I am shocked and hurt by DAP National Chairman Sdr. Karpal Singh’s statement yesterday.
Malaysians are scandalized that instead of uniting Malaysians to face the worst global economic crisis for eighty years, the Prime Minister-in-waiting Datuk Seri Najib Razak had done the opposite – frittering away further public confidence in engendering greater national discord by engineering the Perak political crisis in the illegal and unconstitutional grab for power, resulting in the constitutional crisis of two Mentris Besar in Perak.
Perakians are outraged. Malaysians are outraged. The world looks on in disbelief at the political insensitivity and indifference of the Prime Minister-in-waiting on the imperative to restore public confidence at this critical stage of the nation by giving top priority to uniting Malaysians, by actively creating not only a Perak but national political crisis.
The national economic crisis and the latest political crisis caused by Najib’s coup de’tat must be the topmost concern for all Malaysians.
Let the DAP resolve any differences internally as they should not be allowed to deflect efforts to resolve both the grave economic and political crisis confronting Malaysians.
#1 by lee wee tak_ on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 6:07 pm
“Karpal’s outburst against his own team members is painful to see,”
so it Koh Tsu Koon’s elegant silence as the Gerakan President when his picture is torn by 1 screaming, yelling UMNO ordinary member last year following the Bukit Bendera incident. I still remember his mouth and teeth, a real colgate moment.
#2 by lee wee tak_ on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 6:08 pm
“it” = “was”, typo
#3 by Blue.kinetic on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 6:09 pm
Dear Kit
according to Malaysia Insider, 4 more suspected may defect to BNi Perak. 2 are from DAP. Name provided were Keshvinder Singh (DAP) from Malim Nawar, A. Siva Subramanium (DAP)from Buntong The other 2 from PKR.
If this continue, how we , people has confident in voting for PR? Beware of those opportunist or hungry of power/money, like Hee.
We can’t keep dissapointing by those unfaithful ADUN or MP.
#4 by gofortruth on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 6:18 pm
While Karpal has shocked everyone by scoring an own goal and Perak is now Pakatan 0 – BN 2, just read from The Malaysian Insider that 3 or 4 more Pakatan ADUNs to defect to BN. Sigh!
#5 by chengho on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 7:05 pm
Karpal have 1 choice to redeem his honor and integrity either Karpal leave Dap and join BN or Dap leave Anwar and join Najib..
#6 by StevePCH on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 7:15 pm
chengho from Tj R*****tan kah ? bad equation lar. terbalik oredi.
i think you got no choice but go back to your century dear Laksamana
#7 by drngsc on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 7:17 pm
Hi Kit n Guan Eng,
I would say again, Karpal Singh must show a good example and maintain party discipline, especially in these difficult times. He may have a good point about “party hopping ” but there is a time and place to speak your mind. Certain, not to the mass media, at this point in time. If he cannot control his tongue, maybe DAP should thank him for all his past services and make him an adviser in Indian affairs, or grant him a long medical leave?. Surely, we do not need a loose cannon, not at these times. Can someone speak to him.
#8 by Thomas Lee on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 7:17 pm
Karpal Singh the Tiger of Jelutong is right in standing firm on his principles but he is definitely wrong in not expressing his personal reservation in private to the other party leaders and sorting out the differences with them.
His outburst and public declaration of differences with Kit and Guan Eng over Anwar is certainly an unwarranted political suicidal move for a party at a time of crisis.
Of course, there are no two human beings who have no difference in opinion or views, but the time calls for the fundamental principle of agreeing to disagree so that big things could be achieved together.
Now is not the right time to cause any split in the DAP. It is time to unite to fight a common enemy, not fighting each other.
I have known Karpal for years and have great respect for him but I must say that his street-fighter way is not the type of political strategy for times such as this.
I do plead with Karpal to restrain his emotion and anger and approach issues with a clear mind, a calm manner and a co-operative spirit.
The kangaroo politics of those advocating defection to gain power is certainly questionable but strange situation calls for strange strategy.
The current law prevents one for standing for election for five years if one were to resign his seat on the ground that he has lost faith in the party that fielded him for election.
The best way to work around such a situation is for the elected representatives to vote with the opposite side in Parliament or the state assembly and cause himself to be sacked from the party, hence freeing himself to seek new alliance.
That, in principle, is not defection or jumping ship par see.
The main thing is to work for a fair and just election system where, unless one is an independent candidate, the elected reprsentative must be made accountable and answerable to the party that fielded him for an election, and will be made legally liable for protecting the seat won in the party’s name and must resign the seat if he is no longer a member in benefit of the party.
