Well, it’s generally poor form to say “I told you so” :P :)
And who knows, it may still be premature. As dad says, a deal isn’t done until the money changes hands.
Nonetheless. Dr. Syed Husin has confirmed that an agreement has been reached in Perak :D
MB: Pas
TMB1: DAP
TMB2: KeADILan
Exco Total -
DAP: 6
KeADILan: 3
Pas: 1
Senator: 1 for KeADILan
(I think each state gets to elect 2 to the Dewan Negara)
Yes, we can all exhale now (or soon, anyway :P :)
And hopefully give those guys the benefit of a doubt whenever a crisis pops up, as they will continue to.
I don’t think our leaders should be held to low standards, but I think instant judgements can be equally unfair.
So well done to all who had a part in reaching this compromise :)
Still, there’s much to do. Much to write. Hope it won’t take too long!
It may not be over yet…I’m told the going offer rate for a cross-over to BN/UMNO runs into 7 digits (million plus). The BR has a 3 seat majority in Perak – just needs 2 to cross over for BN to get back into power.
UMNO treated Perak and Selangor as goldmines for contracts. The prospect of that money fountain drying up is causing a lot of Umnoputras to Sh*t in their pants right now……
Sounds like a football on-field formation doesnt it. Glad to know an agreement has been reached.
Hi Nat
6:3:1 – that was what I told my colleagues this morning. I hope all parties are satisfied & comfy with this and will now focus on more important stuff as promised to the people.
I am very sure that many many disagreements also were/are seen in the other Barisan, so its nothing to ‘heboh-hebohkan’ folks!
Cheers!
I breathe a sigh of relief as well – I was so disturbed the last few days,
Whatever, hopefully all that will be in the past and we can look forward to the new BR governments fulfilling as much as practical/possible the expectations and hopes of the people!
Well done!
PKR won only 7 state seats in Perak and makes all sorts of demands, and threatens the coalition in public-very bad form. That Syed husin ali is behaving like an UMNO bully. He used to promote his cronies in UM when he was on the promotion board-this zebra politician is still asking for racial representation, as he did in UM.
Why the megaphone approach? Can’t DAP-PKR-PAS set up an internal mechanism to blow off steam and resolve issues among themselves?
I voted for a Malay candidate from PKR in the last two elections hoping that PKR will uphold its promise for a Malaysia for all Malaysian. Looks like I have to watch if PKR will honour that pledge.
hoo-ray…..
“As dad says, a deal isn’t done until the money changes hands.”
There are no deals to be made between men and lions.
Of course, in any given situation, everyone has different opinions about who the men and the lions are.
I too had little doubt that an opposition government would be formed. The hard part comes next.
In the 1999 election PAS decided not to honor it’s manifesto after doing well. In this election, PAS has also done well, on similar manifesto promises. It better stick to the plan now. This is going to be a test of the party’s centrist resolve.
On the plus side, they have good motivation this time to stay on the centrist course. An MB position is a very prestigious thing. And Nizar has one helluva tough crowd to impress – 18 DAP ADUNs, who will not hesitate to break ranks with PAS if Islamic State comes back into the agenda. For better or worse (better IMHO), DAP has ideological beliefs much deeper than “deny Barisan Nasional”. Alternatively, Nizar may end up having to jump to PKR if his party tries to play the fool.
If Nizar can pull this off… I see a PM candidate in the making. Sometimes God works in mysterious ways, but there is always a plan – which is fortunate, since DAP/PKR/PAS clearly did not have one! :-)
Nat for Perak Senator! Hooray!
Nat, please pass around the message to check all MB’s office for bugs. It is not uncomman for phone and office to be full of spy cameras and hidden mic. Just a thought.
barisan rakyat promised to fight for the ppl, tapi nampak macam they r fighting for power (seats).
ini baru beberapa hari, entah tahun depan gimana.
Horrey….
This is a blessing……
Now we have commitment from all 31 ADUN PAS,DAP & PKR.
No issue of cross over after signing the letter of support.
