What's Next for Rafizi After N.O.W?

Now that N.O.W, Rafizi Ramli's pet project is up, the next thing I can think of in regards of Rafizi Ramli is to rethink of contesting in Pandan and fall back to a safer spot.

I once managed to have a short time with Rafizi one night in Gombak - unfortunately the talk was cut short of his appointment elsewhere. Rafizi can be a nice chap, as what I hear what other people would say about him. Surely his reputation has shot up after a blitz of exposes involving the LRT extension project and the big talk of the town: the NFC cow scandal.

A few months ago, Rafizi spoke about contesting in Pandan against MCA's Ong Tee Keat. I, together with a few people have certainty to say that regardless of political affiliations, Superman OTK is a very popular figure in Pandan and the only way for OTK to lose is if there is sabotage from his own party, MCA. In 2008, former MTUC president Syed Shahir contested in that area but Ong won with a neither big nor small majority of 3000 votes.

The doubt I have is that Pandan may not be that feasible contrary to what Rafizi thinks.

The much more better alternatives is either in Kelana Jaya or in Petaling Jaya Selatan.

I've been overhearing some random people on the ground talking about how they are unhappy with the performance of either Hee Loy Sian or Gwo Burne which is in contrast with Tony Pua's performance. If what the people on the ground say the same thing as my first thought of both of those MPs, it would be a good idea to have them replaced with Rafizi and Syed Shahir. It's just not that both of them have a better chance of winning. It's the matter of problem solving most common issues that a Member of Parliament can do in those areas. 

MCA contests in both areas as the statistics speak for themselves.

Gwo Burne and Loy Sian won with a medium-range size majority of 3000-5000 votes.

It's likely Donald Lim in PJ Selatan and someone else if neither Lee Hwa Beng nor Loh Seng Kok would be up again in Kelana Jaya. In 2008, MCA was whacked almost kingdom come in the entire GE. People have seen that party, then run by the Ong brothers becoming more and more a mere stooge to United Malays National Organisation.

It looks like Rafizi and Syed Shahir stands a better chance in those areas. The population of voters there are a mix proportion of races. Ominous rumors of the incumbents in those areas being dropped over their performance is likely to be fact later on. Being a PKR candidate stands to have a good chance to contest in that area given of the good mix-proportion of people vs other areas.

I wonder how does it sound if Rafizi goes to contest there? Perhaps PKR doing some ground work there would be more appropriate rather than branding some unknown guy like me as talking something I am not appropriate to talk about? There's still time, at most up to 8 months left before reaching the full term where an election must be called.

Tee Keat is likely to have a few additional issues to deal including from within the party. We do not know whether there will be attempts to sabotage him or possible bickering by UMNO against MCA over the scenario of refusing to hand over the seat to their candidate. It's best to leave it untouched on Pandan for sometimes there's something that can be discovered while an infighting is happening.

Bersih - Alahai Mat Sembab!

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today drew parallels between the recent UK riots and last month’s Bersih rally even after the prime minister distanced himself from the harsh crackdown on the march for free and fair elections.

Seemingly out of step with Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s new, more conciliatory stance, Muhyiddin congratulated the police for their handling of the Bersih rally after citing the UK riots as a “clear example” of how a country can descend into chaos if “elements that threaten peace and security” are not stopped.
 

“Although it (UK) is a modern nation, there were people... who took the opportunity to riot and create chaos to fulfil certain needs that are not in line with the needs of the majority,” he said at the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) College here.
“The government is very proud and pleased with the role and bravery of PDRM in handling the illegal Bersih demonstration on July 9, 2011 that was, in fact, dirty (kotor).”
Muhyiddin’s comments today comes one week after Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Malaysians should be thankful that police action had prevented the Bersih rally from turning violent like the UK riots.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Khalid Abu Bakar has also previously said on his Facebook page that the riots in London and other major cities in Britain were evidence of the “nightmares” that could be prevented by avoiding street protests.

Najib said on Monday that a bipartisan parliamentary select committee will be formed “as soon as possible” to examine the current electoral system, a key demand of Bersih.

His announcement was seen as a major concession acknowledging the political fallout from his administration’s harsh clampdown on the rally for free and fair elections that brought the capital to a standstill last month.

The Najib administration was roundly criticised in the international media, with his reformist image taking a major hit after authorities took extreme measures including firing tear gas and water cannons at largely peaceful demonstrators.

The prime minister’s decision also suggests he was forced to give space to Bersih and its iconic leader Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan as the government has been floundering since last month’s rally.

Muhyiddin Likens Bersih To London Riots - 18 August 2011, Malaysian insider

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This has been a number of times that I've lost count of Muhyiddin Yassin keeps saying that Bersih is related to this and that for all I care. If I recall correctly, back in the beginning, Muhyiddin was noted saying that Bersih is used by Opposition to topple BN, Bersih is a threat to national security, and Bersih is undemocratic and so forth.

I just went back to check the chronology of statements leading to the Bersih event on 9 July and there are matching entries relating Muhyiddin's statements to that. The UMNO paranoia started on 16 June, 3 days before the launch (the launch was on 19 June, a Sunday) with Utusan first started the fuse with Bersih's launch. (Note: Utusan news hitman columnist Zulkiflee Bakar started the drum with his column). And that started the avalanche of accusations by the government on Bersih.

You can read the sequence of events of Bersih that has Muhyiddin's statements:

1. 16 June - Bersih is undemocratic

2. 18 June - Opposition using Bersih to topple BN

3. 25 June - Muhyiddin Insists That Bersih Is Political, Threat to Security

4. 2 July - Kuasa Besar Boleh Masuk Jika Malaysia Bergolak

5. 3 July - Bersih A Trick To Get Power

6. 7 July - Bersih Inciting Hatred in Stadium Merdeka Choice

These instances above, even from one source alone is enough to paint a picture that Muhyiddin led UMNO's paranoia on Bersih and subsequently, from there, government refused to give rally permits, intensify detention before rallies, and the illogical arrests on anything that is yellow and of course Bersih, perceived as a society but actually a movement that was declared illegal by Hishamuddin.

Several other people including Ibrahim Ali and Zulkifli Noordin  have added oil to fire, making things hotter and hotter. With their paranoia including in their speeches, this has influenced the police to stop the rally at all costs, peaceful or otherwise. But all the paranoia that these men have come out of their mouths turns out to be unfounded. Was it to hide the guilt that the cheating game of elections necessary? But who actually lit the fire and made it bigger? The statements from him makes it possible.

In the end, most of us tried digging for proof to such claims above to refute it and there was absolutely none. Pure nonsensical and tons of lies to make a shit out of nothing for an event. And yes, failure to understand English well also plays part of it. That's why there are still people out there who still cannot even differentiate between a protest and a riot. In fact we even fell behind to Myanmmar when they have started to loosen things up bit by bit.

