It’s good to be back :) *hugs polytikus!* :D <3
Apologies for the long absence; let’s dispense with the boring stuff and get right back into it :)
Today, we read that Anwar specifically mentions MCA MP’s being ready to crossover. Along with persistent rumours about Sabah, etc, it’s a good a time as any to continue thinking about this.
Never having been a particularly passionate advocate of crossovers, I find it weird to be constantly in a position ‘defending’ them. Nonetheless, these are just some honest thoughts.
I’d like to discuss the alternatives within Malaysia’s present context. This may not be the best way to approach the subject, but it is an extremely practical one.
Malaysia is facing worsening crises. The fuel hikes have pushed a volatile political and economic situation into critical levels.
At a time like this, a strong government is key. For the nation to be rudderless or under a weak captain and crew now of all times is near suicide.
II’m not talking strong as in dictator-dominated, single-party, no checks or balances type of strong. Just confident, united and capable.
If that makes sense, then we must weigh our options – which are, I feel, limited. We can close ranks to support Umno and their leadership of the government, or we can call for change.
Unfortunately, I feel that our present situation does not allow for much middle ground. Continuing to criticise a government whose position is already severely weakened by attacks from within and without cannot possibly lend them the strength they would need to shepherd us out.
It’s difficult both to hit Umno for their wrongdoings and expect them to have the support that a government would need to provide strong leadership.
I suppose calling for change within Umno is a viable alternative for some. If (and that’s a huge if) you think Najib, Ku Li, or Mukhriz/Muhiyiddin/etc are their ticket to salvation, then working to push Abdullah out could conceivably be construed as working towards the betterment of Malaysia.
It should be noted though that Abdullah may not be much of a fighter, but he’s still not going to go down without a fight; and I don’t need to remind you how brutal Umno fights can be for the rest of us.
Needless to say, a crossover situation is likely to involve some chaos as well, however brief. Arguably though, if a good 40-50 are achieved, including a good showing from Umno, I think the negative impact can be minimised, paving the way for a fresh, revitalised government that can call for new polls and a new mandate within a short period of time.
Wishful thinking? Maybe, but I’d take my chances, given what we’ve got.
Once again, I’ve read and understood plenty of very reasonable objections to crossovers, but in my own personal analysis, the difficult crises facing the country call for a decisive solution; if crossovers are in fact evil, then for now, they remain the lesser one – or least – of those available.
I wanted to take this opportunity to respond a little bit to Tirath – someone I consider a gentleman and a true friend :)
When I brought up some time back the issue of there being an English educated middle class trend in terms of people who had ethical objections to crossovers, it was not my intention to undercut the arguments made. I only wanted to ask whether others had noticed any such trend, and gauge whether it meant that other segments of society tended to have different feelings about crossovers.
With regards to the stability of a Pakatan government: I have seen firsthand (with terrifying clarity sometimes) some of the problems inherent to intra-Pakatan (or even within Pakatan parties) relations – obviously, it’s not a situation where everyone automatically agrees on everything.
Based on what I’ve seen from the BN government however, I think my conclusion is that Pakatan will not do worse – especially with this BN government in this particular point of time.
I know neither are perfect, and I too like the idea of a more organic, stable and considered development. Trouble is, I’m not sure we’re going to be afforded that luxury – Rome is burning. We will probably see the same kind of things we saw when Pakatan took over the state governments, but we’ll probably have to weather them as best we can.
Maybe the way I see it is, to borrow from Churchill (I think it was) – crossovers are the worst form of generating stability, except for all the others.
IF PKR ACCEPTS THESE DOGS, i WILL QUIT
What is worst? To be confronted by a deadly cobra and get bitten or simply grab a stick and kill it. The answer is obvious,
Kill the blooming snake! (BN).
aiyah, no worries la, que sera sera ;)
As if it’s really up to you and me at the end of the day… alas, we are mere commentors, pelanduk at the mercy of the gajah. Only thing is that if it DOES happen, then one of us will get to say “I told you so” to the other. Of course, if I’m the one who gets to say that, it will be because Malaysia has spiraled out of control… so if one of us has to be proven right, I hope it’s you.
