Alhamdulillah or Praise the Lord?

Surprisingly, while the legal suit is still pending at the High Court, the Home Ministry has allowed the Catholic weekly ‘Herald’ to continue using the word ‘Allah’ in its BM version but subject to a condition that they carry the disclaimer “for christians only”. Now is this fair or not? What is the effect on certain quarters of the Malay community? Does it violates Art 11 of the Constitution? What will be the repercussion (if any)? Of course, we should remember that there cannot be uncontested answers particularly when we Malaysians are of diverse cultures and beliefs by having the Muslims as majority.

Last night I received a sms that required me to forward and blast the above message as a victory to the Catholics. A victory? The way I look at it is there should not be an issue at all in the first place. Back in 1989 I joined a Singapore church’s missionary to form a church in Indonesia. I was surprised then when all the Bibles refer God as Allah. I even read several articles written by foreign Islamic experts saying that the word Allah does not confined to Muslim God only. In fact I understand that even the Sikh community uses the same in their BM publication. In regards to the condition, I think it is a fair one as Art 11 (4) restrict the propagation among persons professing the religiion of Islam. Islam admits freedom of conscience and democratic rights and there are no two opinions about it. Islam also officially accepts religious pluralism in as much as it is Quranic doctrine to hold other prophets in equal esteem. Many western leaders around the world were once impressed with Malaysia being a great example of a moderate, constructive and competitive Islamic country and had a very important role to play in promoting better undertsanding on Islam and its values (specifically quoted by John Howard).

Again what is Zulkifli Noordin-PKR trying to prove now? Do the Christians actually intended to confuse the Muslims or propagating their belief? Why is Anwar always remain mum on such issue when he claims to champion the idea of secularism and non-racial approach? Enough is enough, our politics will never end masking with such issue if we still have those leaders who insist support based on religion. Let us prove to the world that our uniqueness of a multi-racial nation should be an asset instead of a liability.

Lelong-lelong; Jadi katak dapat 20 juta!

Percayakah anda dengan setulus hati bahawa seseorang itu akan berpegang kuat kepada ideologi walaupun ditawar RM20 juta atau RM50 juta? Adakah UMNO atau Najib sanggup membiayai sejumlah yang begitu besar untuk membeli katak? Penilaian seseorang wakil rakyat itu mesti dikaji dengan sewajarnya. Adakah 30 katak yang terdahulu kononnya menyokong Anwar demi ideologi dan kepercayaan kepada perubahan politik? Permainan politik bukan sekadar jualbeli seperti di pasar malam di mana siapa-siapa saja boleh ditawar melalui ejen. Adakah Najib itu bodoh? Semasa kedua-dua katak di Perak itu ditangkap atas kesalahan rasuah, Anwar menuduh ia sebagai satu komplot dari BN, manakala setelah jadi wakil bebas, lain pula dikatakan. Apa yang penting adalah pembuktian yang kukuh dan bukan semata-mata tuduhan kosong.

Cukuplah BN dan PR, jangan temberang sesuka hati sampai rakyat dipermainkan terutamanya mereka yang berpartisan terhadap PR. Kita harus berfikir secara matang dan rasional dalam meneliti sesuatu kenyataan/isu akhbar atau pengataan semua ahli-ahli politik yang kini tak habis-habis merebut kuasa. Lagu yang sedap didengar atau dinyanyi dengan merdu tidak semestinya membuktikan keikhlasan seseorang itu. Rakyat harus menyokong seseorang pemimpin itu atas dasar keupayaan dan integritinya tidak kira dari BN atau PR kerana adalah jelas agenda parti-parti politik itu hanya mengutamakan kepentingan sendiri.
Sedarlah.

Crisis and Opportunity

Last night a friend who is in the financial industry told me that a crisis can have beneficial outcomes. It can be a transition point and opportunity for change or growth. Therefore a good politician must be able to spot opportunities during crisis; said my friend.

