NOTE BELATED: This Post should be dated Sunday July 16, 2006 (NOT July 15), but since I started the draft on Saturday, the time-line remains... and I contracted some "Blur"-ness from Mentees like Theels & kyels...Minta maaf, iA!:)
Still, IF we could only travel back in time, yes? Imagine the opportunities and potential for one like DR Mahathir...
This Sunday's Inter:lude marks almost the end of The Interval of The Play.With the two PMs having re-charged their batteries at foreign holiday resorts -- Langkawi and Pangkor are not good enough! -- the main protagonists will soon re-enter the stage. The DPM Najib was forced to "make a cameo pre-appearance" reading from a long script written by a team of speech writers including some edirors from the NST -- extracting mainly from some important Rahsia documents were de-clasified for the purpose -- to provide detailed answers to ex-PM Dr Mahathir's four questions. So that The Truth be revealed?
A sidebar story headed At a glance in The Star yesterday, companion to main piece Setting the record straight, had run the following the four answers to Dr Mahathir's questions, but I won't bore my ER except quote the LAST, viz:
Saturday July 15, 2006
A half-past-six country with no guts:
Dr Mahathir: Malaysia is a “half-past-six country with no guts” for calling off the bridge project.
The Government says: A crooked bridge is not a legacy to leave for future Malaysians. The bridge project was aborted after studying the Wayleave Agreements, the Johor-Singapore Water Agreements 1961 and 1962, the Separation Agreement 1965 and taking into consideration advice by the Attorney General’s Chambers.
Malaysia cannot take unilateral action without taking into consideration international law principles and requirements, and without taking into account the rights and interests of its neighbouring states.
The half bridge would have been left in a limbo with no commitment from Singapore. Running the government is not about scoring points or engaging in brinkmanship. It is about weighing the pros and cons and reaching a decision that is good for Malaysia.
It was a political decision, based on the sentiments, sovereignty and integrity of the people of Malaysia.
DESIDERATA is of the view that reading the last point by itself alone, Dr Mahathir will conmtniue the FACE-OFF with Pak Lah because in essence, the point as reported implied that Dr Mahathir's proposed crooked bridge that was aborted "is not a legacy to leave for future Malaysians..."
And that would add a greater and more intense pain in the stab in the former PM's back. "Ingrates!" I could read the PM's lips. for I have covered Dr Mahathir on some beats. He is a personality whom the media adore because he makes "good copy". But also, he's one "You either love or hate him, no two ways about it!"
For a Prime Minister who had ruled Malaysia for 22 years with an iron-fist, he has bequeathed NegaraKu with many feats, I would even add, several acts of greatness, but at the same time, as can be expected from a human being, also many "disastrous legacies". For better or worse, that's for future hstorians to rule. For me, I have a balance sheet of negatives and positives with the latter being outweighed.
IF ONLY DR MAHATHIR HAD THE WISDOM OF STEPPING DOWN AT THE ZENITH AFTER 10 YEARS -- but that's wistful thinking on Desi's part ...anyway, it is academic now.
"Running the government is not about scoring points or engaging in brinkmanship..." really adds salt to the wound, and a wounding Tiger would just not LET IT BE!
A man of his status used to fighting to "right a wrong" will not keep elegant silence. And it's matter of time Pak Lah may be forced out of hiding or hiatus to break his. SILENCE I mean, not hiatus. For that the two weeks in Perth nded yesterday must have worked wonders to pep up his spirits. Or his script-writers have updated the lines -- as is seen when the NST followed in The Star's footsteps in "deleting" online versions on the ongoing spinnings of the Sandiwara. You mousedeer, please go into hiatus when the Elephants-cum-tribal members continue their epochal fights that will come in many Acts before the final curtain comes down on the PWTC Stage, my guess will be at the Next UMNO General Assembly, or at the next General Elections called before time by the diminishing-in-value "Mr Nice Guy" PM.