From a logical perspective, it should even now be assumed by the courts that a candidate wins a seat on behalf of the party since it is the party symbol that appears on the ballot paper, not his personal image. It is also common knowkedge that many people vote for the party and not the candidate par see.
Hence, the moral and ethical thing, and even the legal implication, is for one to give up the seat if he quits the party.
Perhaps, a statutory sworn declaration should be appended to the nomination form, making it bidding on the elected representative to resign or have his seat declared vacant if he switches party mid-way in the term. This will be fair to all parties.
(see my proposal in a previous posting below).
=========================
LIM KIT SIANG blog
Wednesday 4the February 2009
Thomas Lee says ….
There is a time when people of principles must speak out in righteous anger. Now is such a time.
The treacherous betrayal of any elected reprsentative by defecting to another party is something very sad, shocking and shameful.
Such a person has no moral principle and intergrity as he or he gives the unkindest cut to the party that has groomed him or her, nominated him or her for the election, supported his or her election campaign.
Such a scum, an offscouring of humanity and a person without moral values and principles, a pariah to boot, has betrayed those who gave him or her their votes at the election and is not worthy of any respect, honour or dignity.
The betrayal simply reflects the dark side of such a person who definitely lacks moral values, having no self-respect, personal intergrity, honesty, accountability and, above all, no god-fearing conscience.
Such a person is shameless, has no sense of human dignity, and it is well that his or true colour is exposed by the disloyal, traitorous and perfidious defection.
Perhaps, it is time we should demand that certain measures be taken to ensure that a candidate selected and nominated for an election be made to:
(1) Make a sworn declaration which will be printed out as part of a personal election manifesto (see sample below),
(2) Declare his or her personal and family assets publicly in the printed election literature,
(3) Register with the Election Commission (EC) the sworn delcaration, together with a signed personal letter authorising the EC to declare his or her seat vacant in the event he or she resigns from the party that has fielded him or her to stand for election. This should be done when his or her nomination for contest has been accepted by the EC.
===========================
SAMPLE SWORN DECLARATION:
===========================
This document acknowledges and confirms that I, _____________________________________,
MyKad No: __________________,
hereby declares under oath that:
1. I am a candidate selected and nominated by the Demoncratic Action PartY (DAP) to stand for the general election / by-election on ________________ for the parliamentary / state constiuency of _______________,
2. I am at all time merely standing for the said general election / by-election as an official representatitive of the DAP and am not representing my own individual person.
3. I am therefore required and obligated to vacate the said parliamentary / state seat I won at the said general election / by-election as an official representative of the DAP if I resign or has been sacked as a member of the DAP.
4. This declaration under oath is made by me voluntarily, without any pressure or force from anyone, in the presence of three witnesses, namely
(a)____________________________
(MyKad No: ____________),
(b)____________________________
(MyKad No: ____________),
and
(c)____________________________
(MyKad No: ____________).
5. This declaration under oath constitutes my own personal legal action and obligation as a person with self-respect, honesty, credibility, accountability and integrity, and I will, at all times and under all circumstances, including in a court of law, affirm it without reservation as my free and true conviction.
6. This declaration under oath is duely attested, confirmed,and ratified by my own personal signature and thumbprint to be the true and final testament of my status as merely an official elected representative of the DAP and that I will be legally obilgated, without doubts or questions, to vacate my elected position the moment I cease to be a member in benefit of the DAP.
7. If I ever violate the terms and conditions stated in this sworn declaration, which I accepted and signed without force or pressure, I shall be liable to pay a sum of RM2,000,000 (two million ringgit) to the DAP.
Signed on this day of _________________
and accompanied by my thumbprint
____________________________
in the prescene of:
Witnesss 1: _____________________(MyKad No:_________)
Witnesss 2: _____________________(MyKad No:_________)
Witnesss 3: _____________________(MyKad No:_________)
================================
LIM KIT SIANG blog
Thursday 5 Feb 2009
Thomas Lee says …
Judas couldn’t sleep and finally hanged himself in guilt and shame.
That will be the lot of those who betray their people. They will never enjoy peace of mind or happiness the rest of their days until they repent, reform and return to the true path of righterousness.
By the way, may I suggest that the MB Nizar and Ngeh Hoo Ham take the honourable way by returning their datukship as a symbolic gesture of protest if they feel that HRH was wrong in his decision.
I always think it was a big mistake for them to nominate themselves for the datukship just after taking office. It reflects badly on them.
The people who have served for decades and truly deserve such titles are Kit and Karpal but they will not accept such awards as the DAP policy and practice have always been to avoid exposing its leaders to temptation of power and position.
The party stand, I believe, is that only when the leaders are retired they should be given such awards. Ngeh should have nominate Dr Chen Man Hin for the award instead of accepting it himself.