Hatreds, hypocriticism, lies, accusations and salvos hurled between politicians of the ruling and opposition parties – Zambry vs Nizar, Khalid vs Khir, Ong vs Chua and the recent Huan vs Samy. Most if not all of them are unable to seize and build on the opportunity that arises from the recession, turmoil, crisis – whatever you want to call, except maybe self-interest opportunity.

A good politician will ensure that he come to terms with the underlying issues that precipitated a crisis (be it economical or political). Hey! many people will be out of jobs and broke; or Gerakan is left only with 2 MPs! If politicians and leaders pause to reflect from several paradigms seriously, it will pay dividends. Threatening each other in the august house of Parliament, sarcastic remarks in ther media, demonstration and back-stabbing are counterproductive antics. I applaud YB Liang Teck Meng’s recent remarks when debating on the Royal Address that all MPs should work together wholeheartedly to focus on the economy.

At this juncture, I must say that only an honest, humble and constructive deeds can bridge the gaps punctuated by crisis. There must be an affirmative will to act and not adamantly remain defiant. It is the moment for politicians both inside and outside of the party, to build on the opportunities.
So personally how can I really create an opportunity out of this crisis and produce results?

What makes a good politician in Malaysia?

Many of you have been paying attention to media/press coverage of the recent political scenarios. In fact your political interest have resurrected since the last general election (GE). Similarly you may had also attended ceramahs, talks, forums or read blogs, emails, smses on a whole host of political issues. You also know that the control of the federal and state government is very much for grabs now until the next GE. The big question now is whether BN/UMNO is incorrigible or is PR the ideal one? For this I echo the Star chief editor’s remark that Malaysians need to be rational, putting aside political partisanship and emotion when evaluating an issue. Failing to do so may tear the nation apart.

Over the last weekend I attended a 3 days political camp at the Strawberry Park Resort, Cameron Highlands. It was indeed a political rejuvenation and motivation on my part particularly experiencing the sense of unity among comrades around the nation. Among others, topics such as negotiation skills, power of PR and media, public speaking and campaigning were discussed during the camp. In one of the session, my president shared something about our political future which I bet many of you are not aware of. An analysis and research pertaining to the last GE results as well as historical facts were discussed. Apparently contrary to the popular belief of the urbanites and younger generation, it seems that UMNO would likely continue to rule the country for at least another one or two terms without much threat. I am not going to disclose why and how as it has nothing to do with dirty politics or manipulation per se. I suspect this could be the reason to justify the president’s stand that the party did not joined BN blindly neither it should leave hastily.

So what makes a good politician? Am I a good politician now after attending the camp? Is it those who can speak well and inflame controversial issue? Is it those who are interested in press/media coverage and not the results? The people as well as political leaders must understand that it is not necessary an economist, a doctor, a lawyer, an academician, entertainers or CEOs make a good wakil rakyat. It may be an advantage but not necessarily an ideal one. During the camp many of the aspiring party leaders were disappointed when a young political analyst (Dr. Sth…) was allowed to sit in a session which was supposed to be closed door. Nevertheless a few of them especially the president seemed to look highly on him. I did not have the opportunity to voice against certain remarks made by him as the president decided to end the dialogue.

One must understand that in Malaysia, too much of idealism or theories or philosophies will not make a good politician. In other words, someone who is good at writing and commenting about politics or has a high paper qualification is not guaranteed success when he or she joins the game of politics. There must be a balance of pragmatism with those qualities, representing a broad spectrum of interests.

If it is never easy to be a good politician, it will be even harder to become a good prime minister or a president of a political party. But they share the same required expectations even as an ordinary politician. Since the political camp, I am even more convinced on the intellectual capability and strength of my president. Nevertheless it was also the voice of many comrades that the president is lack of the ability to compromise – at least a sincere one, not only wanting things to be done his way. He must be able to tolerate criticism and monitor a balance of power for the sake of the party. Favouritism is of course a resounding no. Being able to make adjustment without betraying the party’s core beliefs is also an important trait. He must also be able to figure out what others want. Everyone have a valid concern. They expect to be able to share them, not simply to be lectured to. Most ‘yes’ man in the party is definitely less trustworthy than the sincere ones.

