Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad’s victory in the Bagan Pinang by-election was not unexpected, as in the by-election, Isa the candidate bulked larger than Barisan Nasional the party.
This is the cause for the comment that BN can win the battle in Bagan Pinang by-election but will lose the war in the country in the next general elections, for Isa’s victory despite his record of Umno money politics would be a clear and unmistakable message that Umno/BN could not be redeemed or reformed to play any meaningful role to cleanse the country of deep-rooted corruption.
What was unexpected was Isa’s 8,013-vote and thumping majority of 5,435 votes sweeping all the eight voting streams – the result of gross abuses of power, money politics as well as the postal ballot chicanery.
The rout suffered by Pakatan Rakyat in Bagan Pinang by-election should destroy the myth entertained by any quarter that Pakatan Rakyat is embarked on a invincible path to victory in the next general elections whether national or state.
With the rout in Bagan Pinang, Pakatan Rakyat must go back to the drawing board and address the many issues bedevilling the coalition but which had been swept under the carpet, aggravating public concerns about its unity, discipline, cohesion, viability and sustainability as the alternative of the Barisan Nasional for federal power in Putrajaya.
For a start, Pakatan Rakyat leaders must stop being shy about the need to demonstrate discipline and common sense of purpose at all levels of Pakatan Rakyat as well as have the courage to admit and to resolve any crisis of confidence undermining public support for the coalition.
#1 by All For The Road on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:13 pm
The loss in Bagan Pinang was not unexpected. It is the squabbles among PR coalition partners of PKR, DAP and PAS that gave the seat easily to BN and UMNO in particular. PAS seems to be the biggest culprit with its distasteful outbursts and unwarranted comments and statements against its partners, especially the DAP. PR supporters and sympathisers are fed up with PAS antics and tantrums.
Pakatan Rakyat must bucked up and its leaders should take stock of the prevailing situation, or going to Putrajaya will remain a dream and be buried forever.
Quo vadis Pakatan Rakyat?
#2 by lkt-56 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:17 pm
Yes that’s what PR need to do. Go back to the drawing board IMMEDIATELY. A word of ancient wisdom from Lao Zi:
Knowledge and Humility
Knowing others is wisdom;
Knowing the self is enlightenment.
Mastering others requires force;
Mastering the self requires strength;
He who knows he has enough is rich.
Perseverance is a sign of will power.
He who stays where he is endures.
To die but not to perish is to be eternally present.
#3 by peter sng on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:18 pm
It could be a blesssing in disguise for Pas to be humble in this defeat at BP.
With the like of Hassan Ali and other mavericks the non-malays are still not convince about the sincerity of Pas top leadership regarding hudud and other Islamic laws and its applications that will afffect them. Better now than if and when Pas win the majority seats for PR in GE13.
The take home message is not to take the support of the voters in GE12 for granted.
#4 by sheriff singh on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:36 pm
“…..public concerns about its unity, discipline, cohesion, viability and sustainability as the alternative of the Barisan Nasional….”
You all know it all along so do something about it. PR brought out its big cannons in Bagan Pinang but can only fire blanks. So what can we expect in 2012 or 2013?
Many PR leaders might have left the scene by then, gone senile or too old to do anything, behind bars etc etc. What are your alternatives?
Can you and should you continue to depend on mavericks, loose cannons, “little Napoleons”, volatile and fickle minded voting minorities to lead your challenge and win?
Lets face it. BN has the advantage of incumbency and has all the apparatus at its disposal. It need not fight fair as the stakes are too high. They want to enjoy the good life.
So do all the soul searchings you need but get rid of all the problem people within PR so you have a united team. Have a common platform and have clean, healthy, fresh talents, not riff-raffs and dungus who bend with the winds and have their own agendas.
Else, forget about 2012. According to some, it will be the end of the world.
#5 by jamalmalikslumdog on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:39 pm
Let the PKR coalition partners do their soul searching and find out what’s wrong. With the mainstream media doing their national service for BN, one never know if their reports about PAS are true or false although I am incline to believe that some of the PAS leaders feet got too big for their shoes.
Sometimes, it is better to learn early the mistakes made. It is now PAS responsibility to address those cowboys within their parties. Failing which, we will have to wait beyond GE13.
