BN cats come out to play; a fate long set in motion

I read polytikus’ Malaysiakini article about Tajuddin Abdul Rahman and Zaid Ibrahim with interest.

I have to say the rivalry between the two men are in fact of little interest; it is, however, an interesting microcosm.

To me, the manner in which backbenchers appeared quick to back Tajuddin in his tirade about how backbenchers reserve the right to criticise the government too is symptomatic of the increasing warlordism that is taking over BN. (They are right about the backbencher’s right to criticise of course, but completely wrong about trying to block judicial reforms)

This is an exceedingly natural progression in any situation where the center of power is weak.

The result in our case is an increasingly free for all situation within Malaysian politics where loyalty evolves quickly into a commodity – sometimes one to be whored out.

Such displays by Tajuddin and gang are mere reminders to those in power, those who seek power, and even those who seek reforms that those who were once weak, silenced and disciplined now find themselves in a position of strength.

I spent a lot of time thinking and writing about possible futures for Umno (of course, everyone seemed to prefer the written in 5 minutes hantam Mahathir article :P :).

In addendum, I opine that the current chaos and power vaccuums in Umno and BN are descending down a path that was determined over the last few decades.

Everyone shares responsibility for this almost equally; by the time Mahathir and gang were done abusing the system, the set in motion events that have irrevocably led to the current situation.

The damage done was so bad, that I think there is no real way out for Umno/BN except to effectively self-implode. The structural reprecussions of systematic abuse over years and years are nothing to be trifled with, and may have already determined the end to this sad drama.

ps- another great victory for the conscientious! Lee Kah Choon was brave, Dr. Tan Kee Kwong (my former MP no less) follows suit :) It’s far from just a Chinese thing however, Dr Nik Mohd Zain Nik Mohd Yusof, the land ministry’s former DG, is co-chair of this new Selangor land committee with Dr. Tan.