My friend ACT shared his view that politics is all about distributing the country’s wealth. To me in the process of the latter, it is all about to gain power, manipulation and convincing people with promises. Above all I truly believe that it boils down to dedication and passion in serving the rakyats first; then only talk about money or power; as part and parcel of a political life.
For this I hope related political parties will field a capable, honest and sincere candidate to serve in the coming Bukits by-elections.

So, who rule Perak now?

The speaker barred Zambry and his excos from attending the state assembly due to the latter’s failure to offer any explanation to their actions which alleged to be in contempt – a complain lodges by another DAP Adun. However Zambry called the speaker a liar for making such false accusation.

Several commoners or laymen questioned the above today. Well ‘officially’ BN is the executive of the state and they need not report to the speaker ie they can even do their job outside of the assembly hall. Can they? Perhaps not without the full control of the state assembly. So BN’s next plan is to remove the speaker or request the court to intervene? But PR claims that Nizar is still the MB and they have the majority in the state assembly now (BN – 21 vs PR – 28), a vote of no confidence will be passed against Zambry? Although constitutionally the speaker may has the authority to suspend Zambry and his excos, but outside the assembly? What about the Sultan’s prerogative power of appointment previously? The suit filed by Nizar at the KL High Court may also eventually decide the ultimate outcome, thus the speaker’s move indeed a smart one that caught BN off guard. After all there are many lawyers to crack their heads in Nizar’s team. In fact more plans and action will be initiated. There are even rumours saying that an agreement was reached between the Sultan and Najib where HRH’s family throne will be guaranteed if HRH decides in favour of BN. This is due to HRH’s background whereby his position was very similar to the late Tuanku Jaafar of NS beside the issue of an ordinary citizen before. PR will do their best to grab back the power even to the extend of defying the Sultan indirectly as well as any decision by the court that ruled against them. Is this the right move? Some of them took precaution by emphasizing that by-elections should be the ideal way to end this fiasco. I think so but would BN want to take such risk?

PKR Elizabeth: Apa macam?

Adakah Eli sendiri tidak bermoral atau gambar itu ditangkap oleh rakan lelaki terdahulu tanpa pengetahuannya? Sebenarnya perkara yang dihangatkan ini adalah ‘no big deal’ jika dibandingkan dengan apa yang dilakukan oleh Vijay atau Chua dahulu. Kenapa nak letak jawatan pulak? Beliau harus berjuang terus dan lebih kuat untuk menghadapi segala rintangan jika perkara tersebut adalah satu plot untuk menjatuhkannya. Ataupun arahan Dato Seri Anwar?

Sejak PRU tahun lepas, ramai tidak sangka bahawa begitu banyak pilihanraya kecil akan diadakan hanya dalam masa setahun. Kini kesemua ahli-ahli politik akan berhadapan dengan tempoh yang getir di masa depan. Mereka harus berjaga-jaga dengan apa yang dibicarakan, semasa tidur, penggunaan wang, dan terutamanya percampuran dengan orang yang bukan dalam parti politik yang sama. Adakah seseorang dari BN tidak harus berapat dengan mereka yang dari PR (atau sebaliknya)? Semoga kita tidak akan menyaksikan lebih banyak isu-isu hangat yang melibatkan penyalahgunaan kuasa, kes peribadi atau katak yang tidak bermoral dibongkar tanpa habisan.