But sometimes there is also a logic of looking at this incidents as red herrings. Was it part of a plan to entrap Najib? Some of my friends and people have always said that Najib is not only facing enemies on the outside but in the inside, in this case, other factions in the party itself. And this puts a question of whether this was meant to get people to get angry at Najib Razak and thus hasten his exit? 

These statements above also reflect the childish mindset of the government. Instead of giving a 3 hour permit for that day, they deliberately make things from bad to worst, just to show their dislike on anything or anyone that challenges or disputes their rule. Giving a permit to them means capitulation, a.l.a IRA style. But it is them that refuses to listen and do the fixes. If they close their ears all the time, then how will the people get their attention? If you write a letter to someone yet the letter was never opened after a specific time, how are you going to follow up and get their attention to your problem?   

Sometimes, being above and sitting behind a desk can put a person into not able to hear the ground. That's the caveat of being in the high-ranking job. 

Alahai, bising banyak tuduh banyak bagi orang tak salah kena tangkap, si penjenayah masih lagi bebas berkeliaran. Ni masih tak faham apa pasal gaduh di London dengan bantah di KL! Aiyoh!

Annotation: I've asked some people what it means by "sembab" and it means swollen face. Incidentally, Hishamuddin Rais always called this guy "Mat Sembab" because he had this swollen look and the face of a pirate.

Now That Bersih Is Over, What's Next To Do?

I have been listening to many people talking about things post 9 July with many sharing their stories and experiences about the event, many groused at the mishandling and brutality of the police doing their duty in their day and of course the government's constant state of denial of the mistreatment of detainees and contradicting claims to witness testimony over the raid at hospital or BERSIH was given the opportunity but not squandered it, and many things to say.

Of course, I understand that as part of keeping the spirit of the fateful day, there will be those flash campaigns like wearing yellow, meeting up for impromptu chat and meals and of course candlelight vigils for the 6 PSM party members who are still being held in the EO ordinance. From what I understand, the vigils will be on until the hearing of the habeas corpus on 22 July (next Thursday).

To this day, the state of denial strategy is still being played by the government in order to satisfy the curiosity of the simple-minded people, particularly those in the rural area. Manufacturing consent is still the key in getting those kind of people in supporting the present government in spite of clear cut evidence of mismanagement and constant backstabbing over one another.

Yes, I do agree that flash campaigns, talk over meals and vigils do play a part in keeping things going on. However I opined that this is more or less a short-term work. But where is the long-term goal to keep this on? There's one thing to know is that from what I listened during a forum with Bersih and the EC in Petaling Jaya earlier of the year, reforms in the present system will be very hard, under the present laws, because most proposals will be in the mercy of the cabinet who decides whether it's a yes or no.

Chances are no likely because surely a level playing field would be disastrous for Barisan Nasional to maintain their win by dirt way. As many of us agreed that if on a level playing field in 2008, Barisan Nasional would become the opposition coalition instead of the ruling coalition. Many, particularly those die-hards would definitely scream this as a loss of political power of the Malays, blah..blah.blah and all sorts of excuses to say that only BN can run Malaysia.

That's the present situation right now. 

I've seen many people on tweets, Facebook and on the street, particularly the young ones ranting about Bersih, ranting about the need to revamp the elections, fraud corrupt practices by politicians and so forth. Ranting alone will not take you far enough. What's really next to do, on the long-term go is to turn the rants of a people into the vote into the ballot box. That is one sheet of paper, place an X on the party you want to select and just put it into the box. It's just a plain 10-15 minute job that is done once every 5 years. 

Sure, many have read and heard that if there are another 400 000 votes in 2008, there would be more PR MPs than the existing numbers they have. I suppose that I do not need to repeat the same points mentioned by other people as well.

Under the present game rules, there is no automatic voter registration, so people may not realize that when you hit 21 years old, you can already have the right to cast a vote into the ballot box. So recently, there have been numerous voter registration exercises to get more people to become voters. Actually, waiting for roadshows like this is WRONG. You do not wait. What you have to do is that the moment you hit 21 or you realize you didn't vote at all, go and barge into a post office or best of the state EC office and tell a personnel there that you want to register. Ask them when can you be under the electoral poll.

You don't know where the state EC office is, please use Google and do some searching. That's what modern information technology is all about. It's also about using your own brain to think and not do anything. I tweeted earlier of the day in response to someone that when I reached 21, I went straight to the state EC office to register and 1 month later, my name is in the electoral roll. Signing at roadshows will take longer, if you understand what I believe.

The present rules can be unfair to some quarters but with the numbers it is possible to overcome the disadvantages in the game. Sometimes one vote can determine the outcome of a contest. For example in Pengkalan, Perak, the margin of win was only merely 18 people.

That's the first long-term thing. It's your ethic and behavior that dictates what has to be done in the case above. The other one, the second long-term thing is to make your folks and friends realize their mistakes. They may not understand the implications but the effect is on their children, grandchildren and so forth...in issues like inflation, can't buy houses, brain drain, etc.. Sometimes a nudge or an insult to those who won't believe it is necessary to get them to realize their mistakes of making the wrong decision. Maybe it's their fear of repercussions that influence their thinking but in the end, it's all bullshit.

That's the second long-term goal, if real reforms to the election system is to be implemented. 

Bersih 2.0 Launch Night Pix

Today, I have planned to discuss on Bersih's rally covering several aspects, but well, I didn't have much of time because of some activities I have been setting up for my own after day's work. Anyhow, just to cater readers out there and since there's been a heavy buzz on Bersih with the rally being another 16 days away from the date of 9 July 2011, here are some pics from the Sunday's launch there.

I asked a few people how many people do they think. Many put around 1500, but given of the number of chairs and rows coupled with some outside, I bet it is just around 1000 people, which of course is a good response anyhow. There were places allocated for UMNO, Gerakan and the BN component party representatives to come. (Remember that Ambiga was saying everyone is invited, as it is a bi-partisan organization). Sadly neither BN component parties come that I've seen the Gerakan guy on Twitter talking about the X's of Bersih all the time!

But that will be another story later. For now, I've simply picked some pics that I've taken for those of you who were not able to see the launch there. There are some familiar faces there, and the emcee for the night was Hishamuddin Rais. And of course, we get to see a glimpse of the Kelantan Dinar, which is worth RM 250!. For those who want to watch the videos there, you can just do some search on Youtube on the launch videos.

The Way Forward That Ibrahim Ali Doesn't Faham

Perkasa kicked off its Bersih 2.0 counter-protest here in Kampung Baru today by burning images of Bersih chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan and issuing a warning to the Chinese to stay indoors as “anything could happen”.

 

Perkasa Datuk Ibrahim Ali, who earlier appointed himself “war general”, said if electoral reform coalition Bersih goes through with its July 9 rally, he will not be held responsible for any untoward incidents which may occur.