#6 by lkt-56 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:41 pm
The weakness of PR is in their ability to work on common grounds while staying tolerant and accepting their differences. There is also a failure rein in the few trouble makers. That’s right… do not be shy to discipline and KNOCK common sense into such loose canons from within.
Good Luck!
#7 by ablastine on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:44 pm
The Pakatan will have a hard time in winning control of the Federal Government in the next election as long as UMNO continue to use their stooges in PAS to stir up trouble. We should know who they are by now unless one is really blind. This is the strongest weapon UMNO has and the traitors in PAS will not show themselves until they have returned UMNO to power in the next election, just like in Perak. Do not underestimate UMNO as they are masters of lies and deceit. If PAS does not split to get rid of these traitors in their midst you will see more of them using their trademark fanatical brand of Islam to cause trouble and confusion in Pakatan. The only way UMNO to win is to allow Pakatan to hang themselves and that an be easily done using their many moles in the organisation to stir up trouble and discord.
#8 by Godfather on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:46 pm
It isn’t the end of the world. UMNO will now be innundated with tainted members wanting to contest on the grounds that they have the money to buy their way – and Najib will have a hard time keeping them at bay since he has already given a 2nd chance to Isa.
This “victory” will ensure that there is no reform within UMNO. Tainted individuals like Mike Tyson, Tengku Adnan, etc will want to make a comeback, and with the money they have at their disposal, they will win their seats. As someone said, PR needs better co-ordination, and less bickering. For GE13, we need to just sit tight and not make any mistakes that could be harped upon by the mainstream press. Continue to govern wisely in the 4 states, and with the rural population continuing to have better access to the alternative media, PR’s time will come.
#9 by undertaker888 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 1:53 pm
is there any PR volunteer corp that existed where ordinary citizen like us can contribute in terms of time and efforts for PR to prepare for the next GE?
#10 by ibat on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 2:05 pm
Godfather,
tainted candidate did not worry the voters in BP. tainted umno has been no problem for 5 decades. Because hungry people think short term when money is in sight. That’s been BN modus operandi. This will not change by GE13. But PR can win GE13 – without PAS! They are too far off the pole to fit in either PR or BN. PAS should go it alone and contest in all seats – PAS is for All!. Good luck to them. PKR and DAP better come up with manifesto that can convince people not to sell their vote to the highest bidder! And do not forget to straighten up the electoral rolls, the postal votes, and illegal campaigning.
#11 by kenghuei on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 2:21 pm
Very well-written YB Lim! While we acknowledge Isa’s guaranted victory here and take this as a win for BN Umno corruption, let’s also look at Pakatan’s own backyard.. certainly, there are many issues need immediate attention and improvement! As Bridget Welsh wrote before the by-election, if PR lost, it is a sign that it cannot penetrate new areas….. Read Moreso the road to Putrajaya is no where imminent.
Just a thought, if PR were to have fielded a powerful iconic candidate like Anwar, Hadi or Nik Aziz.. could there have been a challenge? :)
#12 by newchief on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 2:35 pm
pas lost to isa for lots of reasons:
1) pas ever-proud ego personnels especially the youth side trying to down-play or belittle its other component allies (pkr and dap especially)
2) the chief who appointed Omar as candidate MADE A BIG MISTAKE because this guy has a 3 times LOST TRACK RECORD and for some reasons only known to him, he is ALREADY a very un-popoular guy to the bp voters.
3) pas+pkr+dap is considered ILLEGAL because it has NOT REGISTERED ITSELF with roc….the delay of registering shows the in-effectiveness of the team to come to a concensus so does pk blame the voters if they feel pk is very insecure???
4) pk should work as a team to show deciplines on the ‘traitors or truoble makers irrespectable of from where they come from. we the rakyat do not need a WEAK GOVERNMENT …. remember the sleeping badawi and has pk learnt anything from that ???
5) hot-shots going to bp campaigning on the very last minute. most probably, isa has already give out sacks of goodies while pk can only give hand-shakes.
