DAP-PKR seats talks too slow - must be wrapped up by end-Jan as polls in 40 days
Sin Chew Daily today reported that Parliament would be dissolved on the eighth day of the Chinese New Year (i.e. 14th February 2008), with Nomination Day immediately after Chap Goh Mei (21st February) and polling on 2nd or 3rd March, 2008.
The probability of the next general election falling in the first weekend of March is very high, which would mean that a new Parliament could be elected within 40 days!
Earlier, speculation of the next general election focused primarily on March 15 or the weekend before it. However the option of March 15 for the next general election will have to be ruled out if the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is serious about his announcement in Spain last week for the First Alliance of Civilisations Annual Forum that he would be in Senegal in March to hand over the chairmanship of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). This is because the OIC Summit is fixed for March 13-14, 2008 for Dakar, Senegal.
With the 12th general election falling right smack during the Chinese New Year, all political parties, leaders and members will have very little time to celebrate Chinese New Year this year, which begins in a fortnight’s time.
I am very disappointed that there had been agonizingly little progress in the DAP-PKR talks for an electoral understanding to ensure a one-to-one contest with the Barisan Nasional, avoiding three-cornered fights which can only benefit the Barisan Nasional in the past two weeks.
Both parties had reached an electoral understanding on January 7, 2008 on the allocation of parliamentary and state assembly seats in Penang, which was announced in a joint media conference by leaders from both parties in Penang on 9th January 2008.
Leaders of both parties had hoped that the Penang agreement would act as a catalyst for the speedy conclusion of seats negotiations for all states in the country so that all energies and resources could be focused single-mindedly in cutting down the Barisan Nasional behemoth with its 91% parliamentary majority down to size in the next general election.
But this has not been the case, as precious little progress had been achieved in the other states in the past two weeks since the Penang agreement apart from Negri Sembilan.
Even for Negri Sembilan, where the state DAP and PKR announced agreement yesterday to take on the Barisan Nasional in straight fights, the announcement was only confined to the state assembly seats although agreement had earlier been reached by both state leaderships for parliamentary and state assembly contests as well. However, as a result of national PKR intervention, the announcement on DAP-PKR pact in Negri Sembilan was only confined to state assembly seats leaving the parliamentary seats unsettled.
I am particularly disappointed at the agonizingly slow progress in DAP-PKR seats negotiations for I had stuck my neck out to break the stalemate to ensure that the DAP-PKR electoral agreement for Penang was reached on January 7, although DAP was subsequently accused of compromising its position and yielding to PKR pressures.
Such accusation from Barisan Nasional parties and personalities are to be expected, but there are also PKR claims of this nature, like SMS which immediately made the rounds after the announcement of the DAP-PKR electoral understanding for Penang that it was achieved after public threats by a certain PKR leader.
Perak was meant to be the next state for an electoral agreement to be reached after Penang but the differences between the two state parties seem to be as wide as ever, with even the PKR National Vice President publicly reiterating PKR interest to contest in Ipoh Timur parliamentary seat.
I find such lack of progress most disappointing. By now, all parties should be making their final plans for the general election battle which will be over in 40 days - and not still bogged down by seats negotiations.
For instance, PKR should be helping the DAP in its plans to wrest another three parliamentary seats from the Barisan Nasional in Perak namely Bruas, Taiping and Teluk Intan instead of publicly laying claim to these and other seats which are the focus of DAP efforts in the coming general election, including Ipoh Timur.
Let me try to resolve the DAP-PKR logjam in the electoral talks in Perak. If Perak PKR leaders are so insistent in wanting to contest in Ipoh Timur, let there be an agreement where a three-cornered fight is allowed for Ipoh Timur involving DAP: and PKR provided full agreement on a one-to-one fight against the Barisan Nasional for all other parliamentary and state assembly seats is immediately reached for Perak.
There is no more time to lose. I will go one step further and call for full conclusion of the DAP-PKR talks on electoral agreement for all states by the end of January, i.e. in a week’s time.
If general election is held by the first weekend of March, there are only some 30 days left to fight the 12th general election.
Let 31st January 2008 be the deadline for the conclusion of the electoral talks between DAP and PKR. I hope both parties can reach an electoral understanding for a one-to-one contest against the Barisan Nasional in the forthcoming general election, but if we cannot reach agreement, then let this be decided and known instead of dragging it out indefinitely, which will not serve the cause of cutting the Barisan Nasional behemoth down to size in the 12th general election.
January 23rd, 2008 at 13: 13.11
Will this again prove that every politician is about themself first and foremost before the people? Will this self-serving act of self-sabotage of the opposition work in the favor of only BN?
Why does it still escape the opposition that at this moment in time, a lot of the good-will from the rakyat are because of the anti-government feeling. Malaysia-Today has rightly pointed out that a lot of opposition vote will be an AGAINST-BN rather than FOR-Opposition. Yet faced with this golden opportunity in decades, the opposition has decided to squander it by in-fighting and bickering within. How are you all different from BN in this manner?
January 23rd, 2008 at 13: 14.17
Opposition parites for god sake get your act together real fast.The ppl ready are you ready?
January 23rd, 2008 at 13: 37.27
I’m supporting any opposition party here in Taiping, DAP or PKR
January 23rd, 2008 at 13: 37.42
The people from the present administration (BN) are clapping their hands while drinking wine and talking rubbish while you guys are fighting against each other. Prove them wrong! Work together and not against each other!
January 23rd, 2008 at 13: 51.56
“The Liberal Democratic Party (?????, Jiy?-Minshut??), frequently abbreviated to LDP or Jimint? (???, Jimint??), is a conservative political party and the largest party in Japan. It has ruled for most of the years since its founding in 1955.” Wikipedia.
One obvious reason why LDP so strong all this years was Japan oppositions were not united. Most of the constituencies would have 5 or 6 candidates resulting LDP candidates always won big.
But not anymore, DPJ (Democratic Party of Japan, a party formed not long ago from mergers of a few small parties) has recently won the control of Japan powerful upper house. DPJ is pressing the ruling LDP to dissolve the lower house now for a fresh election. It looks like DPJ might win quite easily if election is held now in Japan.
The logic is clear: without a coalition (even a loose one will do), all our oppositions will go no where! It will be another 50 years of UMO’s steal and rot!
Wake up, all opposition parties!
It is now or never!
For next our generations’ sake, pls be united and crash UMO and all its running dogs into pieces!
January 23rd, 2008 at 13: 54.23
Hi.. hflee very well said.I just hope commonsense prevails at the end of the day.The ppl are ready to vote out BN but opposition is stuck with obsolete idealogies and beliefs.wake up please for the sake of country and its ppl.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 01.45
To DAP and PKR, make sure you bring out more young bloods this round.
Remember, youthful, good looks, proper attire and sexiness sell.
Gaya mesti ada!
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 03.05
please stand united and trash barisan national! chew mei fun can talk about may 13 ( http://chinhuatw.wordpress.com/2008/01/22/chew-mei-fun-another-may-13-if-chinese-representation-in-bn-is-insufficient/ ) which is against rights of Malaysians!
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 06.17
Can PKR or DAP draft Raja Petra to become a candiadate? I am sure he can beat any UMO heavyweight single-handedly!
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 10.02
Whoever in PKR wants to contest Ipoh Timur seat must be real idiot or probably a BN mole.
All current DAP seats must be contested by DAP candidates and if PRK wants to give victory to BN then so be it. Let it be 3 way fight and let that idiot lose his deposit in Ipoh Timur.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 16.44
Sad, sad, sad!
The next GE is just round the corner and our opposition parties are still, like in previous GE, fighting among themselves over seats.
No wonder BN continues to rape and rule the country, with no fear of being denied the 2/3 majority.
At the end, opposition parties just shoot their own feet.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 21.36
It is important for DAP and PKR to get their act together.
I guess it shows that in the long run, the 2 parties should consider a merge so that this seat-wrangling becomes history. But no doubt some party stalwarts will then contest as independents.
But the talks go well, I suggest that no point broadcasting it as sometimes it pays if the opponent thinks he has the strong hand.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 26.32
I think it is a waste of time to talk to PKR. They think they are strong when they haven’t shown any strength at all, alot of hot air that brings no result. Why waste time talking to these unreasonable fellows I do not understand. If there is to be a three-corner fights so be it. Everyone loses except the BN.
Even Anwar Ibrahim can’t do anything about his fellows. He just can’t control them. And as for him, he flys off so often persuing his own personal agenda that benefits himself. His sulking boys then have a field day breaking all party discipline. Tian Chua is but one example. I certainly won’t be voting for him should he stand in my constituency. This guy is absolutely nuts. Certainly not MP material.
PKR just can’t win. It is a loser but wants to play big brother. They are spoilers and bullies. But it will be proven that they are just empty vessels and will soon die off and Anwar flies off into the sunset.
Best DAP go it alone if these stupid fellows won’t cooperate. And let the Lord of the Universe decide.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 26.40
The voters will be very sorry if PKR and DAP cannot agree on allocation of seats. Come on guys, this is the final lap. Get your act together.
Perhaps the most important thing to bear in mind is who is carrying the weightiest message, and what are the chances of the respective party winning that constituency.
Even today, PKR seems to be showing cracks as a result of non-formalised merger with PRM. If that is true, and the situation unravels, some seats going to PKR could be as good as lost.
Yet at the same time, if we are to have a viable opposition in the longo run, and PAS will not compromise on its Islamic State issue, then the practical option is the firm up Keadilan by giving them the chance to prove themselves yet again.
I suppose perhaps there should be a shakeup on the way the seats are negotiated as well. The parties should agree to disagree on those contentious seats, and then bring them to the table for one last round of trade off.
