By Farish A. Noor
And so, with the dissolution of the Malaysian Parliament on Wednesday, Malaysia is heading to the elections once again. The precise date of the 12th General Elections of Malaysia is yet to be known, but it is clear that this will be one of the more hotly contested elections that Malaysia has witnessed.
Over the past two years alone a string of controversies have stirred the Malaysian public’s interest in the goings-on in the corridors of power in the country: The highly publicised case of the murder of a Mongolian model has dragged many a famous name (including that of politicians) into the limelight; the revelation of irregularities in the appointment of senior judges has brought the judiciary into close focus; the destruction of a number of Hindu temples has aroused the anger of many Malaysian Hindus; while the plethora of on-going marriage and divorce cases between Muslims and non-Muslims has added to the widening of the gulf between the religious and ethnic communities in the country.
What is more, the spate of public demonstrations – many of which took place in the capital Kuala Lumpur – would suggest that sections of the Malaysian public are more politically aware and politically literate than before. The BERSIH campaign calling for free and fair elections, for instance, was a movement that is rooted in Malaysia’s civil society and which cut across the racial, ethnic and religious divides which have always been the salient markers of the Malaysian political landscape. Conversely the demonstrations organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) would suggest that communitarian and sectarian political remains a defining factor of Malaysian politics until today.
All eyes will now be on the administration of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who faces the tough prospect of retaining the public’s support for a second term.
Badawi came to power following the resignation of former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad, who led – and in many ways transformed – Malaysia for more than two decades. In the immediate aftermath of Mahathir’s unannounced resignation that stunned the nation, Badawi was chosen as his successor. Yet when Badawi came to power with an enormous mandate in the elections of 2004 (with one of the highest approval ratings ever given to any Malaysian leader) he promised a wide range of reforms that included the promise of greater accountability, transparency and a thorough overhaul of some of the key institutions of government including the civil service, judiciary and police force.
Four years on, there seems to be the widespread perception that the Badawi administration has failed to deliver. Despite earlier promises that the long-standing cases of alleged corruption and nepotism between government and the corporate sector were to be resolved, no major cases have been dealt with until now. Instead the Malaysian public has been witness to a number of embarrassing revelations about the murky dealings within the governmental system instead.
Another area where Badawi seems weak is his stand on Islam, which was encapsulated in his vision of a modern, progressive, ‘Islam Hadari’. While admittedly Badawi has expressed the keen desire to see Islam understood and practiced in a universal, inclusive and tolerant manner, the realities on the ground would suggest that the religious authorities in the country have not taken heed of any of the universal principles he has espoused all along: The seizure of Bibles by Malaysian customs officers, the activities of the morality police that spy on the private lives of Malaysians, the banning of books that are deemed ‘a threat’ to Islam and Muslims, etc. have all prompted Malaysians to ask: ‘What sort of modern, progressive Islam is this?’
But Badawi’s greatest challenge to date has been the pervading presence of his former mentor Tun Mahathir himself. More than the danger of increased communitarian and sectarian politics, more than the challenge of a resurgent Islamic party (PAS) waiting to regain control of the Muslim-majority states, more than the challenge posed by the new generation of politically-conscious urban civil society activists and dedicated professional classes; it is the dominating presence of Tun Mahathir that looms over the Badawi government at the moment.
When Badawi promised a new era of transparency and openness, many observers of Malaysian politics noted that this was a departure from the ways of the Mahathir administration. To some extent it has to be said that Malaysia’s civil society and media have indeed opened up, with issues being discussed in the public domain as never before. But this has also incurred a cost to the Badawi government, and it has irked those who were more comfortable with the ways of the Mahathir era when governance was strictly a top-down unilateral process with less public participation.
The down-sizing of several mammoth projects that were initiated during the Mahathir period, the revelation of corruption and abuse of power dating back to the 1980s, the attempt to introduce some degree of accountability to the workings of the police and security forces; etc have been seen as a means of overturning many of the developments made during Mahathir’s time. The former Prime Minister has further upped the stakes by publicly stating that Badawi was perhaps not the best man to replace him, and to suggest that Badawi may eventually be a ‘one-term’ Prime Minister.
This, then, is one of the core issues that is really being fought out in the coming elections of Malaysia. While the Badawi government is pressed to take on the opposition parties and to address a host of demands from a wide section of Malaysia’s now vocal civil society, the real – and perhaps only – threat to Badawi’s position in power comes from the old guard of the ruling elite and governmental system itself, who do not relish the prospect of real, long term institutional change, reform and modernisation. The 12th General Elections of Malaysia will therefore determine whether the reform process continues, or whether institutional inertia will win the day.
End.
Dr. Farish A. Noor is a senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University of Singapore; and one of the founders of the www.othermalaysia.org research site.
#1 by k1980 on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 12:14 pm
Let’s play back the tape to 2004 and listen to the goddamn lies again
http://www.time.com/time/asia/2004/badawi/story3.html
Abdullah says all government contracts will now be awarded on the basis of open tenders, another 180-degree turn from Mahathir’s dispensation of goodies….Abdullah flatly rejects a suggestion that his antigraft drive will lose steam once he has won a mandate of his own. “It’s not a political ploy,” he says, his voice devoid of its usual warmth. “I will continue with my crusade against corruption.”
#2 by KanNinNeh on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 12:32 pm
“There are three constants in life… change, choice and principles.”
by Stephen Covey
Especially the Penang’s Chinese & Indian, vote for a change before you lose your Basic Rights & Equality !