“Imagine if chaos erupts. If the Bersih rally is not cancelled... I believe the Chinese community will have to stock up on food.

“Yes, anything can happen. And so I ask the police to act and use whatever powers are at their disposal,” he told some 500 supporters who gathered at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman here for the launch.

Ibrahim stressed, however, that Perkasa and the other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) opposed to the Bersih rally would not resort to violence as they were only interested in safeguarding the nation’s peace and prosperity.

But the Malay rights leader added that he would not be held responsible for the actions of those who might use the rally as a cover to commit crimes.

Ibrahim also suggested that Ambiga — described in a flyer being passed as “a dangerous Hindu woman” — was working for foreign powers seeking an excuse to interfere in Malaysia’s internal affairs.

He cited the former Bar Council president’s defence of Lina Joy’s right to convert from Islam and her involvement in the interfaith council as examples of her repeated “illegal actions”.

“Perhaps she is an agent of the Jews,” he said.

The Pasir Mas MP also repeated a claim made by Utusan Malaysia today that the opposition will use the rally to trigger an uprising similar to the ones seen in Egypt and Libya before forcing their choice of prime minister upon the people.

Read more here.

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Ibrahim Ali was trying to talk as if he is a military leader or something whereas he is actually trying to play hero to show everyone in Malaysia that he's a somewhat a big ace in the hole. However, if he tries to play head to head of maybe vs Obama or Putin, he'd be a good laughing stock of Malaysia in the eyes of the world because the foreigners can hardly understand things that are "jaguh kampung". He wants to wipeout Bersih but whatever he says has proven that Perkasa is thumbing with their chests so high and mighty in contrast in Bersih that never talks big and does thing in a very professional manner.

Of course, in the way of today's Perkasa launch, Ibrahim was playing bomoh telling other races to stay home to avoid another May 13. But May 13 incident was already 42 years ago. Of course at that time it happened because people are poorly informed, but today's game is different because there is Internet to thank for. One of my Malay friends, did pointed out that Ibrahim and Perkasa are like salt in the soup. Too much, soup, and it will be too salty, in metaphor speaking, damaging the image of BN along the way if he goes too deep.

I told some people that I think that if Ibrahim Ali wants to march out to the streets, then fine by me, but he better watch out for himself because having done a heart surgery last year, he better not overstressed himself on that day including hollering that loud on a bullhorn, if Perkasa happens to carry it, lest he could find himself in a physical precarious situation. 

The one thing that Braheng doesn't get it is that the May 13 scenario will never happen. Simple. PAS has pledged at least 100000 of their own people to come down on 9 July to help things out for BERSIH, voluntary and no money required. Just like the first edition. They would be the first line of protection indeed.

Back in October 2010, RPK wrote about something which mentions that May 13 version 2 will not be Non-Malays vs Malays, but it will be two groups of Malays fighting one another. I reproduce below second half of the article - The Confused Way Forward just to refresh our minds and as to point out that the way going forward that Braheng Ali doesn't get it at all.

Umno could not even get 100 Malays onto the streets of Kampong Baru in the aftermath of the 2008 general election. But the opposition can get 50,000 Malays onto the streets any time. So, if the handful of Umno Malays want to start trouble, they will have to face tens of thousands of other Malays.

No, if riots do start it will not be a la 1969. The next riot, if it happens, will be Malays facing Malays. The Indians and Chinese need not participate in this May 13 Version 2. They can just stay at home or go to Singapore or Thailand for a short holiday. Let the Malays handle this matter.

The Indians and Chinese need not fear anything. Dr Hatta Ramli has already issued a challenge. PAS will form a human shield. The Malays from PAS will emerge in great numbers to face those Umno Malays who want Indian and Chinese blood. As Dr Hatta said, “Over our dead bodies.” The Umno Malays would first have to slaughter all the PAS Malays before they can reach the Indians and Chinese.

And let me assure you: many other Malays not from PAS are also issuing this warning. The Indians and Chinese are our brothers and sisters. And if the Umno Malays want to harm them then they will have to first deal with the non-Umno Malays.

And this is because the non-Umno Malays are Muslims first and Malays second. This is what Islam demands of Muslims -- to be Muslims first and last while racism is haram or forbidden

.

And in Islam justice must prevail and the non-Muslims must be protected even to the extent that Muslims go to war with Muslims to protect the life of the non-Muslims. This is Islamic justice. And in Islamic justice no one must be persecuted or discriminated against because of his or her race.

So, is it not good that PAS is an Islamic party? Notwithstanding the fact that there are some in PAS who aspire to see Malaysia transformed into an Islamic State (which can never happen unless PAS wins more than two-thirds of the seats in Parliament), an Islamic party like PAS is good for the non-Muslims because this party upholds Islam, which means the non-Muslims receive protection against persecution and discrimination.

Umno does not know what it is getting itself into. It had better tone down that race riot rhetoric lest it backfires on them. If they think the Indians and Chinese are going to react like they did in 1999 -- they reluctantly voted for Barisan Nasional out of fear -- then Umno is going to be in for a surprise.

Today, the Indians and Chinese have faith in their Malay brothers and sisters. They know that May 13 Version 2 being bandied about by Umno is not going to be a Malay versus non-Malay incident like back in 1969. May 13 Version 2 is going to be a Malay-versus-Malay affair with the non-Malays standing on the sidelines as mere spectators.

And if you think this is not so then go ask the non-Umno Malays in Pakatan Rakyat. Hear it from their own mouths. And they will tell you exactly what I have just said.

The Flip-Flop Statements

On Sunday, Ibrahim Ali and Perkasa told Christians not to test their patience, for "the Malays have been patient for far too long and have allowed non-Malays to make excessive demands". To further add to his elaboration, (as quoted in The Malaysian Insider:)

“How many Malays are Christian? Why do you have to have bibles in Bahasa? Why not use bahasa Iban, or Kadazan?

“This is a problem of national security ... we (Malays) have been far too giving, I want to remind them to not be excessive in their demands,” said Ibrahim.

“They are not the majority of the country,” he stressed.

The Pasir Mas MP said that the reason why the Christian community were making demands now was because Sarawak elections were underway.

“They are taking advantage of the elections, they raise these things and we cannot object ... they are trying to exploit sensitive issues,” added Ibrahim.

“We have not brought up the issue of our rights,” he said.

This statement above has the clear shades of those things that were written below. Back in 2008, just before the general election, this is are the common things that the real Malaysian menaces would talk about. Take a look at the list below, and you would find that Ibrahim Ali's statement is just like one of those below.