I also read with interest other comments and would like to give my views as follows:
1) Perhaps it would not be wise for PKR to contest in three cornered fights in Perak as DAP has developed a strong presence there. Hasn’t it been the case where DAP has traded off state seats in Penang? Surely there can be some give and take. If the negotiations are limited to states, then I’m afraid no one will budge. The national leadership must have the strength and courage to make the difficult decision. After that, the parties must close ranks and work to support each other.
2) Raja Petra, and other blog champions, should not contest in rural areas where their messages may not have been seen or heard with the kind of intensity compared with urban areas. They should run urban areas. Even then, never underestimate BN’s ability to secure grassroots support as opposed to bloggers who may not have the kind of machinery in place. In the end, it is about face to face contact and the sense that the ordinary folks trust you - somehow, BN does that relatively well.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 35.52
The devotees turn out at Batu Caves for Thaipusam shows clear message to BN-led government that the Indians are all out to VOTE for the OPPOSITION.
I was at Batu Caves yesterday and today morning and personally got the true picture that Indians have bycotted this years Thaipusam.
The Indians are prepared to VOTE for the OPPOSITION. So I and most would like to send the message across to all the OPPOSITION parties get united and have a strong based opposition.
If this unification cannot be achieved by BA then the voters might be in the state of darkness whom to vote. They might make up their mind not to vote any party.
So get united, get a common manifesto and sort things out after the General Election. Be fair to all parties of the BA in allocating the seats.
GET UNITED
GET A COMMON MANIFESTO
INDIANS VOTE ARE CONFIRMED FOR OPPOSTION
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 42.01
I think its about time we consider abandoning the opposition parties and let them continue with their own struggles if they can’t even demonstrate to the ppl that they can be united to fight a common enemy. Its all about positions, power, ego and selfish gains. So, how can it be possible for us to rely on them to lead the country when they are already showing their true colors. DAP should consider working with PAS instead of PKR cos what have PKR achieved in the past elections as compared with PAS. The non-muslims are slowly accepting PAS since Hadi had gone low profile. Think about it Kit.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 43.09
The Malaysian Indians send a strong protest to PM and Sami Vellu at Batu Caves today by boycotting the Thaipusam. The crowd used to be around 1,000,000 devotees every year.
But todays turnout shows around 100,000 devotees only would have really come to Batu Caves. Despite giving the holiday for Thaipusam for Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya this did not attract the crowd.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 43.44
Who is the biggest stumbling block to the formation of a united opposition front.Why cant they just use some commonsense.I hope its not lks.If you guys cannot be united how do you guys expect to beat BN and rule the country.Are we really fighting a losing battle.Is there no hope for us? are we doomed to suffer yet again at the hands of the BN.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 47.39
Hi toyolbuster we need more ppl like you to put some commonsense into the opposition….otherwise we are doomed for another 5 years of BN rule again.This time it could be worse with Kairy who has been in the back ground coming to the front.I think we are done for.
January 23rd, 2008 at 14: 48.38
What about the Sabah DAP-PKR? YB Lim, DAP has a better chance in Sabah. Why? The fragmented Kadazan-Dusun-Murut has at least 4 political parties representing the three ethnic groups, much like the majority Sarawak Ibans represented by 5 political parties. Therefore unity based on political aspiration is ruled out.
There are 2 things that can unite the KDM. (1) Ethnic patriotism (2) Religion. Joseph Pairin Ketinggan was responsible for awaking ethnic patriotism. He was seen as the answer for marginalisation against the mostly Christian Kadazans and the rural Dusun-Murut population. But what threw Harris Salleh was item (2) Religion.
The majority of AAB’s advisors could be in diapers when Pairin registered PBS. Sabah has a long history of Catholics and Anglican believers. In the last 15 years, the SIB is penetrating the rural community. SIB is ethnic-based. (The same thing could be said about Sarawak where the SIB “worship-pondok†could be seen in many longhouses. Just like the orang asli in Gua Musang, they don’t have gov’t grant to build churches).
Pairin’s declining influence may have been noted by his advisors, but the church seemed to be ignored. (2 days ago they released some of Pastor Jerry’s books). The main significance of the church is its ability to garner support from the Chinese. With Musa Aman being UMNO, and UMNO has W. Malaysian root, the Chinese is forced to support the Church. Furthermore with Pairin increasingly seen to dance the UMNO tune, the KDM is likely to abandon ethnic patriotism and define themselves by religion. The church comes in again.
My only caution is DAP and PKR are both W Malaysian in roots. Sabahan and Sarawakian don’t fancy W Malaysian at all (and I swear by the holy totem pole they still don’t). PKR has disadvantage because many of its prominent members used to share platforms with UMNO-related people. That leaves DAP alone. It is to DAP’s advantage that the (diaper) advisors overlook this.
So, it’s still to you Theresa to attend mass more often in Kota Kinabalu making yourself more “Sabahanâ€. (I am already one as I have many friends in SIB). The church could be behind you. And all the Sabah Christians say… “Amen.â€
January 23rd, 2008 at 16: 18.37
Time has come again for us to make a stand. Gentlemen, vote wisely. May the DAP capture the state of Perak.
January 23rd, 2008 at 16: 20.14
This is a most ridiculous situation when the DAP has to depend on PKR to “negotiate” with PAS so that 3-cornered fights won’t occur. What is so wrong with engaging PAS directly ?
Kit, you gotta learn to become a statesman instead of just being a mere Opposition leader.
January 23rd, 2008 at 16: 23.49
Indians, lend me your ears.
They tore down your temples.
They mocked you by having their General Assembly on Deepavali.
They accused Indian newspaper vendors for taking a day off instead of distributing the PM’s speech.
They marginalized you for 50 long years.
They fired tear gas at you.
They fired into your temple.
Now, tell me, do you want to vote for them just because of one miserly public holiday in Putrajaya where there are no Indians.
January 23rd, 2008 at 16: 29.53
Bro Sheriff Singh, DAP & PKR has to work close together to WIN. We must stay united at any cost. I’m working very hard to bring more ‘UMNO supporters to our camp. We all must move our butts now to meet our BN friends to join us. Get Moving.. move move.
January 23rd, 2008 at 16: 46.22
last elections, many relatives and friends of mine did not vote DAP, due to working ties with PAS. maybe bcause to much scare stories regarding PAS on media by BN. i did not vote either, father-in-law past away on election day. my choice was DAP!
now, i think partly most of them have got a clear message regarding PAS. even thought at times PAS have it own way of implementing islamic rules, of which it really scare others away. it’s best now for DAP/PKR/PAS to go around towns/kampongs to explains the real issue being together. and believe me, DAP will have more support than ever. can’t depend to much on blogging. you need to see them face to face to explain it. sleeping buddha is in kelantan, any other states have it! NONE!
January 23rd, 2008 at 17: 12.30
Seems like the same old story time after time. No one else to blame but yourselves, THE OPPOSITION PARTIES..failing to grasp the desperate situation of the rakyat, and time is ticking away.
January 23rd, 2008 at 17: 23.24
I certainly pray and hope the Opposition DAP, PKR and PAS will work out a cohesive national platform and strategy; be it for state or parliamentary seats. We, the people of Malaysia, do not want to see a fragmented Opposition. Let every Opposition leader rise above self and party interests. The final lap is nigh, let us unite to topple Barisan and put an end to its culture of cronyism, hegemony and corruption.
January 23rd, 2008 at 17: 24.42
YB
Yes, it is a good suggestion that you are willing to put Ipoh Timur up for a 3 corner match up, if that is what it takes to avoid a split opposition in Perak. Syabas !
For the rest of you guys in DAP + PKR, let face it, you are not gonna win this election. Face it. Your duty to Malaysians for the time being, is for a better represented opposition. So act like that, sound like that + work like that.
It is time to become boys to men + lets do it for Malaysia.
January 23rd, 2008 at 17: 42.31
Ipoh Timur for a 3 cornered match up and the rest of the seats in Peark for a one-to-one fight against the Barisan Nasional. Why this has to be so and how does this work and what message are we conveying to the voters? Sdr. Lim, this is not just for DAP and you to scarify Ipoh Timur. The issue is larger than that.
January 23rd, 2008 at 18: 03.27
Where is Anwar & Tian Chua ? Can’t you sit down with YB Lim to resolve this immediately ?
January 23rd, 2008 at 18: 17.43
DAP & PKR, Please think of the country instead of own party. Both of you should work hand in hand to kick out BN. In fact quite disappointed until to-date, both parties have yet to finalise seats talk. Hurry up!!!
January 23rd, 2008 at 18: 18.36
YB Lim,
You must win by a big majority in Ipoh Timur.Don’t let PKR to split your majority.
January 23rd, 2008 at 18: 32.11
“You must win by a big majority in Ipoh Timur.Don’t let PKR to split your majority.”
Just make sure vote out BN thats for sure. DAP or PKR must join forces to bring back Malaysia Wealth, Harmony & Democracy. For all Malaysian! Dont fight with each other. Joining forces can bring them down. Lets hope for this unity well.
January 23rd, 2008 at 18: 40.26
It is ridiculous!Absurd and laughable! It never ever cross my mind the seats allocation is like that one! They want to contest in Ipoh Timur!? I assume that all seats won by whoever should continue to keep them. Anyway, there are only a hand full won by the oppositions.
Can PAS also asks for the same seat Anwar’s wife is occupying? How ridiculous!
Kit, if PKR is that difficult! There will be more troubles all the way cooperating with them!