I hope we never find out… but if we do, winner has to buy the loser lunch ;)
nat: aheh, sure thing sir – lunch w/tirath can only be a good thing! :) and here’s to being mere commentating pelanduks! :)
Welcome back!
The part on MCA has been pretty confusing on the media. It ranges from “some MCA MPs will cross over” to “MCA will be the first to leave BN”. I see this as reflecting the problems created by Anwar’s careful disclosure of information so far. It only gives room to rumours, which, when running out of control, will only worsen the situation.
After all this shouting in UMNO for Pak Lah to step down, you know what I’ll do if I’m Pak Lah ?
Simple. Since you all don’t want me to be PM, I’ll pack up & take my trusted followers and lompat to Pakatan. If I take enough fellows with me, UMNO will not be able to form the Govt.
What say you ?
the only thing that concerns me is the calibre and integrity of those from MCA, UMNO etc crossing over. Its probably that some of these people might be crossing over because they see their ship’s going down and they don’t wanna be part of it. The scary part is that after years of bowing to MCA, UMNO policies, etc, will these people bring some of those ideals to PR? I just hope that the PR members and leaders are strong enough to influence the new influx of members when the time comes.
BN is a sinking ship and all component parties would be wise to jump ship. They have been beggars in this coalition and often bullied into submission by the dominant party UMNO.
Ever since the way UMNO treated Loh Seng Kok who was trying to speak up for his constituents as an MP we knew there’s no future in BN for the non Malays.
MCA should leave BN and start anew with a Pakatan govt and I believe Anwar couldn’t be worse than these UMNO people.
I must salute the selangor MCA for bravely demanding tolls and road tax be abolished in selangor. I hope the national MCA will have the backbones to stand up and demand for their rights. OKT don’t just sit on your butt. Tell those UMN Oputras to shut up and abolished the AP for cars, tolls as well as road tax. Do you have the BALLS…….? Just leave BN. Your continued stay in BN is not appreciated at all.
Welcome back nat…
nat: thanks bro! miss chillin’ w/youla.. :)
Thank you, Mr. Nathaniel Tan, for your discourse on the present BN and the possibility of a Pakatan Rakyat, supported by some 30-40 BN cross-over MPs.
As I see it, there are a few possible scenarios .
Scenario 1: 30-40 BN MPs cross over to Pakatan Rakyat BEFORE Anwar wins a by-election. Then, his spouse, Dr. Wan becomes the Prime Minister. Then, chaos reigns: BN MPs who are still clingiing on to a rudderless boat may wonder where to run to for a leader— to stick to the UMNO leader who is clueless what is happening and what to do to stem the stampede to the OTHER side. A new leader in UMNO may suddenly come out and claim that he is the only who could save the Party ( UMNO, that is; forget about the other component Parties ! ). It could be Najib, Tengku Razaleigh, Muhyiddin, Rustam , Hishamuddin, Khairy or even Dr. M. It will be free for all; and it could be anybody’s guess who will triumph among so many contenders. Of course, there are men of STATURE like ZAID Ibrahim and SHAHRIR; and TUN MUSA HITAM who have shown CHARACTER.
Then what about the followers in UMNO? They will all be divided in their opinions; and there will be so many factions; and some will have SOME following; but not a cohesive, compact grouping. And of course, others will jump from a sinking boat like rats!
Then, there is another confusion. The other component Parties which have been decimated, except the few in Sabah and Sarawak which have their warlords and their own little kingdoms.Most of them will be lost! They do not know whether to jump ship ( boat ? ) or stick it out. Of course, those who jump early are the “early birds which catch the worms”; while the rest may miss the boat! The latecoemrs may get some crumbs, as consolation prizes!
Now , look at the other side of the coin. Pakatan Rakyat forms the next Federal Government; and in their euphoria, the leaders get drunk with NEW power and forget themselves. Like Ali Bab and teh fourty thieves, they want to share the spoils; and they are bound to squabble over positions. To compound this internal quarrel, there is an added dimension to teh problem— the GUESTS from BN! They also want a share of the cake! And don’t forget, Anwar has made certain promises— a Deputy Prime Minister from either Sabah or Sarawak, 20% oil royalty, etc. He must keep his word; or they will switch back to BN ! Then, where does PR stand? In power for some days or weeks or months! So, a FRESH election after 6 months ? a truly FRESH one!