6) incidents like cow head, penang squatters, kedah pig sites and the in-famous perak power grab shows weak pk adminstration. again, we say, we don’t need WEAK GOVERNMENT…we have no choice but to accept a CORRUPT GOVERNMENT which is STRONG INSTEAD!!!
7) its always turun padang by pk when only elections are round the corner and not at all times to be near the people to understand and trying to solve their problems.
8) no strong visions of developments or commitments by pk for the rakyat except bashing the opponents weaknesses. the rakyat knows what umno did or do but the rakyat NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT PK WILL DO if they want us to put them there!!!
The above should serve as a wake-up call for pk. nothing is considered impossible for pk to become the next government if the above are dealt with and has convinced the rakyat to take a chance on pk to control the golden goose which sits in the federal .
#13 by k1980 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 2:36 pm
From http://maverickysm.blogspot.com/2009/10/bayi-story-blind-boy.html
A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet.
He held up a sign which said:
“I am blind, please help.”
There were only a few coins in the hat.
A man was walking by.
He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat.
He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some works.
He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.
Soon the hat began to fill up.
A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy.
That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were.
The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, “Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?”
The man said, “I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way. What he had written says:
“Today is a beautiful day and I cannot see it.”
Weren’t the first sign and the second sign saying the same thing?
Both signs told people the boy was blind.
The first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people they were so lucky that they were not blind.
Moral of the story: Some people are darn stupid. Be thankful that you are not like them.
#14 by OrangRojak on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 2:43 pm
is there any PR volunteer corp
PR doesn’t exist. That’s PR’s #1 problem. Perhaps DAP, PKR and PAS ought to just take a deep breath and start a single party platform for a win at the next General Election. The Election Commission seems to have developed a master plan that reflects your greatest weakness. BN are ready to exploit the rakyat’s greatest weakness – they can’t walk past a dropped ringgit.
Just start the “New Start for Malaysia” party, promise to give all Malaysians several thousand free ringgits per household per year, unleash the media, outlaw institutional racism and put a cap on political party assets. With UMNO, MCA, MIC etc effectively illegal and bankrupt, and Malaysians in receipt of the money they crave (until they spend it in your friends’ shops), and the worst bigots being hounded by journalists, it should be an easy ride.
What’s so difficult? Oh yes. You wouldn’t be DAP any more. I bet that stings.
#15 by Bigjoe on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 2:48 pm
Certaintly, there is a need for PR to get rid of the infighting, the poor discipline, the betrayal within, etc..
The truth is even if PR did not have the infighting, the poor discipline etc… Isa would still have won perhaps by a lesser majority but still he would win..
PR need not only to be more cohesive, if it wish to strike at the heart of BN, it need to find a way for BN to fight among themselves – a fracture if you will either within UMNO or within BN.. It does not matter.. And its not impossible… UMNO, BN is bound together by common greed and self-interest NOT ideology. The only ideology the warlords share is that they will not do better by leaving BN/UMNO…
Either PR find a way to restrict the largesse that they can spread among themselves OR they encourage hoarding by some within that slowly those on the fringe gets sidelined and eventually breaks off. Its going to happen, PR need to find a way to quicken it up…
#16 by yhsiew on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 3:27 pm
There is still hope for PR. Malaysiakini reported that many people in Bagan Pinang were UNWILLING to vote for BN. They finally voted Isa because they thought Isa deserved their support due to the generous assistance given to them when they were in difficulty.
#17 by cintanegara on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 3:35 pm
Voters of Bagan Pinang are smart enough to deny PR a victory. …..For PAS, please wake up and does not fall into the trap and easily manipulated by your ‘partners’ …. Voters of Bagan Pinang y have sent a clear and unmistakable message …Don’t ever question their rights….Spirit of NEP must live on… Congrats Tan Sri Isa
#18 by Godfather on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 3:56 pm
Cintanegara: is it the spirit of NEP or spirit of 1Malaysia ? Please make up your fickle mind.