Must never allow Ipoh Timur to end up 3 corners fight. How dare they even think of it! To me, they must be out of their minds. It is not reasonable! Whoever conceived that move is barbaric.
Now, I can see, how difficult it is for you, Kit.
I am ready to vote DAP and PKR but not PAS. If I have to choose between BN or PAS. I will choose the third option to spoil the vote! Let them know if they want to set up Islamic state or compete to be more and more Islamised, count me out!
January 23rd, 2008 at 18: 46.51
I guess that they ask for too much so that they can get more at the end of the negotiation!
Is that the art of negotiation?
It is like a buyer always complain is too expensive. After that he boast that how cheap he got to his friends.
January 23rd, 2008 at 18: 50.51
My PARLIMENTARY SEAT # P160 JOHOR BAHRU (91,108)
Melayu: 45,305 Cina: 39,864 India: 4,510 Lain: 715
1. Shahrir Ab Samad (BN)
2. Atan Ahmad (Pas)
DAP - why did you abondon this seat to PAS????
FYI this seat won the biggest majority for BN in Malaysia. Although it is happy for me to see the fanatical islamic party lose their deposit money, I want DAP to contest this seat.
I went to the polls last election to my great disappointment that DAP is not there!!! Don’t bother about 3-corner fights! Contest this seat - you know the Chinese are there for you. Let PAS & UMNO split their votes & lose out while you take on JB.
Your non-presence in JB Parliment Seat ponders me….. are you secretly having something on with PAS ???
January 23rd, 2008 at 18: 55.50
Hi Fort,
You have the same idea as me to spoil the vote if PAS & BN is there.
A high spoilt votecount means that the people there hates the 2 contesting parties.
Again DAP should NOT discuss with PKR on seat allocation and then allow PKR to split their seats with PAS.
Indirectly like this you are working with PAS!
If you come to JB Parlimentary seat & let it be 3-corner fight, the Malay votes will be split & you will for sure not lose your deposit money as I know the Chinese in JB will support you.
January 23rd, 2008 at 19: 01.30
In my opinion , Uncle Kit and your colleagues should sit down together with your PKR counterparts Anwar and company and thrash out a best path. Then announce to the ppl, and let the ppl to give a good fight to the corrupt UMNO led BN.
January 23rd, 2008 at 19: 26.56
Most disappointing Uncle Kit,
When I first read this newspaper extract from Keadilan website that their leaders are targeting Ipoh Timur, Ipoh Barat and Batu Gajah, I never took it seriously.
http://cn.keadilanrakyat.org/index.php/content/view/1331/1/
Anyways, seem that there is some truth in the report. If Ipoh Timur is the seat that leads to the stalemate, instead of putting up a three corner fight, allow me to give another suggestion.
Everyone knows that, there are 8000 new registered voters and the winning margin might be slashed due to this. A three corner fight will DEFINITELY make this seat fall to BN. Instead of putting up a three corner fight, why not let an independent candidate contest. And make sure this candidate WILL NOT join PKR or DAP after he/she is elected. Both DAP and PKR will campaign for the independent candidate.
mendela suggested that raja petra contest as an independent candidate. I think he will be a good one. IF Li Ao from Taiwan could run the legislative election as a non-partisan candidate and subsequently elected, there is no excuse that we Malaysians cant do it!
Lastly, please read this article from Raja Petra:
Yes, let us force the opposition to unite. And if they don’t then let us boycott the opposition. Let us show them we mean business. As Lim Kit Siang said, “The people are the boss.†So let us show them that we really are the boss by telling them what we want and by rejecting them if they refuse to listen to the boss. We want 80 opposition members in Parliament. And we will get it even if we have to vote against the opposition or by not coming out to vote just to teach the opposition a lesson and to show them that if we can’t have it our way then we do not want it any way.
The opposition is arrogant. The opposition has a large ego. They think we need them so they can do what they like. It is time they learned that we do not need them but it is they who need us. Malaysia Today will soon launch a campaign called ONE OPPOSITION OR NO OPPOSITION.
yes it’s ONE OPPOSITION OR NO OPPOSITION, I am against any three corner fight, even ONLY in Ipoh Timur!
January 23rd, 2008 at 19: 29.42
sorry, here’s the link for the article in Malaysia Today
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/1000/40/
January 23rd, 2008 at 19: 50.33
YB Lim;
In Penang put up a woman candidate to fight against Koh Su koon
at the same time the candidate is able to gather Indian voters- do you know what I meant.
January 23rd, 2008 at 19: 54.49
[...] the three-cornered fights that might occur in Perak here. Seems that the worse have yet to come. YB Lim Kit Siang tries to resolve the dispute by letting Ipoh Timur be a three cornered fight and all other seats be [...]
January 23rd, 2008 at 20: 28.38
Sometimes it makes me wonder if PKR is just UMNO in disguise. For a party less then 10 years I think they should be more generous to DAP and educate their own malay base supporters about multi racial and religious need for malaysia politics. Otherwise, it is going to end up another BN.
January 23rd, 2008 at 21: 14.02
hflee, agree with you, well said!
Btw who’s this PKR National VP, ..Tian Chua? For its VP to publicly make surch uncalled for statement is a show of unfriendliness and defiance. It has no doubt put the two parties DAP & PKR in an embarrassing situation. He needs ticking off.
January 23rd, 2008 at 21: 34.09
I hope this DAP-PKR talks on electoral agreement will come to an amicable settlement and a win-win situation for both parties concerned.
Ipoh Timur and Ipoh Barat are DAP seats and must remain so. YB Lim Kit Siang’s support in Timur is fantastic. I know he will win hands down next GE, ..provided EC Rashid come clean!
PKR is inactive and hardly known in Ipoh. For its National VP to make public its intention to contest Ipoh Timur is a joke!
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 04.45
If for self interests DAP_PKR cannot find a solution to combine their resources, the next time around, I will throw rotten eggs at them when they come to where I vote!!
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 08.02
Please, please, please unite together and kick those BN out for once.
Pray that this time the oppositions make it.
I want to see the BN pack up and go.
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 14.43
waterfrontcoolie, I might join you!
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 16.38
Somebody has an axe to grind? Read this:
http://dapmalaysia.org/all-archive/English/2004/mar04/lks/lks2919.htm
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 29.28
Uncle Kit, let them come-in to have 3-corner fight…
my fellow friend’s and I will vote are for you…
we’re not like Penangites whose fail you time over time…
PKR can name any candidate for Ipoh Timur and Barat…
we’ll ensure you “huet pun mo kwai”…
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 34.07
Chew Mei Fun: Another May 13 if Chinese representation in BN is insufficient
Tuesday, January 22, 2008 · 5 Comments
One of the most popular MCA parliamentarians, Ms Chew Mei Fun of Petaling Jaya Utara has made a implicit warning to her Chinese voters on Sunday: †if there is no sufficient Chinese representation in the Barisan Nasional, it is not a good thing, the Chinese community cannot afford another May 13 incident.“
Mei Fun is a thug with thug tactics. She thinks that we’re all idiots who can easily be intimidated by such remarks. Go fly kite!
Voted DAP in Bandar Kuching the previous elections and I’m not changing my vote.
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 38.38
YB, the BEST and perhaps, ONLY chance for the Opposition to score a MAJOR upset is for the Opposition to go ONE_ON_ONE with BN.
This is the best chance in 50 years to unseat BN. BN is at historic lows in popular support.
YB, just pick up the phone & sit down with Anwar to iron out some of these preliminaries; then let the rest work on micr-details once the macros have been agreed upon.
Best of luck to PKR/DAP. Viva Opposition 2008!
Oops! Viva PKR/DAP as the new government 2008!
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 41.50
i believe BN will be laughing if the seats talk not successful and some have to be ended up with 3 corner fight. I really in doubt how can these 2 parties work together??? People will lose confident in these 2 parties and will vote for BN.
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 51.22
I recommend that everyone boycott PKR. We would like to have a UNITED opposition but if there are some who throw tantrums all the time, then how do you have unity?
Lets face it.
THERE ARE just too MANY, MANY LITTLE NAPOLEONS IN PKR !!!!
Thats why the party just cannot steady itself and continues to rock all the time. Too many of their members think too highly of themselves when they are all still politically immature.
WHAT HAS PKR ACHIEVED OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS?
What has it sole MP done in and outside Parliament? I don’t know what she stands for, what the party’s platform is. Do you? They are a mumbo-jumbo party thats makes alot of hot air, thats all.
YET IT WISHES TO BLACKMAIL AND THREATEN THE DAP’S CHANCES BY HAVING THREE CORNER FIGHTS!!!!
They want to field a third candidate if DAP doesn’t give in !!!
THE PROBLEM WITH PKR IS IT IS A PARTY WITHOUT DISCIPLINE BUT ALOT OF MUMBO-JUMBO !!!!
Yes, too many LITTLE NAPOLEONS IN PKR with their leadership hapless AND WEAK, unable to crack their whip if they ever had one. Thats why this party is weak and fumbles along. They bully and threaten but WHAT REALLY DO THEY STAND FOR??
The DAP should just go it alone and to hell with PKR - PARTI KENA ROGOL.
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 52.57
Hi.. Libra2 ..stop harping on religious issues.Thats instigation and dont say you have not been warned.Talk about how to make Indians economically better then what they are now.Thats what the Indians what to know.
January 23rd, 2008 at 22: 54.12
Ya, PKR can eat my dust. Vote for DAP. Viva DAP
January 23rd, 2008 at 23: 01.03
Until we see a solid merge into a single Barisan Alternative from the oppositions I am afraid Malaysians will not see the day of light for a long time to come yet unless BN has a completely change of heart, then for this to happen you would need to watch for a blue moon.