#3 by k1980 on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 12:38 pm
There are no constants in life– everything naik after BN gets 2/3 majority
petrol naik,
toll naik,
gas naik,
tepung naik,
gula naik,
susu anak naik,
minyak naik,
sewa naik,
bas sekolah naik,
duit persekolahan naik,
electrik naik,
air naik,
telefon naik,
gas masak naik,
roti canai naik,
teh tarikh naik,
paper naik,
rokok naik,
income tax naik,
apa-apa tax naik,
cukai pintu naik,
cukai tanah naik,
bas naik,
teksi naik,
lrt naik,
parking naik,
interest naik,
ubat naik,
hospital naik,
baja naik,
racun naik,
jaring ikan naik,
dan lain-lain …
#4 by gofortruth on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 12:48 pm
Will you be the biggest fool in the world?
http://bright-i.blogspot.com/2008/02/will-you-be-biggest-fool-in-world.html
You can fool all the people some of the time;
You can even fool some of the people all the time:
but you can never fool all the people all the time!
Surely A. Badawi, not this time.
Together let’s JUST CHANGE IT!
#5 by Jeffrey on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 12:58 pm
///While the Badawi government is pressed to take on the opposition parties and to address a host of demands from a wide section of Malaysia’s now vocal civil society, the real – and perhaps only – threat to Badawi’s position in power comes from the old guard of the ruling elite and governmental system itself, who do not relish the prospect of real, long term institutional change, reform and modernization/// – Dr Farish Noor
So that is the issue : how Badawi balances between reforms pledged against challenges to his personal power and political survival by “old guards of the ruling elite and governmental system itself, who do not relish the prospect of real, long term institutional change, reform and modernization†and which is priority….
As far as reforms go (compared to predecessor), civil society is allowed to be more vocal and there’s two royal commissions first on police then on Lingam achieving only the limited advantage of public disclosure of the behind-the-scenes shenanigans and peccadilloes with no effective address of the problems of police or judicial corruption. On negative side, the NEP has been extended in depth and breath plus Hindraf’s leaders are incarcerated on charges of conspiracy with terrorists bordering on incredulity. And also the sprouting out of all kinds of Napoleonic Mullahs and their over zealous agendas like body snatching etc contrary to the very idea of plural Malaysia based on diversity, emboldened by what they perceive as acquiescence or weakness of the man at the helm to restrain them – not to mention the deepening socio-economic malaise of pervasive crime and rising costs of living.
So far the ratio of reforms to inertia – maybe 10% : 90% ?
It appears that the latter is of priority the logic being how to effect reform when own political survival also not secured!
So the real question now is: as a first step, is he willing to weed out the “old guards of the ruling elite and governmental system itself, who do not relish the prospect of real, long term institutional change, reform and modernization†when fielding candidates for this general election which offers him the next available opportunity to do so, which he implied he couldn’t in the last 2004 election when too many of predecessor’s people and power brokers were ensconced around him then.
If he can’t or is unwilling for whatever reason, then it will be Doris Day’s “Que Sera, Sera, Whatever will be, will be The future’s not ours, to see Que Sera, Sera!†:)
#6 by democrat on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 1:00 pm
YB, you have the support of many overseas M’sians. I’ve already booked my ticket to fly back to KL to vote at this coming general election. It’s time we Malaysians ensure defend our rights and our voices heard.
#7 by trader168 on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 1:16 pm
Electricity sure naik!! Only a matter of time for approval!!
Can we change the fact?
HELP US CHANGE!
#8 by daniel on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 1:44 pm
Reform process? The only reform was the ouster of TDM’s cronies given the mega-projects and the change from multi-million mega-projects to multi-billion super mega ones.
#9 by voice on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 1:45 pm
So the General Election will be held on 8th March, which is also International Women’s Day.
#10 by helpless on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 1:58 pm
Anyone can list down the corruption project undertake by BN ministers.
Example :
Chan Kong Choy – Used people hard earned money to pay for corrupted and inflated land at PKFZ project and so on…
Najib – Use people hard earned money to pay for corrupted training and maintenance of minitary equipment and so on….
#11 by RocketDAP on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 2:19 pm
Feb 24 for parties to nominate candidates for the 12th general election; Polls on March 8.
#12 by RocketDAP on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 2:24 pm
OBAMA says CHANGE….We say CHANGE too
#13 by democrate on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 2:38 pm
Dissolve the Parliament as well as dissolve and bury the BN who has been practising Racial Politics.
They waive the kris and show their fist without knowing that they will hurt other race but now they approach The Chinese Media to woo votes by delivering all sorts of sweet talk.
Macam Kucing menanggis di dapan Tikus or otherwise macam what the Chinese say Sheding The Crocodile Tears. Enough is enough reject BN
#14 by dawsheng on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 2:44 pm
Did Agong consented to dissolve the parliament?
Malaysian king arrives in UAE
WAMPublished: February 14, 2008, 00:45
Abu Dhabi: Malaysian King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin arrived here yesterday on a visit to the UAE.
The Malaysian monarch was received upon arrival by Deputy
Prime Minister Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/2772/46/
#15 by freedom to speak on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 3:19 pm
The greatest/hilarious malaysian wayang kulit has just ended.
Now, we are given the chance to “change” the actors/puppeteers.
Are we going to keep them? Or look for new faces?
If not, we can continue with another round of “wayang kulit”,
for another 5 years.
#16 by sungaisiput on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 3:21 pm
Hi k1980 betul cakap you.Chua soi lek pun naik.Tengok apa dah jadi.
#17 by Man_of_Honour on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 3:27 pm
BN lied since day one… even till the last day, PM still lied…
Adui! Vote for a change!
If BN wins again, sure everything naik again!
We need oppositions to deny UMNO’s 2/3 majority. Atleast constitutions cannot be change just as they wish. End the power abuse!
Since 2004 Election, BN had become permanent member of NATO-No Action Talk Only! Talk is still fineat times, but yet they lied!
#18 by Libra2 on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 3:47 pm
Warning to all voters.
DO NOT COMPLAIN WHEN PRICE OF OIL, COOKING GAS, UTILITIES, FLOUR AND FOOD GO UP AFTER THE ELECTIONS.
If you agree to all these increases then vote BN and be damned.