So LKS and SH Ali were buying time with their outbursts until the PAS-PKR-DAP alliance in Selangor became a done deal.
While we pay so much attention to crisis-solving with DAP/PAS/PKR, does anyone realise that trouble is already brewing hot inside UMNO? If things go out of proportion inside UMNO, it spells great danger to all of us. Isn’t it obvious now that UMNO is simply looking for a trigger to commence something bloody? DAP,PKR & PAS, your priority now is ensure that UMNO do not make use of you guys to pull the trigger for them. If it happens, all your hard work too will be drained for good.
Changes are in fact taking place as we speak …
Past few days have been jittery. I think we have been getting too emotionally involved in the whole saga. We should let go and give the winners a chance to prove their intentions.
The events have been nerve wrecking. News, rumors, speculations, and presumptions have been flying all over the media, good or bad.
So far, the opposition front has come out generally good as they promised before and during the GE. The recent events are proven to be promising. They are talking, negotiating, compromising, and maintaining checks and balances. This is happening in within before they can put up fight with the big bully. There is no doubt, BN and supporters have been and will try very hard to foil the coalition.
We need to continuously focus on giving the opposition front the energy and prayers so that they can continue to talk, negotiate, compromise, and prevail. They may not have to agree on everything but they can not fall apart by any means.
The change they promised did not just start and end during election but in fact it is still in the making. This is the test of integrity, persistency, and good intentions. If they fail or not live up to the promises they should be treated the same way BN was treated. The power to change ultimately is still in people’s hand
There are going to be many more crisis, both for BR and BN component parties in the days, weeks, months, even years ahead. How each side resolves its problems and grows in strength and wisdom will be watched by the silent majority. As a member of that majority, now less and less silent, I must say I will support whichever political front that I believe can form a good government for all Malaysians. While sympathetic to the BR cooperative, I am only too aware of their tenuous partnership and their differing ideologies. I will not hesitate to vote BN next GE if they can buck up and if BR screws up .Be so advised.
Please tell that stupid doctor (Lim Keng Yik) to shut up.
He was not picked for Ge and his son lost. He should
follow Dr Koh by being a good loser.
http://7rangers.blogspot.com/2008/03/message-to-my-sisters-and-brothers-in.html
Message to my dear sisters and brothers in Sarawak and Sabah
Friday, March 14, 2008
They do not have many Sarawakian or Sabahan Ministers, do they, at the Federal level? If they had, they are given unimportant Ministership as Minister in the PM’s department like Bernard Dompok and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Joseph Entulu Beluan for window dressing, and are you all only good for that? . You guys gave such a big win for UMNO , you do not have proper representation in the Cabinet to depict the power you hold over the coalition. UMNO makes you look like wimps. The combined total of your seats in Sabah is 24 seats and Sarawak is 30 seats. Which totals 52 seats. Then why are there NO East Malaysians not being a Prime Minister or the Deputy Prime Minister. Okay, go down one rung, why are you not good enough to be at least the Deputy Prime Minister?
The UMNO strong hold of Johore has only 25 seats, initially 26 seats. The myth of that is that UMNO is very strong there like a fortress, will not fall. Well, a foothold has been gained, one of their seats has fallen to the DAP, so it can be penetrated. You have the greater weight. The Barisan National has a total of 140 seats. The opposition has 82 seats. Demand from UMNO that the post of of Deputy Prime Minister be given to an East Malaysian. Without you in this coalition, UMNO being the big bullly will have only 88 seats, that is inclusive of the motley crew from MCA and MIC.
While at this, being an ex- soldier and all, I have seen many East Malaysian Officers serving in combat units, why did not any one of them make it to General? Not good enough? Look at how brave, loyal and patriotic you are. Go to the archives.
How are you going to get UMNO to agree to that? Just tell them that you want to cross over to the Barisan Rakyat, if they do not appoint a Sarawakian or Sabahan to be the Deputy Prime Minister.
