Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is right when he said yesterday that the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno are incapable of reforming themselves without pressures from the electorate.
Mahathir warned that if the voters back the Barisan Nasional government once again in the coming polls, it would be an endorsement for a coalition “centred on nepotism and corruption”.
He also expressed the hope that Barisan Nasional supporters will not vote in “corrupt and inefficient” leaders in the next general election.
I fully agree with Mahathir and this is why the denial of the Barisan Nasional two-thirds majority in Parliament and the Perak state assembly should be the common objective of all Malaysians who want to see change and improvement in Malaysian politics and nation-building.
There are 59 seats in the Perak state assembly and at least 20 seats must be wrested from the Barisan Nasional to deny it the two-thirds majority. DAP is focusing on winning 15 state assembly seats in Perak (I had mentioned the target of winning 4 Parliamentary and 12 state seats in the Kinta Valley last week). If Parti Keadilan Rakyat, together with PAS, can secure five to seven seats, then a historic new beginning for Perak will be the outcome of the next general election.
At the national level, there are a total of 222 parliamentary seats, which would require a minimum of 75 seats to deny the Barisan Nasional its unbroken two-thirds parliamentary majority – the root cause for Umno political hegemony of the country.
Mahathir said yesterday that even if Umno loses 20, 30 of their candidates, the Barisan Nasional is going to win. I will say that even if Umno loses 30 to 40 parliamentary seats, Barisan Nasional is still the government and Umno the “big brother”!
The denial of the BN’s two-third parliamentary majority must be regarded as the first imperative of all Malaysians who want to see the start of change in Malaysian politics and nation-building after the next general election.
DAP should focus on 30-40 parliamentary seats, while Parti Keadilan Rakyat and PAS on another batch of 40-50 parliamentary seats.
If there is a 85% success rate in these 90 parliamentary constituencies targeted by the Opposition, then the 2008 general election will return a historic result where although the Barisan Nasional is returned to power, it is bereft of its two-thirds parliamentary majority – which will be the most potent instrument to usher in a new democracy in Malaysia with a national government that will be forced to walk the talk of accountability, transparency, integrity, justice and democracy.
* Speech (2) by Parliamentary Opposition Leader and DAP MP for Ipoh Timur Lim Kit Siang at the launching of the DAP Pasir Pinji Election Operation Centre in Ipoh on Thursday, 31st January 2008 at 1 pm.
#1 by TheWrathOfGrapes on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 8:13 am
/// Mahathir warned that if the voters back the Barisan Nasional government once again in the coming polls, it would be an endorsement for a coalition “centred on nepotism and corruptionâ€. ///
Look who’s talking through both sides of his mouth. Nuff said.
#2 by Bigjoe on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 8:18 am
You what is the most gross thing about this offer of six Chinese primary school? Its not that they broke their promise countless times and its full of loopholes to delay it like they always do after the election. Its not that its so few compared with the needs. Its not its deemed as a ‘give’ when its suppose to be duty and our rights since Chinese pay most of the taxes. Its not that compared to the hundreds more schools they are going to be build that are half-empty compared to these six over the same period.
Its that they spread the six schools over six states, one each. Chinese population is 50% concentrated in Penang and Selangor, should have gotten 50% of the schools. Clearly its about electioning more than the substance of what they have to deliver. This mentality that they can fool people, especially the educated Chinese, with a propaganda trick at this age and time is insulting. Even the 25% dropout among Chinese students will not be taken in.
My nearly 70-year old mother, who always voted BN in our DAP area, did not buy it this time. She said ‘when a recession comes, and it will within 5 years, they will say there is not enough money’.
#3 by Cinnamon on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 8:44 am
YB,
Come on. Why talking denying them only 2/3.. but it is time to get rid of the government!!!!!!!!!!!
The chances high the opposition can win.. the opposition parties need to work together.
It is 100% sure Penang and Kedah will be taken by opposition. Terengganu will be taken back. Kelantan will always remain at the hands of PAS. Sabahans hate the UMNO led state government, and will be changes soon too. The rest of the states are 50-50. Please work on them.
Hindraff is a key factor for the change in Peninsular states especially Penang, Kedah and Perak. As you said earlier, Indians can be the king makers. The reason news is Koh Tsu Koon out of desparation is offering deputy CM’s post to Indian if BN wins in Penang. He will create a new deputy CM’s post. Well Indians are not suckers!!!
Well done Uthaya and the team, this change is due to your efforts. God bless you and your families.