Desi has given due credit to Dr Mahathir's efforts in trying to raise Malaysia to developed nation's status, but what is a glaring failure is is the field of mentality and cultural mindset. Malaysian civil society has not developed in tandem with its superb physical infrastructure. In factm in certain areas like the justice delivery system -- it has regressed, and compromised, thanks mainly to the Goevrnment's emasculation of the Third Estate under Dr Mahathir's watch -- the Judiciary, epitomised by the Sacking of a Lord Presdent and five senior Judges at one go.
But let's be entertained by more "minor" -- or "minion" is more apt? -- actors akin to Nazri Abdul Aziz and Matthias Chang who I liken as the court jesters in a play like "As You Like It".
GREAT DEMOCRATS WITHIN UMNO
From The Star comes Malacca CEO, also once President of WAY, now as aspitring DPM? ~~
Ali: Efforts to explain issues well received
KOTA BARU: Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam is confident that the ongoing efforts to explain current political issues have been well received by the grassroots.
He called on members to close ranks as the next general election was looming.
“Umno often has internal differences, it is normal in a democracy-practising party.
“But we have the reputation of closing ranks and I am calling for it now,” Mohd Ali said before joining the Pengkalan Chepa Umno division in declaring its unreserved support and loyalty to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as Prime Minister and Umno president.
Among those present were division head Datuk Dr Nik Mohd Zain Omar, deputy Che Rosli Hassan and vice-head Rahim Mohd Zain.
Mohd Ali said divisions could invite any supreme council member to clarify issues emerging from the perceived rift between Abdullah and Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He urged Kelantan divisions to come together and help deflect issues being exploited by the opposition.
:
:
:
DESIDERATA: Wow, this same guy preaches democracy, and claims that his party is a real practitioner of democracy. Repeat: "“Umno often has internal differences, it is normal in a democracy-practising party. May I advise Sharir to under-study Ali Rustam, if Sharir neeeds some independent advice. Free too.
For the benefit of many Malaysians who tend to forget, I would like to recap here that soon after the BN won the state assembly election in 1999, the Malacca CM, Ali Rustam,“ ...gave an official directive that public officials who were known to have supported the Opposition in the general elections would be transferred out of the historic state. And likewise, private businesses who had won government contracts would also be “blacklisted†from future contracts if they were identified to have supported the Opposition, Ali Rustam gave his order to his obedient sub-ordinates.
So, it's timely to remind Malaysian politicians the famous quote by a British Judge:
Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. *** Lord Acton
So we also see that the BN, at the federal and the State levels, are acting as Oligarchs delivering official administration and governance at their "whims and fancies" (remember "Semuanya okay!" state chief unilaterally claiming Selangor as having arrived at Developed Status? These state warlords in the name of parliamentray democratic systems, and literallt get away with blue nurder -- a former CM losing millions at a London caSINo and so far, I hear of NO action being taken against him to account for where the millions came from. Yet the same Ali Rusta -- trust the wisdom of UMNOputras promoting the wise concept of BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER, Yes! --went on to be elected as an UMNO Vice-President, just a few steps away from the UMNO Presidency and the Nation's CEOship; so help us GOd, I Say Amen.
SO WHAT OPTIONS DO THE RAKYAT HAVE?
(A) Maintaining the Status Quo?
If this is what the majority want -- "seems" to be the case for the past 49 years, then as I had summarised earler, Most of you are happy now, Don't Complain-lah!
May I humbly add: Don't Condemn Others Who Are Trying THeir Level Bset to Make a Change!
(B) Replace the long-standing Barisan Nasional Government
I am lending my thoughts to this Option. I say it's about the ONE AND ONLY OPTION LEFT FOR NEGARKU-KU, TO MOVE BEYOND THIRD-WORLD TO CLIMB THE LADDER TOWARDS FIRST-WORLD STATUS.
Assuming you're with Desi on (B), then read on. If not, no point proceeding-lah. Adjourn back into thy coccon of "complacencY" and let business "go on as usual", as wisely observed by a foreign newsman, maybe the context is slightly different.
So let's examine the various parties that make up the Opposition at the Federal level. PAS flagged off the Opposition Leader in Parliament after their "outstanding performance" in 1999 (on account of riding on Anwar Ibrahim's horse); suffered a humiliating setback in GE2004, losing the Opposition Leader post bak to the DAP. (PAS also lost the State of Terengganu back to the BN.)