It is disheartening to find opposition parties fighting over seats and the public are left as secondary consideration. It will paint a negative picture to the general electorates across the country (don’t forget the gomen has the public media they will tear you to shreds!!!)
Please resolve your issues sacrificially, logically & admicably ASAP!!!!!
January 23rd, 2008 at 23: 19.57
WTF are the 2 leaders still squabbling at the last hour???
For goodness sake, if you 2 cannot decide, just use a dice.
January 23rd, 2008 at 23: 21.13
Batu Caves Thaipusam boycott
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20080123/tap-malaysia-religion-hindu-politics-0193655.html
January 23rd, 2008 at 23: 32.01
A friend e-mailed me this just a short while ago with this comment:
“With “friends” like PKR who wants to stab DAP in the back by having a three corner fight in Ipoh Timor, who needs enemies? Recommend that DAP reciprocate elsewhere. Two can play the game.”
He hears that the elections will be held AFTER Pak Lah returns from Senegal as he don’t want to go there like a wounded dog. So he waits a bit longer. His dates? April 5-6 or 12-13.
January 23rd, 2008 at 23: 33.19
PKR is the underdog.
If PKR cannot make way for its senior ’si-fu’ DAP, and if their attitude is like that, the rakyat will unite against any other parties & will universally only vote DAP.
Look at the Bukit Bintang problem last election, the 4-corner fight almost made DAP lose this seat.
January 24th, 2008 at 00: 03.52
PKR accuses DAP of being a chauvinistic party. I disagree, I think it takes two to tango!
I truly hope Leaders in DAP and PKR urgently see the need for ‘give and take’ that is lacking in this final lap of negotiation and not to be affected by some selfish senior members among them. When everybody talks, who is listening?
They must be practical, stay focused, plan stategies and the rest must tow the line like it or not.
January 24th, 2008 at 00: 10.02
Since Tian Chua wants to be a hero, let him contest in Kepala Batas against the Sleeping Mullah. He will lose not only his deposit, but also his underpants and his anal virginity
January 24th, 2008 at 00: 14.42
k1980,
Your obscene remark is uncalled for! How you managed to escape the moderator surprises me. Yes, Tian Chua is a nut alright. I think he is a political liability too.
January 24th, 2008 at 00: 21.21
Kit is the most effective opposition member of Parliament for all these years (more than 30 years?). We must not let Kit to fall.
Tell me, among all opposition leaders, who can debate better than Kit? Who work harder than Kit? Who dare to stand up againt all the UMO dogs days in and days out at Parliament without any fear?
PKR must not back stab Kit!
With all the phamtom votes in Ipoh Timur and coupled with all the votes buying by you know who, a three-way fight means Kit could be in danger!
January 24th, 2008 at 00: 24.47
Silly Bernama claims that more than 1 Million Indians attended the Thaipusam at Batu Caves.
Stupid idiot mouthpiece of UMO!
Plain silly!
January 24th, 2008 at 00: 53.15
In any joint effort between different groups, there is always a question of compromise and concession.
Both parties must have proper rules for discussion and discipline from the members. We know in the past the BN were able to realign MPs in Sabah after the elections. It is possible this can happen if supposing they lose Penang by a few seats.
Therefore I suggest that all DAP/PKR candidates be asked to sign an undated letter of resignation so that if they decide to jump ship, they cannot betray the electorate. But I am not sure if such a letter is legally binding.
To put seat allocation on a reasonable basis for discussion, I suggest the following:
1.The party that contested the seat in the previous election retains the seat unless the margin of loss was greater than say 20%.
2.Allow state leaders to propose candidates for the seats and give them a week to resolve the seats allocation .
3.If the final state allocation cannot be settled, only the contentious seats should be discussed at the national level.
4.If the national leadership cannot work things out, then it appears that the opposition cannot really forge a strong alternative to the BN machinery.
If the DAP and PKR cannot cooperate even before the elections are called, they will only confirm the snide remarks of the BN leaders.
How many elections are we going to have before you guys come to your senses?
January 24th, 2008 at 00: 56.16
If you had noticed, the tv newsclips were mere closeups. The temple area was not crowded or packed with devotees. Even the steps leading up to the caves were easily accessible, not crowded as in previous years when climbing up, one could hardly breathe so to speak.
Bernama is BN/UMNO’s mouthpiece, what else. It’s face-saving. Today I am so proud of our Indian Hindus. They have shown our Pak Kadok PM that a public holiday does not solve decades of marginalisation. There must be ‘political will’ to tackle Indian problems which MIC failed to deliver the past 5 decades of BN/UMNO rule!
Time for change, vote DAP!
January 24th, 2008 at 01: 01.25
I hope this shows people not to have so much faith in other opposition parties. So PKR wants to contest seats that are traditionally the DAP’s to contest. PKR, a party with absolutely no track record, no seats (except one that was won after god knows how many recounts).. PKR - a party that is made up of UMNO rejects and a bunch of political losers and head-in-the-sky social activists. PKR a party with no agenda except to be a mouthpiece of Anwar Ibrahim, that famous Johnny-Come-Lately. Oh yeah, before any lurking Anwarites start attacking me, what was Anwar doing back when Salleh Abbas was sacked or when Ops Lallang happened? PKR is lucky that people still give them the time of the day. They are a party that is supported by a fringe elitist crowd. The so-called intellectuals who are too snobbish for a working class party like the DAP. They have no history, nothing to back them up, whereas the DAP has had 40 years. And THEY want to play the big dog? The only reason why I’d ever vote for a PKR candidate is if there is no DAP in my constituency and the opposition needs the vote. But I am a DAP supporter first and foremost. And I hope that if they really insist on creating three cornered fights, then the opposition vote goes to the DAP. I have no sympathy for them. I have no support for them. PKR can be dissolved tomorrow for all I care. They are a bunch of crooks and opportunists, and this little act by them is just proof of it.
January 24th, 2008 at 01: 02.15
Oh before I forget, weren’t they also responsible for the BN winning Taiping in the last election, as they also split the vote in that seat?
January 24th, 2008 at 01: 06.28
No, vote against BN.
January 24th, 2008 at 01: 07.11
“Time for change, vote DAP!”
No. Vote against BN.
January 24th, 2008 at 01: 12.09
I’d rather vote for the DAP first than just vote against the BN blindly. There is a world of difference between the two things although the outcome will be the same. Wonder if anyone can see what it is.
January 24th, 2008 at 01: 53.32
I think DAP has a good political track record in Perak so PKR should let DAP take on BN challenge in Perak. I am sure there are other states/areas where PKR can contest and do well and avoid the 3-corner fight. Similarly in the areas/states where PAS has been successful, it would be unwised to field DAP/PKR candidate in that areas/states. Opposition parties must rely on each other strength and cooperate to kick BN out this coming GE.
My prayer and wish is for DAP to win big in Perak and Penang.
Dear all, we should reject BN and vote for opposition parties, EVEN PAS. PAS is not the enemy but BN is. BN has betrayed the rakyat. They have raped our constitution rights. They have meddled with our judiciary systems. They have SECRETLY ISLAMISED Malaysia to the disadvantage of the minority non-muslims. They have taken the law into their own hands. It is the CRASH BOOM BANG system of BN goverment. We have suffered long enough.
Do not be afraid of PAS. At least we know who they are and what they are fighting for. It is the BN that we should be careful. Claiming to be a friend but stabbing your back with their keris and using their own law to justify their actions.
Time for change. Time for opposition to rise up. Strength, honor, power and justice to DAP.
January 24th, 2008 at 01: 55.31
I think the PKR National Vice President is Dr. Lee Boon Chye, not Tian Chua.
Dr. Lee wanted to contest Ipoh Timur last election too, but last minute directed by Anwar to give way and contested in Gopeng, where he lose with big majority around 14000 plus to Ting Chew Peh.
As a Perak State Chairman, Dr. Lee would take care of the Perak Keadilan members interest by trying to get some hot seats like some of the 9 state seats under Ipoh Timur, Ipoh Barat and Batu Gajah and also Parliament seats like Taiping and Teluk Intan. Teluk Intan is a difficult one, as last election result Dap gets 8000 plus and Keadilan gets 6000 plus, and it is a split vote, leads to BN win, a seat that formerly was a strong seat by DAP.
Keadilan Perak is trying to win some battle with DAP to get some hot seats where all the hot seats are currently with DAP, and rightly so, as DAP has historically won the seats in previous election. And of course, Lim said of allowing Ipoh Timur to be 3 cornered fight, is not his true attention, just a polite wake up call, message to Dr. Lee that united is the key of success.
But the problem is Dr. Lee aware that if he don’t try to win some battle with DAP, Keadilan has no chance of success in Perak except Sungai Siput. Seats like Kampar, Tanjung Malim, Gopeng to be contested by DAP are all previously won by more than 10000 majority by BN.
What I hope is PKR Keadilan, please don’t try to win a battle and lose a war. If they insists to play some sandiwara like requesting to contest in Ipoh Timur, to improve their negotiation on other seats, they might get additional 1 or 2 seats, but I really believe, they will lose the war.
Still alot of fence sitters that are observing, and they are not impress of the disunity of the opposition. This must be settled asap.
And also as suggested by some, why not DAP liase with PAS, not PKR. This is just not possible. Firstly, PAS and Keadilan is political partner and they are in good term, no problem negotiating seats. PKR and PAS are the main partners in BA, and they know they can’t split.
Secondly, if DAP have any links with PAS they will lose some Chinese votes definitely. Myself, have tried hard to campaign for PAS with my friends saying they are more liberal, saying facts like sleeping Buddha in Kelantan, pork selling in Kelantan and also temple building.