#19 by limkamput on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 3:59 pm
//What was unexpected was Isa’s 8,013-vote and thumping majority of 5,435 votes sweeping all the eight voting streams – the result of gross abuses of power, money politics as well as the postal ballot chicanery.//Kit
Sdr Lim, you are a politician, so perhaps it is difficult for you to say frankly and openly. If there are abuses of power, there must be willing parties loved to be abused. If there are money politics and postal ballot chicanery, there must be people who loved to be bribed or who do not know the truth worth of their votes. Ultimately, it is the majority of the electorates that must be enlightened and educated. There must be ways to let them see more directly how their standard of living and quality of life are being undermined through gross inefficiency, incompetency and corruption. There must be more down to earth “bread and butter” issues rather than endless “sophisticated” issues like the independence of judiciary, separation of power and university ranking.
//For a start, Pakatan Rakyat leaders must stop being shy about the need to demonstrate discipline and common sense of purpose at all levels of Pakatan Rakyat as well as have the courage to admit and to resolve any crisis of confidence undermining public support for the coalition.//Kit
Yes, most appropriately. I think PR must stop indulging in endless and useless party philosophies and concentrate more on bread and butter issues. For example why endless Islamic or secular state, canning or not canning, drinking or not drinking, covered up or not covered up? Can we not stop talking about all these and just concentrate on how to improve the quality of life of common folks. Get them to see how a better government can help them to live in better housing, enjoy cleaner environment, face less bureaucracy and congestion, have better safety and security for your love ones and more job opportunities. Now compare these issues which I have just highlighted with whether or not alcohol should be sold in Muslim majority areas, with CAT investigations here and there, with likely televised debates or otherwise, I am sure many have no problem understanding why increasingly more and more people are getting chided off.
#20 by OrangRojak on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 4:22 pm
Perhaps it’s not that big a deal. What benefit was there to Bagan Pinang residents in voting PR? If they vote for ‘sweeteners’ in a by election, they may get sweeteners. If they vote PR in a by election, they get nothing. Is that right? It’s vanishingly unlikely that so many BN ministers will pop their clogs before the next GE that it would be worth voting PR in the expectation of an early change of government.
Some of these constituencies may have extensive networks of patronage that would be severely disrupted by careless voting. I wonder if we should expect different voting in a General Election (when a change to a PR government could be realised) from a by election, where it could possibly only cause the gravy to dry up.
Fear of upsetting the gravy train is going to continue to be a problem in Malaysian politics as long as patronage is the way things are done. I think you have to break the dependency by mandating free money for all Malaysians as an inalienable right. It doesn’t matter how hard some of these people work for a better future for their kids under BN, MPH will never accept rice cookers at the checkout.
Give Malaysians money, and let them make their own minds up. A thousand poor people will vote for free money. One rich friend will vote for a crony enrichment scheme to ‘supply better housing’, but the thousand poor people who have been denied choice may not. Perhaps it’s not ideal for campaign funding – a housing developer may ‘support’ you in return for favourable consideration when the housing development deals are handed out. Tricky choice.
#21 by Ed G on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 4:41 pm
I hope that this drubbing sents a clear warning to the PR in general and Pas in particular. Of late, the actions and words from the likes of Hassan Ali of Pas are totally at odds with the expectations of the voters. Imagine, just at a time when the people are seeing some positive results from the Selcat public inquest, out came this state party head cum exco threatening to derail the whole proceeding by throwing criticism publicly and threatening to quit the ‘coalition’. He then threw in the racial card to justify his actions. At the end of the day, he was let off the hook by his party. Judging from the above case, how do expect the people to accept the PR as an alternative to the present BN goverment?
#22 by lkt-56 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 4:52 pm
PR is not really that bad compared to BN. It is just that people’s expectation of them has been raised really high and unfortunately, they are inexperienced and falter along the way. Perhaps… aside from conductuing a post mortem what PR needs sorely is a good professional public relations firm to help shore up their image.
#23 by hs choo on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 5:10 pm
YB LKS, you have rightly pointed out that PR members to go back to the drawing board. What have you learnt from the Bagan Pinang by election.
1. Are all the members (DAP-PKR-PAS) united ? If you are not united, how are you going to fight BN ? Look at the case of Dr Hasan (Pas) & Wee (PKR). There is a lot of in house fighting. PR real enemy is BN and not internal fighting. All members please buck up.