#19 by k1980 on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 4:49 pm
With the mainstream media all pro-government, the opposition complains it has too little time to reach voters through campaign rallies and house calls, the main means available to them.
Abdul Rashid said his commission could not force the media to provide equal access to all. “We can only ask the media.”
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-malaysia-election.html
#20 by AhPek on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 7:11 pm
Furthur to the warning given by Libra2 to all voters, I have also this to add.
IF YOU AGREE TO LIVE IN THE PRESENCE OF MORE AND MORE LITTLE MULLAH NAPOLEONS COMING OUT IN BIGGER AND BIGGER DROVES TO TALIBANIZE MALAYSIA THEN YOU VOTE IN
(1) MCA
(2) MIC
(3) GERAKAN
(4) PPP
(5) SUPP
Otherwise you better get cracking voting out all the above parties out of face of this planet!
#21 by AhPek on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 9:03 pm
‘Yet when Badawi came to power with an enormous mandate in the election of 2004 (with one of the highest approval ratings ever given to any Malaysian leader) he promised a wide range of reforms that included the promise of greater accountability,transparency and a thorough overhaul of some of the key institutions of government including the civil service,judiciary and police force.’. Dr. Farish Noor.
These promises are in fact designed to lure the ever trusting Malaysians (who must have grown tired of 22 years of Mahathirism) to give him that mandate for change. However after 4 years those promises remained unfulfilled and the PM is reduced to mouthing thoughtless platitudes!
Whilst Farish Noor may have implied that this failure could have resulted from the threat to his position of power from the old guards of the ruling elite who do not relish institutional changes,I would contend that this failure comes chiefly from a weak person whose personality and character does not measure up to the qualities of a leader for how else can one explain the fact that having given such a massive mandate it did not occur to him that he has to effect the changes he has said he will before the 2004 GE.That the civil society is allowed to be more vocal and that there are 2 Royal Bogus Commissions are really no consolations at all!
Ooi Kee Bey,a Fellow at the world renowned Institute of SouthEast Asian Studies, in his interview with Imran Imtiaz has this to say of reform.
‘The success of institutional reform lies on them being carried out quickly, riding on a strong wave of popular support and on the idealism of young people enthused by a reformist leader. Reforms done slowly and cautiously are not reforms; they are merely the tweaking of status quo.Reforms carried out over a long period of time amount to conservatism.’.
#22 by AhPek on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 9:25 pm
Correction: ‘Whilst Farish Noor may have implied………
……..,I would contend…………………….for how else can one explain the fact that having been given ………………………..’.
#23 by limkamput on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 10:47 pm
It seems odd to me that Badawi, having got more than 90% mandate from the people, yet still has to be concerned with the old guard. My question to you is: is he himself an old guard? What else does he need before he could bring about reforms and changes that he has so eloquently hoodwinked millions of Malaysians who have placed their trust on him? The reason why he can’t do much is because he and his men are probably as corrupted and as useless as anyone else. So please don’t attribute his inability to reasons other than himself.
….it is the dominating presence of Tun Mahathir that looms over the Badawi government at the moment. Dr. Farish A. Noor
Again I have a problem understanding this observation. May I know what Mahathir and Badawi were fighting for – over some fundamental policies for the betterment of Malaysia? No, they were essentially fighting for projects – what projects get to be implemented using the coffer of the government and who should be benefiting from these projects.
I must say, Badawi should have no fear of Mahathir if his primary focus is to do the right things for Malaysians. There is no need for him to look over his shoulders if he is honest with himself. Mahathir could still loom over him because Badawi’s administration is hopeless and corrupted to the core. By the way, Mahathir is no difference either. Mahathir looks good now because the present government is bad.
#24 by limkamput on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 10:48 pm
….threat to Badawi’s position in power comes from the old guard of the ruling elite and governmental system itself, who do not relish the prospect of real, long term institutional change, reform and modernisation. Dr. Farish A. Noor
It seems odd to me that Badawi, having got more than 90% mandate from the people, yet still has to be concerned with the old guard. My question to you is: is he himself an old guard? What else does he need before he could bring about reforms and changes that he has so eloquently hoodwinked millions of Malaysians who have placed their trust on him? The reason why he can’t do much is because he and his men are probably as corrupted and as useless as anyone else. So please don’t attribute his inability to reasons other than himself.
….it is the dominating presence of Tun Mahathir that looms over the Badawi government at the moment. Dr. Farish A. Noor
Again I have a problem understanding this observation. May I know what Mahathir and Badawi were fighting for – over some fundamental policies for the betterment of Malaysia? No, they were essentially fighting for projects – what projects get to be implemented using the coffer of the government and who should be benefiting from these projects.
I must say, Badawi should have no fear of Mahathir if his primary focus is to do the right things for Malaysians. There is no need for him to look over his shoulders if he is honest with himself. Mahathir could still loom over him because Badawi’s administration is hopeless and corrupted to the core. By the way, Mahathir is no difference either. Mahathir looks good now because the present government is bad.
#25 by LadyGodiva on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 10:58 pm
If you have problems of understanding anything then I suggest you don’t try.
#26 by LadyGodiva on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 11:08 pm
“More than the danger of increased communitarian and sectarian politics, more than the challenge of a resurgent Islamic party (PAS) waiting to regain control of the Muslim-majority states, more than the challenge posed by the new generation of politically-conscious urban civil society activists and dedicated professional classes; it is the dominating presence of Tun Mahathir that looms over the Badawi government at the moment.†Farish Nor
No wonder you couldn’t understand.
#27 by limkamput on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 11:10 pm
LadyGodiva Says: If you have problems of understanding anything then I suggest you don’t try.
What is your problem, old woman? Too bored with life or what? Come on, show me something, write me two paragraphs.
#28 by limkamput on Thursday, 14 February 2008 - 11:14 pm
ladygodiva says: No wonder you couldn’t understand.