One of the strongest indictments against PAS politics came from a letter writer to Malaysiakini.com from Umar Mukhtar recently; I find many of his letters well articulated, citing good rationale, which I truly appreciate even when I disagree with this gentlemn's views sometimes.
Bridge, APs, Proton merely smokescreens
Umar Mukhtar MAR
Jul 7, 06 5:51pm
"Recent reports of PAS cosying up to Dr Mahathir Mohamad over his criticisms of Pak Lah smack of unprincipled political opportunism. Wasn't it PAS which benefitted from the voters' disgust in 1999 at Mahathir's underhanded treatment of Anwar Ibrahim? And now suddenly Mahathir is PAS' paragon of virtue?
It should be obvious to seasoned observers that Mahathir's biggest concern upon giving up power was the protection of the dark secrets of his administration. Granting of executive immunity is not part of our political tradition, so it was imperative that Mahathir selected a successor whom he was confident would do his bidding in this matter."
:
:
:
DESIDERATA has always averred that Race and Religion is an explosive mixture which Malaysia can't afford to experiment with. To Desi, it's either NEEDS-BASED POLICIES thatwill deliver us the climate for nation-building, NOT THE NEP< NOT RELIGION, which will be the case if you support PAS, as ISLAM is the party's raison de'tre (Reason for being).
Then let's look at DAP as the viable option...
I have asked of Sdr LIM KIT SIANG -- QUO VADIS?
Is the DAP merely happy playing the role of an Opposition in Parliament and at State Assemblies?
Lim spearheaded "Project Tanjung" several terms to wrest Penang from Gerakan, but failed, and among several reasons, there were "factions" among the {enang DAP. So what's so different among DAP leaders' indset comapred with BN components -- they were "quarreling" among themselves, anticipating sitting on the Chief Minister's chair? even before the battles started!
And let me tell it at first hand (personal experience) that its represenatives mirrored MCA and MIC's -- witness how Chin Nyok Soo, Tiger Lee and Khoo Seng Hock, and M. Kuppusamy, all jumped ship? For the Ignoramuses, these named were all DAP state assemblymen, from Penang, Negri Sembilan, the notorous one where I am resident but not-so-proud-of except for its Siew Pau! One of them was in serious debt of the verge of being sued for bankruptsy, then MCA beckoned and he switched parties, and soon was driving a new Mercedes Benz! SO, WHAT ELSE IS NEW?
I have also asked of Sdr ANWAR IBRAHIM -- QUO VADIS?
Another extract I sighted:
"The Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) is attempting to bring together Ex-Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, his one-time deputy Anwar Ibrahim, and Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to team up for the good of the ‘Malay cause’. Is the hidden agenda really to challenge the Prime Minister?
Dr Mahathir has categorically stated in his Malaysiakini interview last week that there is no possibility of any reconciliation with Anwar. Then there are certain forces who are attempting to open a channel for Anwar to meet Dr Mahathir so that the former can apologise to the latter. It is hoped that once Anwar does this, then the old man would give his blessing in the event that Umno would like to take Anwar back."
I would say the above speculation is "mind-boggling"? That is, of Anwar making peace with Dr Mahathir.
The former PM and DPM are deadly enemies, and mainly it's due to the Act of smashing a fellow human being using the most vile tactic. Demeaning his character with accusations of Sodomy, not once, but twice, now there is a Defamation suit for millions by Anwar against Mahathir. Reconciliation? -- Go tell it to the marines! -- no, not the US!
This said event also is linked inextricably with the sacking of the Lord President and five senior judges -- so that what followed in the trials of Anwar showed truly what's likened to Aussie -- oops, my mistake, KANGAROO COURTS! Under A. Paul and A. Jaka, but that's another story for when we go Down Under...
THE PARTI KEADILAN RAKYAT -- YOUR ONLY VIABLE CHOICE!
2B Continued Tomorrow, can?