#4 by Jeffrey on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 8:53 am
But if one does not go beyond to impute motives or speculate whether leopard could change spots, and whether TDM has moral right to criticize that which he played a large part in contributing to when he was in power, there is nothing wrong or faulty per se – and in fact, much that is right – in his statement: “Should people name some deadwood or some corrupt person as a candidate, BN supporters should not support them. That is the way we can clean the…BN and Umno. There is no hope that Umno can clean itself from within. Everything is controlled now. Any contrary view (that party members) make would be contained.”
And TDM is now seizing the high ground by stressing that he was not supporting the opposition by his remarks and that he believed the BN would still win comfortably. Yet by urging supporters not to vote in “corrupt and inefficient” leaders in the next general election, he felt he was doing BN a favour by telling it to cleanse and re-invent itself (basically of the political legacy that he himself left it).
Here TDM’s attempt to rally voters against his hand-picked successor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi proceeds on the assumption that ABB would continue to pick deadwood or some corrupt person owing political allegiance to him as incumbent rather than merits.
But who has merits? And how does it advance TDM’s attempts at rallying support against his anointed successor if the latter responds by dropping from candidacy all who are identified with TDM and his era and said that he was merely following advice of the UMNO elders statesman?
TDM and AAB may talk about weeding out “corrupt and inefficient” leaders but is there an agreement who they are? Opposition would say nearly all (at least 2/3 or more) within BN are, and so for TDM to urge electorate not to vote in “corrupt and inefficient” is itself tantamount to an indirect call to deprive BN the 2/3 majority, which is helpful the Opposition’s cause.
#5 by BlackEye on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 9:13 am
“TDM and AAB may talk about weeding out “corrupt and inefficient†leaders but is there an agreement who they are? Opposition would say nearly all (at least 2/3 or more) within BN are…”
Every single one of them is be they BN politicians or not. That’s what happens when they are used to power, and power rewards. That’s what corruption is all about i.e. abuse of power. Where you find power you find corruption. What separates Malaysia from a country that practices transparency, good governance etc is that corruption in the former is endemic and goes unpunished.
#6 by Tickler on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 9:23 am
PAS office bearer suggests branding for non muslims:
If that weren’t bad enough, Mahaguru58 then ominously suggests the following at time 12:50 on the video, with regard to how non-Muslims can prevent themselves from being buried as Muslims…….and I quote:
“Those who feel very strongly about it, this is going to offend some people I don’t give a damn, they should have it tattooed on their chest like what Adolf Hitler did, you know, this is a Jew right?, and they had tattoos. So those who are now so adamant on not wanting to be buried as a Muslim, or whatever, for whatever reason, they should have it tattooed on their chest.”
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/2102/46/
#7 by Tickler on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 9:27 am
Badawi says Mahathir is a liar – or maybe TDM just `cannot remember`:
PM: There was no gentleman’s agreement between me and Mahathir
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/2/1/nation/20203570&sec=nation
#8 by Tickler on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 9:29 am
As usual Najib is groping around in the dark:
Not aware of Mahathir-Abdullah’s gentleman’s agreement: Najib
http://sun2surf.com/article.cfm?id=20661
#9 by Jong on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 9:30 am
BlackEye, you said:
“Ever heard the saying, “Leopards never change their spots†? I strongly believe in it.†Jong
and
Don’t be too cocksure of yourself. But then I don’t blame you because you don’t have what it takes to be cocksure. Leopards do change spots these days.”
- What’s your problem? What has my statement of ‘Leopards never change their spots’ to do with my gender? What the cock are you talking about?
#10 by aiD_kamikuP on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:06 am
I wonder if Mahathir will come out next week saying ‘I can’t remember saying it’. And he might say that 14 times!! Why 14? May be we need RCI to determine that.
#11 by Tickler on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:06 am
“Indian support for the government is the worst it’s ever been in the country’s history,†Welsh said. “It’s profound. Indians have traditionally supported the government the highest.â€
With Chinese voters also angry at the government—mainly over its handling of the economy—Welsh says the government risks losing control of the state of Penang, where ethnic Chinese form a plurality, as well as a handful of parliamentary seats scattered across the country.
http://yennamike.blogspot.com/2008/02/ethnic-anger-on-rise-in-malaysia.html
#12 by jus legitimum on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:12 am
Hi,folks.Stop squabbling and remember to persuade and convince
the hometown relatives and friends to vote for the opposition when you ‘balik kampung’ for CNY.
#13 by cheng on soo on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:21 am
If BN don’t get 2/3 coming GE, then TDM can prove he is best BN leader ever,
Got BN 5 times GE ‘s win with more than 2/3 majority. Who can equal this??