YES, precisely, it is you, godiva, who does NOT understand a single thing and yet want to insult others.
#29 by undergrad2 on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 12:09 am
“It seems odd to me that Badawi, having got more than 90% mandate from the people, yet still has to be concerned with the old guard.†Limkamput
When did Abdullah Badawi get a 90% mandate to rule? I’d agree, of course, if you say BN got the 90% mandate you referred to. We do not have a separate race for the office of Prime Minster. Remember?
By Old Guards, Farish is probably referring to mostly cronies and Mahathir loyalists, who are closely identified with the status quo, who were uncomfortable with all the rhetoric about ‘change’ and reforms – even view it as an threat to their personal interests.
Remember, Mahathir only resigned from his post as PM and not UMNO. Life long Mahathir loyalists remain with their portfolios unchanged in the Cabinet; and in UMNO they continue to exert pressure on policies, trading loyalty for support. Remember too that Mahathir anointed Abdullah Badawi as his successor for a reason i.e. to continue his work, protect his legacy and his interests. He has invested some two decades of his life towards developing these interests, nurturing them and is not about to give them up. He was probably thinking of Najib, when he appointed Abdullah Badawi, and his enormous influence among his followers, and wanted to put in place some sort of countervailing influence and probably looked upon Abdullah Badawi as just the guy through whom he could work to protect those interests. After all, Abdullah has been loyal to him during all these years. Well, as it turned out he was wrong; and Abdullah’s preference (probably prompted and guided by others) to be his own man infuriated the former PM.
Election promises for greater transparency, accountability and good governance were meant to be nothing much more than mere catch words. Many of those who cast their votes for BN bought into the rhetoric, were naive and allowed themselves to be hoodwinked. It has been an expensive lesson. Let that not be repeated.
#30 by Joshua Tan Kok Hauw on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 12:14 am
The people living in rural area should really be reeducated on different political concepts. There are still a lot of people believing that voting against the BN or as they believe the so-called government(BN) is immoral.
The books which explain different political concepts should be sold at competitive price to the rural people.
#31 by DarkHorse on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 12:47 am
Good piece by Farish Noor. No, I don’t have any problem in understanding any of what he wrote.
Jeffrey understood it well.
#32 by limkamput on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 2:20 am
Someone here needs a psychiatrist. He is giving an answer without a question, like under some kind of hallucination or delusion.
#33 by Bigjoe on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 8:08 am
If the issues are what Dr. Noor says then, the election is a forgone conclusion.
I have said it before, these are not the issues of Malay heartland that is something like more than 60% of the elected seats. With high commodity prices, high government spending, the rural heartland is a contented lot. They don’t understand these issues.
Even talk to Chinese new villages and what gets them most is the pig-farming in Melaka that really get them going.
Its troubling to me that Dr. Noor seem detached from this reality.
The only issue that can matter to the Malay heartland is hypocrisy of Badawi’s Islamic credential. Anwar failure to capitalize on the corruption, the lies is sad. Anwar have to spin the issues like the judges, Altantuya, Hindraf, PKFZ, PGCC, Monsoon Cup, Constitutional Change for Tan Sri Rashid etc as unIslamic to make things happen.
#34 by undergrad2 on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 8:20 am
“Its troubling to me that Dr. Noor seem detached from this reality.”
He has the objectivity of a social scientist.
#35 by limkamput on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 10:36 am
Undergrad2,
IN any political party or system of government, there are bound to have vested interest groups and reactionary forces. It is how one manages those forces. If we go back to history on how Lee Kuan Yew first started, I think the pressure he faced was probably as daunting – imagine the communists, the communalists, the labour unions and the big brother from KL. Called it destiny or God will, only a few are given the opportunity to be PM. I believe the PMship has certain inherent power to manage trade offs and power brokers. To me it is Badawi’s own faculty, sincerity and good conscience that have determined the success or failure of the things he wanted to do for Malaysia. The fault is solely his; please don’t blame it on Mahathir or the old guard or even the people on the fourth floor.
#36 by AhPek on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 1:28 pm
Farish Noor may well have an objectivity of a social scientist but we certainly cannot always agree with his conclusions for he seems to me to suggest that Badawi’s failure is attributable to the threats these old guards have over his position.Admittedly this could be one of the reasons but more so, in my judgement,it comes from this weak personality who has no business to be Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Limkamput’s mention of LKY’s early days is relevant for it shows how a person of Prime Minister material could surmount massive obstacles (even worse than what Badawi is facing today) to bring to what she is today.
#37 by AhPek on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 1:30 pm
correction: ‘Limkamput’s mention ……………..to bring Singapore to where she is today.’.
#38 by nclee on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 3:17 pm
Nobody is perfect. Tell me which government in this planet is perfect.
We choose the best. We want to change….Change to be better/worse?
Change if there is a better choice! What can be changed? Is it possible or just TALK BIG? What is the Plan?
1) Lower the petrol price? hah! this is international issue…everywhere the same, even higher petrol price. Suggest you to go to Brunei to pump petrol.
2) Lower the TOLL price? It is good enough if can maintain existing price.
what else to change?
Bring in more foreign Investors?
Develop the country better? in which area?
More education opportunities to all?
Change if only can change to be better!!
Never Change if change become worse!
#39 by limkamput on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 4:47 pm
Hello, nclee, du kong ha mi kwei?
#40 by limkamput on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 5:03 pm
nclee, huh, good enough if can maintain existing price (toll rates)? No, not good enough, I want existing toll rates within metropolitan to be abolished, how about it?
Petrol price an international issue? Ok, what about car price, can it be international issue also. Give us lower car price then. Please, the saving from lower car prices would be sufficient for you to buy petrol at least 10 years depending on how much you travel.
By the way, you sound like a typical BN no brainer. Who is talking about being perfect here? Who is talking about change for the worse other than BN and their supporters. Change means disaster for you and BN – no more goodies, no more contracts, no more positions, and no more perks.
