No the patient is not dead yet but close to it.
I do not feel proud to tell anyone I am from Perak now.
You see they have been pulling more plugs from the life-support system from the ICU and the nation is slowly losing its democratic flavour.
We still have the right to vote in elections but things can get messed up after that.
You know what happened in Perak where the due process of law was not followed but instead the people's choice of government has been usurped by unsavoury means.
You will remember how Joseph Pairin Kitingan was deprived of Sabah's leadership by elected reps being induced to leave his PBS party by the BN-led federal government. That happened in the early 90s. Well a similar take-over has been done - this time in Perak and you can read some comments of malaysiakini readers here.
There is however one major difference between Sabah and Perak.
Sabah's head of state is appointed by the ruling party and thus his tenure is limited and that episode died with the person leaving office.
In the case of Perak, the royal family has been there for hundreds of years and now we are a constitutional monarchy.
Most citizens do not owe their existence or livelihood from the generosity of the royalty compared with the past.
The only link between the royalty and the citizens is the love and respect that citizens have for the rulers. Once that link is broken and you lose the love of your people, being a royalty can become a lonely existence.
Today's NST has an interesting article Sultan, Raja Nazrin quiz assemblymen in which it was reported that
"The sultan wanted to make sure that the independent assemblymen and Nasarudin fully supported BN and would help form a stable state government," a source said.
the article goes on:
"Obviously, the sultan is not taking any chances despite the apparently solid front. This will also be fair as the previous Pakatan Rakyat administration was also required to do the same."
Now if that article is true, one should worry seriously about that patient in the ICU. let us hope more Malaysians will wake up from their apathy.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
malaysiakini Breaks the BAD NEWS from PERAK...
Somehow events that have unfolded in Perak remind me of some quotations from MACBETH - I studied that in 1964 but some of the quotes seem pretty relevant.
You can decide for yourself which quote suit which player in Perak.
According to malaysiakini, there will be No dissolution, new gov't to be sworn in and the government can be changed in Perak all under the veil of palace secrecy that somehow does not augur well for Malaysians in the New Millenium.
Back to MacBeth:
Lady MacBeth:"What need we fear who knows it,
when none can call our power
to account?" (Act5, Scene1)
Macbeth:"For mine own good, All causes shall give way: I am in blood
Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er". (Act3, Scene 4)
Macbeth: "And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have; but, in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath,
Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not." (Act5, Scene3)
If you want to look for other quotes, this is a good resource.I am sure Literature experts can suggest other Shakespearean quotes; especially from his tragedies.
You can decide for yourself which quote suit which player in Perak.
According to malaysiakini, there will be No dissolution, new gov't to be sworn in and the government can be changed in Perak all under the veil of palace secrecy that somehow does not augur well for Malaysians in the New Millenium.
Back to MacBeth:
Lady MacBeth:"What need we fear who knows it,
when none can call our power
to account?" (Act5, Scene1)
Macbeth:"For mine own good, All causes shall give way: I am in blood
Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more,
Returning were as tedious as go o'er". (Act3, Scene 4)
Macbeth: "And that which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have; but, in their stead,
Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath,
Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not." (Act5, Scene3)
If you want to look for other quotes, this is a good resource.I am sure Literature experts can suggest other Shakespearean quotes; especially from his tragedies.
malaysiakini SUGGESTS Unity Government? A BAD IDEA!
The way politics has been practised in Malaysia with the BN federal government blocking development funds to opposition states like a poor loser makes this suggestion in malaysiakini untenable.
Sultan agrees to 'unity' gov't led by BN? poses a serious question of where Malaysia is headed as far as democracy is concerned.
I suggest most Malaysians no matter what their political convictions believe that the BN has played a most dishonourable game to try to wrest power in Perak and I believe most Perakians want the state to have another round of elections to give a clearer mandate to whoever is going to from the state government.
The way things have happened we should consider addressing our MPs as "Yang Tidak Berhormat"
Sultan agrees to 'unity' gov't led by BN? poses a serious question of where Malaysia is headed as far as democracy is concerned.
I suggest most Malaysians no matter what their political convictions believe that the BN has played a most dishonourable game to try to wrest power in Perak and I believe most Perakians want the state to have another round of elections to give a clearer mandate to whoever is going to from the state government.
The way things have happened we should consider addressing our MPs as "Yang Tidak Berhormat"
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
malaysiakini and the INSULT to the PERAK ROYALTY
It is such a insult to the Perak royal family that has just celebrated 25years of Sultan Azlan Shah's rule.
Our elected representatives are allowed to change parties as if they are changing soiled diapers.
How can such a move be condoned by anyone who wants to uphold the principles of a true democracy and representative government?
If I were the ruler I would ban all the "jumping ADUNs" from holding such a public office as they have tarnished the state legislature. I would also call for fresh elections as requested by the MB, who has been doing a good job, apart for some misguided statements about HIV patients.
Just look at the characters of three of the four ADUNs and one can only conclude that their backgrounds should warrant further inspection.
One of them switched sides to PR barely 2 weeks ago and and now he wants to sing the UMNO tune again. You can read the malaysiakini article here
Even if BN wins this round, I predict that this will be their last victory. Come the next elections and the BN will be no more in power at the federal level.
Our elected representatives are allowed to change parties as if they are changing soiled diapers.
How can such a move be condoned by anyone who wants to uphold the principles of a true democracy and representative government?
