Sabah on fire – that is one clear message of the first debate of the new Parliament which ends today with the three-day Ministerial replies starting tomorrow.
Is the March 8 “political tsunami” in Peninsular Malaysia reaching Sabah?
Two outstanding examples:
1. “We (Sabah BN MPs) have never jumped. We can move by simply forming a new party. Then we can decide where we want to sit…here or there”, he said, gesturing in the direction of the opposition and backbenchers. – Datuk Seri Ghapur Salleh (MP for Kalabakan).
2. There is no harm in Barisan Nasional MPs in Sabah defecting to the Opposition. What’s the point of moving to a terrace house if one is already living in a bungalow? However, for some of us, there seems to be no pleasure in living in this bungalow. What’s the point of living in a bungalow if one has to sleep beside the toilet? – Datuk Anifah Aman (MP for Kimanis).
The fire rages on in Sabah to end over four decades of discrimination, marginalization and even victimisation of Sabahans in Malaysia.
#1 by ashlee on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 8:49 am
… What’s the point of living in a bungalow if one has to sleep beside the toilet? – Datuk Anifah Aman (MP for Kimanis)…
tu makna nya bungalow tu dah terlebih penghuni Datuk Anifah..
packed macam “sardin”.. maybe mau bnafas pun x boleh dah..
:P
#2 by Swordsman on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 10:06 am
It is a good sign that the East Malaysian States of Sabah and Sarawak have awaken to the realities of the current political situation. The neglect of these two States over the past 4 decades could be attributed to two factors:
1. Gradual side-lining by the Federal Govt. Before joining Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak were soverign countries in their own right. Malaysia was formed with four soverign entities: namely the Federation of Malaya, the Republic of Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. Singapore was asked to leave shortly after the formation of Malaysia. Instead of viewing Sabah and Sarawak as having the same status as the Federation of Malaya, the Federal Govt gradually “down-graded” Sabah and Sarawak as another two States in Malaysia, the same status as Pahang, Melaka , Perlis or any of the Peninsular States. In line with this “down-grade” exercise, the Federal Govt also dishonour certain “autonomy” which were accorded to these States as part of the agreement in the formation of Malaysia.
2. Personal interests of Politicians in these two States. If only we care to go through the “recent history” of these two States, we can discover how many politicians, their extended families and their cronies have made themselves fabulously rich over the past few decades, all at the expense of the States and the Rakyat. If we attempt to compute the amount of resources extracted from the States and match it to the amount of development that had taken place, we will all be awed by the wide gap. Where did the rest of the resources go? We all know the answer.
Now that the gravy train is coming to a complete stop, these politicians suddenly have the temerity to hold Pak Lah to ransom by demanding “equitable treatment, rights and respects” for their States.
The demands by the Sabah and Sarawak BN politicians may be a good thing for our country. It could lead to the demise of BN and UMNO, and usher in a new and progressive era for our country.
#3 by ilovedap on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 10:28 am
What’s the point of living in a bungalow if one has to sleep beside the toilet? – Datuk Anifah Aman (MP for Kimanis).
Haha. YB Anifah, spot on! You are not alone. The people have been sleeping beside the BN toilet for too long.
#4 by year of snake on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 11:03 am
It would be better if the MPs from Sabah and Sarawak negotiate with PR for their present demands and joined PR instead of demanding from BN(UMNO). Even though they get what they want now they will be short-lived because the UMNOPUTRAS will view this as given under the barrel of a gun and from past records they will find ways to remedy the situation by hook or by crook. Therefore, MPs from Sabah and Sarawak better think twice before you decide on your next move!
#5 by Anak_Penang on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 11:11 am
To all my beloved Sabah and Sarawak MPs, it’s now or never, pls make the move for the sake of the people and for the future of Malaysia.
#6 by taiking on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 11:11 am
My view, just forget about BN.
PR is the better coalition to join.
Reason: no one party in PR claims supremacy and lords over the others.
And every party has a right to disagree with the other parties on any issues; and to voice its disagreement publicly.
This is a sure sign of a muturing democracy.
Where agreement to disagree is the key to stability.
You see bottled up disagreement will explode surely, sooner or later.
We all know that.
BN members knew that as well I am sure.
But complacency and comfort (bred after decades of power and control) has blinded them.
But look.
They are now speaking of change.