#41 by ktteokt on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 7:33 pm
Malaysians must dare to change, for better or worse!! The present system is already YAKS!!!!
#42 by undergrad2 on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 9:00 pm
“Farish Noor may well have an objectivity of a social scientist but we certainly cannot always agree with his conclusions…” AhPek
He’d be the first to agree with you, that readers may have different conclusions and are entitled to their opinions. Political analysts do what political analysts do i.e. analyze as objectively as the information allows it. There is bound to be some subjectivity. There is no such thing as pure and complete objectivity. If every time somebody puts pen to paper and say this is what we have to believe in, then we’d all be in deep shit.
“..he seems to me to suggest that Badawi’s failure is attributable to the threats these old guards have over his position.” AhPek
This is what Farish Noor said: “But Badawi’s greatest challenge to date has been the pervading presence of his former mentor Tun Mahathir himself.”
I don’t think he is suggesting “that Badawi’s failure is attributable to the threats these old guards have over his position.” The key word is “challenge” as opposed to your “attributable to”. The man may have left his position as PM but it is obvious he has a large following in the party still. He was never ousted.
Critics of Badawi tend to underestimate the conservative forces i.e. the Old Guards, the reactionary forces if you will, the conservative base of the party, working against him whenever he speaks about change and reforms.
I believe his flip-flopping, his propensity to tell less than the truth, to lie etc bears the print of Mahathir loyalists who support the status quo, who resist the idea of change and reforms for obvious reasons. This are the vested interests working from within as limkamput rightly pointed to.
It’d be naive of us to underestimate the impact such vested interests which developed over two decades of rule under Mahathir, have on the partly elders just because their leader has stepped down as PM. Indeed party leaders represent these vested interests.
Badawi’s strength lies in appeasing the conservative base of the party he leads. He knows that. But Malaysians who believed in the change his administration seemed to have stood for in the initial stages, cannot help but feel betrayed. Given the circumstances it should not surprise anyone that Badawi was never in control from day one. He was merely allowed the facade of a ‘reformer’ with that populist appeal – and it worked for a while.
That is my 2-cents.
#43 by undergrad2 on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 9:05 pm
apologize for the typo errors
#44 by undergrad2 on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 9:08 pm
“The fault is solely his; please don’t blame it on Mahathir or the old guard or even the people on the fourth floor.” limkmaput
The issue is not about who to ‘blame’.
#45 by BlackEye on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 11:35 pm
Surely you don’t expect limkamput to understand? He did not see it fit to even respond to your question: “When did Abdullah Badawi get a 90% mandate to rule?” No doubt by its nature a rhetorical question.
It should be clear to you that he distorts what everybody writes to show how ‘smart’ he is. As always he ends up having a quarrel with himself. Sheeesh! A waste of time to even read his responses. But what irritates me most is how he would at the end of his argument (with himself of course) put down the commentator with his personal attacks on his or her intelligence!
So for as long as he does that I make it my personal crusade to expose him for what he is – an ego maniac on the loose and a distraction to serious readers of this blog. In the process my postings will in themselves become as much a distraction, for which I apologize.
#46 by shamshul anuar on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 11:41 pm
Dear Farish,
I refer to your above writing . Yes, Malaysia like every country on this planet has its share of problems. You correctly mentioned the destruction of temples.
However, I notice you tend to put the blame on the govt in this matter. The recent demolition of a temple in Selangor was due to its location on a private land. Some section of Indian communities with vested interest wasted no time in manipulating the demolition in order to portray the Govt, UMNO, Malay, Islam in bad light.
They lied to the world by saying that the temple was destroyed before Deepavali. Actually, due to request by Indian community, the temple was demolished after Deepavali. Perhaps, in your future writing, you should also state the above facts in order to enable readers to make a more balanced view.
#47 by shamshul anuar on Friday, 15 February 2008 - 11:53 pm
Dear Democrate,
I refer to your writing about “waiving Kris…and “…appear like Kuching menangis”. Wow, what a far fetched imagination.
But do bear in mind that Malay community is also upset with some politicians who are too trigger happy in putting squarely all blames on the Malays.
Let us see. Hmnn… What about Kua’s slanted view that put blame on the Malays with regards to May 13, 1969. And how insulted the Malays were when DAP agreed to “etnic cleansing ” as accused by Hindraf. And not to mention how some Chinese politicians created slander by playing to racial gallery with regards to relocation of a Chinese School in Damansara several years ago.
My dear friend , do remember that as much as UMNO cherishes votes from Indians, and Chinese, non Malay politicians also need Malay votes. It may sound as an insult, but no MCA, MIC, Gerakan politicians will survive the election without UMNO’s support.
Using your sentence, “… like Kuching menangis…” , if Malays play the racial gallery the way DAP does, many non Malay politicians “will behave like Kuching menangis..”
#48 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 12:39 am
Never mind Shamshul, the Malays have taken all. What is left is our dignity. Please by all means rule this country alone. Nobody can and shuold fight against your special position, your special rights and your ketuanan.
#49 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 12:43 am
The issue is not about who to ‘blame’. undergrad2
I would prefer to hear from Farish. As for your views and my views, i think it is better we leave it to the readers.
#50 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 12:46 am
“Never mind Shamshul, the Malays have taken all. What is left is our dignity. ” limkamput
Strange! Malays speak all the time of dignity. Chinese speak of their right to be left alone to make a decent living based on a level playing field, of prosperity etc but not of ‘dignity’.
#51 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 12:48 am
But of course lest limkamput distorts it to make it look like I say that the Chinese are a race without dignity, self dignity is important to any race.
#52 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 12:56 am
‘Let us see. Hmnn… What about Kua’s slanted view that put blame on the Malays with regards to May 13, 1969.” Shamshul
I believe the popular opinion among many non-Malays is that there was a coup of sorts against the Tunku and that this was part of that conspiracy i.e. to show that Malays were angry with him for giving in too much to the Chinese laying the groundwork for his ouster from active politics altogether.