The RESULT? Nobody could predict what it will turn out to be.
Scenario 2: The BN leader may not wait for the COMPLETE cross-over to take place. A slight movement in the direction may be enough to send tremours; and the ground may shake; and he may call for a SNAP election. So, no premiership for Anwar ! No DPMship for a Sabahan or a Sarawakian! Now it is free for all. Which Party will come up tops? It is anybody’s game!
Of course, with the political tsunami on March 8th, few will bet on BN to win much. So, those components will form new alliances or join up with PR. Better bet on a safe horse! Can you blame them? No! It is human nature to go for the winner! Your RICE-BOWL is on the line! This is BASIC ; and you cannot grudge their thinking.
After all your STOMACH is the most important. Who cares if others go hungry! Charity begins at HOME is a trite but realistic saying . Though selfish, they have their mouths in their right places!
It is the same with political POSITIONS! How many truly are fighting for the PEOPLE at large— the WOMEN, the CHILDREN, the HANDICAPPED, the DOWN-TRODDEN, the IMPRISONED, the LOWER-income workers, the RUBBISH collectors, the BEGGARS, the POWERLESS, the MARGINALISED ? VERY FEW indeed! It is all LUST for POWER!
Look at the nations overseas. Burma where the lady Ang San Suu Kyi,a WINNER, is under house arrest; Zimbawe where nobody knows the result of the FIRST election and now there is ANOTHER; and where the Opposition leader is harassed and arrested so many times; Pakistan where Benita Bhutto was assasinated and Judges were sacked; South Africa where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 28 years.
Of course, in Malaysia we had Anwar imprisoned for 5-6 years and barred for satnding for election for 5 years; Lim Guan Eng, in defense of a Malay teenager., was put away for 16 months and deprived of an opportunity to contest a General Election for some years; and the 106 personalities who were sent off to Kamunting Camp under Operation Lallang; Lord President and two Senior Judges sacked; and two others suspended; the 5 Hindraf leaders packed off to Kamunting Camp; and the latest case of a Sarawakian Judge sent to a ” boot camp” ( according to him) and the present leader sees no necessity to revisit the case!
In all the occasions , whether overseas or in Malaysia, tthe common thread is man’s LUST for power. To retain power when power is lost or about to be lost, teh only way to retain it is to ABUSE power; and use Government machinery to shut up or threaten any oppositing force. WHERE, I humbly, ask is JUSTICE and HONOUR? If there is any offender, bring him or her to Court and present the EVIDENCE ( NOT trumped-up charges ); do not ABUSE the power to detain him or her. It is a stain on your HONOUR. There is no shame at all in using BRUTE force to tarmple people. and to hold on to power, when the VOTERS have given you the boot!
Be a GENTLEMAN and accept defeat; and fight another election! Do not demonstrate and harass the winners at every turn as what happened in Penang, Perak, Selangor after the March 8th election. Give them the chance to do their job for the good of the PEOPLE . If they fail in their job, then the VOTERS have the right to kick them out; and they deserve to be kicked out!
So, let Anwar or whoever is in power t keep his promises. If he fails to FULFIL his pledges, then the VOTERS have every right to throw him out!
The taste of the pudding is in the eating!
Who can bake a better pudding?
FAIR and square!
S.H. Huang
MCA MPs may cross over to save their positions; and it is understandable. When your position is shaky, will you in their shoes do it? Of course, you would ! BUT, there is a big difference between crossing over and retaining your position in the new Administration and doing what is right and proper. What is right and proper is to HONOUR your pledge to the VOTERS. You are put up as an MP for a PURPOSE; and that purpose is to SERVE the PEOPLE and not serve YOURSELF. If you SINCERELY and HONESTLY serve the people, you will always be wanted anywhere. But, if you only think of enriching yourself, then do not be a politician. A politican ‘s role is to SERVE PEOPLE without looking for a reward, an entertainment allowance or a paid holiday for you and your family as BN has been doing! Mind you, it is TAXPAYERS’ hard-earned money! Do not think that it is your grandfather’s money ! So, spend the taxpayers’ money WISELY to IMPROVE the lives of the PEOPLE, especially the WEAK and the POOR.. THEY need your help; please help them. Place them FIRST, if you want to be a politician.