If I were the ruler I would ban all the "jumping ADUNs" from holding such a public office as they have tarnished the state legislature. I would also call for fresh elections as requested by the MB, who has been doing a good job, apart for some misguided statements about HIV patients.
Just look at the characters of three of the four ADUNs and one can only conclude that their backgrounds should warrant further inspection.
One of them switched sides to PR barely 2 weeks ago and and now he wants to sing the UMNO tune again. You can read the malaysiakini article here
Even if BN wins this round, I predict that this will be their last victory. Come the next elections and the BN will be no more in power at the federal level.
malaysiakini on SNAP POLLS for PERAK
YES! Let the people decide.
That is my opinion as we cannot allow just 2 or 3 elected representatives and the BN-infected Elections Commission to dictate the future or destiny of the Perak state government.
According to this malaysiakini article Pakatan mulls snap polls in Perak.
As an anak Perak it is disappointing to note the games some politicians play; with so many rumours of millions of ringgit being offered.
It is a betrayal of the lowest order when an elected representative switches camps and that works for both sides - it does not matter even the person has a divine revelation.
Of course if no public office is being held the person should be allowed to leave but when one holds a position that has been bestowed by the public based on a prior public declaration like a party ticket, it is wrong to change sides.
I hope the voters in Perak will send this message loud and clear in the snap polls.
If we want politicians to become more honest and develop some integrity that is something we must be prepared to do.
That is my opinion as we cannot allow just 2 or 3 elected representatives and the BN-infected Elections Commission to dictate the future or destiny of the Perak state government.
According to this malaysiakini article Pakatan mulls snap polls in Perak.
As an anak Perak it is disappointing to note the games some politicians play; with so many rumours of millions of ringgit being offered.
It is a betrayal of the lowest order when an elected representative switches camps and that works for both sides - it does not matter even the person has a divine revelation.
Of course if no public office is being held the person should be allowed to leave but when one holds a position that has been bestowed by the public based on a prior public declaration like a party ticket, it is wrong to change sides.
I hope the voters in Perak will send this message loud and clear in the snap polls.
If we want politicians to become more honest and develop some integrity that is something we must be prepared to do.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
malaysiakini and the FAILURE to GOVERN.....
I think the political uncertainties in Perak show how immature our politicians are.
Maybe we cannot blame them for we, the voters put them in power.
It all boils down to political corruption where elected reps can be inticed to switch sides once they are elected into power.
Based on the present scheme of things, it is possible for a extremist party member to become converted to a moderate party and vice versa - it all depends on the colour of the notes being offered.
So this article in malaysiakini 'Najib promised RM50mil for defections' may shock many but to some of us it is not really surprising for such an allegation to be made.
As Malaysia does not follow good transparency policies, RM50mil is considered small change when compared to our multi-billion ringgit budgets.
What do I think of the signed but undated letters of resignation? Until we have more politicians with greater integrity, I believe it is a good control mechanism.
The PM could have displayed more statesmanship if he had said:
"We accept anyone from PR joining us in this time of economic crisis but they should first resign from their political parties."
He looked happy on the TV making the announcement but rather than a national leader, he looked more like a used car dealer.
Maybe we cannot blame them for we, the voters put them in power.
It all boils down to political corruption where elected reps can be inticed to switch sides once they are elected into power.
Based on the present scheme of things, it is possible for a extremist party member to become converted to a moderate party and vice versa - it all depends on the colour of the notes being offered.
So this article in malaysiakini 'Najib promised RM50mil for defections' may shock many but to some of us it is not really surprising for such an allegation to be made.
As Malaysia does not follow good transparency policies, RM50mil is considered small change when compared to our multi-billion ringgit budgets.
What do I think of the signed but undated letters of resignation? Until we have more politicians with greater integrity, I believe it is a good control mechanism.
The PM could have displayed more statesmanship if he had said:
"We accept anyone from PR joining us in this time of economic crisis but they should first resign from their political parties."
He looked happy on the TV making the announcement but rather than a national leader, he looked more like a used car dealer.
Monday, February 2, 2009
malaysiakini and the POLITICAL INTRIGUES
It is a sad day for Malaysia's democracy when politicians have scant regard for the voters by de-stabilising state governments as the case in Perak.
In this malaysiakini article Perak speaker informs EC of vacant seats two state seats have been declared vacant after the two state assemblymen went missing for a few days and their party leadership had to submit their resignation letters as there were rumours of a crossover to the BN camp.
This is dirty politics and should not be condoned and the BN appears to have much experience at this as what happened in Sabah years ago.
The tactics are the same: there are inducements made or threats issued - ie the carrot and stick approach.
As we seek change in Malaysia, we should not accept this kind of political game as it will only hamper the nation's progress.
If politicians of whatever ilk play this game, we too as responsible voters should also play our cards right. Let us vote out any political party that seems guilty of such political bribery.
In this malaysiakini article Perak speaker informs EC of vacant seats two state seats have been declared vacant after the two state assemblymen went missing for a few days and their party leadership had to submit their resignation letters as there were rumours of a crossover to the BN camp.
This is dirty politics and should not be condoned and the BN appears to have much experience at this as what happened in Sabah years ago.
The tactics are the same: there are inducements made or threats issued - ie the carrot and stick approach.
As we seek change in Malaysia, we should not accept this kind of political game as it will only hamper the nation's progress.
If politicians of whatever ilk play this game, we too as responsible voters should also play our cards right. Let us vote out any political party that seems guilty of such political bribery.
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