Just cross over and the opposition will have 134 seats to form the new Government of Malaysia. Ask Anwar, I am sure he will be agreeable to an East Malaysian being his Deputy. Whilst at it, ask for the Defence and Education portfolios too. Do not accept less then the Deputy Prime Minister’s post. For good measure, demand for Finance Minister’s portfolio too. Can you even imagine, in one stroke you can uplift the sufferings of the poor in both Sabah and Sarawak ? You will have all the financial resources at your finger tips, ushering a new dawn for the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Have an imagination.
One more thing, do not let them cheat you by saying they will give you the post of Deputy Prime Minister 2. It will take away the ooomph of being the only Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. If you become Deputy Prime Minister 2, they might not allow you to use the helicopter or the executive jet. As Deputy Prime Minister 2, they will ask you to use the long boat when you vist Song, Kapit, Ulu Baram or Long Danau (have to walk long distances to, carrying your own fuel). You do not get to be Acting Prime Minister of Malaysia when the Prime Minister is out of the country. Or when he visits Nasi Kandar Perth.
You were elected by the people, I am sure you want greater things than the peanuts that are being thrown to you. They have been sidelining you as a non entity. Never giving you due prominence and the respect due to you. You are just someone to wipe their shoes on, once elections are over.Umno has only 78 of the 117 parliamentary seats it contested (67%). What is the diffrence? You have only two states and 52 seats. UMNO has the whole of Malysia and has a pathetic 78 seats, a difference of a mere 26 seats! Do you know how many Johoreans are Ministers, with their pathetic 25 seats, 7!
Are you East Malaysians going to continue being the foot stools for UMNO? For them to keep on holding to power. Can you imagine it, the Prime Minister from Peninsular Malaysia and the Deputy Prime Minister from East Malaysia, we will be bound from across the South China sea as one people. Just cross over to the Barisan Rakyat, if UMNO does not give in to your just and legitimate, demands. You are smart and intelligent, stop being taken for a ride. You are as good as a politician from Semanajung. Maybe even better, so what is it to stop an East Malaysian from being the Deputy Prime Minister, only UMNO. Stop being used, chew on this and think BIG.
posted by Ranger
http://themalaysianinsider.com/mni/anwars-game-plan-strikes-fear-in-umno.html
Anwar’s game plan strikes fear in Umno
30 something – that’s all the MPs Anwar Ibrahim needs
to be the probable Prime Minister
KUALA LUMPUR, March 14 – If there is one name that has pushed Barisan
Nasional leaders out of their comfort zone and caused confusion and anxiety,
it is Anwar Ibrahim.
When he said on Tuesday that the Opposition should be referred to as the
government-in-waiting, he was not referring to five years down the road. He
was referring to the next few weeks or months.
He knows that if he manages to convince 30 Members of Parliament to cross
over, the government of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will fall.
Since the PKR-DAP-PAS alliance that he cobbled together won big on March 8,
taking 52% of the popular vote in Peninsular Malaysia and snaring 82 of the
222 seats in parliament, Anwar has become the most mentioned name in Umno
circles.
Along the corridors of powers and in Umno circles, there is a belief that
the former deputy prime minister will not rest and settle for second-best,
not with the momentum of being a reformer on his side.
He knows that the troops of the BN war machine are demoralised and its
leaders still reeling from the psychological scars of Election 2008. He will
go for the kill, rattling the coalition’s cage, creating the impression of
an inevitable wave that some fickle-minded BN MPs will be tempted to abandon
the BN ship and join the Opposition.
An Umno division chief from Pahang, who requested anonymity because of the
sensitive nature of the information, said: “The talk on the ground is which
MPs Anwar is going to approach to join PKR. Everyone says that Sabah and
Sarawak MPs are being targeted. But I think everyone except the PM and DPM
are targets.”
Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, in a letter asking Abdullah to resign, noted that a
move has been made to woo BN representatives to join the Opposition. The fea
r of crossovers is palpable.
Among the senior leaders of BN, the question being asked is this: who can
take on Anwar?