1. Do not provoke us! The Malays know how to amok!
2. Don't mess with our rights! Time has come for us to act against those who question Malay special privileges!
3. There is no religion above Islam, don't challenge us! Whatever is required for Malay development, we will push for it!
4. Bangsa Malaysia is the Malaysians with Malay as the pivotal race!
5. Malays are marginalised in Penang and they have the right to express their feelings!
6. New Economy Policy (NEP) is the social contract, it will never end!
7. Do not question and challenge the position of the Malays and Islam in this country!
8. Use the Internal Security Act (ISA) to jail those who question our rights!
9. Raise the bumiputera equity target to 70% to reflect the actual population ratio!
10. They (the non-Malays) are manipulating the bumiputera equity figures. If we want to use the ASLI figures, let’s set a new target.
11. Let’s make it 70% for the Malay equity!
12. We want to rotate the post of the Penang Chief Minister! We know who they are. We know where they are and what they say!
13. Force the government-linked companies (GLCs) to set-up Malay special-purpose-vehicles (SPVs) to break the monopoly chain of
14. the Chinese companies!
15. Since the racial riots in 13th May 1969, UMNO and the Malays have been too patient and tolerant!
16. We should defend Malay rights to the last drop of our blood!
17. We warn against anyone who attempted to incite religious and racial sentiments!
18. When tension rises, the blood of Malay warriors will run in our veins! UMNO willing to bathe in blood!

If you are one of those who feel that People's Declaration is what you need, BN's answer is definitely no to Bangsa Malaysia. The late Tunku Abdul Rahman mooted the idea of Bangsa Malaysia but was objected by the late MCA president Tan Siew Sin. This was shown in the list of quotes mentioned by BN:

1. - BN can easily solve the people’s problems
2. - BN will protect the rights of everyone
3. - BN needs more time to develop the country
4. - BN is very fair to everyone, is the best choice
5. - The Chinese should be grateful - (This is what Kong Cho Ha said today)
6. - Vote for BN for your own future
7. - The bloggers are liars, opposition are liars
8. - If you don’t like Islam Hadhari, get out!
9. - We are Islamic state, never been a secular state
10. - BN cares for the people
11. - We can never accept Bangsa Malaysia
12. - PM is the saviour of Chinese schools

I noticed that the day after that, Muhyiddin would try to deny that BN is anti-Christian. If you can look at some of the text excerpts there, it is as if it is trying to cover up many things. For instance:

“When have we ever been anti-Christian or anti-religion? It’s all a big lie. The Barisan Nasional has always upheld the Rukun Negara.

Look closely - the religion dispute where the husband or spouse converted without the knowledge of the others or children converted without consent, what does that tell you? If there is another case in point, you can see at times how indiscriminate religious officials would go raiding public places just because it was alleged reported of proximity? Isn't actions speaking louder than words that they are thumbing down on other minorities? Al-kitab - isn't that against your statement, Malikul Sembab?

 

“What they are spreading is provocation because they know people will be worked up and angry. We have resolved it (the dispute) through the BN spirit,” Muhyiddin (picture) told reporters during a Sarawak election campaign stop here.

Here, this is wrong as well. If MCA and MIC is Class 2 party, Class 1 is UMNO, Gerakan and others are Class 3. This is unlike in the pre-Mahathir years where there is no class 1, class 2, but in the same pool. So who's really lying now? Or are the bigwigs being misadvised?

In actual fact - the reality will speak for themselves, all would point to the shades of Ibrahim Ali's statement on Sunday. So what Muhyiddin said doesn't make sense, if you are that smart enough and not to be fooled.

Merlimau: Same Mistakes and Problems as In Tenang

Free Malaysia Today said that BN has a definite head start in the Merlimau campaign area. It is mentioned that the head start is attributed to no other parties except the candidates and on one aspect - problem solving. It is mentioned that Yuhaizad has some clout problem of solving on the fly or at least make some promises to look into the problem in there. And if there is not enough, mob-aligned bloggers have been attacking Yuhaizad on the personal side, saying that he had work attitude problems and career / income instability.

This means that PAS is not able to make the candidate appealing and saleable to the audience. Like in Tenang, bread and butter matters are more of the talking matter to the Malay majority. And it's a foregone conclusion result anyway. 

PAS has shot on its own foot again one month after the Tenang debacle. Their candidates, though local and willing to help are still not saleable to the audience. And being on the saying "the best defence is offence", PAS didn't hit back on the attacks from the BN cyber-community. Tracing from the Galas campaign, it has always been PAS, in the last 4 by-elections. The formula of letting the same party contesting again from the last campaign might not work anymore for Pakatan Rakyat, as they had burnt their bridge with MCLM.

However, judging from the coverage of today's campaign of Roslan, it seems that we're seeing a potential yes-man in the making. You can see a few paragraphs that hints of the making of a "bodek".

Read through this excerpt to judge as the hint:

During the meet and greet, the two ministers introduced Roslan to the voters and urged them to vote for him but whisked him away before he had a chance to speak to them.

At a later high tea hosted by a coffeeshop owner, Roslan was unceremoniously squeezed into the BN circle and positioned in front of Muhyiddin rather than beside him.

"Before he had a chance to speak" - does it mean that I speak on behalf of the people or the party, later on at State Assembly sessions?

"Roslan was unceremoniously squeezed..." - facing the whip hint. Potential yes-man in the making.

Over To You Gentlemen, Are You Qualified And Appealing?

"Please give me winnable candidates, I don't care whether they are old, new or middle-aged as long as they can win." 

Read more: BN wants winnable candidates -- Najib http://www.nst.com.my/articles/BNwantswinnablecandidates--Najib/Article/#ixzz1E2Yx71xu

This was what Najib Razak said on 16 January in Sarawak whereby there should be winnable candidates, not on candidates who are mere locals of an area or so, and doesn't matter if they are young, old or whatsoever. But however, the word "winnable" is not really appropriate, for even if the candidate is winnable, he can have a black spot in the past. For example, PAS accused the BN candidate, eventual winner in Tenang, of making a mistake in the past. Similarly, in Bagan Pinang, Isa Samad, though popular was involved in several abandoned projects in Bagan Pinang as well.

Therefore, the word winnable is not enough. It should be quality candidates who are winnable - in other words, saleable to the people of an area. If you look at the PAS candidate, Normala Sudirman, do you think she's saleable despite an acceptable candidate?

What Najib said above is what I want to question to very two specific men since I remember that Chegubard nearly got to become MP and since Setapak is my second home now, it seems right to think that Dr. Tan could be contesting as MP next round there. 

This picture above, taken from the Setapak wet market area, on the particular left shows a PKR Chinese New Year greeting from ex-Gerakan man, Dr. Tan Kee Kwong next to the MCA man Yew Teong Look. On the wet market side is of course the Chinese New Year banner greeting from current MP, Wee Choo Keong. It seems to my inference that when the next General Election comes in, it is definitely, Dr. Tan vs Yew Teong Look (definitely a match go regain what was lost). It would be a three-corner fight if Choo Keong decides to defend the seat, there is a high probability that it ain't so.