2. Look forward as “blaming” the previous government is no longer valid. Look at the case of LGE (Penang), he cannot continue harping on the previous government (under KTK) on issues/problems. He has to perform. That a must. No more excuses.
#24 by Godfather on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 5:18 pm
Ibat said: “….PR can win GE13 – without PAS! They are too far off the pole to fit in either PR or BN…”
No, PR can’t win GE13 without PAS. Love them or hate them, you have to include them if there is to be any hope of getting rid of the den of thieves. DAP and PKR just need to find the right formula for dealing with PAS.
#25 by OrangRojak on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 5:25 pm
their image
No la! Like a vampire, you hold up a mirror to PR, you see nothing. What image? There is no substance!
Do people really believe electoral success is about perception? If the Pakatan Rakyat parties really gloss their marketing, have their hair done and fix their teeth, people will vote for them? I don’t see that much evidence of BN ministers going for beauty treatments – they can touch Malaysians’ hearts by handing out kitchen equipment.
I think we need a single entity to support. BN have it easy – UMNO owns everything, and if you’re prepared to kneel down and struggle with the fly, you can get a taste too. Pakatan Rakyat doesn’t have the ‘benefit’ of a superior partner. The 3 parties have entrenched attitudes and none would submit to another.
I think rather than forming a coalition, a new party should be registered as a vehicle for GE13. Keep your existing parties for lobbying purposes (it’s practically impossible to avoid, anyway), and ask your members to join the new party as new members of a new Opposition party. Do not make membership of one of the ‘big 3′ a precondition for membership of it. Set up the new party as a party that campaigns on a single manifesto, and make adherence to the manifesto a condition of membership.
Between now and GE13, every by election you contest should be done on a ‘New Party’ ticket. Your supporters can put on their ‘New Party’ tee shirts and caps when they go to support at by-elections.
You’re going to have to divide up government posts between the current 3 parties when you win GE13 anyway, why not do it now? If you keep the existing parties, there should be no problem for the current PR states. It’ll be easier for BN turncoats too – instead of joining the Opposition from the last GE, they can join New Party.
Your supporters are always clamouring for a ’2 party system’, so just give it to them. Maintaining 3 independent parties in Opposition is meaningless! Formalise your interdependence as soon as possible.
#26 by cintanegara on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 5:26 pm
Finding excuses for losing leads to losing…..Pakatan Rakyat has thus far proven itself incapable of forming effective and functioning government….Kg Buah Pala, Shah Alam Temple, sale of alcohol in respect of community….etc… The reality is…. Rakyats are fed up with Pakatan Rakyat and the way they create trouble…. inciting racial tensions bla bla bla. .. Not holding a common stand indicates their fragility and failure That’s why BN retained the Bagan Pinang state seat with land slide majority…
#27 by OrangRojak on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 5:38 pm
Pakatan Rakyat has thus far proven[citation needed] itself incapable
Here’s a ref for you cintanegara:
http://www.thenutgraph.com/poll-63percent-approval-for-khalid
It’s the opposite of what you said, but if you just remove the ‘in’ from the ‘capable’ in your comment, you’ll look reasonably clever.
#28 by undertaker888 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 5:47 pm
before the tears dry, there will be another by-election in Kota seputeh, kedah? Wow.
#29 by Charlie Oscar on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 5:54 pm
Dear Mr. Lim,
Congartulations to the RAKYAT of Bagan Pinang for making a firm decision!!!
They have chosen a ADUN who will be able to serve ALL the people of BP, includimg the opposition supporters!
ALL the 8 Districts, including the Postal-voters, are in favour of the BN ADUN!!!
It is very sad for your BITTER readers to Condemn the RAKYAT of Bagan Pinang for being POOR, ILLITERATE, IGNORANT, GULLIBLE, etc…!!!
This is a real INSULT to the people of BP, and Malaysians in General!!!
It also shows that Pembangkang Rakyat (PR) supporters CANNOT accept DEMOCRACY in Malaysia when they talk so much about DEMOCRACY!!!
PR supporters are simply BLINDED by POLITICS!!!
#30 by kevchua on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 5:58 pm
PR has lost BIG time this time around. It’s the voices of the people that are telling PR that they’re fed up of the internal bickering.