Increasingly the view is that no one individual is strong enough to
withstand the momentum of the former deputy prime minister. Abdullah is like
a general who has been badly wounded in battle. He needs time to recuperate
from the deep wounds he suffered – time which he may not have.
If Abdullah steps down and Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak takes over, the latter
will be vulnerable to a personal and potentially costly onslaught by Anwar.
During the election campaign, Najib was assailed by Anwar over the murder of
the Mongolian model and over a few defence deals. Expect the ferociousness
of the attacks to multiply if Najib becomes Number 1 now.
Even the return of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad could be counterproductive.
The Malaysian public believes that Anwar was wronged by Mahathir. This was
evident during the election when attempts to paint the former DPM as a
charlatan, racist and chameleon failed miserably.
So who can stop Anwar?
Professor Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, a political commentator, says that only a
united Umno and BN can hold the line against the Anwar-led Opposition.
“Anwar is pressing BN at 20 different points. Only if they are strong and
united can they survive. But can they stay united?” he wondered.
The next few weeks will be important. If the new Cabinet catches the
imagination of Malaysians, the morale of the ground troops will improve and
it will boost the confidence of BN’s leaders.
Otherwise, the grumbling against Abdullah will grow into a crescendo and it
may embolden Dr Mahathir or Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to step forward to “save
the party” – a situation which could lead to a party split like in 1987.
Such a scenario will be heaven-sent for Anwar.
Umno politicians believe that any upheaval in Umno or BN will convince the
weak-hearted that it may be prudent to cross the Parliament floor.
Within the higher reaches of Umno, the strategy appears to be to rally
around Abdullah, go down to the ground and get the troops ready for war. But
for Umno and BN to prevail over Anwar, they will need a few conditions to be
met.
1) Abdullah must be able to hush his band of critics in Umno.
2) Abdullah must be able to inspire the troops on the ground.
3) Abdullah must be a strong leader and reform his party and the country.
4) Anwar and the Opposition need to commit a few major mistakes.
5) For the public to fall out of love quickly with the reform-minded
Opposition.
____
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41587
POLITICS-MALAYSIA: Anwar Ibrahim – Man of the Match
By Baradan Kuppusamy
KUALA LUMPUR, Mar 14 (IPS) – Anwar Ibrahim, the man credited
with radically changing the political landscape of Malaysia, could not
contest the Mar. 8 general elections that saw the ruling coalition lose five
state governments and its long-held two-thirds majority in parliament.
There is a story in Ibrahim’s having been crippled by a five-year-ban on
contesting elections, as a result of having had to serve time in jail on
criminal charges, trumped-up by his political opponents.
But the former deputy prime minister fought his way back to the political
centre-stage and overcame ten years of virulent government propaganda
mounted against him to forge an alliance and establish a powerful opposition
in parliament.
“He is clearly the man of the hour, he made it possible,” said Steven Gan,
editor of the independent online news provider Malaysiakini.com. “He glued
together a viable opposition, set a common theme and led the opposition to
victory.”
After Saturday’s opposition successes politics in Malaysia will never be the
same again and it was made possible through Ibrahim’s multi-racial People’s
Justice Party which won the highest number of seats on the opposition
benches in Parliament.
Together with the pro-Chinese Democratic Action Party and the Islamist Pan
Malaysian Islamic Party or PAS, the opposition commands 82 seats, just 30
seats short of capturing the government.
It is the best ever showing by the opposition since independence in 1957 and
heralds a new era of transparency, accountability and clean government that
Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi promised but never delivered. The voters
punished him, sending his ministers and his state governments falling like
ninepins.
“He has made a big comeback and has given multi-racial politics a firm
foothold,” said Gan. “Now a two-party system of politics is possible not a
single domineering entity that is corrupt and dictatorial.”
During an interview with IPS, Ibrahim pledged to defend and promote
free-market economy, foreign investment and continue the development
process. But he emphasised that progress and wealth will now benefit the
poor of all races, not the rich and ruling elite.
“We are confident that under our leadership and working closely with our
partners (in the opposition) we will begin to implement policies to ensure a
stronger and more vibrant economy in Malaysia,” he said.