I understand that Ngeh’s datukship was among the reasons some Perak DAP leaders and members were unhappy with.
HeeHeeHee,
She is not only the first woman to be a deputy speaker, the first polio person to hold such a post, but also, I believe, the first woman to defect.
She deserves to be listed in the Malaysia Book of Records.
HeeHeeHee!
#9 by mother of three on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 7:22 pm
We need to teach a good lesson to the frogs that love to do high jump and long jump.So that,other frogs will take it as a good lesson and will totally forget the jumping method.We need to punish the culprit who encourage them to jump as well.If the rumours on Arumugam is true then I think he has made the biggest mistake in his entire life.Well,then “rakyat” could see Malay frog,Chinese frog and Indian frog.At least, now the frogs succesfully achieve the “semangat perpaduan” that all of us fail to achieve.
#10 by bolehlandor on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 7:43 pm
[deleted]
PR must really put its acts together if they wish to try to form the Federal govt. They must also do serious self-analyses of their intentions for wanting to do so. Life & esp power is not so simple.
#11 by 7even Sins on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 7:46 pm
Karpal maybe right on his views and beliefs but it is utmost critical at this juncture, the party needs to stabilize its badly tilted political position and confidence. Harping on his views and beliefs at the wrong timing may possibly cause PR the political future. It is as if the defection is not bad enough but to give another brutal punch on the face. Yeah..even he has made his points to the whole world, can he walk down the aisle with sparkling blue eyes telling people that he is the man of principle and different??? If yes, good luck..!!!
I am a believer and supporter in PR. I believe all of you are the better equipped with experience and seasoned politicians. Do any of you know what is actually toying in each and every opposition MP’s looking at their party and leader being punched and cartoon-like wing-men who can’t put their act together??? Who will have the last laugh…? BN of course.
Why can’t these people just STABILIZE the party first instead of making so many counter-productive talks and press coverage????
Seems like everybody wanna be Tai-Koh in PR…!!! So SILLY..!!!
#12 by Saint on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 8:05 pm
BN has used this outburst to its fullest-but I am sure it is storm in a tea cup and PR will ride over it. Let us not talk too much about it.
#13 by gofortruth on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 8:07 pm
The Malaysian Insider -
By Lee Wei Lian
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 — Speculation is rife that four more state assemblymen from Pakatan Rakyat (PR) parties are ready to defect to the Barisan Nasional (BN).
The four names being cited in various text message exchanges are Keshvinder Singh (DAP) from Malim Nawar, A. Siva Subramanium (DAP) from Buntong and S. Kesavan (PKR) from Hutan Melintang and Tai Sing Ng (PKR) from Kuala Sepetang.
———————–
Uncle Karpal please stop all the bickering especially now & help put off the fire in your own house.
#14 by gofortruth on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 8:15 pm
Now that CAMRY Hee finally got her deal to be sworn in as an exco member tomorrow, she will have 4 more years to blunder the state before she gets voted out into oblivion in GE13. Sigh!
#15 by undergrad2 on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 8:18 pm
“Let the DAP resolve any differences internally as they should not be allowed to deflect efforts to resolve both the grave economic and political crisis confronting Malaysians.” Kit
Although Karpal is unlikely to defect anywhere but to the next world, he should be reduced to the rank of an ordinary member for having spoken out in such a public manner against how his party has chosen to work with a key member of the coalition. Ordinarily someone like that would tender his resignation without being asked to do so as Chairman and remain an ordinary member. Why hasn’t he done so?? Loyalty to principles??
#16 by gofortruth on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 8:20 pm
A good open letter to Karpal:-
http://margeemar.blogspot.com/
#17 by jt84 on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 8:27 pm
DAP need to resolve their core differences internally and be focused on speaking up for the Rakyat! I urge YB Karpal to remain calm and professional to the benefit of the people who throws their support and votes behind Pakatan Rakyat. YB Karpal Singh is still relevant to DAP and Pakatan Rakyat and so does YB Lim Kit Siang, YB LGE and DSAI. There is no choice but to stand in unity for the rakyat in the face of oppression.
I personally do not favour in PR to concede in the Perak Constituitional Crisis. To concede is to bury the sovereignty of the people/ democracy. Dissolution of State Assembly and return the power to people of Perak is constituitional and justified. If Pakatan Rakyat are not willing to stand up for the rights on the people, then Pakatan Rakyat might be proven irrelevant. However, if PR decides to concede, PR must provide a full and acceptable explaination in to why it is so.