In Rembau, Khairy has stated that he's not going to defend his Rembau parliamentary seat. Chegubard nearly won, but claimed that he lost because of last minute rigging with new 5000 votes coming in from nowhere. Looks like should Khairy gets out of the way, Chegubard has a better chance of winning that seat. 

There could be at least another 8 to 10 months before a possible snap polls, so my key question to both Dr. Tan and Chegubard is whether they are qualified and winnable candidates that are appealing to their constituencies? Of course let me emphasized that my question comes from Najib's statement last month. 

I remembered that it took Tian Chua four years to make himself a much better qualified and winnable candidate that makes him appealing to the Batu constituency (Read: Sentul, Jalan Ipoh, etc..) after his failed attempt in 2004. This too, I believe is what Chegubard is facing as well - maybe because of a bad stroke of luck.

For Dr. Tan and Chegubard

So, gentlemen, are you two qualified and appealing to your respective constituencies?  

Have you gauge the latest people reaction towards you? 

Have you done your groundwork already and sufficiently? 

Why not show your future people of your constituencies that you're appealing to them. Tell them in a forum or something.

The people including myself are keen to know and it's our right anyhow.

Over to you gentlemen. 

On Tenang

I am not surprised and have already anticipated how the election outcome turns out to be from the beginning, with the exception that heavy rain throughout the whole day yesterday has affected the voting turnover. But what the opposition claimed to have succeeded is primarily on having more Chinese votes than ever and there majority that UMNO wants by 5000 could not be reached at all. In the beginning, mainly it's because of the population composition of Labis and Tenang, it reminded me of how it was way back in Bagan Pinang, with the exception that there is no popularity factor taken into account. Bagan Pinang was like Permatang Pauh, because of the candidate's popularity, they won there - and nothing more. And unlike other places, the people's mentality in Johor is much more backwater in nature than the other states where previous by-elections took place. 

PKR and Anwar Ibrahim To Be Blamed

PKR actually has the biggest blame to take among the three component parties of Pakatan Rakyat. Many have said they are the weakest link of all due to many incidents like the fraud party elections, exit of 7 of their own MPs to become independents and internal problems. The first mistake that PR did was to field a PAS candidate. Although PAS and DAP have managed to handle things well on the campaign side, it is the people's perception of the party and candidate that spooked them all. That is not Kedah, Perak or Penang, but it is Johor and sad to say that their mentality is one step backwards. The moment if a PAS candidate decides to contest here, many non-Malays would associate PAS as "Taliban-style party" and MCA and UMNO would tell the Chinese of many bogeyman like negara Islam, etc..though it is not really simple and quick to change a country to use Islamic laws.

Like Bagan Pinang

The moment PR fields a PAS candidate, Pakatan Rakyat got off to the wrong footing. In this area where there is a mix composition, a PKR candidate should have been fielded instead because people perceive PKR as a party with a multi-racial composition. This is the same mistake that was made in Bagan Pinang and there it reveals the main mistake that BN had now adopted this approach, which is to look for winnable candidates over those who can't do the job. So that's where Anwar Ibrahim and his gang caught with the pants down again. 

Challenge of Mother Nature

The rain factor has also taken its toll against both sides, but more severe in PR's side. There has been raining over the last four days down south, not that severe as in KL yesterday that Labis and Segamat town has already become flooded. But the government machinery has boats, one hand advantage. Because of PR's inability to provide the resources to handle mother nature related situations such as this, the number of votes that they are supposed to gain from absentee of voters was approximately 883 votes. On the other hand, Barisan actually by right if by the numbers only gets another 5% additional majority than in 2008.

PAS: 3875 (2008), 2992 (2011) = -883 (drop of 22.78%)

BN: 6367(2008), 6699(2011) = 332 (5.21%)

Bread and Butter, At What Cost?

In this backwater yard, there is only one priority for those who vote: bread and butter issues. If they think BN takes care of it, then they would go for it. Most don't give a hoot about increase of oil prices, murder, detention, Beng Hock, Interlock role, that issues could not work against this kind of backward mindset. PR came without the FELDA matter ready in hand. Many think that to vote PR and PAS is to bite the hand that supports and helps the FELDA people. 

But it came at a terrible cost. Sometimes, there is land fraud, and just like in Galas, the moment BN wins, the price of petrol goes up. What does that tell you? People got befuddled? Does it mean to say, those goodies handed out are only during campaigning and the assemblyman does nothing after the people put up there? This is the problem and the dilemma: the numbers shown there reflects the complacency and backward mentality of many voters, including the makcik and pakcik Felda - no clue, kena tipu and all sorts of things. With this kind of mentality, Malaysia can never move ahead, because they do not want to change. 

Look at the price of petrol, shrinking of buying power, what does that tell you? A penalty to be paid for ignorance. I scolded once an Indian amah in Hulu Selangor for making the wrong choice long time back.

PKR Can Pack Up and Go

It looks like the PKR party still remains very weak and will have to rely more than just their two main partners. Whenever people criticize them, e.g Raja Petra, we get scolded for nothing. It's just critcism that the party would rather endure than hearing what a yes-man would say. 

The problem still runs around. Anwar is becoming more or less a double-edge sword - A glue or a man who wants to call all the shots. Maybe this might anger some people who might not agree with his style like Zaid, Gobalakrishnan. Maybe many have yet to understand the history of Anwar and Azmin. But in this case of how they handle the election thing, since they are the middle of the three-party alliance, Anwar might as well stand down and get someone who can repair the whole party to be a formidable challenger and reputable party. Otherwise, PKR might want to pack up their bags and close shop. 

PKR will have to prove me and other critics wrong that they are not going to throw towel, pack up and go. How do you want us to fix up, someone from PKR might ask? My answer? Take RPK's bitter pill!

A Voters Primer of Logical Thinking for Tenang By-Election

Introduction

The campaigning for the Tenang by-election campaign is still on until tomorrow midnight and at this point of time, there is still less than 48 hours for the people in the small town of Tenang to decide whether to pick either one of the two candidates - Normala from PAS or Azahar from BN. From what I have observed and gather information so far, the premises and scenarios that the voters are facing in there after various jabs between two parties after another are:

1. You are voter that wants to change for the better but unsure of whether whether the choice you would make this Sunday is a good or a bad choice.

2. Is this party that you are thinking to vote good or not?

3. Whether the party is factually corrected as projected by the word of mouth from either party front or not.

4. "Better deal with the devil than the angel you don't know."