My friends just replied to me, the fact is Magnum, Pan Malaysia and Sports Toto is banned to Kelantan. A vote to PAS means a vote against Magnum, Pan Malaysia and Sports Toto. They understand about how corrupt BN is, but to vote against their favourite past time, it is just not possible.
I would say, if DAP and PAS working together directly, I would expect at least 50 percent of the current Chinese vote from DAP will be gone to BN, at least they allow gambling and Gentlng. Chinese are selfish, I have to admit it. DAP has lose big before because of PAS, and this is one of the main reason. To mention, Chinese is scared of PAS Islamic policy, is just a nice way of putting it. Chinese are more concerned on their personal interest, and of course it includes gambling and alcohol.
With all the difference, it is hard to form a united front to challenge the corrupted UMNO.
But pleae prove me wrong, alot of Malaysian will be grateful of this.
January 24th, 2008 at 01: 57.44
YB Kit knows the inside story, we don’t.
From the outside, it is hard to understand PKR & DAP’s present difficulty to come to an electoral agreement/pact to avoid 3 cornered fights if it is reasonably assumed that between PKR & DAP there is, in prior existence, a pre-agreed & defined criteria of who’s to field candidates to avoid 3 cornered fights. Such a pre-agreed defined criteria to take BN on, as main objective, will provide, for examples:
· If in 2004, DAP won three parliament seats (Ipoh Timur, Ipoh Barat and Batu Gajah) and seven state seats (Sitiawan, Pantai Remis, Pasir Bedamar, Menglembu, Pasir Pinji, Jelapang and Keranji), then DAP, based on last record, should be allowed to field its candidates for these seats without interference from PKR/PAS since there’s a track record to vouch for prospects of future success ;
· Where as Alaneth said, PAS has proven it lost in JB Parliamentary seat by wide margin, and the DAP stands the next good chance, then DAP should be given the exclusive slot to context in coming election; the converse should apply where DAP lost in last election, it should offer the others in Opposition a chance.
. In cases of 2004 3 cornered fights, the party with a 1st runner up based on track record should now be given exclusive opportunity to contest the BN in straight fight.
· As far as new constituencies, likewise there ought to be a criteria (maybe based on racial composition) of deciding which Opposition Party stands the better chance in a one-one fight against BN.
. Or maybe for bending backwards to help DAP in its foray into Penang the PKR expects some quid pro quo flexibility from the above guidelines, we really don’t know. (Personally I am not that optimistic about DAP’s prospects for capture of sufficient state seats in Penang to form govt and don’t relish the idea of Kit using Ipoh Timur parliamentary seat (that he won & expected to serve) as bargaining chip).
Anyway, the pre-agreed defined criteria stated above is just a hypothetical one, I’m sure you guys in the Opposition could come out with a better & more comprehensive one.
The point is if there were no such pre-agreed defined criteria existing between Opposition Parties, then I don’t know what to say about Opposition Parties in terms of their seriousness of cooperation and preparedness to take on BN.
If there were such pre-agreed defined criteria as guidelines, how could, at this late stage, PKR & DAP could not agree in Perak, Negeri Sembilan & so on ? – unless one of these is reneging on what has been agreed.
And the question is who. Ultimately it is YB Kit & DSAR, who as the two ultimate defacto leaders of DAP & PKR respectively could enforce decisions on such matters down the line.
The one who reneges should not be entertained – or trusted by the other….and the other who is innocent should then proceed to go for 3 cornered fights in such circumstances.
I don’t know who reneges but I am inclined to associate with comments made by sheriff singh, Fort Alaneth & the rest above that, if it needs be, DAP go for 3 cornered fights.
Perhaps because I am more bias in favour of the Kit as against PKR’s defacto leader. I say “bias†because I concede that I have few rational reasons to back up such an inclination.
A prominent blogger, RPK I think, has accused DAP/Kit to be “Trojan horse†if they are non-cooperating. (I assume here we all roughly know what a Trojan Horse implies, depicted in Hollywood buster, Troy, starring Brad Pitt).
I think the DAP/Kit’s record of defending Malaysian rights in last 20 over years speaks for their own defense.
The other has, in comparison, no such long-standing record of consistent comitment and dedication.
Who, may I ask, got the pass-port for him; who acquiesced with his release from prison; and who offered to assist the present administration to resolve the problem with Singapore over the crooked bridge/sand issue; who would be an ideal counterweight against intra-political rivals of present incumbent if the need really arises; who behind the scenes gives moral support to release of various Linkas concessionaire agreements ostensibly in breach of OSA and also behind the scenes in respect of various street demonstrations from Bersih to Hindraf and yet not arrested under ISA where Hindraf’s leaders are?
Again I want to make clear I am not stating any fact here. But if I have to speculate wildly who would garner more suspicions of likely being a Trojan horse or at least a potential one, no prize would be given for the correct guess of what my ‘bias’ speculation will be.
January 24th, 2008 at 02: 10.37
[...] Lim Kit Siang himself is so frustrated with the progress that he urged the DAP-PKR seats talk to be wrapped up by end of this month as polling is expected to be held in 40 days from now as [...]
January 24th, 2008 at 02: 24.02
There may be moles working from both sides secretly for BN, hoping to sabotage negotiations.
January 24th, 2008 at 02: 30.28
“It is the CRASH BOOM BANG system of BN goverment. ”
Who can blame if some us like the “bang” better than the “crash” or the “boom”.
January 24th, 2008 at 02: 47.19
Everything seems to hang on the balance in the negotiations between the leadership of both parties, DAP and PKR. Individuals must sacrifice their personal self interest for that of the party. This is easier said than done.
Meanwhile, no one from either party should be making statements to the media as to the progress or lack of it of the negotiations - or on their blogs for the obvious reason that BN will capitalize on the differences.
January 24th, 2008 at 05: 32.04
YB, do whatever you think is right! you still have my 101% support! you’ve been in this business for a long time. being an old timer, i have much respect for you and DAP representatives, for daring to voice out in parliment.
after seeing some comments on certain blogs, on what others have said could be true. PKR is still new in the market. and to take over DAP strong area, is a big mistakes!
January 24th, 2008 at 05: 57.46
We can change the way we contest the elections. We can focus on the issues closest to the voters etc. We can work for “change we can believe in†but we cannot change the fact that we need the Malay votes to win:
“There are hardly any Chinese majority constituencies. There are hardly any Indian majority constituencies. But there are many Malay majority constituencies where the Malay voters exceed 90% of the voting population. Almost all the Chinese and Indian candidates win with the help of the Malay voters. So the Malay vote is very important. You can form a government, although with a mere simple majority, just on Malay votes alone. But you can’t form a government, or even win a seat, with just Chinese and Indian votes alone. ” Kuppusamy
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/1308/46/
January 24th, 2008 at 06: 02.22
“Btw who’s this PKR National VP…†Jong
Malaysiakini reported that the PKR National VP is Dr. Lee Boon Chye, Perak PKR state chief. When contacted by Malaysiakini for a response, Lee neither confirmed nor denied that PKR had publicly staked claim onto the Ipoh Timur seat.
If there is a three corner fight in Ipoh Timur involving DAP, PKR and BN. I am 100% sure that the chances for PKR to win are ZERO. Any one disagrees with my assessment?
January 24th, 2008 at 06: 30.06
I thought the Malay votes would then be split in favor of the opposition?
January 24th, 2008 at 06: 36.24
For those who feel that DAP can and should go it alone, read undergrad2’s posting above. This opportunity will never come around again for the next 50 years. Think about it.
January 24th, 2008 at 07: 09.37
All Opposition leaders must put politics aside in the best interest of the country to win the election and form government and stop the rot………reconcile and sort out any disagreement later.
If you are serious of going into the election battle……you go in to win - reducing BN majority is not good enough.
January 24th, 2008 at 07: 25.44
Sotong,
What the heck are you talking about??
January 24th, 2008 at 07: 40.43
BN’s decades of divide and rule with politics of race and religion are most effective in dividing the people but at the same time most damaging to a multi racial and religious country.
January 24th, 2008 at 07: 59.33
Those Chinese in PKR who says DAP is chauvinistic are pots calling the kettle black. If they themselves are not chauvinistic, they should be contesting in Malay seats to prove their point that DAP defensive posture all this while makes no sense.
I don’t disagree that DAP can do more to attrack Malay votes which is easier than attracting bumi members and candidates to fight under its flags.
If PKR want to DAP to give up its Chinese seats then the Chinese PKR leaders should convince their bumi leaders to run under DAP flags.
January 24th, 2008 at 08: 04.51
One other thing and this is something Sdr. Lim knows. Tan Siew Sin had the same problem with Chinese leaders. Chinese leaders warlording is what led to the weakening of MCA leadership under Tan Siew Sin and allowed UMNO right-wingers to take advantage of it and put the entire Chinese community where it is today.
Tell the PKR Chinese to go fly kites.
January 24th, 2008 at 08: 38.11
After reading the above comments, this is what I agree to avoid 3 corner fights:
1) Let the incumbents contest in their old seats
2) If certain constituencies buy the DAP manifesto, DAP should contest, if they buy PKR, PKR should contest.
3) For mix seats, DAP and PKR should draw lots to decide who should contest (nobody need to know, nobody would know). Whichever party get the right to contest that seat the other party must close rank and support the candidate unreservedly. For seats that neither party have confidence of winning, give it to PAS.
I think this way all the seats can be allocated in one or two days. No need wait until end of the month. The opposition should really unite and trounce BN in the coming election. Maybe all the non-BN parties can merge (not another coalition but really merge) into a large party. Like in the USA you are either Republican or Democrat.