#14 by oknyua on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:26 am
Jeffrey, the weakness that TDM sees in AAB transcends not only his leadership, but AAB’s ability to be both a proxy as well as a cover for his past. If that is what you mean in your earlier posting, I agree totally. The RCI is an example where public opinion seemed to sway AAB’s decisions. I agree with some comments that suggested with TDM in power, you cannot get the RCI on Lingam’s tape. We saw how TDM tried to cover himself with “selective amnesia.â€
The main thing now is to get as many parliamentary seats as possible. Even if a “dunggu†stands in the DAP-PKR alliance, support him. Over-look that dunngu and vote for the party. A dunggu might emerge a hero. TDM’s description of “deadwood†is best applied to his time. The deadwoods of his era evolved into useless-woods under AAB. He burdens us with throwing these useless-woods. (Deadwood is still useful for fuel. Useless-wood has turned into pulp, ready for making tissue/toilet paper).
(Earlier thread: Jong, I really thought the former LP had gone. Apology – didn’t reply earlier, busy).
#15 by mycroft on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:28 am
When people fly off the tangent and show off their ignorance, it really does not do credit to themselves nor the cause they claim to support.
#16 by dranony on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:34 am
DAP+PKR+PAS should invite Mahathir to contest in Kepala Batas.
#17 by Edchin on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:44 am
onkyua, yes agree with your attitude towards recycling.
Remember the adage ‘Nobody or nothing is completely useless, at the very least they can be USED as bad examples’.
#18 by sotong on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:53 am
All the religions from Middle East, including Christanity and Islam, are authoritarian.
The West managed to seprate religion from the state and thereby limiting the harmful effect of religion in politics and create a more open, modern and progressive society.
The same cannot be said with Muslims countries where religion is mixed with politics to create an authoritarian rule.
#19 by k1980 on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 11:28 am
When they say this, you know they are desparate for votes
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/National/2147193/Article/index_html
#20 by lakshy on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 11:43 am
YB,
I agree with Cinnamon. DAP should work hard to overthrow the Govt. Denying them 2/3rds is not enough. This is probably the best opportunity that the current opposition parties have in turning the tables and making BN the opposition. It’s only by doing so that we can develop as a nation and develop an alternative coalition that can run the country.
Think Big YB and get your people to work towards that goal!
Why remain forever as opposition?
#21 by pkrisnin on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 11:54 am
Sotong is correct seperation between religion and state is very important to build a prograsive nation.
Also PM cannot server more than 2 terms, no matter how good a person he is. Power corrupts eventually he will be a tryrant.
Dr.M lasted so long because he used his power to imprison anybody who opposes him. He’s not one to speak, we are in this mess because of him. He was the one that removed all the safeguards against abuse of power by the gov.
#22 by Saint on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 11:57 am
Jeffery : If one does the mathematical calculations, Opposition has to do three times (3x) better than last time to come near the 2/3. Is that a likely feat?
A good observation and analysis but; we do not need 3x votes. An increase of 20% votes will change the power states of the whole BN.
Indians will give at least 50% of their votes; which would a substantial swing for the Opposition. The rest depends on the Chinese and Malays. If an increase of only 20 – 30% from these communities will show much results.
The gerrymandering and postal votes is the main problem.
The opposition must look into it seriously and collectively.
#23 by k1980 on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 12:03 pm
The group delivers a harsh critique of the Bush administration, suggesting that by accommodating autocratic allies in the fight against terrorism, it has failed to meet its declared goal of promoting democratic values….The report is based on research conducted in 75 countries. The group singled out Kenya and Pakistan as examples of states that claim to be democratic but fail to guarantee basic human rights and civil liberties.
The report says some governments — including those of Bahrain, Jordan, Nigeria, Russia and Thailand — hold up their elections as proof of their commitment to democracy even though few have the strong government institutions, vibrant civil societies and constitutional guarantees required for a healthy society.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/31/AR2008013103575.html
#24 by Rocky on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 12:12 pm
If BN performs badly in the next GE than Pak Lah has to go. I guess is what Mahatir wants to do. Give Najib etc the bullet to kick him cos Pak Lah will not go out easily. Loosing 2/3 majority or even worse will gve them what is required to kick Pak Lah. That is the motivation as Dr.M from where he is standing now is unable to kick Pak Lah out from the post of PM or from UMNO.
#25 by AntiRacialDiscrimination on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 12:26 pm
All UMNO politicians, including Mahathir and Anwar, speak the truth AFTER retirement because they can no longer get what they want (money, of course).
After retirement, even the son-in-law of PM and Najib would tell you that Malays brain are matured and developed, so don’t rely on NEP anymore, be competitive, be independent, be ………….