One of the banner in today’s UMNO/BN Demonstration in Ipoh reads “Derhaka kepada Sultan, derhaka kepada Allah”. This is of grave heretic statement which equates Sultan to Allah. UMNO has lost their sense of morality over power and greed to even the point of dishonouring the name of God. By that banner alone, it violates the very core of where Malaysia is founded and instituted.
PAS might very well be needed to restore the true faith and concept of Islam. Pakatan Rakyat- stand firm for the rakyat which has voted for you in the face of darkness and oppression by UMNO/BN.
Do not create a loop hole and fall into UMNO/BN trap in breaking Pakatan Rakyat apart. Thank you.
#18 by mother of three on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 8:29 pm
Uncle Karpal standpoint on frogs is correct but maybe he should be more careful when giving statement in public.Personally I feel that the born of PR is because of Anwar and God knows what is in his mind.However,none of us could deny that at the current critical moment PR desperately need Anwar.PR still in infant stage.Please treat PR as your own family and you should not expose to other people if you have family problem.Discuss among yourself and just let others know the final conclusion.Other people need not to know the entire process.Do not give chance for BN to manipulate the statement.
#19 by PSM on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 8:36 pm
Bro Kit,
As respected leaders of the DAP & PR, you both should sit down & talk this out.
I agree that this should be kept internally. Not to hide it from the Rakyat but especially to ensure that the MSM & the BN do not take advantage of the situation.On one hand they quote Karpal extensively to denounce DSAI & then on the other hand they make Police Reports against Karpal.
#20 by ablastine on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 9:06 pm
Karpal should know that some of his advices and statements are ignored by party members because they are not viable or executable or simply not timely. They are just being polite not telling him off directly as he holds the chair to DAP. However, the chair of DAP is an important position because it is part of the power centre and DAP is again becoming increasingly popular and respected. Uncontrolled outburst at the wrong time through the wrong channel really set the party back. This is not the time to show off his clout in the party or illustrate how correct his views were because all will come to nothing if DAP breaks away from the only coalition so far which has any chance of sinking the BN ship. It is already hard enough for the 3 parties in the coalition to work together to handle the resourceful and wily BN without him creating new problems. I sincerely believe that if he cannot keep his outburst within the party, being his character, I suggest he resign from the chair to take a lower profile position. He is still very useful to the coalition and I hope that he will continue to contribute positively to its cause rather than creating new problems for it. I have a feeling most of the senior members in DAP are trying their level best to accomodate him but to act on ridiculous suggestions like leaving the coalition and demanding a strong ally like Anwar to resign is really out of the question and downright STUPID.
#21 by ahluck on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 9:11 pm
uncle kal siah!
i respect you and proud of you for your courage. you are King of all king in Malaysia now! all malaysians talking about you. do what you have to do. i always supported you and always will because you keep your words.
#22 by dawsheng on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 9:14 pm
“There is no split in the party leadership. We can resolve any differences internally,” – Uncle Kit
Anwar screwed up! Losing a state to BN is no laughing matter, Anwar must work hard to regain Karpal’s trust, fast. No two way about it
#23 by Jeffrey on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 9:18 pm
Shannon Teoh (The MalaysiaInsider) report Feb 9 said this:
“Perak DAP chief Datuk Seri Ngeh Koo Ham “grudgingly said defections were practical as current laws forbid lawmakers from contesting any elections if they quit their seat”.
Ngeh further said, “We support an anti-hopping law, 100 per cent. But if an elected rep says he can no longer stand for his party’s immoral practices, then we invite him to resign from his seat,” he said, insisting DAP would not “entice or promise” anything to those who wanted to defect to its ranks…”
So it is DAP’s position that its Ok to defect or accept to defection provided there is no enticement or promise from the receiving political party to the defector?
And you’re saying that the other side BN has no qualms to entice and promise isn’t it?
If the above holds true, the DAP/PKR is going to lose this game of defections.
If political kataks or potential political kataks were to hop and cross don’t you think more of them will think of benefit than those who think of principles?
If they think of principles they wouldn’t have joined and got elected under the BN ticket : so if you’re thinking of more BN kataks hopping over to PR, forget it, since as Ngeh said, “DAP would not entice or promise anything to those who wanted to defect to its ranks…”
The opposite however is not true : 4 already hopped in Perak with rumours that another four may be defecting, and that Bn is also targeting Kedah.
The flow in this defection game goes (one way) to BN with no reverse flow to PR precisely because BN offers enticement and benefit that you say you don’t offer anything but principles (trying to reconcile the whole business on a higher moral ground).
Principles have no real force except when for one is well fed. But PR has postmen, clerk etc who may not be well fed!
So it means once you concede that political defection is Ok in line with Anwar’s thinking (provided no enticement or benefit) it will be a game tit for tat that BN will surely win for reasons stated above.
