns of previous elections and defying family wishes — this time round I voted for the opposition in a constituency that matters little because it’s a sure bet for Umno — Setiawangsa with 26% postal votes. But I felt, I needed to make a personal statement.
So I’m praying very hard indeed that the coalition of the opposition parties grows stronger and stronger and that PAS and DAP will in the very near future finally resolve their differences however deep routed these may be.
I am praying that this is not a muta’ah coalition of convenience but a long and very lasting marriage.
Just recall my history lesson.
This is my 2 cents
Beware of tail wagging yes-man supporters. They will become sharks and consume their leader.
The whole “storms” are created by various party tail wagging supporters that turn into sharks.
BR (Opposition) please do not make press statements or interviews. Get down to the job.
Why interviews? No MB, No state government, No nothing, No sh*t. What are you going to say in the interview? Talking like children.
The Media is going to hammer you for every word.
Even Lim Guan Eng getting cornered by his own words.
JUST DO IT!
JUST SHUT UP!
Do the job, form the state governments, start learning the workings of the governments. Show the results then come out and talk with confidence to the media.
All the interviews and statements are BN method. Are you all the same?
Here’s an account of what happened in Perak from http://matsamankati.blogspot.com/
Aku cepat-cepat pergi pekan Kuale bila dengar ada kecoh. Sampai kat bulatan Jam Besar, jalan masuk ke Bukit Chandan ditutup.Lebih kurang 500 orang berkumpul kat Jam Besar, kebanyakannya reporter. Aku terus pergi kat Tebing Sungai dan tiba-tiba ada sekumpulan manusia kepala botak mula lari berkeliaran. Rupa-rupanya geng Pekida sudah bersedia untuk buat kacau. Tapi tak ramai, lebih kurang 30-40 orang.
Salah seorang daripada mereka cuba cari pasal dengan seorang pegawai polis tetapi dapat dikawal oleh polis Kuala Kangsar.
4.20pm: Geng Pekida mendapat ‘arahan’ supaya beredar dan ‘berkumpul dirumah MB”. MB mana aku pun tak tahu.
4.30pm: Reporter mendapat maklumat, upacara angkat sumpah ditangguhkan.
5.00pm: Line Clear. Kuala Kangsar kembali normal.
Sana sini aku dengar, masing-masing menyalahkan DAP, tapi bila aku tanya kat seorang Ketua Bahagian PKR, lain pulak ceritanya. Punca sebenar adalah bakal MB Perak sendiri: Nizar Jamaludin.
Hari Ahad lalu, selepas keputusan rasmi dikeluarkan, Pas, PKR dan DAP telah bermesyuarat dan DAP telah memberi laluan kepada PKR untuk menjadi MB, tapi PAS tak bersetuju. Sebaliknya Pas telah mencadangkan Nizar menjadi MB. PKR pula ketiadaan calon yang layak dari sudut akademik untuk menjadi MB dan bersetuju memberi laluan kepada Pas, tapi DAP pulak tak bersetuju.
Akhirnya, satu formula dicadangkan, Nizar jadi MB, DAP jadi TMB 1, dan PKR TMB 2. EXCO pulak, DAP 6, PKR 2, PAS 2. Walaupun formula ini nampak merugikan kepada PKR, tapi PKR menerimanya, tapi DAP pulak tak suka. Kerana memberikan kelebihan kepada PAS. Lalu Kit Siang mengugut nak boikot.
Bila Kit Siang buat statement, Nizar ketaq lutut, takut-takut jawatan MB terlepas. Dalam-diam-diam, dia buat agreement dengan DAP. Jawatan EXCO, dia bagi DAP 8, PKR 1, PAS 1. Nizar buat seolah-olah dia dah jadi MB dan buat keputusan sendiri, tanpa merujuk kepada PAS Perak dan PKR Perak.
Bila senarai EXCO disediakan untuk upacara angkat sumpah, PKR terkejut bila kerusi EXCO tinggal satu! Itu sebab Syed Husin buat kenyataan bahawa PKR menarik diri dari pentadbiran Perak, kerana ditikam oleh Nizar dari belakang.