So, if you think crossing over will be good for the PEOPLE; and you can do a better job, then cross over ! You will do a great service for the people. Of course, in serving the people, you will be blessed with many intangibles: you feel satisfied because you make others happy; you will feel proud that you are contributing something for the people; you get noticed. It is well-deserved appreciation by the people. You feel happy.
Take the two gentlemen from GERAKAN:- Mr. Lee and Dr. Tan, from Penang and KL. respectively They want to SERVE the people. Now, the BN is not happy because they are working FOR the PEOPLE! What is wrong with helping people? Does it not show up the WEAKNESS and NARROW-MINDEDNESS of BN leaders ? So, voters should reject them outright if ever they stand for election. I have great respect for the two GERAKAN men!
The same trait of CHARACTER is found in setting up WANG EHSAN in TRENGGANU. The 5% oil royalty BELONGS to the STATE. Period. So, give them their dues. Why hold back and channel the funds through Wang Ehsan? It is THEIRS! Whose idea was it ? If the VOTERS wanted PAS, so be it! Why punish PAS?
Again, the same trait of character was displayed when the funds for TOURISM for the five Pakatan Rakyat States was rechannelled through some agencies! Why be so CHILDISH? It is like taking the ball home when you lose !
Then again, the same trait of character is exposed when the bodies holding funds for the wives of MPs and State Assemblypeople were channelled elsewhere! The FUNDS are for the NEEDY people of each of the States. Why play a child’s game?
So, what does it matter if MCA MPs wish to cross over? Let them, if their MOTIVE is SINCERE; and that is, to SERVE the people SINCERELY. If they could EFFECTIVELY serve peopel, why not cross over ?
Any other Party interested in serving the People through Pakatan Rakyat ? GERAKIAN ? MIC? UMNO? PPP? PBS? SAPP? The more, the merrier!
The BENEFICIARIES will be the PEOPLE of Malaysia! No racism! No marginalisation! No nothing! ALL Malaysians!
How wonderful for Malaysia!!!
S.H. Huang
Keep guessing the leaders:
KEEP GUESSING
You are definitely right to put things mildly. However, like you indicated change though necessary will no come without pain! I just hope Malaysia will usher a new coalition of government without smoothly. As to the mandate of the people, I think a fresh election will be necessary since even if PR is able to come up with 40-50 crossover, that is still not a clean mandate!
Somehow, UMNO or BN is reaching the point of no return. Dr. Mahathir has done too many damages and after years of not listening to the rakyat, it is I guess payback time. Sabah is the key here. Being politically sidelined for all these time, sabah politicians have matured, and they are taking full advantage of the current chaotic situation to drive home their claim.
MCA, MIC, GERAKAN, PPP, should not leave BN. They have to kick UMNO out of BN.
CROSS THE FLOOR OF PARLIAMENT, YOU MCA RUNNING DOGS !
The Chinese have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the opposition DAP or PKR and it was only in constituencies where the predominance of Malay voters caused the return of MCA candidates. This voting pattern demonstrated the community support of the Chinese for the opposition and therefore if those MCA Chinese Members of Parliament have any ethical and moral sense, they have a duty to cross the floor of Parliament and join with the opposition. That is the right thing to do since if the MCA claims to represent the Chinese community, then the voting pattern shows that they are on the wrong side of Chinese preference. If on the other hand such members of Parliament would rationalize their stay with UMNO on the argument that since it was the Malay votes that got them elected then they are morally committed to stay with UMNO in Parliament; but that argument will be turned on its head because the MCA claims to represent the Chinese not the Malays. That being the case they are morally obligated to either resign their seat or cross the floor of Parliament because the Chinese supports the opposition.