January 24th, 2008 at 08: 43.26
So it is politics of race all over again!
By indulging in the politics of race, we are no better than those BN gooks. In fact we’re saying to them that there is no formula better than theirs.
BN does not need to do anything but watch the electoral alliance between DAP and PKR disintegrate as votes are lost before elections even begin.
January 24th, 2008 at 08: 49.40
“unite and trounce BN in the coming election. Maybe all the non-BN parties can merge (not another coalition but really merge) into a large party. Like in the USA you are either Republican or Democrat.”
It is a bit too late for that, isn’t it not?
A 2-party system like that in the U.K. and the U.S. does not appear workable given the race relations in this country among others. In fact, in the U.S. today voters would like to see a third and independent party. Many are neither Democrats nor Republicans and would not vote unless there are independents.
January 24th, 2008 at 08: 57.32
It is sad to say that after 50 years of divide and rule by BN the mindsets of most Malaysians are also fixed along those lines. For now we need to flow with the current. After being elected and denying BN 2/3rd majority only then can those in anti-BN groups make constitution amendments and gradually change the mindset and thinking of people away from racial and religious lines to create a truly Bangsa Malaysia. A pre-1511 mindset where everyone live in peace with each other.
January 24th, 2008 at 09: 50.23
kanthanboy,
Thanx for the confirmation. I’m from Ipoh Timur and I tell you, I have not met this Dr Lee or heard of him. Ask anyone around Ipoh and I am sure none have really heard of him. Anyone knows where PKR Office is? What about their contact numbers?
I was once given their ‘office’ tel once to find out about a ceramah by DSAI who was supposed to be in town. My calls were never picked and when I finally got through, the person at the other end was as blur as anything, and I was given to understand the ceramah was “by invitation” only! What a joke!
At least I know how to get in touch with DAP Perak leaders, I’ve their contact numbers and I know where they are. So tell me, how is Dr Lee going to stand in Ipoh Timur or anywhere in Ipoh?
January 24th, 2008 at 10: 03.43
Frankly, PKR Sabah is better off getting Anwar to turn up the heat on Badawi’s Islamic credential with Lingam Tape RCI rather than fight with DAP.
Anwar should label the Lingam Tape RCI as unIslamic to lie and cheat - associate it with Badawi’s brand of Islam Hadhari.
Then he can point to Chua Soi Lek scandal and qoute Chua Soi Lek saying adultery is OK under Islam Hadhari. Its negative campaigning.
Anwar really can learn a thing or two from Bill Clinton.
January 24th, 2008 at 10: 06.05
Perhaps DAP can give up some seats if Anwar can outline a concrete plan to attack Badawi’s Islamic credential, then contest in Indian seats?
January 24th, 2008 at 10: 19.43
For DAP and PKR to merge is a great idea and I am all for it but they must selflessly work towards an amicable solution. Both parties must practical and realise that they need each other for Malay and non-Malay votes.
The chieftians on the negotiation table need to be focused and see the big picture. Stop bickering and handle issues like true leaders! I know it’s easier said than done but they have to get down to it in quick time, GE is weeks away.
I agree with undergrad2 when he said, “There may be moles working from both sides secretly for BN, hoping to sabotage negotiations.” - true and it’s possible so utmost care must be given and stop minions from making unnecessary press statements!
January 24th, 2008 at 10: 57.28
The opposition parties must be strongly united. If each of them fighting fand grabbing for save seats I consider that there is no cooperation and compromise within the opposition.
If this matter continues to lead, the voters who have made up their mind to vote the opposition might just cross the BN to give their support for another 2/3 majority. Then the opposition can’t come up and the rakyat will never trust them for the next 50 years.
I also wish to say that in the midst of getting the seats sorted out, I hope there might not be seats not contested by the opposition thus giving BN the victory to roll over without a contest.
So I urge the opposition leaders to get together and collectively agree to terms and conditions for a big majority to overthrow the BN-led government.
January 24th, 2008 at 11: 12.19
Dear Alaneth,
you voting in JB rite? first time voter? shahrir samad is a well known politician, even opposition supporters know him. if DAP was to run, they would as well give the deposit money to the EC.
look, even if PAS was to run against BN, dont spoil your vote. you think that if PAS was to win JB, they can change the govt? JB will be a hudud islamic state? come on mate, nothing of that sort will happen, what you can do is to vote PAS, as then YOU have an opposition MP in parliament and to object to BN’s blatant amendment in the constitution!
PAS has no financial capacity to run EVERY Parliament seat in the country let alone enough strong candidates. Look at the facts, with the current situation, i rather you give your vote to the opposition then come and spoil your vote. then what for? who do you help? you protest yes, but at the end you protest yourself and no one even will know, or rather care.
Hey, guess what, if we can vote BN out this time and bring in the opposition, we can vote them out in the next 4-5 years. thats true democracy.
think! use your head and think logically. Do not spoil your vote, dont cut your nose to spite your face.
50 years la mate. how long more can we take? and as someone said, this is the best chance for the opposition, we may never get this chance again even in the next 50 years.
January 24th, 2008 at 11: 29.35
Think of it.What is PKR compared to DAP? DAP has become a household name for at least four decades.PKR never shows an iota of respect towards DAP and its supremo YB LKS by eyeing Ipoh TImur.
January 24th, 2008 at 12: 26.31
PAS at least has a state. What has PKR? Only Anwar - and one seat.
If PKR goes into a fight with DAP on a three corner fight; then the Indians will have to boycott PKR in all seats.
We do not want greedy and uncompromising (ex UMNO) people from day one.
Right now the Indians are against UMNO and MIC and extending that to ex-UNMO will not take long.
January 24th, 2008 at 13: 16.25
Dearest Fort and Alaneth
I still do not understand why you cannot accept PAS as the partner. I’m quite sure that PAS understand your struggle for Malaysian and yet they never against it. At least tey never ask you to change your mission and your party’s constitution.
But some people keep on asking PAS to change this and that which are beyond their capability.
You can see how much they changed since the past few years. You yourselves cannot change in a day. How you expect the other to do so.
Still you judge PAS based on main stream media. Why don’t you talk to Kelantan Chinese or Indian or even Thai? Or you yourselves have a visit to Kelantan. Our Great Father LKS has publish in this blog how Kelantan Chinese feel under current government. May be you realised that no single chinese killed in Kelantan on 13th May. They very safe under the protection of PAS Ketua Kampung that time.
PAS is very transparent. I don’t know any of the goverment in the world make public dialog before table the state’s enacment. PAS make it in Kelantan.
I think Great people like LKS should think seriously to work with PAS. May be you felt pain after loosing in 1999. But that is part of the struggle for the country. If you success, you will be remember forever as a stateman. And you are true leader of unity.
If you can not work with PAS this time, may be they will go beyond the Malay majority seat next election.
January 24th, 2008 at 13: 27.52
The Chinese and Indian candidates in PKR want to have a chance at the next GE. Without them joining the election, PKR would look like a third Malay party after UMNO and PAS. But PKR should not demand for seats that are currently held by DAP. PKR should file their non-Malay candidates against the BN non-UMNO candidates. Surely there are sufficient seats for PKR and PAS to share against UMNO candidates.
January 24th, 2008 at 14: 37.59
i believe that the majority are upset of what is going on, and everyone would like to see a 1 on 1 fight against BN. However, if you have knowledged of what the PKR are doing during the past few months in kinta valley especially then you would not wonder why the PKR should not be given even a seat.
they have appointed one of their youth “leader” to so-called adpot IPOH BARAT (DAP incumbent) and alleging that the people of Ipoh hardly see their MP, that’s why they came in. How can they do like that on a party which suppose to be a frinedly party to them?
flyers were being distributed by PKR in Ipoh Timur and Ipoh Barat indicating to vote PKR over DAP, though they never name it. The PKR flyers said they have the chance to become Government, unlike some party which always be an opposition. PKR also said even if they remain opposition, they will be “good opposition party”, on the other hand DAP will “only forever be opposition”. There is total no respect from PKR over DAP! And this is being distributed in DAP-incumbent-seats!
Co-operation is a mutual respect, and not keeping hammering on others. i respect the DAP leader, especially the Perak one, despite PKR’s attack, they did not react over the PKR’s act (which will definately make the situation worse).
Bravo, DAP Perak!
January 24th, 2008 at 14: 41.28
And the PKR always claimed they can become Government… What? They might have forgotten they have only ONE MP and ONE SA throughout the whole Malaysia! The Chinese PKR leader might have forgotten they have lost deposit in 2 of the 3 state seats they fought in perak, and came third with 1/8 votes in the 3 corner fight in the remaing seat?
January 24th, 2008 at 15: 07.45
Wait n see if this is true: 2008 GE came and was over - and BN won again by more than 2/3 majority, while the oppositions lost again fighting each other - oppositions then went back to the Internet for more cyber-self-shiok, complain, complain, complain - that’s all they can do for another 5 years or forever!
January 24th, 2008 at 15: 28.31
I don’t see any problem with three corners fight. If PKR wants to go Ipoh Timur let them go, if they wants to go to all DAP’s strongholds let them go too. I don’t think DAP candidates fear losing a few votes to PKR. What is important about the consensus between DAP and PKR on seats allocation is that it represents an opposition with a united front, which opposition’s supporters would like to see, that’s all, whether or not it is useful strategy against BN remains to be seen, but one thing for sure, it does not appear to me should DAP and PKR reached consensus makes the oppositions stronger. There’s only one way, Anwar should severe ties with PAS then disband PKR and all its members join DAP, Lim junior should be chairman and Anwar be SG, Uncle Kit retired.