Sentimen sekarang (selain dari persepsi negatif terhadap BN) adalah prestasi kerajaan pusat dan negeri akan dianalisa oleh rakyat atau langsung tidak dipedulikan demi menjaga kebajikan sendiri masing-masing. Justeru itu diharap ahli-ahli politik itu akan sentiasa turun padang bertemu rakyat, jauhi sikap mengumpul kekayaan, membina tembok kaca dengan rakyat, sentiasa mendengar rintihan dan suara rakyat bawahan. Prestasi beginilah akan menunjukkan suri tauladan yang baik tak kira dari BN atau PR. Diharap juga mereka yang sentiasa bermain golf di waktu kerja akan berhenti terus supaya tidak dicomot dengan rasuah dan penyelewengan. Kesimpulannya, adalah kesemua pihak harus bekerjasama (sekurang-kurangnya buat masa ini) untuk membina satu ekonomi yang kukuh atas keadilan sosial dan sistem yang berkesan.

Unity in Diversity

Two days ago I overheard a fella commented that why didn’t the non-Malays participate in the anti-Karpal demonstration? There is also a recent radio ad promoting entrepreneurship development which is applicable only for bumis. I’d also read job vacancies require only bumis need to apply etc. Is BN still playing the racial cards as political tool? Is it reallly irrelevant now as call by PKR? Or is PKR a truly multiracial party? Can the rural folks disregard non-racial based political parties or accept the Bangsa Malaysia concept? Based on the reality of the multiracial nature of our society, another important objective should be the fostering of national unity through the establishment of a set of common national cultural values. However, this objective can only be achieved on the basis of racial equality and democratic principles.

Thus it is my contention that so long as the bumi/non-bumi dichotomy – quota system in education, land schemes, housing, civil service etc exist, that vitality of single national identity or patriotism is far from reality. Money will still remain the fundamental factor of the Chinese community in the country. The non-Malays do not deny the existence of the Sultanate and its system but neither can anyone deny the legitimate existence of them and their contribution to national construction. While accepting the special position of Islam and Bahasa Malaysia in the country, the constitutional protection given to others must always be kept in mind. Anyway this shouldn’t be an issue by now! All politicians must serve to unite and not divide Malaysians. It is high time for us (or them) to accept this fundamental characteristic of our society – the existence of a diversity religion and culture among us.

Encourage healthy cultural activities of all types and prohibit anything which propagate negative and pernicious values.

Daulat Tuanku

Check this out, I am pleased to reproduce the following by my learned blogger Ahiruddin:

KESETIAAN KEPADA RAJA DAN NEGARA
- the second pillar of our Rukunegara

Is this the Ketuanan Rakyat that we’ve been promised?
The right to give the Sultan your middle finger and pelt his prince’s official car when you don’t agree with them. Is that your idea of Ketuanan Rakyat? The right to accuse the HRH of “failing in thinking as a Ruler of his subjects”? Does Ketuanan Rakyat mean that you leave it to the Sultan to decide but defy him if his decision goes against you? And profess “Daulat Tuanku” only if you think you can use the Sultan to fight for your political battles?

This is no Ketuanan Rakyat.

This is what I’d call Ketuanan Pakatan Rakyat. You are either with them or against them!

I am placing the Daulat Tuanku logo up there for an indefinite period. I’m asking you to do so, if you have a blog or on your Facebook, etc. It’s not in support of any political party; it’s about preserving an Institution that is part and parcel of the Rakyat and the Negara.

If Karpal or Nizar or Anwar or Hadi want to drag the Sultan to Court to defend what you think is the right of your political party, that’s their right so go ahead. I only ask for one thing: Biar beradab, jangan biadap dan tak payah derhaka.
And remind ourselves of the nuances: it’s not just Kesetiaan Kepada Raja; it’s Kesetiaan Kepada Raja dan Negara.

p.s And I hope no one resorts to hanging the Perak flag or the portrait of HRH Sultan Azlan Shah upside down to counter this blog campaign

‘Love thy neighbour as thyself’

The underlying principle regardless of one’s belief or religion is always the same – love for all.

Someone once told me that nothing gives the heart muscle a workout quite like love – in fact, researchers are now proving that love is the route to heart health. People in a happy marriage are much less likely to have heart attack risk factors. Even men who have sex regularly (?) halve their risk of cardiac arrest. As for tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day, couples may like to take note that even kissing is beneficial – it increases saliva production, which reduces the bacteria that cause gum disease while hugs can lower blood pressure and stimulate the release of the bonding hormone. So love hard and live long! Happy Valentine’s Day!