Money politics? Maybe. But let’s not blame the huge defeat on money politics alone because PR knows that it’s weak – so weak that BN was able to convince the rakyat that PR has not done anything for them.
The people can’t wait for a change to take place and if PR is taking its own sweet time to change, while continue blaming BN for every mistake, then there won’t be a change. In fact, BN will eventually “change” as they’d be more cautious, and the people would then win back their trust.
If you want to win the hearts of the people back, it is mandatory for PR to seriously think about HOW to serve the people better than BN, not merely make lengthy vociferous but empty speeches.
#31 by Saint on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 6:03 pm
A loss once in a while is good to check the arrogance and the “taken for granted” attitude. The Rakyat needs a united “alternate party” in the true sense and not in names sake, Go back to the people, big or small you need all of them.
#32 by k1980 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 6:10 pm
The Indians are now supporting umno again ? Out of the 1,870 Indians who voted in Bagan Pinang, BN got a whopping 1,387 votes while PAS only managed a measly 483.
#33 by sheriff singh on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 6:13 pm
Somebody’s in-law remarked yesterday, as they went to vote: “Vote Pas? What for?”
Yes. What for?
Bagan Pinang is not in Kelate. Its Army Town now. Its BN stronghold. Get it?
But to get trashed kau-kau. There’s a message in there somewhere. Find it.
#34 by katdog on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 6:15 pm
I hope that PR does some serious soul searching before starting to point fingers at each other for the Bagan Pinang debacle.
I am sure many people will be pointing fingers at Hassan Ali and PAS. But seriously, were Bagan Pinang folks really influenced by his antics? But why were they not equally influenced by the antics of the UMNO cow head protesters?
Was it really because PR did not present a united enough front? But MCA and MIC were so busy with their own internal battles UMNO practically went at it alone (along with the new MMSP), so was it really the image of unity that could have turned the numbers around?
When we analyze the root cause of the Bagan Pinang rout i think it is important to really identify what it was that really made voters vote for BN over PR. Don’t be quick to arrive at the wrong conclusions and start blaming the wrong persons.
#35 by lkt-56 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 7:22 pm
The suggestion that a new political party be formed instead of a coalition is the best that can happen for it will send a strong message to BN that they are in for a real fight. And to the voters it will show that the three partners are able to overcome their differences and make a sincere effort to offer the people a viable alternative.
Such a move will also signal the birth of a truly multiracial party. I certainly hope that this will become reality. I know that a large section of the Malaysian people ready for such a transformation but are the leaders of PR ready to commit to one another? We shall see…
#36 by Hugos on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 7:33 pm
“Now compare these issues which I have just highlighted with whether or not alcohol should be sold in Muslim majority areas, with CAT investigations here and there, with likely televised debates or otherwise, I am sure many have no problem understanding why increasingly more and more people are getting chided off.” >>> dumb nitwit
“chided off”?? ROFL
#37 by OrangRojak on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 7:46 pm
Had to take the kids out for a walk and to get the tastiest nasi ayam + rendang in Malaysia from the family who cooks it outside the DAP office near Lukut, but a thought just struck me about Malaysian politics. It looks like we’re witnessing the end of the Jurassic period, where the old highly-specialised dinosaur parties are experiencing a mass die-off. The meteor that has struck is the Internet, and increasing awareness of rights and the ‘right way’ to do things. It’ll be interesting to see which ‘generalists’ survive the extinction event!
I think the point made by Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is a good one – although I’m not quite sure who she’s quoting. It doesn’t matter how good the Pakatan Rakyat parties are, they’ll never be able to please everybody. I think it’s important to graciously concede the occasional loss – particularly when it’s expected. There are going to be unassailable fortresses of BN support, perhaps PR could try out their ‘novel’ ideas in these by-elections, rather than just turn up dutifully to receive their beating.
The widening gap is a bit worrying. I guess it’s too early to detect a trend, but the previous by-election wasn’t a great confirmation of PR’s performance either, was it? We have to remember that’s there’s only 40 of us reading LKS’ blog and 10 million reading the Star and New Straits Times. And we’re all financially supporting the Najib-brand marketing project, even if we don’t all contribute cash to PR’s effort.