But look again.
Can old dogs learn new tricks?
Maybe.
Then again. Maybe not.
I am not so sure.
In this state of uncertainty shouldnt one welcome PR and work together for a better future?
Shall we? Yes all of us?
#7 by ashlee on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 11:16 am
i bet the toilet in that bungalow smells awful..
euww..
#8 by dawsheng on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 11:30 am
Sabahan politicians has done so much talking and yet no action, I fear they have no nuts to change. Soon they are going to have a different view toilet altogether, a toilet is better than no toilet at all. Yes, Sabahans are no fools, but do they have guts?
#9 by i_love_malaysia on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 11:48 am
These Sabah MPs are making lots of noise now because they dont get what they wanted!!! it is not the first day that they noticed the school children are not having chairs etc. . They are just trying to put more pressure on AAB, so that they can get what they wanted, as long as AAB gives them what they wanted which they had spelt out openly, they will keep quiet and praise AAB after that. Read my lips!!! They are the “best” politicians Malaysia ever has!!! to these Sabah MPs, I would suggest them to have the bungalows all to themselves!!! Be independent!!!
#10 by i_love_malaysia on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 11:54 am
As the Chinese saying goes, it would be more comfortable living in your own dog hut than sharing the big bungalow with others!!! at least you are the master of your own dog hut and dont need to see the face of the master!!!
#11 by grace on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 12:05 pm
Don’t talk, talk only like PakLah!
DO IT! CROSS OVER NOW.
In fact Sabah and Sarawak should get atleat 8 full ministership in view of their overwhelming win.
Yes, should ask for minister that jaga money since plenty of petrodollars come from Sarawak>
#12 by gundam on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 12:22 pm
sabahan have made their points clear, how abt sarawakian? take a look at the general conditions of sarawak besides few main cities…it makes sarawakian look like the most foolish person in the world. wat a shame! they have all the resources to become a country even better than spore. wake up sarawakian and unleash ur true potential.
#13 by nazryan on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 12:23 pm
They have been playing politics for sure, surely since the era of PBS, Berjaya, USNO and now UMNO/PBS. They will morph accordingly to their demand of the day rather than for rakyat. Or else, such problems will not exist today.
Well off course, as someone mentioned, does it take 20 years for them to realize that they have been marginalized. But then again, most of us here also just recently being tsunami over (less than 10 years support is new from my point of view), except LKS and those in the opposition pack whom being fighting and struggling for so long.
But if the need to have a cross over, just so that BN will not be in power, personally I will welcome them with open arms. The positive changes there and then can be made for the betterment of all Malaysian, with the continuous good rapport/ relationship/ bermesyuarah for all PR and the new East Malaysia based parties.
As per my earlier notes last month:
“ A positive and proactive forward will be then:
1. Accept new changes (even made by PAS Islamic stand), accept it at good will and open heart.
2. Accept new members
3. Meet our counter part in East M, have dialogues, discussions not only at high level but also at grassroots. PR needs to establish stronger base there. Invite East M based party there to join PR
4. Continue to fulfill the pre-election promises
God willing, PR can be an alternative even before PRU13”
#14 by k1980 on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 1:01 pm
Based on the land area, Sabah and Sarawak MPs should comprise 70% of the Federal Cabinet, with Deputy PM coming from one of these 2 states.
#15 by cheng on soo on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 1:59 pm
k1980 Says:
Today at 13: 01.17 (56 minutes ago)
Based on the land area, Sabah and Sarawak MPs should comprise 70% of the Federal Cabinet…
Sabah & Sarawak land size is about 60 to 61 % of Malaysia Only !, NOT 70 %
#16 by gundam on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 2:56 pm
it is time for sarawak and sabah to launch a Referendum to leave malaya.
#17 by i_love_malaysia on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 3:12 pm
k1980 Says:
Today at 13: 01.17 (2 hours ago)
Based on the land area, Sabah and Sarawak MPs should comprise 70% of the Federal Cabinet, with Deputy PM coming from one of these 2 states.
———————————–
The BN govn. is playing the land area games all these while, Sabah has only 3 millions people, but they have so many MPs compared to KL, now they have to face the music of their games!!! so dont try to have too many MPs who are like cowboys!!!
Sarawak will be safe for BN govn as long as the CM is well fed!!!