January 24th, 2008 at 15: 53.04
Dawsheng, your suggestion may be a little too late but for matter of interest, may I know
1. Why should PKR disband and join DAP? Why not
under a new “united front” name.
2. Why Uncle Kit should retire? ..to take care of his
grandchildren? Do you realise how important
and YB is to his Malaysian supporters? Even those
in BN privately acknowledge and respect his
contribution.
January 24th, 2008 at 15: 54.50
oops, sorry should read:
“Do you realise how important and popular YB is to his Malaysian supporters? “
January 24th, 2008 at 15: 56.59
I think the only common call that DAP+PAS+PKR has to come out with,
is simply to “vote against BN”,
ie to “deny a 2/3 majority to BN.”
The “manifesto” would simply be:
“Make the government more responsible!”
A call to overthrow the BN government, and install a PAS-led government, might actually scare off Chinese voters who fear PAS coming into power. The overthrow of BN is very unlikely anyway, as Mahathir himself admitted recently. The only question is the margin by which BN wins.
Denial of a two thirds majority by BN would be a HUGE success for the opposition.
Of course, 3 corner fights would have to be avoided at all costs.
Every 3-corner fight is effectively giving the seat away to BN!
Imagine, if out of 100votes cast, BN gets 45, DAP 30 and PKR 20 Ind 5 -
together, DAP+PKR might have gotten 50, and win the seat.
Contesting in a 3-corner fight and coming in second highest votes, is as good as having 3rd highest votes - BOTH second and third place contestants are losers. By yielding to the one with the highest chance of winning, at least they stand a chance of winning in some of the seats.
DAP+PAS+PKR should analyse from previous 3-corner fights to see which party got more votes in the last GE, and the party with lesser votes in 3-corner fights should simply yield.
After all, the main aim is to deny BN of such an overwhelming majority that it becomes more accountable to the rakyat.
In fact, another strategy which might be considered would be to willingly give walkovers to BN to _a select few_ seats. If analysis of past GE results show such seats “unwinnable” the Opposition should NOT bother to contest these seats, thereby giving the electorate less hesitancy about voting in a stronger opposition ELSEWHERE.
This would not be unlike by-elections, where some fencesitters may be more tempted to vote opposition, simply because the BN government is already in place, and there is less of a fear of the unknown, or of a major overthrow of the ruling government, and hence of the unknown.
January 24th, 2008 at 16: 10.13
Ok lah! Ok lah! Uncle Kit should be made Minister Mentor lah! As for why should PKR disband and join DAP and be known only as DAP and not any other name? It will only be bigger and better! Unless bigger and is not better, then it should be the way it is right now.
January 24th, 2008 at 16: 55.30
dranony, i agreed with what you said but some views to share:
“is simply to “vote against BNâ€,
ie to “deny a 2/3 majority to BN.â€
The “manifesto†would simply be:
“Make the government more responsible!â€
- would PAS and PKR agreed to it? bearing in mind the political realistic in Malaysia, denying 2/3 majority should be the goal: again, PKR will be accusing DAP will forever be an opposition with PKR having the chance of becoming Government with only 1 MP!!!
“Of course, 3 corner fights would have to be avoided at all costs.
Every 3-corner fight is effectively giving the seat away to BN!
Imagine, if out of 100votes cast, BN gets 45, DAP 30 and PKR 20 Ind 5 -
together, DAP+PKR might have gotten 50, and win the seat.”
- again i agreed we should avoid 3 corner fights but if we see what PKR is doing and shouting then we can see they are not going towards the same directions. Even the seat of Ipoh Timur they also asked for it, whatmore to the rest? PKR kept on asking DAP to give way for them, but had DAP ever asked anything from the PKR’s existing seats?
January 24th, 2008 at 17: 05.38
just read the reply from Ipoh Timur PKR Chief on merdekareview. He said kit is challenging them for a 3 corner fight. i can’t see in any way from the statement kit is challenging. He was just giving a solution to the negotiations.
This man accused kit of talking about the issue where the DAP-PKR leadership has given a directions not to publicly talk about negotiations. But who started it? it is PKR and Lee Boon Chye.
Did kit say any bad words on PKR? i couldn’t see. All Kit wants is a 1 on 1 fight, and willing to tale the risk himself in Ipoh Timur.
This man also said DAP and PKR should go together in Ipoh Timur 1 Parliament and 3 State Seats. Had the PKR leaders ever on the ground in Ipoh Timur since 2004 except for the past few months where the election heat is already on?
Too much, PKR… PKR, you sploit the thing…
January 24th, 2008 at 19: 09.39
Beware of the failed pseudo-politicians in PKR— They are sly, untrustworthy, and ready to stab you in the back or bite you in the ass, whichever is easier.
January 24th, 2008 at 19: 24.27
Too much, PKR… PKR, you sploit the thing…
Sadly, this is the case.
What i see from Kit remarks are he aware that elecation is a 5 years once thing, better focus on something more important, the seats arrangement must be settled asap, so that now can start to do the necessary. Kit has gone through alot of elections before, he knows what to expect. Fair play.
What i see from PKR rmarks are they see Perak is a big piece of cakes that are up for the takings, and they want a giant share from it. No trust in partners, they want the cakes themselves. They think highly on their capabilities and their supports more than the actual facts despite doing poorly in 2004 in the same areas. They thought BN will lose ground this time, and they will gain this time, and see DAP is a bigger obstacle in getting the cake, instead of let the partner have it, and focus on the more important issues. But they chosse to do small little things to make DAP give up the cakes, so that they can have it.
The more important issues are, they must unite, showed the public that they are there and they are better candidates than BN which even they have the experienced to run what MP should, they usually succumb to greadiness for money and power, which led to corruption.
What PKR really shows alot of fence sitters base on the Perak incident, wanting a bigger shares of cake, shows that they have no difference with those from BN, greed for money and power. Only difference is they have less experienced. BN representives has better experienced overall.
I am trying to convince friends about how corrupt/useless/incapability the BN members are and supports PKR/PAS, but base on this incidents I can’t answer query from them, if the query is how different PKR from UMNO, why vote for a less powerlful/experienced one?
And yet DAP needs Malay votes, either partner with PKR or partner with PAS. PAS ideology will make the partnership not possible and PKR are just another UMNO, arrogant, all rubbish talks but no action, and highly estimated their own capability without knowing what actually they capable of. This is the time to gain advantage over BN, yet they are more interested on their personal gains rather than the public cry for change. The only change they want is instead of BN getting all the benefits from public, they want it to be PKR instead of BN.
Bless you, Malaysia! I am very sad.
January 24th, 2008 at 19: 53.36
Besides gerrymeandering,BN also resorts to phantom voters resulting in the presence of centenarian and underaged voters in the electoral rolls.Comparing Bukit Bintang or Cheras as examples with constituencies like Putrajaya and those in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak.The former comprising 70,000 or more voters each and the latter only less than 6000.That is the reason why we need BERSIH to clean up the election commission.In view of such problems,the opposition especially DAP is fighting a colossal battle to end the 2/3 majority of BN.Anyway,all opposition parties must cooperate and be united in the coming GE.
January 24th, 2008 at 20: 53.11
I don’t the many postings here which call for the parties to avoid 3-cornered fights! I say, “It depends”.
Say a constituency has a Malay majority. If both DAP and PKR were to contest at the same time against BN, the presence of PKR helps split Malay votes that would have gone to BN. If DAp were to contest alone, those who support the opposition but are loathe to give their votes to the DAp, would vote BN.
January 24th, 2008 at 20: 55.46
Do you think issues or race that dominates the thinking of Malay voters?
January 24th, 2008 at 20: 58.40
“Of course, 3 corner fights would have to be avoided at all costs.
Every 3-corner fight is effectively giving the seat away to BN!” dranony
Nonsense!
January 24th, 2008 at 21: 53.07
“just read the reply from Ipoh Timur PKR Chief on merdekareview. He said kit is challenging them for a 3 corner fight.”
You know “tin kosong” make the loudest noise.
January 24th, 2008 at 22: 02.19
“Yes, let us force the opposition to unite. And if they don’t then let us boycott the opposition. Let us show them we mean business.” RPK
I think it should be the other way round. Let’s teach the people a lesson, the opposition should boycott the election and let the people see how it is going to be like without any opposition in business in the next four to five years with Abdullah Badawi as Prime Minister, I bet it is going to be great, great disaster that is.
January 24th, 2008 at 22: 11.24
“Do you think issues or race that dominates the thinking of Malay voters?”
Yep! It will be the same old greedy Chinese that robbed them poor till this day.
January 24th, 2008 at 22: 22.34
“I still do not understand why you cannot accept PAS as the partner. I’m quite sure that PAS understand your struggle for Malaysian and yet they never against it. At least tey never ask you to change your mission and your party’s constitution.”
If it is UMNO against PAS in JB, there’s nothing to choose from. All non-muslims should just boycott the election. If PAS understood non-muslims struggle for freedom of religion, they should immediately disband as a political party and transform itself into a NGO, like Sister in Islam, they can then call themselves Brothers in Islam.
January 24th, 2008 at 22: 33.39
Non-muslims must not vote PAS. There are things I will not compromise, my beer, Bah Kut Teh and most importantly, miniskirt! Will you?
January 24th, 2008 at 22: 38.58
dawsheng:
“That is why you fail.” Master Yoda.
January 24th, 2008 at 23: 59.56
“Non-muslims must not vote PAS. There are things I will not compromise, my beer, Bah Kut Teh and most importantly, miniskirt! Will you?”
You’re not voting for PAS. You’re voting for the Opposition. There’s a world of a difference.