This is I think why Karpal Singh is making so much noise about Anwar’s defection principle, which Karpal thinks will bring PR down.
It is becuase once defection is conceded as Ok it cannot be reconciled by a qualification that it is morally Ok provided that PR does not use enticement but just offer principles when then other side, does not play by same rules, and offers not principles but material enticement.
Even a child will know who will win in this game when you try to reconcile the irreconcilable.
#24 by alaneth on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 9:21 pm
I respect Karpal Singh’s freedom to voice his opinion and his right to do so in the open media. This shows Malaysia has freedom of speech so long sensitive issues are not questioned.
#25 by waterfrontcoolie on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 9:30 pm
Ha! Ha! the nephew of Mugabe speaks again! asking PAS to join BN!! He wants to lead UMNO Youth but has not learned enough, asking someone to join a fast sinking ship. Even rats [plenty on board] would run away!
Your brand of racist approach does not seem to end. You may be the son, I bet you will never be able to con Malaysians like your dad did. The younger set is much, much smarter than even you in spite of your dad’s reputation in spinning and rhetorics>
#26 by gofortruth on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 9:53 pm
All of us know how dirty BN play. After votes buying still failed at PP & KT, they now found it a lot easier to ADUN buying. Beat that!
Word to encourage PAKATAN :-
Psalm 18:25-26
To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
Please stay united & focused,CHANGE will surely come!
#27 by mauzaomin on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:03 pm
Undeniably, it hurts. But viewing from another perspective, the members of People Coalition have the freedom and courage to voice out their opinions, unlike BN. I think people just need to look at it objectively.
#28 by ahluck on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:07 pm
why UMNO asking PAS to join BN? if there is no much differences then UMNO should should PAS. anak mamak anak mamak juga! grrrrr
#29 by dmeo on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:09 pm
When Karpal fights to maintain and clarify the stance that malaysia is a secular state (and a secular state is one in which all races are looked upon as equals) as opposed to an Islamic state , he is labelled as a racist.
When he fights to defend the rights of citizens to take royalty to court on disputable issues, he is accused of committing treason.
When he voices his stance on party hopping, principles of which are supposed to have been imbeded in the DAP ideology he does not even get the support of some of those in his party which had condemnd such actions before the Pakatan was formed.
This is a man whom fights for the right reasons but because of his bluntness (a truly respectable quality) he is seen as an easy scape goat for both the PR and BN whenever they are important issues that nobody wants to face.
To those who think that his timing was not acceptable, would it have been anymore acceptable if he had come out with it in 6 months, or 6 years later? If anything i think his statements were mild and should have been alot harsher.
I am an opposition supporter but i will never support a leader that embraces party hoping one day and codemns it 10 days later when the hops happen against him. It may be constitutional to hop but it is in no way ethical.
To the first comment. Anwar being the leader of the PR is in no way a lone reason for the capture of the five states. Cause if it was PKR would have made a big difference in 2004 as opposed to just winning 1 seat.
Every article ive read that is against him has always been based on opinion rather that fact which is sickening because people tend to believe what they read without looking for proof.
Also Karpal Singh is not a millionare lawyer like some of you claim. He has done many cases for free and being a principled man who abides by the law is what makes him successful. Because no one can prove a man who is always right to be wrong.(unless they twist his words like what most media and bloggers who are looking for someone outspoken to pry on do)
Frankly i am quite appalled by the fact that LKS and LGE are willing to sell their principles in order to ‘win’ rather to fight for what they were ‘preaching’ before the convenient formation of the PR.
I dread to think of the day when malaysian politics looses this man cause when he goes, it looks like good principles would leave with him and we;d be left with BN vs BN (PR)
#30 by ahluck on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:12 pm
why UMNO asking PAS to join BN? If there is no much differences UMNO should Join PAS. can have big happy family.
#31 by sheriff singh on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:12 pm
Its a big full moon tonight.
Everyone’s gone crazy, getting missing, resigning…..
What’s next before this night is over?
#32 by distantmalay on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:16 pm
this crisis can be a blessing,
everytime there is a crisis,
pakatan becomes stronger,
talk it out, thrash it out,
get to know one another better,
agree to disagree,
keep your eyes on the big picture.
#33 by cemerlang on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:23 pm
We have to look back in order to get going again. So to which part of history should we go ? Ok. Let’s go back to the BERSIH movement. The Agong and Raja Nazrin helped the rakyat when the situation became tense. Even though Sultan Azlan called for a judicial reform yet he was not all that trusting towards Pakatan Rakyat. Here’s the unspoken catch and a hypotheses.
Prove your worth when you are in power.