#38 by albert308 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 8:33 pm
PR must go back to the drawing board, this is the right wording following BN big majority win. This result is a surprise to many supporters and very disappointed with it. WHAT IS NEED TO BE DONE?
Since forming government in five states, many peoples are disappointed with the co-operation among PAS, DAP and PKR. Not to talk about performance yet as we can’t evaluate it in such a short time. No sense of cohesiveness among the leaders from middle to lower ranks. Open bickering happen in state administrations too often without refer to internal consultation. This generally give public perception that PR is not ready to govern, far from the aim of forming the next federal government.
We are not too late, B Pinang lost is a wake up call to PR leaders. Indian voters are obviously back to BN fold, this is very worry trend. We can’t blame vote buying and abuse of power by BN alone because the big majority causing surprise. Anyway, PR still lead with 7 win against BN 1. Is it because the sentiment at southern region is different from North? May be we should see the the next coming by-election.
#39 by Charlie Oscar on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 8:57 pm
Dear Mr. Lim,
This is interesting!
“It is not race but rather the social economics of the people. The poorer ones are less educated and more susceptible to material gains and intimidation,” said Tian Chua.
Ron (M’kini reader) : YB Tian Chua, how dare you insult the poor and less educated members of the public. What PAS is doing in Selangor and else where are turning off the non muslims. Get YOUR FACTS A AND YOUR ACTS RIGHT before trying to humiliate the poor and the uneducated!
It is not only the BITTER Pembangkang Rakyat (PR) supporters that are Insulting the Rakyat, even their so called “leaders”, are doing the same!!!
PR supporters and leaders do not have to stoop so low in calling names!
Please accept Win or Lost with an open heart and mind!
After all, this is only POLITICS!!!
#40 by lee wee tak_ on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 9:05 pm
on 1 hand, I am sympathetic that PR is fighting with 1 hand tied behind their back, given the limited state powers, unlimited power of BN which control the federal government plus, what I feel, less than enthusiastic respond by the civil servants.
On the other hand, there are glaring weaknesses exhibited by PR MPs and DUNs.
I do not see any specific programmes for Indians. They supplied a huge and decisive chunk of vote. While I support the colour blind and need basis approach in assisting the rakyat, I also feel on if the needs justified, we must have race specific solutions to deal with each issues unique to each race.
Indians do feel neglected hence the advent of Hindraf outburst. It is reasonable to expect them wanting to feel “pampered” or immediately rewarded by PR. The lack of a visible and viable solution for this community’s issued will make them return to BN. There is a harsh double standard for PR. Any small fault, some fence sitters will run back to and forgive BN.
PAS have given me the impression that they do not value Chinese and Indian support. The events in Kedah and Selangor such as appointment of the non-Malay CEO of PKNS, etc.
Some DAP MPs I have the pleasure of meeting surprised me with their non-chalant, or even arrogant or rude behaviour (I need not name the minorities here but I won’t keep it a secret either)
Politicians are in the business of gaining popularity.
#41 by boh-liao on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 9:11 pm
Very soon 2010/03/08 will b here
Ppl will ask what has PR done after controlling 4 states, K, K, P, n S, 4 2 yrs
Show us the money, results, achievements
#42 by lee wee tak_ on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 9:15 pm
the DAP budget presented is a good one. It really “merakyatkan” the economy. Putting consumption power into the masses would allow the multiplier effect to set in.
it is a much better model by the BN deficit budget, narrow allocation basis thus far.
this proves that PR has the capability, but not the opportunity to put into practice their philisophy and belief on a wide scale.
dear uncle kit, your interview with Sin Chew last month has proven to be words of wisdom after all.
the consolation is that the warning signs come early so PR better take stock and focus on delivering, improving, consolidating and performing. the PR components in Sabah and Sarawak should be taken to task for not doing the above
#43 by lkt-56 on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 9:19 pm
Mr. Charlie Oscar,
Congratulations!!! You finally got your chance to come over here to have some fun poking at the frustrated PR supporters. Sorry to remind you that the score is 7-1 in favour of Pembankang. ;)
#44 by boh-liao on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 9:42 pm
PR never learns from history, mudah lupa
GE 2000 n GE2004
Looking more n more like fireworks
Pop, a transient one-off brilliance
So, is this the end of the world
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l-GpISGBFY
It ended when voters said good bye ….