#18 by i_love_malaysia on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 3:17 pm
k1980 Says:
Today at 13: 01.17 (2 hours ago)
Based on the land area, Sabah and Sarawak MPs should comprise 70% of the Federal Cabinet, with Deputy PM coming from one of these 2 states.
——————–
Go by your arguments, Greenland people should at least have the post of Deputy Secretary of UN!!! go and talk to US on this!!!
#19 by lextcs on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 5:15 pm
those who live by the sword dies by the sword….we know for sure thru history all ship jumpers or traitors some call them will eventually be dumped by the people. Better resign and call for fresh by elections more honorable that way…. however if YB kit is supporting these actions then i suppose all these tens of years of talk is merely barking like what a non throughbred would do.
#20 by Godfather on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 6:50 pm
lextcs:
Agree with you that those who live by the sword shall die by the sword. That’s why we have to bring all your UMNO friends to account for what they did to this country. To account for where the billions of taxpayers’ money and oil royalties went to.
There is nothing more honourable than going after thieves who steal in broad daylight.
#21 by Politicfan2044 on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 7:06 pm
He is right, “we will not jump, but will set up a new party”. He can go anywhere, either to the opposition’s side or stay with Barisan.
Abdullah Badawi should thank Sabah BN, if without Sabah BN, he might be an opposition leader today, the 30 seats in Sabah was important.
But i dont think he is grateful. He is leaving BN in a very dangerous situation…
#22 by boh-liao on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 7:27 pm
If there were crossovers to topple the BN federal government, PR should make sure that there shall not be massive destruction of documents, records, digital files, etc. before the handing over of power. Also, there shall not be massive transfer of public funds into foreign bank accounts.
Choppy time and perfect storm ahead!
#23 by kenyalan08 on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 7:48 pm
My God , after 45 years of staying in the bungalow whereby going to toilet also have to seek and “beg” approval from the “sleeping master “.
Times now to move out of the bungalow and have a fresh air . Its a beautiful world outside .
Take one step forward , SARAWAK AND SABAH ENTER 22ND CENTURY .
#24 by bennylohstocks on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 7:52 pm
WHAT MORALS?
#25 by nkeng11 on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 8:56 pm
The Sabahans and Sarawakians have a way to put a strong message in a very native way. I love it.
Bungalow stay, toilet sleep.
Money get but only to buy sabun
Position get by only office boy
Title get but is call Tan See (wait to die)
Never defect party but form new one.
Where sit never mind, same Parliment go.
Speaking with no fork tongue
But with One Voice.
I love YOU , Man, Come On.
#26 by novice101 on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 9:24 pm
Wnag Ehsan – RM7.36million paid channelled thru UMNO, Trengganu:
Is this monstrous sum of money just to be allowed to disappear just like this? Is it something just for bloggers to write about and shout about? Is there no recourse that is opened to the rakyat? Can’t this be brought up in the parliament? Cant’ the newly-minted MPs from both sides of the aisle do something about it?
PAC, NGOs, Auditor-general, anyone?
#27 by Bintulu on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 9:27 pm
It plain easy to understand why these Sabahan MPs beginning to make noise now. Then they have all the forest for themselves, now that it is gone – they have nothing left to rape.
Mind you, it’s not a genuine efforts to help the rakyat as they try to portray – but more of something else???
Perhaps, these seen how to profit from increased in oil royalty such as in Terengganu – eg holding “negeri di bawah bayu” cup or whatever that cost billion.
#28 by pjboy on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 9:30 pm
Who can blame the Sabah MPs to crossover to PR for the sake of Sabah people? I don’t. It’s only the BN-UMNO that are sleepless in KL over it. Not me for sure.
The way I see it, there was not much choice for the Sabah people. They voted their candidate, not the political party. The BN-UMNO machinery was far richer (esp when PM & DPM used the gov jet up & down the country, even when parliament was dissolved – they still think the gov facilities is their grandfather one).
For example, PAS is not present at all in Sabah. PKR was only a handful. DAP also not much more than PKR. Plus, there were not enough dogs to fill up the seats (they say Sabahans would rather vote the dog than vote any BN candidate…but there was no dog…all eaten up by illegal immigrants???).
Ai, what about PSM? Seem to be very quiet after GE. Or working hard silently behind PR frontlines?