BN: Wake Up or Get Out !

Enough of politics. Go to the voice and concern of the people. We will be facing the economical woes. We are no more feeling safe walking with our handbags or not locking our homes and cars properly. The stimulus packages will not reach and assist most of us – not to mention the non-Malays. The government is not bother at all in addressing local business people and manufacturers who had mostly reduced half of their production. Talented, idealistic and righteous liberal Malays are sidelined, they too have to plan wisely. Public trust and confident in a country are directly related to reciprocity and norms of trust. For the last 2 months or so when I have conversations with my relatives and friends I find that most of them share one thing in common: they have an utter lack of faith in this country, they have absolutely no sense of patriotism, and their desire to leave this country is immense. In fact they insisted that financial affordability is the only obstacle that is delaying their decision. Talented graduates and skillful young workers can’t wait to be offered scholarship or jobs elsewhere. I find this really sad; especially when patriotism and loyalty is replaced by greed and convenience. It’s sad when we reject the country that has raised, nurtured and shaped us the way we are.
The main reason those relatives/friends (of all races) wanting to migrate is the government followed by insecurity in terms of financial, education, corruption and increasing crime rates. The judicial and executive arms are tainted. Most policies are unfair and discriminatory. People in BN particularly UMNO still talking about avenues to make money – cronyism and nepotism. Although technically I am part of BN, it is shameful to acknowledge that BN has vastly succeeded in creating a highly inefficient, corrupted and insecure environment. Please do not compare to the under-developed countries as the usual excuse or talk about twin towers or KLIA. Some senior leaders have come to their senses recently simply because they have made their fortune and a sense of guilt before the judgment day.

I do not need to elaborate on the productivity of our civil servants lest to mention the enforcement agencies. Although there are some good apples, a vast majority of them are rotten! All Malaysians will be able to share their experience(s) in relation to the corrupted police force so I don’t have to discuss further. The custom department is another unbelievable force that practice corruption like nobody business – it is obvious: the possession of illegal fire crackers/works during CNY, ammunition and guns by the robbers, easy access of illegal immigrants, duty/tax free arrangement for all cargos available at every borders. It is actually a norm in other departments including bomba, city councils, JPJ; just horrendous!

The government still thinks and treats most of the rakyats like kids. They are reluctant to be fully transparent. I can understand certain matters need to be confidential but not profit making arrangement/concession such as IPP, Syabas, PLUS etc. Many of the GLC which is the integral part of the society flop or should be more profitable but failed to do so. It is simply due to lack of planning, the psychological orientations of particular leaders or the selfish actions of a few individuals. This is the result of dominating role of the government and administrative structure in economic development and social change. The government doesn’t give a damn about our welfare as a whole especially those lower/middle income earners. Although some of them do provide financial aid (eg Felda settlers), scholarships and donations, it is a mere act of retaining their power. These are all just token measures. These are all just to give people a good impression just like arresting and confiscating few of the scapegoats and illegal items. Fortunately many non-Malays (esp Chinese) are able to survive in business without much help from the government. In fact it is the less educated ones who involved in activities such as ah longs, prostitution, gambling 4Ds/ football, pirated DVDs, smugglings etc assisted the government servants by bribing them monthly. Only a few managed to be their cronies and the rest just need to work hard to earn a decent living. Otherwise some of them resorted into crimes of robbery and kidnapping whereas the petty ones left it to the abandoned foreign migrants or locals.

So wake up or face the repercussion. Pakatan Rakyat succeeded in giving a hope to the people that a change is possible. Ordinary citizens rather put hope in them despite their Tom, Dick and Harry representatives and shaky coalition. This is the sentiment even many of their MPs and Aduns are only there to participate in demonstrations without realizing that they are the state government.