We have to leave it to history to judge what happened on May 13-15 1969. Dr. Kua’s opinion is just one of a number.
#53 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 12:56 am
But of course lest limkamput distorts it to make it look like I say that the Chinese are a race without dignity, self dignity is important to any race. darkhorse
it is ok, if what you said above is not an after thought. I think it is not, so thank you.
#54 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 1:05 am
Shamshul says: It may sound as an insult, but no MCA, MIC, Gerakan politicians will survive the election without UMNO’s support.
Oh this is not an insult at all. This is a fact. We know UMNO knows how to support hapless Indians and Chinese so that you can maintain your hegemony over others for the last 50 years. By all means vote them out. We the non-Malays also don’t want them.
#55 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 1:23 am
Shamshul Anuar,
When I first read your writings on this blog, I thought you were different from the Umnoristas and Anwaristas that we hear and read, that you were capable of independent thinking i.e. disagreeing when there is a reason to and agreeing when you cannot but agree. But since then your writings here have all but lived to that initial ‘reputation’. Since then I cannot help but feel you tend to be confrontational and all exclusive in your approach to issues, at times irrational and anything but objective – surpassed only by the like of limkamput here.
The only difference is that you have not succumbed to the irrational need to unnecessarily insult posters but only to deflect their criticism of you for having a pro-UMNO opinion, for having the audacity to express it on an opposition blog. I must congratulate you for the courage you show and the restraint you exercise in dealing with some of the comments.
As for Dr. Kua’s opinion about May 13th, I am inclined to believe him.
#56 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 1:35 am
When you deal with people like limkamput you must realize that every time he reads an opinion which he disagrees with, he sees it as a threat to him personally. For some reason he thinks that he is being forced to change his opinion. The truth is nobody is interested if he does or not. How long would it take before he realizes his own folly.
All you need to do is scroll up to understand what I mean.
#57 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 2:00 am
Is somebody above talking about himself or limkamput?
#58 by DarkHorse on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 2:18 am
The ‘keris waving’ by Umnoristas, is more than a symbolic gesture. It is a mischievous use or misuse of the keris, a Malay symbol for truth, dignity and loyalty to king and country. It is a message to the common Malays that their political hegemony is under siege when in fact it is they who are under siege. Recent developments have exposed massive corruption from among their ranks – a threat to their hold over power. The keris waving is a clever ploy to try and merge the two i.e. a threat to Malay political hegemony and the threat to the hold of these leaders over political power. It is all about perception.
All that drum beating is to drown the real issues which affect the ordinary Malays. It is a useful tool in the tool bag of these self serving, self interested corrupt politicians. The real suckers are the kampong Malays. Until they realize they have been made suckers, until a leader emerges from among them who sees things for what they are, and say the things that need to be said and do things what need to be done, it will be business as usual.
#59 by Count Dracula on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 7:11 am
“….mention of LKY’s early days is relevant for it shows how a person of Prime Minister material could surmount massive obstacles (even worse than what Badawi is facing today) to bring to what she is today.” AhPek
I find this laughable! How could anyone even begin to compare a double first at Oxford (or was it Cambridge) to a Malay and Islamic Studies graduate from a local university who failed his 101 Statistics.
#60 by Count Dracula on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 7:12 am
Beats me!
#61 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 8:30 am
DarkHorse Says: Today at 02: 18.05 (5 hours ago) “The ‘keris waving’ by Umnoristas, ……”
Very well said. But didn’t you say it was a rhetoric when PWCheng said almost the same thing in another thread? Is it because you saw me praising him. Please don’t do that to him/her just because of me. It is not fair. We all want to be treated fairly right? Seriously I am not trying to irritate you or anything.
#62 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 8:31 am
Count Dracula,
By all means compare LKY and Badawi in terms of intellect, faculty and ability. But please don’t compare the two in terms of Cambridge and local universities, Islamic studies and those who failed statistics etc. You are insulting many who have the same education backgrounds like our PM but are probably doing very well with whatever they are doing. I read quite some time ago an Oxford graduate was a taxi driver in London (just as an example). The thinking process must be right, my friend. Again I am not trying to irritate you.
#63 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 8:40 am
i am not trying to insult taxi drivers. It is just an illustration that if an Islamic studies graduate is not good enough to be PM, then an Oxford graduate is far too qualified to be a taxi driver.
#64 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 9:13 am
Darkhorse, So you think I am being rude and offensive to nclee above for views that I disagree. I think you are being naïve. This is Sdr Lim’s blog. Election is only few weeks away. You think I will let this BN dog to come here and destabilise DAP supporters and voters. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a BN dog. If he is not happy, let him come and debate with me. I know what I am doing. You have to recognise your own folly, not me. Again let me tell you this, if it does not concern you, please leave me alone. You are not as smart as you think. To me you are a mediocre loser who probably can’t stand people who are smarter, more discerning and intelligent than you.
#65 by aiD_kamikuP on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 11:08 am
woh…..take it easy, man
#66 by nclee on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 11:41 am
limkamput, when u call somebody a Dog, I think it reflects what kind of quality you are. Please respect people and yourself.
If you speak for opposition or DAP, then it shows how good quality opposition members & leaders we have. So SAD. How to hope for a CHANGE?
I am not any member to any party. I am giving my view, just like what you people always ‘fight’ for — freedom and democratic.
We support what is the Best for the PEOPLE and object what is Not!
We support those that can bring Good Changes not those who can just talk, criticize without logic and RUDE!
Don’t expect everything to be cheap….while you want to have HIGH PAY or HIGH PROFIT! Be realistic…read some economics if you can.
I really wish opposition GOOD LUCK! Hope opposition can have better quality for a CHANGE.