“We will ensure that investor confidence remains strong during the
transition period and also to identify areas of concern that our new
governments (state governments) will address in enhancing and improving
their operations and performance in Malaysia,” he said.
The opposition is now busy forming coalition governments in the five states
it won and is promising a new economic agenda to the people, mainly by
eliminating corruption. “We will have zero tolerance for corruption and this
will have a big impact in reducing business costs and build confidence in
small and medium enterprises,” Ibrahim vowed.
“We also plan to divorce government employees from doing business with the
government, thereby reducing incentives for cronyism and insider deals which
are plaguing the current administration,” he said.
Ibrahim’s comeback is astounding, considering that he spent six years in
prison, unfairly accused and convicted on corruption and sodomy charges –
now proven to be motivated by a political conspiracy at the highest levels
involving judges, crony tycoons and political leaders.
A former Islamist student activist who turned Malay nationalist, Ibrahim has
successfully reinvented himself as a leader of all of Malaysia’s races and
campaigned on a reformist agenda.
“The result of the election is testament to Anwar’s acceptability as a
leader to all Malaysians because his agenda is fair and just and involves
all races, especially the poor,” said Ragu Kesavan, a human rights lawyer.
How did Ibrahim manage it? What is his winning formula? Political analysts
say a key was his success in persuading the Islamist PAS party to drop its
fiery rhetoric demanding a theocratic Islamic state — an agenda that
usually drives the all important Chinese voters, about 30 percent of the
electorate, into the arms of the ruling National Front.
He then forged a loose opposition alliance of three parties, allowing each
to mobilise its supporters but campaign on a common theme, attacking rising
prices of food and fuel, cronyism in the ruling United Malays National
Organisation (UMNO) party and equality for all races.
Religion, Islamic theocracy or parochial and racial issues did not figure in
the opposition campaign this time, giving no ammunition to the government to
exploit. Ibrahim’s message of change resonated with ordinary Malaysians
irrespective of their race or religion, observers said, because it touched
on rising food and fuel prices which affected all people. They said people
were aware of the real danger of their prosperous country going bankrupt
through the pursuit of narrow policies. “Voters voted against Badawi because
of his inability to deliver on the promises he made in 2004, including the
promise to fight corruption, the promise to reform the police force, the
promise to be a prime minister for all ethnic groups, and the promise to
improve the civil service,” said political researcher Ong Kian Ming.
Chinese and Indians, descendents of immigrants under British colonial rule,
who have long felt treated as second-class citizens rallied to Ibrahim’s “we
are all equal” banner.
He also won over urban Malay voters who had not benefited from the New
Economic Policy (NEP) — a Malays first affirmative action policy — by
saying the benefits had been hijacked by the Malay elites.
Early in the campaign voters were wary of Ibrahim’s reformist agenda and the
turnout at his campaign rallies seldom reached 1,000 people, but midway
during the 13-day campaign the turnout steadily swelled to over 30,000.
Although Ibrahim did not contest, he is the de-facto opposition leader. He
is unlikely to formalise his position by contesting in a by-election and
return to parliament as opposition leader.
Pressed on this, Ibrahim told IPS: ”I rather look at myself as an
alternative government or a government-in-waiting than an opposition
leader.”
He also surprisingly did not rule out accepting smaller political parties
which are now members of the ruling National Front into his opposition
coalition provided they subscribe to his reformist agenda.
Political parties, now partnering the substantially weakened ruling
coalition, may switch allegiance and join Ibrahim. Crossing the floor is not
without precedent in Malaysia and even the beleaguered Badawi has come down
to saying that anyone crossing over from opposition benches would be
welcomed.
I totally agree with Lester Tan. I recall the election during the 1980s where there was a threat of instigation of racial riots for BN to regain control should they lose.
They may revert to their preseved plan B to re-enact 513 project. Already MCA OKQ and Gerakan LKY is on covert action in Perak to tell Chinese DAP betrayed them. UMNO members started protest in Penang and Selangor ( although with pathetic support from the people).