5. Complacency mindset of the older generation of voters.

These are among the few scenarios that the voters are in dilemma of and in order for them to decide properly whom to decide before going to the polling station, I thought it would be a good idea to write a little primer out here for voters to decide on which party to pick. Anyhow, the final decision is up to you people to decide. But remember - each decision has vast consequences so, don't whine if you made the wrong choice as it is a clear penalty and the price to pay for each mistake (very expensive indeed).

Disclaimer: Just to stress in this primer is that I do not put leanings on one party but is based on objective analysis.

Anyhow, the most common problem that voters particularly in this case is "dealing with the devil syndrome", but we will cover to that shortly. Now, on to logical thinking:

"Voting for PAS is voting for an Islamic nation with Islamic laws"

This claim by the Chua Soi Lek about such thing above is bullshit. Facts established in to prove that it is not as true as he claims to be.

Logic: If Malaysia is to use Islamic laws, the Federal constitution must be amended and it must get the consent from the Malay rulers council. You need 148 out 222 MPs to vote for the amendment (2/3rd majority). But then, in the last few editions of the general PAS only contests for 48 parliamentary seats average. Using mathematics, is 48 / 222 equivalent to 2/3? Therefore, there is no need to worry about voting PAS is equivalent to implementing Islamic laws. 

Logic: PAS cannot pursue that agenda without the consensus of its coalition partners of DAP and PKR presently. Even if they want to do that law in state nation, they would surely get consensus from the people and event the Sultan's consent to do so. So it's no run in the mill task job and no need to worry about it.

The problem raised when Barisan raise this kind of race-religion card is that it makes people think that PAS is a Taliban-style party with all of its outlook and appearance. But on the close look, it is revealed that the number of Malay-educated professionals in PAS are far more than UMNO and much more competent than its other parties are. Look at the picture above from Malaysiakini? If you apply your logical thinking, that sentiment actually doesn't exist at all!

"PAS is second-standard to DAP as they are the ones that call the shots"

Logic: DAP and PAS have in the past years were proven to demonstrate real racial-harmony together in many occasions recently. The 2004 disaster of partnership has actually became lessons of working together in a coalition, with mutual respect for one another. As the saying goes, it takes two hands to clap. Look at this picture above from the Malaysian Insider. The claim that they are second-standard to DAP as perceived by MCA is not accurate. And it simply paints the inside picture of the two parties.

Logic: MCA goes around and says to people that they offer themselves to protect and represent the Chinese. Likewise, this also goes to UMNO who offer themselves to represent the Malays. This is still on the present situation now. The question here is - they represent your race but from whom?

The fact has been established that the last conflict that involved Malaysia, the Emergency ended 50 years ago. World War 2 - where the Japanese runs Malaysia ended 65 years ago. If those conflicts are no longer happening right now, so what those two parties defending their race from? It indirectly paints the picture that - Malays are the enemies of the Chinese, and vice-versa.

Logic: Having viewing the political pattern trend between UMNO and its big partners, the method of inter-party problem solving is in big contrast of PR, contrary to what it was written on paper. The structure has become more or less as UMNO a.k.a. Class 1 party, MCA / MIC as Class 2 party, while the other BN component parties have become Class 3 parties. This was by simple implies that UMNO dictates the whole thing while Class 2 and Class 3 parties will have to obey to the latter, like the "yes man" system.

For example: if there is a religion-related issue, a big man from UMNO (but still within the coalition) will say "please stop politicizing" - a message actually has been sent out to the other component parties to toe their lines.


Rais: People in Tenang must remember UMNO-BN's deeds

The statement from what Rais (the minister fingered out in the rape of an Indonesian maid case) said to the people in Tenang. Also, look at a similar statement made by Muhyiddin about don't make the mistake. However, Bernama's reputation is being a right-wing news channel way from the beginning and see how it spins.

Logic: The inverse of the statement is- if you don't vote for us, you are called as ungrateful. This is a subtle way of intimidating the voters. It clearly robs the people of the idea of deciding by yourself and cast. A vote is a person's decision, not to be forced by others. From information of some people there, MCA too sometimes use this tactic as well. The statement is much more direct like "You should be more grateful that we helped you."

Logic: No need to feel intimidated or afraid straight away. You don't have to take that claim straight away. If you really think there should be a change, just send your message in the form of your ballot. Yes, you do have to be aware of some people intimidating you by saying that if you vote for opposition that there will be bad things happening to you and so forth. No need to be that serious but being yourself. 

BN Says That Have A Good Record While Opposition Doesn't Have Any

Logic: Many would agree face first, but the logic is that how can the opposition will be able to show their record of what they do if you do not put them up first? All the time, they are in the opposition area and of course to see and judge which party does better, at least the opposition will have to be a representative for at least one term to see the result. This is where many people do not know and foolish about it.

Logic: Fine, have we looked at what the previous assemblyman / parliamentarian has done to your constituency? Have you noted down and even bother to talk to your assemblyman about what he / she has done to your community? What are the accomplishments from the late Sulaiman Taha's in Tenang? Did they do build the school that the Chinese in Tenang have asked for? These are the tons of questions that voters must asked themselves seriously, not to become complacent and lazy thinkers and just stick to the same old same old. If you think that the dead old croon doesn't do much previously, then change to another party. Who knows if the person from the other party can do better and fulfill things faster than waiting longer to get whatever you want?

"Better To Deal With The Devil Than Dealing With The Angel You Don't Know" Syndrome

Comment: This is where people get wrong. This is where people get caught with the pants down. This is where people do not think far enough. This is where people get slack and complacent.

Logic: No one is controlling you. You just have to do what is right rather than following the whim of others.

Logic: Think this: If you try to deal with the devil and you lose, then what are you? You end up dancing to the devil's tune. For example: you trust party A, and no sooner a few months after that you are suffering from price inflation of fuel. What does that tell you? Nothing or they have broken their promise of taking their welfare? This illustrates the example of not following your instinct. If your instinct prompts you to change for better, then don't stick and go for the angel you don't know. There is a saying: if you work for the devil, be prepared to die for him.

Logic: There are others who are not that lucky as you but staying in the same area and could not benefit as you do. We didn't see the others. You can't clap with just one hand without seeing and clapping other hands. The other hands is none other than your friends outside your race.

Comment: I have read an interview with several people in Labis, as it was written in the Malaysian Insider a few days ago. I take an excerpt here:

“Most of us are comfortable. I can say more than 80 per cent of villagers here are not facing difficulties,” said Razak Ahmad, who owns a rubber and palm oil smallholding in his village of Kampung Tenang.

- Example of complacency and lack of social awareness of other races. Shouldn't we see from the eyes of others?

“During Pak Lah’s time, the increase was very sharp. We were shocked and many shops took advantage of the hike, maybe that caused the opposition to increase their votes,” said local resident Mazlan Ibrahim.

- I view that as the case of person who wants to change but couldn't do so out of the fear of repercussion and other things. There is nothing to be worried about of picking something unusual.