#29 by limkamput on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 9:31 pm
Lextcs says:…..however if YB kit is supporting these actions then i suppose all these tens of years of talk is merely barking like what a non throughbred would do.
The only one barking here on behalf of BN dogs is you, yes you.
#30 by novice101 on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 9:32 pm
Sorry … it’s RM3.76 billion …refer Rocky Bru’s blog
#31 by lew1328 on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 9:34 pm
I did understand from one of my friend that some of Sarawakians and Sabahans, which there are many of them still living in hell of poor environment. They can’t afford to buy a new shirt and need to pay RM 1 ~ 2 for 12 months installments.
This is the time to change if the leader’s care of their native people living there.
#32 by lopez on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 9:46 pm
We are witnessing acid test at work, S&S you are lucky so far, thank to yourself, you stil have today for reckoning, listen to experiences , if you still not convince , don t blame us, other hand who says you need central, your land is so damn huge and don’t know what to do with it but only asking handout, man you must be dreaming look at your fingers try bending them outwards.
Wake up , I also waiting for you people to open up the travel restrictions..wah lonyeh….that will the day…
Choose wisely this time , you saw the what crept out from that can now..
#33 by saiya on Wednesday, 14 May 2008 - 10:49 pm
pjboy Says:
For example, PAS is not present at all in Sabah
no, not true
well at least not in tawau. i kinda surprised as well.
#34 by ablastine on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 12:03 am
Even if the BN rep in Sabah and Sarawak do not make the switch, the two states will most likely end up in the hands of PK in the next election when PK start to concentrate their energy and improve their representation there. However we cannot wait that long. The country still remain sick because BN or specifically racist UMNO is still holding power and causing havoc to the country. We should not allow this group of sick and greedy imbeciles to ruin the country further. The only antics they have now is to stir up racial sentiments to confuse the rakyat.
There is always a time lag for reality to sink in. The reality is that BN and especially the component parties are now a sinking ship. MCA, MIC and Gerakan will not have many members left when the next election come. There is no more justification for this group of greedy fellas to stay on as members in the component parties because the gravy train has stop having lost the richest states of the country to the opposition. The oppositon like CM of Penang have started plugging all the holes and these corrupted leeches finding no added advantage in joining the component parties will surely switch camp to try their luck elsewhere.
It may take some time to catch on but it won’t take long for the Sabahan and Sarawakian to finally realise that just like those in the Penisular Malaysia, the UMNO government has done nothing but robbed them of their riches. We could have even gone further than Singapore if we did it right. If you take Singapore as a control we will know how far backwards we have gone. Much of these must lie
on the shoulder of one man. I would consider him the most destructive prime minisiter of all times in Malaysia – Mahathir. Sabah and Sarawak. There is only one right thing to do now. Switch camp and lets start to undo all the wrong that has been done to the country so that our descendents can have an even chance in this competitive world. NOBODY owe us a living. If we cannot coalesc and bring about the change necessary it will be tough for our future , if there is any at all. Continue the BN way and we will reach the status of the African country in 15 years time. This much I am sure.
#35 by pjboy on Thursday, 15 May 2008 - 11:16 am
Thanks saiya. We are human after all…:).
Point is number of PR candidates were insignificant in the East. Can’t blame the strategy by DSAI to focus more on Peninsular. DSAI must have read a lot of Sun Tzu books while in prison. Hope the next book will be “How the East was Won” by DSAI himself.
#36 by One4All4One on Saturday, 17 May 2008 - 12:18 am
I am sure whatever eventuality happens, malaysians can accept it in their stride.
Malaysians are no more that blind and naive. They have mature and are adjusting to new realities and are expecting changes after 50 years of nationhood.
The government cannot expect the citizens to take whatever is doled out. They know facts from fiction. However, they also know that fiction can be defied in time to come, just like the fiction before march 8 2008, that BN would deny the opposition any chance to live and survive ( like in selangor = zero opposition ).
The people would also not buy the story that the non-malays would
not live meaningfully with their malay friends and brothers and sisters. What a shame to propagate such confrontational ideology!
The chinese and indians have long been such good friends with their malay counterpart, and respect each others’ culture and tradition. One such fine example would be Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman. pLs read ‘The Reluctant Politician’, by Dr Ooi Kee Beng. He should be a shining example for ALL malaysians.