I am doubtful that they are having long term goal in using the race factor, they may just want immediate result. This happened in 1969 and may happen again if people are gulible enough to believe them again.
BR is still on dangerous ground and need to move carefullly. They have to show strong unity to deter such attacks.
Yes, it looks like no matter who wins UMNO parasit policy must be maintained. Who can forget about AP king, Taxi King, etc etc.?
Whatever said and done, please Mr PM use ISA to arrest people who undermine the elected leaders by promoting racial hatred. I am shocked to hear TS Aziz Tapa the historian to say that Malays who voted for DAP were traitors!!
Every government is entitled to implement their own policy. You can vote them next election if you don’t like it.
Perak/Ipoh can only change for the better.
It can’t get any worse after decades of UMNO rule.
Nizar has my full support, unless he too turns out to be like an UMNO goon.
http://unwantedcitizen.blogspot.com/2008/03/pas-mb-are-you-afraid-2.html
Well, it’s generally poor form to say “I told you so” :P
Didn’t stop you, did it mate? :)
Anyway, I think things have worked out to a point where there is give and take. I honestly don’t mind the bickering and disagreements as it is normal for humans to have conflicts.
At the end of the day, as long as they do what we want them to, I’m happy with it.
Nat,
How come your PKR leaders forgot bloggers like Haris, Rocky, Zorror and so on so soon? These people who stuck their necks for the party during the PRU12.
How come your leaders have started to ‘kiss’ the bosses of mainstream media, meeting them and granting interviews and so on while your PKR/leaders do not even acknowledge publicly the bloggers contributions. Not even a thank you?
If you have time for the MSM who machine-gun you guys during the PRU 12, why can’t you find time FIRST for those who helped you PKR son 31 parliamentary seats?
Kacang lupa kan kulit? Just remember who the MSM are and don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Anwar and the gang will be kicked out soon.
Dont be so happy with your intial victories.
Tell your Jew paymasters to get a life.
It seems so cheap. Your rhetoric.
”For a better Malaysia”
Boleh blah. U studied in Harvard, and now u are ‘working’ for almost nothing ”For a better Malaysia”.
no wonder I find cheap stunts by u, in defending Anwar Ibrahim.
better Malaysia, MY FOOT.
U BLOoDY LEECHER.
BLOOD SUCKER.
The Malaysian Constitution in its original form was a document that delivered to the People justice according to law; but after the “513” riots, UMNO had progressively undermined the justice elements of the Constitution to finally make nonsense of the Constitution. The Malaysian Constitution today is nothing short a joke and is the laughing stock of the world community. The final product of all the amendments that have been made to meet the political whims of Tun Mahatir is a document that is meaningless; of all the craziness that went to amend the Constitution are those that GAVE ABSOLUTE POWER TO THE JUDICIARY TO DO & ACT ILLEGALLY AND OUTSIDE THE LAW AS AND WHEN IT PLEASES THEM TO DO SO. Malaysia today is lawless because High Court judges themselves commit criminal offences while performing their duties on the bench because they are not required to be accountable and in their IGNORANCE OF THE LAW they commit breaches of the Penal Code and still are not held accountable. If the laws of the nation is not held sacrosanct as it is not held sacrosanct in Malaysia, then there is no need for the very existence of Parliament, because Judges in Malaysia make their own laws by not strictly enforcing the law. Judges depart from provisions of the law and do as they pleased. What jurisprudence in all the civilized world can make sense of the over-riding of the Malaysian Constitution by the Sharia laws, because the Constitution IS THE MOTHER OF ALL LAWS and the Sharia must come under the Constitution not the other way around; this proposition is so basic that any 1st year law student must know, and yet the Highest Court of Malaysia went on to over ride the Malaysian Constitution by the Sharia.
The sorry state of Malaysian politics has come about because the leaders of MCA & MIC were co-conspirators to the leaders UMNO to commit PLUNDER on the nation’s wealth and resources. Without exception the leaders of UMNO