#67 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 12:42 pm
Nclee, Put it this way. You don’t have to ask me to read more economics books. I think I know economics more than you. There is no doubt in my mind that those questions you asked were tantamount to implying that there is no need for change, and that the “economic realities†we faced here is natural and part and parcel of global development. So are you not trying to undermine the opposition in their fight for change?
First let me ask you, why must we pay toll within cities? Isn’t of the government responsibility to provide roads as cities expand? After all, the government has already collected enormous amount of taxes from excise duties and sale tax on vehicles in addition to road taxes and other related car taxes. Of course the government will always say providing road is an expensive affair. Well, since the advent of privatisation, who actually get to have a proper costing for per kilometre of road built? It is all very easy to say road are expensive and citizens wanting to use them must pay. One policy issue we must look at is the collusion between the privatised entities and the government. Do we know how much of the cost (of a road project for example) is due to cost padding? They inflated (cost-padded) the cost and then squeeze you on high toll charges. Wise up my friend. As an economist, I am a strong believer of “no free lunchâ€. But then, when there is too much rent seeking and corruption in the economy, the cost of living and of doing business will all be adversely affected.
Yes, in Malaysia, petrol price is expensive if viewed it against our per capita income. So don’t let the government hoodwinked you into believing that they have indeed done us great favour by subsidizing the price. Our public transportation system is rudimentary and hopelessly ineffective. How do you expect the people not to own a car in order to earn a living? I challenge the government to increase the price of petrol to the so-called “international price level†after the election and we shall see what will happen to our economy.
I am sorry to label BN supporters dogs. It is ok I have poor quality so long as I can do my part to help the opposition to challenge those who hold views that are essentially the Star’s or NSTP’s views.
#68 by AhPek on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 12:52 pm
Count Dracula,
I am sorry,you got it wrong altogether. You don’t seem to see the trend of my argument and my argument has nothing to do with difference of acdemic achievement of LKY and Badawi.It has a lot to do with what it takes to be a Prime Minister and Badawi has none of it. In fact he has no business being PM of Malaysia. You find that laughable,I don’t!! Even if Badawi is a wrangler like LKY, I still don’t!!!
#69 by nclee on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 2:37 pm
Bantah kerana sebagai pembangkang. Bantah demi membantah. Biar betul atau salah, Bantah saja. Pembangkang telah menjalankan tugas sebagai pembangkang. Hebat pembangkang! ???
#70 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 3:36 pm
nclee Says: Bantah kerana sebagai pembangkang. Bantah demi membantah. Biar betul atau salah, Bantah saja. Pembangkang telah menjalankan tugas sebagai pembangkang. Hebat pembangkang! ???
Jangan kata demikian. Pihak pembangkang bukan bantah demi membantah sahaja. Saya telah memberi hujah-hujah di atas bagi menerangkan apa yang dikatakan oleh kamu itu tidak tepat. Tidak faham kah? Jangan sangsi atau ragu ragu lagi pihak pembangkang tiada upaya untuk menguruskan Negara ini. Apa pakat yang ada di kalangan UMNO and parti BN lain? Mereka hanya pandai rasuah sahaja. Apa idea ada untuk mempertingkatkan pembangunan Negara ini?
Kalau kamu tanya saya Pembangkang hebat kah, saya memang nak kata pembangkang itu hebat, khususnya Sdr Lim. Cuba andaikan Parliamen tanpa Sdr Lim. Siapakah akan mengutarakan penyelewengan and salah guna kuasa yang begitu berluasan di Negara kita sekerang.
Satu perkara lagi, saya berpendapat pembangkang hari ini boleh menjadi Kerajaan esok. Pembangkang berupaya and mampu mentadbirkan Negara ini dengan lebih effisien and berkesan. Kita hanya perlu memberi mereka peluang saya. Kamu mahu gunakan bahasa Jepun atau China kali lain?
#71 by limkamput on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 4:01 pm
Blackeye: So for as long as he does that I make it my personal crusade to expose him for what he is – an ego maniac on the loose and a distraction to serious readers of this blog.
Your personal crusade to go after the ego maniac? Now, what does that make you? First, you can’t be sure the ego maniac you are going after is in fact an ego maniac. Second, if he is not and you are going after him/her, that for sure make you an ego maniac, got it? I hope it is not too difficult for you.
#72 by kosmoalpha on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 4:04 pm
many of my friends n myself are nonpartisan,we do not belong to any political party;but for the upcoming election,we would definitely vote for PAS in our constituency against BN,we are going to walk our talk..even though we’re non-muslim!!enough is enough,50 years of rubbish from the racist,corrupted umno/BN is enough!!it is time for change,a change that might show us “the light at the end of the tunnel” for a better malaysia,a future for our daughters n sons,a more livable place under the sun where nobody shall be marginalised based on “kulitfication” being treated as equal human being!!!
#73 by apa on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 6:18 pm
wahai limkamput
Teruskan sikap sombong anda dan teruslah bermimpi / berangan-angan. Apa yang anda sebagai ‘pembangkang yang tulen’ cakap semuanya Betul. Yang lain, Salah. Bila pembangkang memerintah, harap anda terus menjadi pembangkang. Memang kita perlu pembangkang di mana-mana pun. Teruskan usaha ya ..
#74 by Count Dracula on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 9:40 pm
“It has a lot to do with what it takes to be a Prime Minister and Badawi has none of it. ” AhPek
Agreed. So where do we not agree?
Badawi was anointed successor by the outgoing PM who was feeling the pressure to pass the reins to someone else. Convention has it that it should go to his deputy. But it is only convention. Just like the position of the DPM. It is not provided for in the Constitution.
I believe Mahathir chose Badawi earlier as his deputy because he knew Badawi had none of the ambitions that his former deputy Anwar had, and was a follower. He was not chosen for his leadership qualities. I believe he was conflicted when the time came for power to change hands. But he must have extracted from Badawi the kind of promise he needed to hear. That promise I believe did not involve disturbing the status quo.