The Malaysian general election of 2008 is the first election in Malaysian history that makes any sense at all because in all past elections the voting was rigged to return the UMNO led alliance to form government and consequently does not represent the true will of the minority voters. In the first election previously in 1967 the voting pattern of the minority races demonstrated that they would prefer to return an opposition to government and that was the election that prompted UMNO to organize a pogrom of minority races; and this time around all the indications point to a preference by the minority races to vote OPPOSITION, hence the childish symbolic actions of Hishamuddin wielding of that bloody Malay keris that instead of frightening the minority races provoked them to vote en bloc for the opposition. The keris scared no one, it only helped the opposition to really win support and the smell of possible success and to put UMNO out of government for the first time in Malaysian history. The general election for 2008 spell the end of race based politics and it is this if not for anything else that MCA must take heed that they bear a special and heavy responsibility to cross the floor of Parliament because it has always been the betrayal by the MCA & the MIC that has given UMNO the pretext to pervert the Malaysian Constitution to ENTRENCH MALAY SPECIAL PRIVILEGES FOR AS LONG AS UMNO IS IN POWER. This election marks the end of that distortion of our Malaysian democratic rights. We the Chinese & Indians have for the first time in history put our rights as Malaysians in proper context; we have the last chance to be what we really are, MALAYSIAN CHINESE OR MALAYSIAN INDIANS OR MALAYSIAN MALAYS; we are truly for the first time CITIZENS OF A MALAYSIAN MALAYSIA; and it took us 50 years of hard slough to get there AND FUCKING MCA OR MIC OUGHT NOT AGAIN SELL US OUT TIS TIME. The MCA is duty bound to cross the floor of Parliament to join Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to form the GOVERNMENT of a truly Malaysian Malaysia that represents all Malaysians.
I want to further emphasize my point of view. I suggest that for those Chinese from MCA who are obligated to cross the floor of Parliament should do so in their personal capacity as Members of Parliament and not as representing MCA because they have a duty to remove RACE BASED POLITICS for the good of future generation of Chinese & Indian and Malays. Race based politics is and has been totally unacceptable and it has always been divisive and an abuse of our human rights; let MCA & MIC fade into the background of history as a failed model for good governance. I suggest that MCA should become a sports club for Chinese.
I had earlier stated that at this time in Malaysian history MCA carry a particularly heavy duty to act in the best interests of the Chinese people. This victory for the Barisan Alternative has come about due to the incompetence of PM Abdullah Badawi and to the power of the internet and the accident of history that Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim was expelled from UMNO under very treacherous and bitter circumstances.. Were it not for the power play between Mahatir Mohd., and Dato Seri Anwar, UMNO will still dominate Malaysian politics and the condition for a democratic change of government will not emerge for any fore-seeable future. I say that these circumstances will not converge again for a very long time IF MCA ACT IRRESPONSIBLY and not cross the floor of Parliament. This window of opportunity exist for only the life of this parliament and if MCA Members of Parliament REMAIN IN COALITION WITH UMNO & MIC then the UMNO government will survive until the next general election when let me guarantee you Malaysians all (of all races) that UMNO will heavily GRASP GOVERNMENT sans election or with election, no matter what BECAUSE THE HIGH COURTS ARE CONTROLLED BY UMNO JUDGES AND THE POLICE ARE CONTROLLED BY UMNO APPOINTEES. I cite a precedent in the election of the MP for Bukit Bintang, when issues relating to the legality of the elections ( I believe it was one relating to the counting of the votes ) went to the High Court for decision; and the federal court was headed by TUN Fairoz. The Court decided that there were irregularity and promptly awarded the seat to MCA candidate. This was a glaring MISCARRIAGE OF LAW AND JUSTICE, because if his decision was that there was irregularity his duty is to declare the election VOID and declare the seat vacant and call for a by-election for the same seat. THIS WAS BECAUSE TUN FAIROZ IS AN UMNO JUDGE. The present Court of Appeal have a majourity of UMNO judges as for example Dato Zainon binti Mohd. Ali and the President of the Court of Appeal Tan Seri Zaki Azmi.
In these circumstances UMNO can rigged all elections and have a parliament of all UMNO Members of Parliament and any challenge will be decided by UMNO Judges. Malaysia will revert to the Malaysia of old. I say to our running dogs of MCA members of Parliament that you cannot seal and condemn all Chinese to a fate that is as good as death. This year 2008 is the tipping point in the history of Malaysian history, will we survive as Chinese or Indians depend on our running dogs from the MCA to act honourably and responsibly ! CROSS THE FLOOR YOU MCA BASTARDS.