#45 by vsp on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 10:03 pm
Yes, PKR must do something about its deteriorating situation. PKR has been delinquent when it comes to discipline. The mantra of “Pakatan does not sweep things under the carpet” under the free-for-all madness for self-flagellation needs to be seriously examined and qualified in its application. When each and every Tom, Dick and Harry can hide under this slogan and display his indiscipline, prejudices, disdain and personal ambition against the coalition’s principles and aspirations and escape scot-free from punishment and rebuke, this is a sign and precursor for the downfall of the coalition.
Let the Pakatan make doubly clear to any individual who crosses the bar of agreed principles of the coalition, no matter how high or important or indispensable that person is in the hierarchy, he should face the disciplinary committee at once and if found guilty should face the axe. Do it and people like Hassan Ali, Choo Wee Keong, Zulkifli Noordin and many trojan horses within Pakatan will think twice before they create more headaches for Pakatan. Do not wait until it will be too late to do anything about it. Do it now and immediately.
The defeat of Pakatan in Bagan Pinang is a blessing in disguise and has never come at a more opportune time because for so long some parties within Pakatan have become indoctrinated and arrogant in their invincibility and belief that no matter what the Pakatan do or will not do will not affect their popularity. For the past 8 by-elections, there were serious dissensions, mostly triggered by some little Napoleons within the Pakatan itself. The belief that the people will always support the Pakatan no matter what is growing thin and Bagan Pinang has provided a valuable lesson.
Wake up, Pakatan: a house divided against itself will not survive the cut-throat political battle in Bolehland.
#46 by OrangRojak on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 10:27 pm
There is yet another consideration in all this. Pakatan Rakyat agents ask Malaysians to get behind the ‘Campaign For Change’. Since before the last GE, part of the ‘Contract For Change’ is a commitment from budding politicians and their supporters to keep out of Opposition politics, for fear of splitting the Opposition vote.
Should Pakatan Rakyat fail to deliver victory in the next election, they won’t only have failed their supporters, they will have betrayed all those who held their own political ambitions in check to give Pakatan Rakyat the best possible shot.
I think this is DAP, PKR and PAS’s big evolutionary moment. Within the next 2 years we’ll find out whether they can adapt to the changing environment, or whether they’re a dead end like MCA and MIC.
#47 by sheriff singh on Monday, 12 October 2009 - 11:51 pm
Its been 1 1/2 years since March 08. The momentum has slowed down substantially and there are cracks everywhere. Conditions have changed and some are really fed up on lack of progress and of issues. Things are not so hot anymore. In Sabah and Sarawak, PR is already crumbling.
So the question is, will PR last and for how long?
#48 by dawsheng on Tuesday, 13 October 2009 - 12:10 am
It is good that BN won, that’ll teach PAS a lesson, I hope!
#49 by Hugos on Tuesday, 13 October 2009 - 12:11 am
“I have many, many friends who visit Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia over and over again. Very few will even visit Malaysia once ….>>> olang lojak
Many of them are known pedophiles in search of ten-year old girls and boys. Malaysia can do without these sickos.
#50 by katdog on Tuesday, 13 October 2009 - 12:14 am
Yes, how true. PR politicians are all fighting amongst themselves in spite of the fact that they are already under siege by BN and various government machinery.
How can one be sympathetic to PR when their leaders are seen to squabble over minor issues amongst themselves, then claim that they cannot govern due to being in ‘unfairly’ treated by the federal government? How long before people get tired of that excuse.
The voters already knew from DAY 1 that any opposition state would be unfairly treated. Yet, the voters threw caution to the wind and decided to let PR have a chance. And now, the only excuse PR leaders can give is: we didn’t create the mess, it was BN’s fault, don’t blame us, federal government is being unfair. How’s that for betraying the faith of the voters?
I was annoyed when i say in the news today that Penang had put up signs saying ‘No to ISA’. WTH!?? How is that called governing Penang? Who paid for those signboards? taxpayers? Stop the opposition sloganeering and start the policy making.