Sekejap tadi, Anwar terpaksa turun keIpoh dan berbincang dengan Raja Nazrin. Setakat yang aku tahu, semua sudah selesai tetapi tak sempat untuk sampai diKuala Kangsar untuk Upacara angkat sumpah. Apa yang selesai, tunggulah malam ni.
nat: i’m approving this comment, but must note strongly that the info contained therein is all hearsay and cannot be verified whatsoever. tx!
Get Dato Seri Anwar contest in Perak and take over the MB post when the limitation period is over.
congratz!!!
Now, governs the 5 states successfully. Show the rakyat that you can govern states and then Malaysia nation especially in economy, safety, justice, education, state administration, transparency and many more.
if you excel in the five states, you can convince the rakyat to choose you as a ruling party at federal level; the same manifesto or strength of BN.
in your future manifesto, pay attention to investor/ corporate sectors. Draft the manifestos as if you are going to become the Malaysia ruling party. Alike BN, play with statistics and numbers; say 10 million for education, say millions for safety etc. opposition should have shadow cabinet line-up to prepare these manifesto.
Now, concentrate on Sabah and Sarawak parliamentary and state seats. pkr (or the opposition front) must show that it is a party for all races and ethnics ie bajau, kadazan, dusun etc. most of them vote BN because their mentality (i might be wrong) is BN brings development. if you can develop the 5 states, they can open their eyes and vote opposition in next general election.
Pas, pkr, dap etc must groom leaders or candidates for the 13th general election. Pick candidates with strong education background so that people have faith in them able to govern states (or Malaysia). Starting from today, these candidates must turun padang to list down all the problem faces by rakyat and tackled the problems; win their heart and show them that you do works. if the candidates don’t have enough time and energy, seek help from opposition supporters or appoint assistances as many as you need.BN won uncontested in 11 parliamentary seats meaning opposition lacks 11 leaders/ candidates.
Starting today until the next GE, keep record of mismanagements, corruptions (power and money), wrongdoings of BN for your campaigning points.
Most of the main media in Malaysia are controlled by the ruling party. opposition candidates must use alternative medium such as internet or blogs to convey their messages, counter the ruling party allegations, reveals corruptions by BN etc. if the candidates are busy, ask the party supporters to run the blog; maybe can elect media committee. The opposition have won five states and KL; make as many press conference as you can to address your developments, progress etc. each states have its own radio station; use these opportunity to deliver the messages.
Work very hard during this 4 or 5 years!!
If not, rakyat will vote for BN in the next election
if selangor can beat pahang or sabah or sarawak in economy, safety, education etc performances, the sabahan and the sarawakian and pahang people might choose the opposition in 13th GE.
The opposition must pick an outstanding state as a benchmark while governing the 5 states. If say pahang attracted 10 foreign investors, the five states must have more than 10 investors. If sabah crime rate is 10 %( let say it is a state with lowest crime rate), the opposition must have lower than 10% of crime rate. The examples are endless.
int ,
I afraid I must point out the facts that, the BN system has paralyze the EXCOs system.
I afraid I must render you example invalid, because you can’t apply the country cabinet member logic to Malaysia state exco. Please, at the moment, separate the state EXCOs system idea from Malaysia yesman Cabinet.
Everyone must Back-to-Basic and learn the reason of the EXCOs system. And attending 2.2 millions with ADUN. OMG, that is what BN educate the people for 39 years. You want recall ADUN that watch “longkang”?
For example, all Malaysia municipal councils has VERY bad communication with state government. State government always has NO IDEA WTH(What the hell) happens on various municipal councils.. That is BN system.
And to fix all this link and rebuild the democracy system, I afraid we need more EXCOs. When everything back to normal, EXCOs member can be downsize and reassigned to other task.
sam // Mar 13, 2008 at 4:37 pm, said
“a message to DAP: now is NOT the time to……”i want more, I want more”!!!!! wrong attitude, wrong time!!!”
Yes, same goes to PKR and PAS! Stop being greedy and want a piece of meat of everything!!