#26 by ahoo on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 12:27 pm
Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Tun Dr.M had
sowed bad trees and now produces bad fruits !!! Don’t read
too much into what he said. Take it with a pinch of salt !
For standing up against his former cronies and advising us
not to vote for those corrupted ones, I salute him for that
and nothing more. To say that this nation will remembered
him for the legacy that he left behind for the many ” super projects ” that he had builts, let the future ones decide.
There is always a hidden agenda behind all that he said and
planned, after all he is a strategist, Jeffrey.
He have selective memory and are pretentious when he sent
many into Kamunting in the 80s, saying for the good of the
nation when his own umno party members were the culprits.
He was known as a man who hijaked the judiciary in the 80s
and after over two decades of rule, left us with a hp6 govt
and ministers. Now he is attacking the very systems that he
put in place as his ” nominee ” is not where he wanted it !
Note that both the late former PMs were against what Tun
Dr.M was implementing (biased policies) in the 80s onwards,
he pay no attention to their suggestions and they were not
given due respect too. Now, he is facing similar dilemma and
thus it is apt to say “whatever a man sows, that he will also
reap”. He cries wolf now. I’ve nothing against him in person
BUT all against his biased policies when he should have the
will to dismantle the NEP in the 80s, yet he choose to use
it as a tool for his own agenda.
We are able to see and hear more issues now that there are
camps within umno and it is good for the rakyat per se.
Let’s us all do our part this CNY and spread the news that
to vote for the opposition is a vote for democracy. My first
choice is non other than DAP and will encourage others to
vote opposition if DAP is not contesting there.
Anyway, thank you Tun Dr.M for teaching us how to vote !
#27 by Jeffrey on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 12:31 pm
Saint, I agree I was wrong (mathematically) about “three times (3x) better”. However I am not sure whether an increase of 20% votes, as you said, will change the power states of the whole BN. (If you’re right about a mere 20% increase, then it would appear bridging that gap is thinkable & not impossible to achieve).
#28 by ReformMalaysia on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 1:25 pm
IT is now high time to change the government.
One of the common feature of all developed nations is they ahve a strong opposition party/alternative government candidate… To achieve the VISION 2020 we should start by voting out BARISAN NASIONAL…
The same ruling party for 5 decades have allowed the root of corruption to grow….. We must change this…..
#29 by boh-liao on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 2:02 pm
Don’t try to analyse TDM. He is a guy with no principle. One day he will say or do one thing that makes sense. Another day, he will say or do another thing which is directly opposite of what he said or did previously.
#30 by scorpian6666 on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 2:47 pm
TDM … go on you might be forgiven. don’t forget to return the TUN when you go. As least you will be fondly remember for being human.
#31 by shortie kiasu on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 5:39 pm
‘Former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad is right when he said yesterday that the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Umno are incapable of reforming themselves without pressures from the electorate.’
He is singing a different tune now that he has had his ‘glorious” days tormenting people of the country.
He should reminisce what he had done and said when he was the PM. Could be thousand time worse off in terms of nepotism, cronysm, corruption, abuse of power, abuse of human rights, and lots more that cannot be exhaustively mentioned here.
The kettle is calling the pot BLACK. Worse, now the dimentia has set in on his brain.
#32 by AhPek on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 6:02 pm
If we go by the result of the last general election BN gained something like 60% of the popular votes to win them 199 parlimentary seats (more than 90%) whilst the opposition winning 40% of popular votes can only garner 20 parlimentary seats (less than 10%).
This huge distortion comes mainly from gerrymandering, postal votes,huge financial support during campaign period against meager opposition financial resources and powerful government machinery.
Given the opposition is able to make a 20% increase in gaining popular votes this time round and using the above results to estimate the total number of parlimentary seats held this time by virtue of such
improvement the result worked out is 30 parlimentary seats,far from the 74 parlimentary seats opposition has to have to deny two thirds majority to BN.What this means is that it is almost impossible to deny BN two thirds majority,no need to think about winning the election.
Therefore the first step and possibly the most crucial thing to do is how to get all the 3 opposition parties to avoid a 3 corner fight.It is definitely suicidal if this cannot be agreed on!
#33 by AhPek on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 6:11 pm
And if I may add ,another factor for this distortion is a compliant EC who may do all sorts of things to help the present ruling party.