I am no party insider and I know no more than you do.
Talking about old guards and young turks within UMNO. The old guards are mostly Mahathir loyalists, and cronies. If they are not it does not mean they are Badawi loyalists but just another group who feel left out, and unhappy and would be happy if they are given a greater share of the contracts etc. The young turks make up the youth wing of the party, the training ground for future leaders. They are not liberals fighting for the protection and expansion of our fundamental liberties. They do not stand for reforms. They are Malay ultras.
Badawi inherited a united UMNO that is still very much Mahathir’s UMNO. He did not inherit the power that Mahathir had – only the position. He must know that his tenure as PM depends on how well he works to appease the various groups. He is doing a great job at that but a poor job at making the kind of decisions that would benefit the country he inherits from his predecessor.
He is no Lee Kuan Yew.
#75 by BlackEye on Saturday, 16 February 2008 - 10:51 pm
You think I will let this BN dog to come here and destabilise DAP supporters and voters. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a BN dog.†Limkamput
Barking dogs do what barking dogs do when they see their own shadows.
Nclee is not the ‘dog’ here, just another poster wanting to share his views with those who care to read.
Who is then?
Limkamput has been behaving much like the dog in the manger. His barking is disturbing the quiet and peaceful neighborhood. I think it is time to call in the town’s dog catchers and have him euthanized. Although some like laifoong would prefer to see him put out of his misery with extreme prejudice, we must avoid having animal rights activists on our backs. It is not good for the reputation of the neighborhood.
#76 by undergrad2 on Sunday, 17 February 2008 - 12:37 am
“I read quite some time ago an Oxford graduate was a taxi driver in London (just as an example). The thinking process must be right, my friend.†Limkamput
About the ‘thinking process having to be right’, there is a difference between saying “I met law school graduates waiting for their bar exam results driving cabs†and “I met cab drivers who are unemployed law school graduates.â€
If you’re a visitor to New York City, do not be surprised if you come across in February and July every year cab drivers who are law school graduates. Many cab drivers in places like New York City are part timers. Cab drivers in NYC earn no less than USDLS800.00 working only two days during the weekend. That is a good sum to make especially when you’re waiting for exam results.
I met an Afghani cab driver who once flew F-18s. That was before 9/11.
Limkamput,
Trading barbs is one thing but calling someone a “dog†is crossing the line!
#77 by limkamput on Sunday, 17 February 2008 - 1:58 am
Yes, I crossed the line and I have apologised. To me whatever nclee said has an ulterior motive. Election is near and I want to do whatever I can to confront challenges aimed at undermining the cause of DAP, no matter how subtly they put forward those challenges. This is my commitment to the cause and I want to keep it that way. They are all kinds of “labels†being traded here and I don’t see you or others reprimanding them. So, why am I being single out all the time? Is my feather too bright? With regard to your observation on taxi drivers, I just wish to say that the taxi driver I was talking about was a full time driver. I did not mention how much or how little he earned. It was a news item that I read many years ago. May be he was an odd person, I don’t know.
#78 by limkamput on Sunday, 17 February 2008 - 2:01 am
As for you, BlackEye, I just want to say this: You are the one with a big fat ego. You think you are smart, don’t you? Here, my foot, if that is what you think. Appointing yourself a cyber trooper wanting to seek me out. Frankly I don’t care two hooks of what you think or what you do. If you can not stand me, I suggest you go and jump from the twin towers. The world will immediately save some oxygen. I have tried to be conciliatory because I was thinking of DAP and other bloggers. The more I do that, the more arrogant you become. Please go pick someone else because you are not good enough for me. You think incongruously, you write incoherently and you read without understanding. I HAVE NOT SEEN YOU WRITTEN ONE PIECE ON SERIOUS STUFF OTHER THAN INSULTING OTHERS.
#79 by laifoong on Sunday, 17 February 2008 - 5:17 am
“Frankly I don’t care two hooks ..” limkamput
Two hooks?? he…he…hee! Two hoots…..not two hooks…lol
#80 by limkamput on Sunday, 17 February 2008 - 3:09 pm
laifoong, that is what your puny brain is cut out to be, finding and ridiculing others’ occasional mistakes here and there. The reality is you can’t even write one sentence. Come on, show me, write me two paragraphs and if they are really good, I shall quit this blog. There is no need for moderator to kick me out. Oh, stop LOL all the time because I may have to send you to Tanjung Rambutan.
#81 by shamshul anuar on Thursday, 21 February 2008 - 10:26 pm
Dear Limkamput,
My point is actually quite simple. Malay supremacy in politics in this country is not artificially created. It is the manifastation of demographic reality. Being the largest etnic group, Malays holds the most influence in politics.
And I know you cant stomach this. In humility, UMNO is still willing to accept non Malay politicians winning in Malay majority area. It means it still respects the existence of other races. Surely, it is a good trait, something which is sorely lacking in DAP. Even in DAP, the first cardinal rule is that any move must first ensure the LIm dynasty prevails . Of course, you will deny but reality is a bitter dose of medicine.
As for Ketuanan Melayu, it is no big deal among malays. They accept the reality that powers can be taken away from them in split second. If malays lose the political power, they have themselves to be blamed.
As for Count Dracula, I am afraid that he may miss the point . Abdullah , despite being ridiculed heavily in this forum, has one plus point. He is an incredibly patient guy and considered very clean. And of course he is no LKY. If not, Hindraf inciters, numbering in hundreds will land in ISA.
As for Dark Horse, of course jugding from your remarks, May 13 was actually a ploy to topple Tunku. What better way to shift the blame on another community. But do spare your time and talk to Malays in 50s or 60s. The perception is totally against what Kua or DAP or you feel. Again, I am not blaming Chinese or Malay over this sad clash. I just say that there are elements within these 2 races that are to be blamed.