I'm flaggd out, is that the right word? -- NOT ENOUGH SUGAR in my TehHa!Lia...this mrUrning, lots of Miss Sunthi though, and I had to forego CON BF because someone who's supposed to pay did not keep his/her AP...sigh loudly so that it reaches his/her ears!
9 comments:
And perhaps Option B has been/will be quite impossible, that the country is not progressing. And even if it has, it's reached the ceiling - for now.
I don't see Negaraku climbing any ladder to achieve first class because they have purposefully broken a couple of rungs along the way. Negaraku will be quite 3rd world for a L-O-N-G while...
LOL sorry for the late reply, boss. Have been run ragged since Friday night - with work, what's more.
As for maintaining the status quo, I've only this to say: the current government is taking pains to make it seem as if it's cleaning out the closet, and throwing light on the 'evils' of the previous administration.
I wonder how long it will take for these same people to get on with *their* own funny deals...I'm guessing as soon as the public start believing in UMNO's messiah, PM Badawi (or his son..).
I disagree with your 2nd Option. The hypothesis: Replacing a despot with another despot is about a change for change sake.
The fundamental issue about the government is the absolute lack of check and balance; an absolute majority breeds power to corrupt and caused internal bleedings by parasitism.
As rightly said by you, Power Corrupts and Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.
It is clear that in order to bring change for the better, there must be a strong check and balance system of which the legislative body, that is, the law making body must be a composite of a strong team of level-headed intellectually competent politicians from a stable political party, and an equal efficient and effective opposition who would provide the needed check and balance.
At such, it is idealistic that there must be a strong multi-ethnic party composing of the 3 major races with the Malays as the leader (as they are the majority).
Analysing the current scenario, DAP lacks Malay support and they are doing nothing about it; so they are not adequately represented.
PAS is monolithic and stands on a religious platform which caters solely for one religion and is unsuitable.
KeAdiLan seems the more appropriately dressed to suit but they consist of frascos and rejects from UMNO, and substantially lack the support of Chinese and Indians intellects. At this juncture, they are ruled incompetent. However, they could address this, if there is political will power from their leaders which seems not forthcoming.
The last option is for Academicians and intellects to form a new party but it's unlikely as academicians are financially unsound to be able to contest on the "uneven political field."
Conclusion: Nothing will happen and BN will rule for a long time up till doomsday or 4WW begins.
It will take a major upheaval and a break-up of UMNO to bring a radical change to the current status quo.
So, by theorethical analysis and equation, should Mahathir decides to form a single-multi-racial political party (as propounded by Onn Jaafar, Hussein Onn's father), that seems the most realistic chance of upsetting and crushing BN.
Will Mahathir do it? Mirage!!! unless, he decides to give Malaysians the gift of Democracy and to built a better Malaysia; a contribution at his old age to make good the bad he had done - self-rectification and social remedy - before he goes back to meet Allah.
ah, primrose, finally putting a leg into Politics away from travels&foods&drinks which I also like. But why so pessimisstic?
Though some rungs have been broken, the people must strive to repair at the same time continue the upward climb -- DO WE HAVE A CHOICE?
Yes, we will reamin third world in "many aspects" for a LONG time -- that's a general consensus, but we must NOT allow despair to grip us in inertia. Nature abhors a vacuum -- and I deem political inertia is letting a vacuum be...?
Come back from Char kuey tew enrichment, challenge Desi...I offer thee tehtarik+Ms Siunthi!
Xpyred -- late, no, because this is a CONTINUING discussion which I'm in a way prompted by you (Howsy off course!). "work" is good for the body and soul, at least we are not among the rent-seekers, eh!
I find some optimism in this LIFTER: ...
"As for maintaining the status quo, I've only this to say: the current government is taking pains to make it seem as if it's cleaning out the closet, and throwing light on the 'evils' of the previous administration. "
Then you gave me a DOWNER with:
"I wonder how long it will take for these same people to get on with *their* own funny deals..."
Hey, buddy, tone down your cynicism a little, can you, plus Others like Primrose preceding you.
We must give Pak Lah a chance "to prove himself"...I had previously listed a few "encouraging signs":
* MAS/Danahrata sue Tajudin Ramli
*Danaharta sues Rahsid Hussein Bank
* Anwar succeeeded in one final appeal in clearly "rumped up" charges of sodomy -- Kangaroo court Isaid...