It is pathetic now, many BN politicians just try to ignore the actual situation for selfish reasons. If only we had a government that really cared, listened to the people and be fair to all, it would be perfect. I had condemned some UMNO friends and they responded only with a smile. One of them even said this is the culture endorsed as an unofficial policy.

Malaysia can change for the better. It is apparent that the opposition parties are more than ready to take the reins of power as a true representative of the people. Then only we can talk about real quality and safe lifestyle and compare to other nations like Singapore, Hong Kong or Japan. Unless our PM in waiting has something I am unable to anticipate or work on a remarkable strategy which suits the people (with sincerity and honesty), it should be their counting days. I want to be a proud Malaysian, so are my children.

God bless.

Avant-garde to BN?

Perak’s crisis has led to different feelings and perceptions towards both BN and PR – criticisms, protests, disrespecting the Sultan, disgruntleness among PR leaderships etc. PR wants an election, they are convinced that the people’s mandate are still with them but BN insisted the takeover is legitimate. Coincidentally, there will be a by-election in Bukit Gantang, Perak; to field Nizar vs Zambry? Whatever it is, PR is sure to be more cautious in not choosing a postman or a mechanic or a clerk or maybe a cameraman as their choice of candidate in any future election. Is there also a crisis in DAP? Karpal’s call for the resignation of Anwar Ibrahim has stirred some of the DAP leaders’ mood. Apparently the DAP chairman’s bold move did not receive strong support especially from the Lim’s father and son. Is Karpal an honest, accountable and a true politician? Or are other DAPs the usual hypocrites just to preserve their status quo by not offending Anwar or fear of splitting the public confidence?
Can our Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon lifts up his head like Karpal? Under present circumstances, Tan Sri seems to be the only person who has the intellectual capability and leadership quality in the party. On the other hand, undisputably the people’s belief that Gerakan is sinking into oblivion or irrelevant; the very fact that we were wiped out in Penang, can’t be blamed solely on UMNO’s factor. What is the President’s stand now? Is he committed to overcome the negative perception of the people? Regular hang outs with other UMNO and MCA leaders or conventional press statements will not prove anything unless he has some constructive plans in mind. Can he trusts the capability and leadership of Najib? Still wait and see? I do hope he will repair the ship and take concrete action at least 2 years before the next general election.

The future PM has recently emphasized that BN is a government for all Malaysians and is concern in finding a new solution to the problem: is he heading the right direction? Yesterday Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research revealed that “economy” is the top list of concerns follows by “ethnic relations” then “governance-related concerns”, in short politics. As I previously mentioned, Najib must resolve economic problem we may face in the near future in order to regain support.
Najib must change the mindset of many UMNO’s leaders (particularly the division heads) who are still in the denial mode. Otherwise they really need to be ‘reincarnated’ and go through a more difficult journey to achieve their glory days again.

ISA Against Nizar?

http://hamirdin.blogspot.com/

Kamunting Inches Towards Nizar

Snippet: A step forward fiscally not politically.

Malaysians of all walks of life should be rational now, enough accusations of corruption, nepotism and arrogance or ideologies, time to change, freedoms, rights, defections and political accusations/promises of all kinds.

  It should not be our culture to behave like monkeys or creating an uncivilised society mentality.  Someone teared Koh Tsu Koon picture last year, now even the incoming PM’s photo is not spared.  Where are we heading in term of being a developed nation? For that matter what about the recession? 

How vulnerable is Malaysia?  A friend who is in the financial sector told me recently that the worst is yet to come.  Governor Zeti and Second Finance Minister Nor Yakcop are cracking their heads to cushion the crisis or at least to make Malaysia looks good.  Stimulus packages, monetary policies, vouchers, rebate, buy Malaysia products etc are ways of fostering the people to take precaution in the current economic turmoil.