#34 by Loh on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 6:46 pm
///KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) – - Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Thursday denied he had made a “gentleman’s agreement” with former premier Mahathir Mohamad to stay as premier for only one term/// –AsiaOne online
I believe in the truth of AAB’s statement. So TDM did not remember precisely what they agreed with each other at the time he handed over the power. After the scene ‘ I have decided to quit, and the pleading on stage by Rafidah and Keris-man’ TDM could not demand anything at the time of his departure. He had to leave, and he lost all power to set conditions for leaving. Of course he could pretend to forget his promise to quit, and carry on as a liar PM.
Has TDM suddenly realised that he made mistakes during his term? No, he did not.
It is clear that TDM has personal grudges against AAB for whatever reasons only he knows precisely.
In asking people to vote wisely in the coming GE, TDM is only interested to give the impression that during his term he was diligent to ensure that only deserving candidates were fielded, and the call was meant to cast aspersions at PM AAB. Was TDM interested in parliamentary democracy? Certainly not. Even when he could not have extracted a promise from AAB while handling over power, he still thinks that he had the power to decide who should be the PM for the country. TDM still considers himself the emeritus emperor.
TDM accused that money will be used on the coming GE. He pretended that this is happening for the first time, and that it did not happen during his watch. The fact is money politics has been around and happening big time during his reign.
Why did TDM not appoint Najib as the deputy when he thought Najib is better than AAB as PM? If what he claimed that because AAB was older and should be given a chance, then TDM would be irresponsible in making the position of PM a prize to be passed around rather than a position of responsibility for all Malaysians. But AAB has denied what TDM claimed. So, the purpose of TDM’s claim was to disparage AAB’s capability, to encourage Najib to challenge AAB. He hope to have a role in that eventuality.
#35 by BlackEye on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 8:38 pm
“What’s your problem? What has my statement of ‘Leopards never change their spots’ to do with my gender? What the cock are you talking about?” JONG
Relaxxx…!Just another cock n bull story.
#36 by limkamput on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 9:09 pm
Jong, this BlackEye we should give him a blackeye.
#37 by shaolin on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:45 pm
Why TDM is attacking on AAB again? Any ulterior motive
behind the attack we do not know?! But any way it is
good for all the Malaysians who want a 2/3 denial to BN!!
We want a change for the better and brighter future ahead
of us all… We demand change!! We want stronger Opposition
parties…
#38 by HB Lim on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 10:56 pm
It would be interesting to invite and have Mahathir stand as an opposition candidate. Either he is trashed by a BN candidate or he wins and we make him become the Opposition Leader. Either way we benefit. In the former case, we eliminate him and he becomes a truly had-been, a deadwood. In the latter scenario, he may help us tickle and topple the BN. In either case, we help ourselves. Either we get rid of him or we make full use of him.
#39 by Jong on Friday, 1 February 2008 - 11:15 pm
limkamput,
Relaxxx….! My crisp response is enough. I dunno what colour, could be purple.
#40 by BlackEye on Saturday, 2 February 2008 - 8:17 am
“What the cock are you talking about?” JONG
I understand you have a soft spot for men with a cockney accent. Don’t you also like cock-a-leekie? Or would you rather spend time talking cock http://talkingcock.com/
Don’t be too cocksure. It could be your first of many cock ups.
#41 by Jong on Saturday, 2 February 2008 - 9:41 am
What a coincidence, since you mentioned it, my son-in-law has picked up cockney accent as an interest and I am not too bad at it, my friend.
On Spore’s talkingcock.com, I had been visiting it on/off for many years. Yep, it’s a good website to laugh off the pressure of every day life.
#42 by beankadok on Saturday, 2 February 2008 - 10:28 am
Never never show disrespect to another fellow blogger, never know who they ‘really’ are.
#43 by BlackEye on Saturday, 2 February 2008 - 10:48 am
Urgghhh..! Jong is a married woman! What am I doin’ here flirting with a married woman. Arghhh…! Another cock up!
#44 by beankadok on Saturday, 2 February 2008 - 10:56 am
Another cockup, it is for you! Do you expect young sweet nothings write the way she does?
#45 by limkimchi on Saturday, 2 February 2008 - 3:44 pm
Take it from me ..Opposition parties must cooperate and do not split the opposition votes
#46 by ktteokt on Wednesday, 6 February 2008 - 8:27 am
How can they reform if they choose to cling onto the principles of the Rukunegara while practising “Ketuanan Melayu”? Absurd self-contradiction!!!!
#47 by ktteokt on Wednesday, 6 February 2008 - 10:27 pm
Can Dr. M just pat his backside and say “this is none of my business?” He too put his hand and stirred up this pot of “shit” during his reign and what these guys are doing now is just taking it from where he left and making the situation worse, that’s all. So he is turning the whole pot sour just because these guys did not follow his “rules” in playing the game?