Conclusion

So where do we go from here? Social awareness of the problems in the country for people there is lower than those in major urban cities. And I noticed that due to lack of awareness of voter rights and the real factual logical news, people can get spooked easily, or people do not have any knowledge of all of which party is contesting and the background of candidates contesting for proper analysis and decision making.

There are also cases where parties come in and make tons of promises before election but those promises never happened at all. Or consider if you vote that party but the party later increases petrol prices (claims to care for people but instead burdening it), do you think that there are false promises made from the beginning, all just to get your support? 

It would be nice if I thought that this last minute primer prepared can get people to think. But the Felda Uncles and Aunties there at times have blind faith to the party even though they at times think of need of change. One of the nature of law's rules that everyone of us forget is that there is no such omnipotence in life.

The news in papers and TV are not entirely accurate, so a voter will have to use whatever logic and application as to help you decide correctly which candidate you want. The latest survey on the ground there shows that most people have already decided to choose whom they want way from the beginning with other factors will not influence them last minute. But there is a word of caution there: it's just like in other places - that casting your vote is like a move in a game of chess. Make the wrong move, and everyone pays the price for the mistakes of the majority. 

So it's happy voting on Sunday, I suppose.

More By-Elections Ahead?

As mentioned yesterday, the Port Klang seat was declared vacant by the state Speaker as the representative who went out of PKR Badrul Hisham has failed to attend any sitting in the space of six months, as according to the official attendance records in the State Assembly. The failure to attend resulting in vacancy has been defined clearly in the state Constitution and of course we are likely to see more election fever in the space of one month.

And as reported by Malaysiakini, it seems that the Merlimau state assemblyman is in critical condition -  a weak heart condition to say. If things get to worse, it seems that there is going to be another one in February.

Because the 3 year post-election rule is not over yet, there is still more by-elections to be coming in the next 6 to 7 weeks. And man, in this by-election fever, we have seen people making good money from property rental, setting up temporary stalls and of course more public enforcement manpower crowding over one place.

And of course, there is "offering" thing that BN would want to go ahead days before the nomination period.

But the by-election fever until to this day could not stand as great as in Permatang Pauh or in Bukit Gantang.

Markom, Normala and Tenang

After Normala Sudirman was announced as the candidate for the Tenang by-election, the education department intended to move her headmaster husband down south to Johor Bahru (200 km away from Segamat). They were wondering why now when the by-election is around the corner. The first impression is obviously about the party they support. But the department's excuse is about failure to control Normala , for what really? When the couple told the education department that they would hold a news conference or report to the MACC, the Johor Education department backed down. -  Strike One

And the education department director was caught on video speaking to schools in Segamat to organize programs, and mustering support for government (BN of course) and of course categorizing which schools in Segamat under green or blue. Though he tried to deny it, it is already too late. For it is said that this is a misused of privilege to campaign for a political party. - Strike Two

School counsellors were asked to visit houses of parents as an insidious way to see which parent supports which party and so forth. In fact out of those series of events, Markom Giran has two strikes. This is Strike Three.

If this is not Malaysia, Giran would have been fired from the job. And this video is definitely going to make its rounds in Tenang by PR if those taboo words still remain in force. You know what taboo words that I am referring to, right?

This means BN got caught with the pants down on this moment.

New and Demented Ways To Cheat In Election!

Everybody strongly disagreed with the crazy idea by the Election Commission to have a proxy voting. The concept of it is to have someone to go on your behalf to vote. It simply is too risky and too dangerous. Giving of the current situation the idea can be exploited and can be misused. I tend to believe, base on the current political scenario where the incumbent government, the UMNO mob is trying keep in power, they may have to resort to various tactics to cheat in the election game. No doubt that many perceive the Election Commissionn as the unofficial Barisan Nasional component and agent asides from the police and the MACC.

It's a good thing that everyone from the entire political divide say no to that idea. But in that situation, only the MIC and UMNO are keeping very quiet on this.

There have been cases of phantom voters that sharp-eye people would detect coming from other places to come in to vote on a polling day. The numbers never stopped from there. It keeps going and going, and doesn't stop at all. To have that system is to make things worse than the current wreck we are in.

Simply put, with the current system still deemed not clean enough by the civil society and various NGOs, we are definitely not ready for the proxy voting system. Though I clearly admit that it is being used in other countries, we are simply not mature enough yet to use this system. Gerakan is against it, many opposition parties are against it and other civil societies are against it. It would be better to stick back to having an automated registration system so that people just go in and vote. It actually saves a lot of time of people going to the EC office. To abstain from voting is also a form of democracy.

As everyday goes, there have been new and demented ways BN to cheat and win the election game because they are facing the writing on the wall that they might not last long like a victim of terminal cancer.

If that thing is not enough, then there is this tactic by Johor Education department man to have the husband of a candidate transferred over because of the by-election, or marking the areas as green and blue...I mean this reminded me of how government servants in Putrajaya were "diugut" by Tengku Adnan to support BN or face the sack from the job. That is a real cheat game out there, and scum like that man above know no shame just to keep themselves in power.

How long do people need to be in sleep mode before we get up to realize Malaysia has gone upside down?

How long do we need to be keep being told of a lie before we realize it is too late?

How long do we need to follow something blindly even though we realize what we do could be wrong?

Appendix: Bersih 2.0's statement on proxy voting

Tenang Could Be Like Bagan Pinang Again!

The next by-election at Tenang is somewhat feels like back in Bagan Pinang simply because of a few reasons I can think of. No, it is not totally a carbon copy of what really happened in there in October last year, but you can see the similarities: nightly campaign talks, both campaigning parties are offering whatever they would promise if they are elected and so forth. But of course, from my 2 trips to Port Dickson, witnessing big BN tents in 8th mile of Port Dickson, I can say it's a same feeling as there.

Below, I would be putting some initial notes and comments that are likely to happen in Tenang:

1. It all comes to picking the right candidate for Pakatan Rakyat. It doesn't matter who's the BN candidate, but it all matters into picking the candidate from which party. If a PAS candidate is picked, a repeat of the previous attempt, chances are PAS will not win again, and the winning margin that BN could win is a little higher than the previous round. The mistake that Pakatan made in Bagan Pinang was sending in a PAS man in an area with a mix spread of population. Tenang is 47/38/15 spread of Malay/Chinese/Others, so putting a PAS is similar of a buffalo facing against a Sherman tank - virtually a suicide move there. On the other hand, a PKR candidate there can likely reduce the win majority for BN or pulling a surprise win as in Sibu. 

2. The reason BN won Bagan Pinang is not because of how much they offered, but it was the popularity factor, the Isa Samad factor, just as the Anwar Ibrahim popularity factor in Permatang Pauh. But in Tenang, that popularity factor is not there, so there's some bit of level playing field in this aspect. 