There is hardly a country in the world today where the government is not actively engaged in some form of economic planning.  The government must stop the bureaucratic behaviour – no more patrimonialism and political clientelism.  We must encourage and analyse effective planning and practical policies to tackle the crisis particularly to assist the lower or middle income earners.  Whatever measure taken, the government must ensure that it reaches the people.  Thus a clear and concrete plan is what I want to see – as for now, freeze the political fights!

  Thousands of PR supporters caused a chaotic state forcing the FRU to release tear gas and injured some.  Can violence solve the problem?

Sultan Azlan Shah, the ultimate decision-maker.

Some analysts and politicians had previously anticipated that Perak faced the biggest dilemma, indeed it is now.  The loose opposition coalition has appeared disunited or is it part of Najib’s plan (as rumoured)?  Whatever it is, all eyes are now on HRH Sultan Azlan Shah.

  HRH had an audience with MB Nizar last evening and soon to meet Najib.  HRH has not decided on anything yet as he needs to consider carefully with the advise of the legal experts.  Undoubtedly HRH’s integrity and intellectual capability will not be questioned, after all he was the ex-Lord President.  However many may not realise that although HRH’s discretion is wide and subjective, it is not absolute.

Under Article 16 of the Perak Constitution, if the CM lost the confidence or the majority, he will have to resign together with his exco members.  Nevertheless under the Federal Constitution, they (PR) are still the caretaker government (now) pending the decision of HRH to dissolve the assembly or to form another government.

By now it is apparent that PR prefers to call a fresh election whereby BN is eager to nominate a new CM soon.

The immoral practice of party-hopping often leads to the fall of democratically elected governements.  Indeed there is a need to consider anti-defection laws to bear against such practice.  Allowing the people to elect their wakil rakyats is one of the finest achievements of democracy.  The idea that the government must be representative of the people and anwerable, responsible and accountable to the wishes of society is a firm pillar of contemporary political morality.  Conversely the right to speech and association are also the essential pillars of a democratic set-up, the life-blood of a free society.   So it is a subjective issue where one may argues on both sides on the commonly called ‘unethical act’ of ‘crossovers, defections, jumping-ships’ as in our current poltical scenario.

Unfortunately, elected assemblies are not always representative.  Even in the liberal democracies of other countries, the ideals of representative government are realised only imperfectly.  Though democracy is the best form of government invented by human beings, there can be no denying that behind the folklore of democracy stand many myths and many utilitarian compromises.

On the other hand, by judicial precedent, the apex court had once decided in 1982 that an election need not be called as the mere majority was able to form the new government pertaining to the Consitution.  In addition HRH is not bound by the advise of the PM or incumbent CM or the wishes of the parties but the paramount consideration is the confidence of the majority of the members of the Assembly.  In any event, it must be remembered that precedents must not only look good on paper but must also function well.

Will it be a bad precedent if a government is formed due to the defectors’ support?  If yes, Anwar Ibrahim may just has to wait for the next general election.

Perak: Mayday, Mayday!

  MB Nizar sedang mempertimbangkan kemungkinan pembubaran kerajaan negeri untuk mengarahkan ’snap election’ ?  (Kenapa?  Khabar angin yang kuat bahawa ramai lagi akan lompat dari PR!)  Tak habis-habis merebut kuasa di Perak!  Apa macam Ipoh mali punya politicians?  Crossovers, Jump Ships, Defections, Hopping, RM50 million, AWOL; tak habis-habis cerita politik yang sebenarnya tidak bermanfaat kepada rakyat Malaysia.  Kenapa berlakunya masalah ini?  Jelas sekali dong, negeri Peraklah yang mempunyai kerusi yang paling tipis bagi kedua-dua BN dan PR, justeru itu status katak amat dipentingkan.  Minggu lepas BN sudah hilang satu, kali ini mungkin dapat dua – apa tak takut bagi PR?  Tambahan pula sejak permulaan PR sendiri tidak berpuas hati dengan pengurusan kerajaan negeri, tentulah tak syiok DAP yang memenangi kerusi terbanyak diikuti dengan PKR dan akhirnya PAS yang paling kurang kerusi jadi MB.  Justeru itu, ADUN, MP dan ahli majlis tentu risau kedudukan mereka, apa lagi nak tunggu, cepat-cepat cari lubanglah!