I also urge my ER to remember "Rome is not built in a day."
Have anyone of you signed up to be an active member of ANY Political party, attend committee meetings? You will then undersatnd how slowly the human "machinery" grinds...
One thing as I said: WHAT OPTION DO YOU HAVE NOW UNTIL GE2008/09?
mave sm:
You read or pre-read my thesis wrongly:
"Replacing a despot with another despot is about a change for change sake..." -- is that what you think Anwar Ibrahim will bring with his SO-CALLED REFORMS? I need a 2-3 days' respite, maybe even more as "work" comes, first (like Xpyred's conundrum..) before I tackle next Epic PLay discussion examining Khairy J vs Najib and Anwa vs Najib as the next probabable scenario post 2008-09, unless Providence intervenes...
The check and balance could not be left to status quo either -- led by PAS or DAP as the past 49 years had proven, so we need a viable alternative...
Mave SM, seriosuly looking at the Opposition parties before us -- WHAT OPTION IS DO-ABLE?
You also thought aloud about Acadmics & NGOs? plus Like-minded individuals forming an alternativem, then DISMISSED it as not do-able...SO?
Re: PKR, you wrote "However, they could address this, if there is political will power from their leaders which seems not forthcoming." I think we need to take Anwar's word for it that he'll be back in good time (he's under time bar now, remember?) to lead his wife's headed party to higher plane...Let's pray-lah, for Pak Lah & Anwar. I put them 2gether for certain reasons...Miss Patience is a virtue...
Let's call an iner-lude to "politics" menu, for women2! and...
Let's engage again after my next instalment okay...but there's some individualistic ways we can meanwhile take -- I hinted about the 3-EYE PROJECT with johnleemk .... but he's getting vacation "indoctri-nation "in the alien-nation, the US, lucky bloke! OR isit "unlucky"?
I thought it seemed relevant, so I'll repost an ancient piece of my mind about the DAP and opposition. Hope nobody minds the length.
------------------------------------------
For a long time (since 1965), the Democratic Action Party (DAP) has been a major force in the opposition side of the Malaysian political divide. And for a rather long time, Lim Kit Siang has been helming the DAP. However, the recent defeat of his son (Lim Guan Eng, party Secretary-General) and his daughter-in-law (Betty Chew, Guan Eng's wife) in internal party elections raises a considerable number of questions about the party's future.
It should be made clear that I have never been a fan of the DAP. Its socialist economic stance runs contrary to my beliefs regarding a free market, and its abrasive nature of opposing for the sake of opposing have made me always wary. In addition, its underreliance on grassroots support, in favour of pilih kasih (favouritism) from the party leadership, has alienated me - I don't believe a party that rules from an ivory tower should be ruling. (Some commentators like Joceline Tan of The Star have attributed this to the party's socialist nature - I wouldn't know how true this is.)
There is also no denying that the DAP has, intentionally or otherwise, cultivated a very Chinese-centric image. Most of the issues it champions tend to be of concern more for Chinese voters than for anyone else. Oh, sure, the DAP says it's a pro-Malaysian party, not a pro-Chinese party. Maybe that's true. But the DAP doesn't seem to be concerned about rehabilitating its image, aside from some minor squealing about "We're looking out for the interests of Malaysians!"
Another group notably missing from the DAP is the youth. This crucial demographic segment is what will make or break the party's fortunes in the future. After all, one can only rely on support from senior citizens for so long. However, little bodes well in this direction. Most of the young faces in the DAP tend to be the children or relatives of party members - Lim Guan Eng is an excellent example. There also appears to be no serious concern about reaching out to the youth. The DAP seems to expect new voters to come to it, instead of actively hunting them down for their support.
Some recent discussions I've had with a party "insider" have also fuelled my concern. For instance, it appears that the DAP is not so much a coherent organisation as it is a feuding bunch of fiefdoms, all squabbling for political (and occasionally) economic power. Apparently there is a lot of internal jockeying for position, both within the party and the various state assemblies.