Later came the 16th of September’s prophecy. Many people including the politicians were looking forward to a change. In fact, they have been looking forward to a change many moons ago. The change that the federal government would be run by the Pakatan Raykat. The prophecy remains still a prophecy. But this could be the cause of people turning into grasshoppers. They cannot wait. Like they say, if you cannot beat them, join them. Play safe. Be independent but friendly to Barisan Nasional and to the Pakatan Rakyat, how ? Friends become enemies and enemies become friends. So when the situation is ripe and the timing is just nice, all hell broke lose. Two times of audience with Sultan Azlan was enough to make him distrust the Pakatan Rakyat altogether instead of remembering his own request to have a judicial reform which means the law should be respected. Laws are applicable to everyone and therefore everyone in Perak should be given another chance to vote for their Chief Minister. Disregarding the people’s votes is not respecting the people. Respect is to be earned. Datuk Dr Zambri Kadir is a beauty in the eyes of Barisan Nasional but is he too a beauty in the eyes of the people in Perak ? To claim that he is like Obama is like telling tall tales to little kids. Yes there is similarity in terms of the skin colour. But in terms of ethics and morality, Datuk Dr Zambri lose terribly. He did not go through the many rounds of campaigns and state’s elections for the President like Obama. He did not have a public debate like Obama. He is not the minority Malay in a majority other race party like Obama being the minority black in a majority white party. So all odds are stacked against him. But with the ever strong support of Barisan Nasional, he can still claim proudly that he is the Chief Minister of Perak. Beat your chest very hard and tell yourself how true it is.
#34 by lakshy on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:36 pm
My condolences to the family of the late MP Roslan Shaharum.
With his passing away, arises the opportunity for the state to make some findings from the electorate.
Since Changkat Jering lies within the Parliamentary seat of Bukit Gantang, I wonder whether a referendum can be included in the ballot slip for that state seat to be run concurrently during this election?
That would permit the eligible voters of Changkat Jering to vote whether they support the “frog-man”–Osman Jailu, or if they wish for fresh elections to be held in that state seat. Its an opportunity for the PR and BN MBs as well as the Sultan and the PM to be to hear the voice of the voters.
#35 by lakshy on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:39 pm
Guys, dont be so hard on Hee. I am sure she was threatened. Hence her support for bn is definitely under duress. She did not seem to be a happy person in the news conference when the announcements were made. Remember, this bn govt can stoop to any level to get what it wants. Put yourself in Hee’s position. What if your family were threatened? Ask yourself honestly what would you do? For now, we dont know her reasons. Lets wish her all the best. Voting her out in the next election, may be exactly what she and bn expect or want. So perhaps she wont even be fielded!
The whole thing smells. It all started with Nasaruddin’s hopping over to PKR. This on hindsight was a ploy from bn’s side. The reason being, that they wanted to blame PKR of having started the hopping first. Then they would not eb blamed for movin g Jamaluddin and Osman over (in exchange for making their charges disappear??!) Why else would Nasaruddin be so easily accepted back into bn and umno at that? Why is no disciplinary action even being proposed against him? Who has made a media campaign to demonize Hee so that she faces all the flak and nothing happens to Nasaruddin?
Think about it! The undercurrents here are greater than we realize at first glance.
#36 by KennyGan on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:44 pm
Whatever issues Karpal has with Anwar why take it to the BN mainstream press knowing how they will gleefully blow it up? Is this the proper channel to air his grouses? This smacks of the childish antics of a spoilt brat rather than a matured politician. I’ve no argument that Karpal is a man of consistency and integrity but that is not the point! The point is that he went to the enemy and gave them bullets to shoot his family and that is inexcusable no matter what apologist say about his principles.
In politics perception is everything. If Karpal can’t control his loose mouth, then quit being a politician and start his own NGO. Then he can blast whoever and whatever he wants but his position as Chairman of DAP and being unable to control his mouth for the sake of the coalition is a liability to Pakatan Rakyat and a credit to BN.
#37 by KennyGan on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:49 pm
lakshy,
please don’t go on a frolic of your own. what evidence do you have that Hee hopped under duress? If you have nothing, don’t fantasize. You do no favours for trying to exonerate a morally reprehensible character who should rightly be condemned and ostracized by society
#38 by ENDANGERED HORNBILL on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:50 pm
Even allowing what Karpal said might be worthy of some consideration, one cannot fail to see that the timing and forum chosen for his ‘sudden outburst’ is ill-advised and poorly considered.
There is a season for everything under the sun. Everything else is a lesser evil now as long as the great dragon and evil-inspired UMNO reigns.