Tian Chua dari PKR menuduh SPR bertindak secara ultra vires (tanpa bukti undang-undang, tembak je lah), Ngeh pula mencabar SPR supaya menarik-balik keputusan dalam masa 48 jam sebelum negeri tersebut mengambil tindakan guaman.  Sehubungan itu, Speaker Sivakumar juga menuduh SPR merampas kuasa beliau.

Sejak tahun lepas, beberapa ahli-ahli politik telahpun mencadangkan keperluan undang-undang mengenai ‘anti-hopping’ supaya sistem demokrasi kita tidak dijejaskan.  Disebaliknya ada segolongan tidak bersetuju sedemikian memandangkan ia melanggar hak kebebasan mereka – ‘freedom of association’ sepertimana yang dimaktubkan di dalam Perlembagaan kita.  Di dalam kes Nordin Salleh, Mahkamah Agong (pada masa itu) memutuskan bahawa pilihanraya kecil adalah tidak diperlukan jikalau wujudnya ‘crossover’.  BN tidak berpuas hati tetapi kini PR yang bagai telur di hujung tanduk.

 Masing-masing terdapat pihak menyoal bidangkuasa SPR, Speaker dan parti-parti politik mengenai keesahan surat letak jawatan tersebut dan keputusan sama ada kedua-dua kerusi itu harus dikosongkan atau tidak.  Sebenarnya isu-isu yang dibangkitkan itu senang je diuruskan, biarlah dibicarakan di Mahkamah dengan memfailkan sijil ‘urgency’.

Pada hakikatnya, masyarakat terutamanya di Perak yang merugikan di dalam scenario yang dihebohkan ini, pengundi-pengundi dipermainkan dengan memberi mandat kepada calon yang dari awal menandatangani surat letak jawatan.  Sejak Mac tahun lepas, tidak ada kemajuan yang konkrit mahupun rancangan yang kukuh untuk membangunkan negeri tersebut.  So apa macam?  BN atau PR?

Cruising on…

Ang pows, Carlsberg, Heinekken, bak kua, mandarin oranges, Blue Label, Chivas 28, poker, mahjong, yee sang, kuih kapit etc – these things are part of my daily lives over the last 9 days.  In addition I was pleased to meet Syed Najib an old pal who I last met 26 years ago.  The best of all was to watch Federer sobbing during the Australia Open throphy presentation – he was definitely not an actor with his sincerity of such emotional feeling of appreciation.  Everywhere I went, people tend to discuss about the political future of our country.  Rumours of PR/BN defections in Perak and NS (for this I wonder why the PR govt did not make such a fuss when Nasarudin hopped over last week), Anwar’s stategy in Johor and the east, SD on DPM Najib’s RM50 million offer to frogs (for the love of PKR, I will not betray the party?) and the popular of all:  can UMNO really change?  Not surprisingly, many questioned and criticised my stand in Gerakan.  Generally whether one is involves in politics or not, the orthodox perception of power and money come into play.  Nevertheless at current stage, my firm respond was on the ground of personal growth and positive contribution.

  Back to the office this morning, I was slow to get on board – biasalah after a long break.  Colleagues are turning their attention to me about any truth of the worst recession after CNY.  Many are trying to mend the holes of their pocket now.  That reminds me that we must start cranking.  Lincoln once said: ‘one must pray and work for it, and not just wish’.  Well the way I look at it is when the river is choppy, there is precisely where the fish are.

While the political leaders expend their energy analysing the wisdom and folly of the frogs or power-fights, I hope the PM in waiting will give priority to the concerned households and business people in the coming months.  The nation wants political stability and most important is peace, harmony and prosperity (hope PR leaders can genuinely figure this out).  Malaysians want a compassionate and considerate government now.