January 25th, 2008 at 00: 37.12
Dawsheng: Right on with your “beer, Bah Kut Teh and most importantly, miniskirtâ€.
The ultimate object of PAS is to turn Malaysia to a theocratic Islamic state in the purest sense of the word in which “ beer, Bah Kut Teh and most importantly, miniskirt†will be denied to Dawsheng and the hedonistic likes of some us! This is its raison de etre and there are no other moderate course or compromises. You know why? The laws of God and His State cannot be denied or subordinated by any other concerns.
Right now, PAS is putting on a show – that it is more moderate than UMNO, allow non Malays to erect their places of worship etc. This is anyway no big concession because a party like PAS premised on religion has to give importance to religion which includes not just Islam but also other religions worshipped by non muslim minorities that it seeks to govern one day.
Right now PAS’s priority is to show that it is tolerant because it needs to court and canvass non muslim votes to get to power by constitutional means via the ballot box.
More radical means of seizing power are eschewed at this moment because of the overwhelming military and police resources of the incumbent government that may be applied against any unconstitutional and more radical initiatives on its part, besides the fact that the majority of mainstream Malaysians are, at least at this moment, not supportive of the kind of “intolerant, punitive, bigoted, misogynistic and joyless Islam†(to borrow SIS’s Zainah Anwar’s words) it stands for.
It is only a temporary smiling face of tolerance put forth as a means to an end for expedience. Once it attains power through assistance and on the back of PKR/DAP, and is in a politically dominant position, then it will show its true face.
Once ensconced in power, it will use its dominant position in government to systematically eliminate all values inconsistent with what to them is purist Islam – values of pluralism and liberalism of the West, liberal democracy, gender equality, separation of secular law from religious laws, separation of the sexes and so on until in the end only the Islamist ideological conception of Islam in its purest form prevails.
Politics is an art of deception. Don’t be so easily deceived and blinded by hatred and disgusts for UMNO/BN and the imperative to dislodge them as to not see reality beyond the wool and veil that PAS places before your eyes.
January 25th, 2008 at 00: 42.30
Sorry typo mistake in 2nd para from bottom - “separation of the sexes” should be replaced by “separation of public and private morality…..”
January 25th, 2008 at 03: 19.25
Jeffrey:
It is very clear that you are in the camp that will perpetually be barking dogs in an Opposition that the thieves know is simply toothless. It is simply mindboggling that those who profess to know what is clearly wrong with this country espouse views that do nothing but help perpetuate the injustices created by BN.
Kit will continue to be nothing more than an Opposition leader, and the DAP perhaps will have 15 - 20 seats. Carry on barking. The thieves are going to have a field day stealing, and you guys can continue to have your bak kut teh and miniskirts plus moaning about how the country is going to the dogs under BN.
January 25th, 2008 at 06: 45.49
Write a book on Malaysian dilemma in general…….you could become the next PM.
January 25th, 2008 at 07: 19.31
Godfather:
First of all, you have no way of knowing that when a PAS dominated Opposition takes over, it won’t equally steal, assuming that there is anything then left to steal.
Secondly, on a personal level, I am not to sure that I am more comfortable and that we’re all better off with a government dedicated all the time to prayers than one to stealing. I guess I could tolerate corruption and racism better than religious fanaticism, but that’s a personal view.
As I look around the world, the elites within governments world over steal under different guises and forms though admittedly here is blatant. Peoples in some countries (eg Iran under the Shah), fed up of corruption and abuse of power succumb to the blandishment of theocracy promising purity of religious ghovernment. Even here majority of such peoples are Muslims. What happens thereafter – in terms of freedom of personal life and choice?
Thirdly, I don’t drive a Faustian bargain (ie of embracing theocratic Fascism in order just so to rid an ethnocentric corrupt administration) in an act likened to jumping off slowly boiling water to what I perceive to be a frying pan. Though barking dogs do not stop the thieves, I rather risk my money being stolen than soul being taken.
I don’t accept at all your proposition that one is either with or against a PAS dominated Opposition in an the apocalyptic world of good versus evil, there being no neutral ground possible in the uncertain future, and that we all have to decide now to be either in total agreement with the corrupt and racist government of the day or have to go down the slippery slope towards a state of affairs where what happened (say) in BU4 School is just “starters†of more to come which cannot be rectified or reversed.
January 25th, 2008 at 08: 01.54
And if “the country is going to the dogs under BN”, will it be going to Heaven with PAS?
Go do a swot analysis, a grid of pros and cons and weigh between corrupt and racist govt on one hand and a Theocratic Fascist one on the other, and see which is lesser of two evils or rather which is easier to ameliorate in terms of their respective evils.
January 25th, 2008 at 08: 12.44
I’ve realised that Darkhorse is right, about 3-cornered fights being beneficial to DAP+PKR+PAS in _some_ constituencies, and depending on the electoral mix.
I think my earlier statement about 3-corner fights to be avoided totally, needs to be amended - 3-corner fights should be avoided where the likelihood of splitting the Opposition vote is great.
But, as Darkhorse points out, it should be encouraged where splitting of the Barisan vote is very likely, such that it benefits the Opposition.
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 02.03
No, Darkhorse is WRONG. The issue is not really 3-cornered fight when it suits the oppositions. The issue is whether or not the oppositions will be able to forge genuine co-operation among themselves. If they have 3-cornered fights among themselves and some constituencies and cooperate against the BN in other constituencies, what messages are they sending to the voters in general?
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 05.24
Who said we are going to go for BN or Pas. We are going to split them in the middle and we be king makers. So vote for Pas when necessary. No need to use SWOT analysis. I use plus minus framework.
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 13.41
you have no way of knowing that when a PAS dominated Opposition takes over, it won’t equally steal, assuming that there is anything then left to steal.
Taking about hypothetical argument, this is the epitome of that. May I know how useful is this argument? May be if Pas have governed this country, by now Malaysia has disintegrated and each group would have its own enclave to govern, like former Yugoslavia. You have no way of knowing that also.
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 21.16
Contemplate, Contemplate, Contemplate, procrastinate, procrastinate, procrastinate, waiting, waiting, waiting for some perfect information so that we can make a perfect decision. High hope! This kind of argument can best go without.
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 23.32
No, Darkhorse is WRONG. The issue is not really 3-cornered fight when it suits the oppositions. The issue is whether or not the oppositions will be able to forge a genuine co-operation among themselves. If they have 3-cornered fights among themselves in some constituencies and then cooperate against the BN in other constituencies, what messages are they sending to the voters in general?
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 28.27
You’re not voting for PAS. You’re voting for the Opposition. There’s a world of a difference. BODO Singh
For once the bodo is a genius
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 34.48
Do you think issues or race that dominates the thinking of Malay voters? Darkhorse
Now this is confusing. Is race an issue? Are issues, among others, including race? By the way, I sekolah attap lah, bukan kampong attap. So help me to understand.
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 41.52
May be if Pas have governed this country, by now Malaysia has disintegrated and each group would have its own enclave to govern, like former Yugoslavia. You have no way of knowing that also.”
Yeah! Possibility what you said limkamput, yours a scenario of a civil war. Now anyone still wants to vote for PAS?
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 45.56
A vote for PAS is a vote for Islamic State and a possible civil war that will destroy Malaysia forever!
January 25th, 2008 at 09: 54.04
“Thirdly, I don’t drive a Faustian bargain (ie of embracing theocratic Fascism in order just so to rid an ethnocentric corrupt administration) in an act likened to jumping off slowly boiling water to what I perceive to be a frying pan. Though barking dogs do not stop the thieves, I rather risk my money being stolen than soul being taken.” Jeffrey
God bless you Jeffrey! God bless!
January 25th, 2008 at 10: 16.36
“But, as Darkhorse points out, it should be encouraged where splitting of the Barisan vote is very likely, such that it benefits the Opposition” dranony
I thought so. I thought you missed something in your original statement - just like I missed mentioning something in mine earlier i.e. in a Malay dominated constituency, fielding a PKR candidate along with another from the DAP, could help split the Malay votes that are likely to go to BN in the absence of a candidate from PKR, and I must add, assuming the PKR candidate is a Malay.
So we can agree that there is no hard and fast rule. It is safe to say that the decision to avoid having 3-cornered fights or to have 3-cornered fights would have to depend on the racial profile of the electorate of that particular constituency, and the race of the candidates being fielded ceteris paribus.
January 25th, 2008 at 11: 36.07
Let’s keep our fingers crossed, let good sense prevail and wait for success at the DAP-PKR negotiating table that they will come out with a solution that is agreeble by all concerned.
PKR Perak chieftan has done enough damage by going public to antangonise DAP, let’s not create more issues and problems for them.
January 25th, 2008 at 12: 33.08
Jeffrey said:
“…I don’t drive a Faustian bargain (ie of embracing theocratic Fascism in order just so to rid an ethnocentric corrupt administration) in an act likened to jumping off slowly boiling water to what I perceive to be a frying pan. Though barking dogs do not stop the thieves, I rather risk my money being stolen than soul being taken.”
That is the standard comment of all naive Chinese. Tell me, how could PAS (or the DAP) by itself win an election ? How many candidates can you field that will enable you to form the next government ? Can PAS win the two-thirds needed to amend the Federal Constitution ? Even if the Opposition can win 51 pct of the seats and form the next government, what domination would PAS have to take your soul ?
The reality is that we have to work together to deny the BN the two-thirds majority which would hopefully then reduce the stealing, the removal or stupid and unjust policies. UMNO will implode once the BN loses the two-thirds majority and Big Ears will simply be sent into retirement.
This is the opportunity