Anwar is right about differences of opinion within PR. But which family is not beset with differences of opinions and even strategies. This is as good a time as any for PR to devise people-friendly and honourable long-term solutions to serve the RAkyat.
#39 by dmeo on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 10:53 pm
Coalitions a built based on basic principles. If the leaders in pakatan do not voice their opinions in media be it BN or PR, the it makes the opposition no different from the BN.
Some of you argue that Anwar was not the one who started this. That may be true but he was definately the one who presisted on taking over through crossovers and i am glad that Karpal had the courage to say what he did. It gives us hope that there is still some although very little, credibility left in some (and i want to stress on the word some) of the PR leaders.
#40 by Jeffrey on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 11:13 pm
The BN of course will shrug of the accusation that the Perak political crisis is an illegal and unconstitutional grab for power. It is going to ask in what way the PR’s defections to BN are any less democratic, unconstitutional or illegal as those from BN to PR canvassed by Anwar?
In order to accommodate Anwar’s position on defections, you and DAP have drawn a line that defections from BN to PR are justifiable because they are based on principles and conscience of the defectors leaving BN since PR is not offering enticement or any gratification, the implication being any defections to PR must be based on principles and those to the opposite side BN, enticement or gratification.
The line can theoretically be drawn but hardly provable in practical terms. How do you, for example, prove that the three state representatives – Jamaluddin, Osman and Hee – defected to BN not out of principles but some gratification or inducement?
Ok you draw attention to the circumstances and argue that they draw the probable inference that it was so. However one must admit that a suspicion, no matter how reasonable, is short of proof to nail a conclusion. Even so, the other side BN could turn around to say that PR is no better than it.
Take the case of Nasarudin whose first crossing was to Anwar touted as a signal for change. Was his 1st crossing to PR based on principles? If so how come he so quickly changed his principles to cross back second time to BN? That also raises the reasonable inference that when PR received Nasarudin in first instance, it was improbable that principles were involved. Principles do not change in matters of days!
My point is once Anwar’s positions on defections were accommodated (to be reconciled as to “morality” by a qualification that it is based on principles), this is a reconciliation that is not provable or convincing. Instead it opens the floodgate for the other side to play the game to its benefit based on two advantages (1) BN has more financial and other resources than PR to supply the requisite enticement/benefit to ‘Kataks’ (that neither PR nor MACC could prove BN supply) and (2) there being presumably more politicians of self interest than principles on both side of the political divide of PR/BN, over time more defections will flow from PR to BN than BN to PR, which effectively means that all the remaining PR controlled states will be subject to this pressure of one way traffic towards BN!
BN will always play this numbers game via defections because the alternative of going to the electorate, whether in by elections or general election, is unfavourable to it at this time. However it is also a game that the odds are all stacked against PR in BN’s favour.
I think Karpal is very unhappy that PR is forced to engage in a game that it cannot neither reject nor play without hypocrisy to win on account of having to accommodate Anwar’s position on defection drummed up since last year. Hence he considers Anwar a liability to PR for this reason that PR will be maneuvered to a losing streak all the way!
Do you think Karpal is wrong? His outburst could have been a result of repeated warnings within closed doors falling on deaf ears, and now he sees a “tsunami” of defections is heading towards PR that it is unaware.
#41 by alaneth on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 11:15 pm
Quote :
dmeo Says:
February 9th, 2009 at 22: 09.14
When Karpal fights to maintain and clarify the stance that malaysia is a secular ……….. Unquote.
dmeo, – a big Kudos & applause for your thoughts. I share the same thoughts as you. Karpal has got the right spirit and fighting for the original cause of the DAP. Unlike others who are just fighting to take over the govt, all DAP members must remember the cause, struggle and objectives of the DAP. Karpal is the only leader I see with the true fighting spirit of the original DAP agenda.
I respect you for your actions Karpal. All the best & may God Bless. At the same time, I also look highly on you Kit Siang & Guan Eng. Let’s go back to the original objectives of DAP, especially when we are talking on matters related to Hudud & righteousness.
#42 by KennyGan on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 11:15 pm
“Coalitions a built based on basic principles. If the leaders in pakatan do not voice their opinions in media be it BN or PR, the it makes the opposition no different from the BN.” – dmeo
So you think politics is the same as boy scouts? I’m afraid you’ll never get anywhere in politics.
Voicing differing opinion can be exploited by your political enemies but Karpal went further than that. He demanded the resignation of the coalition leader and now we have Muhyddin saying “Karpal-Anwar rift shows Pakatan not viable. (MalaysianInsider).
Why am I not surprise?
#43 by sheriff singh on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 11:25 pm
Heard this one?
A very senior Indian Politician went to see Samy Vellu yesterday.