B4 we talk about the new Pakatan Govt at Putrajaya.PKR must clarify on the recent stunts by PAS to Talibanise Malaysia.
I read that PAS wants the Selangor govt to stop a music concert by Ella.This is just the beginning of PAS pushing through its agenda to the all weak PKR that exist in the mercy of PAS.
Looks like PAS beginning to show their true colors edging closer to federal power.
The Islamist in Pakistan took power through the moderate Musharaf and there goes Pakistan that today become the hotbed of fundamentalism…are we the next
After the 12th general election, 8th. March tsunami, it is high time for the other component parties in BN to wake up. All the other parties should leave BN and team up with Pakatan Rakyat and form a truly Malaysian political party. If this were to materialise, then we will have a 2 party system. If a snap election is called, then the new Malaysian political party will pit itself against UMNO. I believe it will do a lot of good for the country and it’s future. The government of the day will have to manage the country to the best of their ability knowing very well that if they do not deliver then they will be kick out in the next election. What is your opinion Malaysians?
“MCA Secretary-general Datuk Seri Ong Ka Chuan said Anwar’s “stunt” was merely an attempt at psychological warfare which had no truth in it.”
Now what? This Anwar trying to get us involved in his political psychological mind games or what? So sneaky lah him.
It’s definitely exciting to be riding high on the waves after the tsunami..but sometimes I doubt whether the PR ppl have got all their marbles together, if as it is one is slamming the other, what good will it do to have cross-overs that will only add to the confusion? MCA is now denying such claims in no vague terms, which adds to the cloud of credibility (or lack thereof) of Anwar. at the end of the day, how does all of this justify the faith that the ppl have put in the PR?
this guy is very good in politic..this is one of his strategy of playing with people’s mind..
Dear Nat,
I normally dont result to personal attacks, but I couldn’t resist this. No offence tho.
I knew you wouldn’t dare to go againts ur sugar daddy.
btw, what is right, wrong, bad, good.. is subject to interpretation. Someone might consider being gay is fine, while another person may feel homosexuality is a taboo.
1st, lets talk about democracy.. one of the main ideals which I belief you strongly hold on to.
DEFECTIONS IS UNDEMOCRATIC.period.
2) Incentive.
You have all the incentive in the world to support defections when it concerns Anwar. You are SO close to Anwar… BIAS.
when BN defects… it is wrong… Pakatan .. fine..
why Pakatan fine?… because Anwar is clean..
Why BN cannot use defections? because BN is dirty. Dr M was in BN…
but then, Tun M is dirty, but his deputy is BERSIH..
ok… takpe.. Anwar sudah sedar.. lets give him another chance. Lets look at this track record for the past 6 months… nah.. just look at what he was doing for the past 100 days.
Each time Anwar speaks, I hear
” I am frog hunting”
”Tun M zalim”
”I have 1 million MPs ready to defect”
”the MPs are defecting at their own free will”
” Petrol prices will fall when I came into power”
-a) I wonder how his friends at the IMF will react to this
-b) Dont he have any advisors?
Nat, bye for now.
Haha… I like xmen24′s comment… It is true. Anwar is so full of himself. This is based on a normal malaysian citizen’s observation like myself…
His intention is to break up BN and UMNO and grab the power. Of course, he does this by “smartly” getting the PM to resign. But he forgets the fact that Pak Lah can read Anwar’s moves like a hawk… If Pak Lah was really an irresponsible person, he would just succumb to pressure and give in to the calls to resign
Middle Ground commented:
“What is worst? To be confronted by a deadly cobra and get bitten or simply grab a stick and kill it. The answer is obvious,
Kill the blooming snake! (BN).”
I’m sorry you compared BN to a cobra. The king of snakes is a noble creature whose function is to guard sacred spots. You can’t say the same about BN. To compare the goons, louts and poltroons in BN to any living creature – even cockroaches, rats, and lice – is an insult to Nature!
Unlike RPK I do not endorse the continued existence of UMNO Baru – which is really a Machiavellian Mamak’s invention. The real UMNO died in February 1988 – R.I.P.