3.  Tenang surely has some FELDA estates there, so we can anticipate debates between FELDA and ANAK. Now that Isa Samad is taking over as Felda chairman next year onwards, we can see a battle of "who wins this round" game that can sway votes to PR or to BN. As what Hishamuddin Rais said, Mak Cik and Pak Cik Felda mostly has no clue and most of them will hear about BN and no idea of what PR would do. Penentration in there? Maybe for PR, if they can play smart and tactically. Isa would definitely try to explain the Felda issue on the ground. However, Isa's appointment is more or less to pacify him - since Isa has the first hand knowledge of Najib's affair with a singer in Port Dickson in 2006.

4. It is high likely Boogeyman tactics employed by UMNO and MCA in particular, since Johor is mainly the first UMNO and a BN stronghold. What I mean by Boogeyman tactics is for instance, UMNO will tell the Malay voters that if they vote for PR, they risk losing their own racial rights and dignity to the ghosts - the Chinese in particular. That is one of the cases. A friend of mine, originally from Batu Pahat  once related to me of something similar that above: the Chinese community, though thinking and mentality may differ and wantechange, but they are constantly told of these adjective words : "unfaithful", "unappreciative", etc... To cut the elaboration short, social mentality and awareness is not as high as in other states.

5. What Anthony Loke said about the aim of reducing majority is much more important than winning the seat. Going for a win is a bonus but to start the campaign for a win is chewing more than what you can take.

Additional material: Hishamuddin Rais - Kekalahan Jadi Kemenangan

Memories of BERSIH and BERSIH 2.0

10 November 2007 was the BERSIH rally in KL in which the police and former PM Abdullah Badawi called it as a "perhimpunan haram". But nobody gave a damn about the warning and braved the streets despite roadblocks put up by police to prevent more people coming in. Although it rained heavily that day, people still come into the streets and marched up to the Palace to make a statement to the government that "the election process is still dirty and needs clean-up".

There are still memories of me witnessing those events while walking through the streets of KL that very Saturday afternoon. It was bad weather, police have been in many places including sealing off Dataran Merdeka, and there's Unit Amal from PAS to cover people up and the march to the palace. And of course in the evening news, being covered by Al-Jazeera in which the whole world was laughing over what former Information Minister Zam Maidin was saying over to the news anchor that Malaysia kena malu over it.

Well, we can check those things back on Google - that's what the search engine for or you can refer. Or you can check out my account on Bersih in two parts (Part 1 link here) and (Part 2 Link here)

Anyhow, despite the protest, the Election commission withdrew the idea of indellible ink at the very last minute. And as to say total ignorance to the demands, the retirement age of the EC chairman was extended to 66. 

What caught my attention here is that on the voting of the proposal above.

There are a few BN MPs who once said during 2004 GE campaign that they really represent the people's voice in the Parliament. Say they got voted into Parliament by the people, in other words receiving the mandate. There is an upcoming proposal of approving A. The MP asked the people whether to approve A or not. People said no. But the whip demands you vote to approve A otherwise disciplinary action is taken. The MP has no other choice but to follow the whip. Then what does that make you? A real MP representing Parliament carrying people's mandate or a mere UMNO machai?

Note: See the pre-Batu Sapi by-election posting by Haris to Linda Tsen.

It seems that no matter how much demands and calls for improving the election system, with improved measures including automatic registration, constant check of electoral roll, indelible ink, dealing with phantom voters, the EC still remains yet to show signs to follow the calls of improvement. This gives the picture that EC is an unofficial component party of the BN mob group. 

So it seems that the message is not drilled into their heads hard enough.

 

INVITATION TO THE LAUNCH OF BERSIH 2.0

UNITE AND ADVANCE ELECTORAL REFORM

We, the BERSIH 2.0 steering committee, invite your organisation to join and unite with us to advance clean and fair elections in Malaysia. Much still needs to be done and Bersih 2.0 needs your support and help to make the mission come true for a democratic Malaysia.

BERSIH 2.0 believes that it is only when elections are clean and fair, can citizens determine their own destiny and expect holders of public office to act accountably and effectively. The road to electoral reform is part and parcel of the democratic process to put into place the rule of law, human rights protection, good governance and sustainable development in Malaysia. As citizens we can make this our reality.

The key issues of electoral reform include

1. A complete revision of the electoral roll to ensure that the existing irregularities are removed and a roll with full integrity is in place.

2. The use of indelible ink (as is done in Indonesia and India) to prevent multiple voting.

3. The reform of postal voting to abolish the existing separate electoral roll for postal voters and to make it flexible for all voters, at home or abroad, with valid reasons to opt for postal voting.

4. Free and fair media access for all contesting parties, which should include: (a) free access to state-owned media especially television and radio; (b) fair paid access (political advertisement) to private media; and (c) provision of the right of reply for all contesting parties and personalities who are covered negatively in news reports.

5. A meaningful minimum campaign period of 21 days.

6. Fair and professional practices in constituency redelineation exercises to minimise malapportionment, gerrymandering and consequent disproportionality in seats and votes.

7. Automatic registration of all eligible voters.

8. Reduction of the voting eligibility age from 21 to 18 years old.

9. Reform in electoral financing to ensure transparency and limit the influence of money politics.

10. Administrative neutrality of all levels of governments before, during and after general and by-elections for the federal and state legislatures.

11. Affirming the right of all students of 18 years and above, to participate in politics inside and outside campus.

Bersih 2.0, whilst acknowledging the importance of the reform agenda of Bersih, is now relaunched as a fully non-partisan coalition of civil society groups. It is a movement of ordinary citizens asserting the right of all, to clean and fair elections as guaranteed by law. We must ensure our votes and voices count.

We, therefore, warmly invite you and your organisations to join us and extend your full support to ensure that the next election and future ones will be clean, fair and democratic.

The details of the launch are as follows:

Date: 10 November 2010 (Wednesday)
Time: 8.30 p.m. – 10.30 p.m.
Venue: PJ Civic Hall, Jalan Yong Shook Lin, Petaling Jaya.

Please bring your members and friends to the launch. You can contact Nurul at 03-77844977 for more information. If you have not joined BERSIH 2.0 as a member, we have enclosed a membership form for your action.

Yours sincerely,
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan
Chairperson

The Steering Committee of BERSIH 2.0 comprises:
Dato’ Ambiga Sreenevasan, (Chairperson), Andrew Khoo, Arumugam K., Dr Farouk Musa, Haris Ibrahim, Liau Koh Fah, Maria Chin Abdullah, Richard Y W Yeoh, Dr Toh Kin Woon, Dr Wong Chin Huat, Yeoh Yang Poh and Zaid Kamaruddin.

Yep, I want to come and watch this out. There's no way that thing can be ignored at this time though.