Perhaps the Lim/Chew defeat in the recent election to the DAP Malacca committee serves as an excellent example. As it turns out, Lim's style of politicking, and his wife's meteoric rise in the party organisation, have led to some considerable backlash from the grassroots (if they can be called that). Allegations of nepotism are never nice, but, honestly, who can see the DAP ruling Malaysia if they're just more of the same? What is Malaysia, a new sultanate?
Just look at some of the prominent politicians in the government, led by the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO). Khairy Jamaluddin, Deputy UMNO Youth Chief - Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi's son-in-law. Hishamuddin Hussein, UMNO Youth Chief and Education Minister (real title: "I'm Gonna' Be A PM!") - grandson of UMNO founder Dato' Onn Ja'afar, and son of third Prime Minister, Hussein Onn. Najib Razak, Deputy Prime Minister - son of second Prime Minister, Abdul Razak. Can anyone squeal nepotism? Maybe if we're going to hunt for an alternative to UMNO, it might be wise to avoid more of the same.
Let's return to Lim and Chew. When they were defeated, what was the reaction? Member of Parliament (MP) Teresa Kok accused unnamed conspirators of orchestrating their defeat. The Selangor and Negeri Sembilan DAP branches came out in support of Lim and Chew. Quite a bit of bad blood in the party, isn't it?
Perhaps one can attribute this intense politicking to the structure of Malaysian party elections. Typically, delegates representing each constituency are elected by ordinary party members, and these delegates in turn go on to vote for the party leadership. This is hardly fair, as these delegates aren't bound to vote in a particular matter - they just vote for what would ostensibly be in their constituents' best interests. (This is an inherent weakness of the Westminster Parliamentary system, which has its head of government indirectly elected by Members of Parliament.) This situation has led to money politics and outright on the table vote-buying in UMNO. I would not be too surprised if this has occurred in the DAP.
After all, the DAP is not very well known for its transparency either. Heck, it's not even known for principled leadership in its equivalent of corporate "middle management". After all, more than a few have used the party to get elected to public office, and then enrich themselves by virtue of their positions. Rather than join the Chinese tycoon party (the Malaysian Chinese Association, or MCA), where competition for the opportunity to run in an election is tough, many have opted to rise through the DAP ranks to gain public office - and then jump ship to MCA. Some specific cases: Tiger Le from Lobak Seremban, Khoo Seng Hock from Temiang, Seremban and Chin Nyok Soo et al from Penang.
All this could be solved if the DAP reached out to the grassroots by electing its leadership through primary elections. But does the DAP value the grassroots that highly? Or does its leadership value their own skin more than the party and the nation? Tough question. But looking right at the top to Karpal Singh, that fiery bulldog, I'd be surprised if the former were true. After all, this is the same man who couldn't be bothered to open a service centre for his constituents in Penang, forcing them to visit his legal office for help.
The DAP is undoubtedly the best of a rotten lot (this lot is the Opposition, of course). But how much of a compliment can that be? The DAP needs to drastically reform itself, and reposition itself as a new party - one with vigour, full of young energy and dedicated to Malaysians and not just the Chinese or non-Malays. Here, it's all a question of PR - window-dressing. But before that is attended to, there is much more that has to be addressed. Deep faultlines threaten to tear the party apart if it doesn't get its act together. The DAP has to act now to reform itself, or risk becoming yet another footnote in the history of Malaysian politics.
------------------------------------------
I dunno.. I've been leaning toward being a bit more realistic with politics in our country. In all honesty, the way I look at it is as a matter of pragmatics.
The fact remains that political parties vie for the most votes to get a hold of that power. In Malaysia, at least, I hardly think any politician's in it for the 'good of the country'. It's always about getting some small bit of pie out of the whole.
And that includes PM Badawi and his coterie of pseudo-technocrats. I suppose the best I'm hoping for is that Badawi doesn't screw up too much before handing the reigns of power over to somebody else.
If I'm forced to tolerate corruption, the least I should be able to demand is that said corrupt politicians aren't bungling idiots.
What can I say? Hope springs eternal.. LOL :)
Post a Comment