Politician : Hello, Samy! My name is Zeebra.
Samy V: Hello, Zeebra. Please sit down.
P: I have just been appointed the new headman here.
S V: Is that so? Well, congratulations!
P: I have come to assure you that I will be the headman for everyone.
S V: That’s great! Are you qualified for the job?
P: Well, I have got a Ph D from Temple University!!
S V (very impressed): Wow! Which kovil (temple)?
+++++
Sorry, boss.
#44 by dawsheng on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 11:31 pm
“The point is that he went to the enemy and gave them bullets to shoot his family and that is inexcusable no matter what apologist say about his principles.” – KennyGan
You took a very draconian view on this matter and it serves no purpose other than condemning Karpal Singh who you think is senile, but Anwar is certainly mute, what are you going to say about him?
#45 by ablastine on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 11:38 pm
Some people think or say as if Anwar is the inventor of this defection. Please he is just a convenient excuse and punching bags for charlatans here who may or may not realise that what Karpal said is exactly what the enemy wanted to hear and happen. If you put matter on prespective, PR loosing Perak temporary is nowhere as destructive as what Karpal is doing to the coalition. He simply advocate a breakup or Anwar resigning. That would spell the demise of a one big dream and dash any hope of Malaysia ever getting up again on its knee to face the world. I can assure you that if PR fails, Malaysia will take less than 20 years to be another Burma and 50 to be a Zimbawee. The BN bastards will continue to rob the country until there is nothing left. What purpose does it serve Karpal to see the coalition breaking up. To make or push a point which only a proportion of people agrees with? To create some attention? To show that he still has the bit of a Jelutong tiger.
I agree with Kenny completely that despite all his past contribution, if he cannot control himself and his outburst it is better he takes up a lower profile position so as not to rock this important PR boat.
#46 by vsp on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 11:45 pm
Let’s look at the bright side. In victory there must always be defeats. In defeats you learn not to repeat the same mistakes again. As the saying goes: every cloud has a sliver lining which means every difficult or sad situation has a comforting or more hopeful aspect even though this may not be immediately apparent.
Here are some of the positives that might come out from this affair:
1) Pakatan will become more cohesive and they cannot take things for granted anymore: never underestimate an evil entity. Leaders will be more wiser, and more suitable candidates will be found to join the ranks. This is unlike in pre-2008 where Pakatan has difficulty attracting people of calibre.
2) The people are getting real mad about the power grab. Definitely Pakatan have the people power whereas the BN will be sloppy since they believe their own invincibility and will not hear the voice of the people. Corruption will be their currency. This is the classic sign of the fall of any empire or kingdom in history.
3) Najib’s credibility is in the dumps. With so many scandals left unresolved, he managed to add more baggages which will finally sink him when he crosses the bridge. If you have the psychic gift you will notice the number “666″ on the forehead of Najib. If you don’t understand what this number signifies, refer to the Book of Revelation in the Bible.
4) And finally the RAHMAN oracles which is written in the stars. Najib will be the last emperor of the UMNO empire.
Cheers
#47 by japalang_guy on Monday, 9 February 2009 - 11:47 pm
Do you still remember Sun Yat Sen and Yuan Khai Sek time.Actually that time Japanese army is attacking China and both of Dr Sun and Yuan is fighting internally.If internally they can ally,I don’t think China will lost half of their country to Japan.
I think now,Pakatan Rakyat like Sun Yat Sen and Yuan Khai Sek fighting internally.
I’m not blaming Karpal Singh but I think Mr Lim,you should solve internal problem in advance.
We actually hoping for changes from you all guys,last election is Rakyat no choice to vote and just vote for the opposition.This not because of DAP,Keadilan or PAS is strong.We just need changes here,the only hope we have now.
Please solve internally problem,if not how you going to fight outsider.Kalau rumah sendiri pun tak boleh kawal,macam mana nak kawal di luar rumah yang kian kelam kabut??…
DAP supporter
http://japalangspeaks.blogspot.com
#48 by shambles on Tuesday, 10 February 2009 - 12:25 am
We have 2 by elections coming up…one in Perak and another in Kedah…
DAP…lets prepare for it and WIN BIG!!! Show those BN goons that their days are numbered.
GO GO GO !!!
#49 by ahluck on Tuesday, 10 February 2009 - 1:16 am
Perak Mufti demi allah tolong DIAM dan DOA untuk negeri perak. jangan masuk campur politic.
You are the racist who created havoc at silibin and said indians and chinese control the economy.
you the first trouble maker
#50 by boh-liao on Tuesday, 10 February 2009 - 1:19 am
We are getting a buy election in Perak. But, o dear, the wrong state assemblyman passed on.