PRU12 Is Not Over Yet ?

I am in a serious state of confusion today. Reading Malaysiakini , Malaysia Today, The Malaysian Insider and ironically mainstream papers like The Star and NST makes me feel as if there will be a gigantic national election coming soon. Probably, these are the campaigning days "prior to the election".

Wait a minute. The national election (Pilihanraya Umum 12) or synonymously named in its abbreviated form PRU12 was held exactly one month ago. Today is 8th April and it was on 8th March 2008.

It is not exactly the fault or any form of mis-reporting on the part of presses and publications that caused such confusion. Generally, the local news segments are full with articles emanating vibes of election. Finger-pointing , dissing out personalities , amassing supporters to organise gatherings , little street demonstrations , alleged saboteurs and megaphone diplomacy made it. The media is merely reporting what is happening in reality.

As a concerned citizen, I was really looking forward to reading development plans for Malaysia 4 to 5 years down to road. With the onset of a serious economic crisis in the United States, I think it is really time for the chosen government to actually formulate strategies to safeguard the local interests. Any form of inflation will affect the citizens by-and-large. These should be the priority instead. Regretably, "election-style" politicking seems to overtake these issues.

I hope there are people from Barisan Nasional component parties that will read this page and do something useful to the nation. Yes, BN lost its two-third majority and five states in PRU12 for the very first time in the 50 years of Malaysia. Yes, it is BN's worst defeat to date. Yes, it is alarming but it should be known that BN still has the simple majority. BN is still the federal government.

The internal bickering is not doing any good to the image and structure of the ruling coalition. Being denied two-third is not the end of the world. However, it will be the end of the world for everyone in Malaysia, be it commoners like me, opposing parties and BN if the economy crumbles in the midst of all these continual sensational drama. Believe me, PRU12 is nothing compared to the economic problems potentially reaching our shores as a side effect of the globalised economy centering on USA.

If one thinks PRU12 shook BN hard, imagine the damage an economic crisis may do to the foundations of a coalition. Think long and hard from the "confidence" perspective of a common Malaysian towards a political party. Would one choose to bicker first, cushion the effects later or the opposite?

As for me, I would choose the latter. If the economy is sustained, at least it will generate a certain amount of positive vibes in "confidence".

On the other hand, internal dispute is not only the problem of Barisan Nasional. Pakatan Rakyat has its share of megaphone diplomacy. Did anyone read about the latest DAP-PAS fiasco on an old issue of Islamic state versus Secular state? It is not really wise to hang dirty linens in public. It is high time to sit down , iron out the issue once and for all, prepare a detailed blueprint on "How to govern Malaysia : Muslims and Non-Muslims".

The PR political parties should not avoid this issue any longer. Even as I speak, the supporters of both parties have started less than pleasant comments that may put the collaboration at risk. As a Malaysian, it is my dream to see them work together as one. It should be tighter and more synchronised than the cooperation that was witnessed in PRU12. PKR must be in the picture as well.

Pakatan Rakyat has to know that it came into being with the support of Malaysians particularly through the Barisan Rakyat civil movement iniative. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should be appreciated. time to ride on the wind rather than let it pass through without capitalising properly on the given chance.

Criticising DAP

Introduction
This blog will return to the state of neutrality. It is high time for that. Why?

Being a supporter of the unofficial opposing front of Barisan Rakyat ( PKR-DAP-PAS ) , I find it disheartening to read about the blunders made by all these parties specifically DAP.

In order to make things work and not waste my four years of hope of forming an alternative front to have a check-and-balance governance, I think I need to do my part to remove all sorts of chauvinism , be it from the religious (Islam, Christian, Buddhist) or racial (Malays, Chinese, Indians) point-of-view.

I hate to do all these but I think it is necessary because over the past 5 days, I have been reading all these stupid actions which is totally absurd. If one wants to be a Government, one needs to act like a Government. One can't do it as if one is still an Opposition party !

The very first party I would not like but have to criticise is the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

Issue 1: Perak MB and Excos Dispute
First of all, just when I thought the Menteri Besar Perak issue was over and by 4 or 5 p.m. the swearing-in would take place, I reached home from work only to check out Malaysiakini and found the ceremony cancelled !

Now, the main reason for Perak MB's swearing-in put off is because of another disagreement on top of an earlier one on the appointment of a PAS MB instead of a DAP MB (who holds the most seat in the state)

According to Malaysiakini :
" But in another twist of never-ending problems, PKR today issued a statement threatening to pull out from the state administration on hearing that eight of the 10 executive council posts will go to DAP while the remaining two going to other parties.

Originally it is believed that an agreement was made whereby DAP would get six exco posts and two each for PKR and PAS.

However, there was a last-minute change where DAP was given eight seats in the exco, while PKR one and PAS one. "

Now, who is that "brilliant" person who suggested DAP to take eight seats? I cannot conclude if it is DAP is the one who insisted but looking at the situation, the party that would get the most advantage is DAP with an increase of 6 excos to 8 excos .

Okay, regardless of what it is, we should all not harbour that kind of greediness ! The most that you should take is 7. PKR should retain 2 and PAS 1. No more 8-1-1 . That is very unfair to PKR, who is holding the second highest number of seats.

Why can't these parties discuss before doing anything like deciding on a swearing-in ceremony? DAP, now tell me what the hell are you doing? First, because you were not careful, words said about DAP CEC not giving mandates to PAS MB is damaging the unity of the PKR-DAP-PAS loose coalition, giving a leverage to mainstream media for a happy moment of criticising. Then, whoever that greedy person is , 6-2-2 becomes 8-1-1 . Now, that will be a second set of bashing. Goodness gracious !

Issue 2: Short-Sighted Demonstrators
Furthermore, Malaysia Today reported in the article Yellow card for the opposition :

" Supporters of Teng Chang Khim, Teresa Kok and Ronnie Liu are locked in battle. Each has their clique that wants to see their candidate installed as the Deputy Menteri Besar of Selangor. But there is no Deputy Menteri Besar post and His Highness the Sultan of Selangor will not appoint one. So why bother to squabble over who should be the candidate to fill a post that does not exist? Yesterday, Teng's supporters held a demonstration to demand that their man gets appointed as the Deputy Menteri Besar. In spite of the announcement that there shall not be any Deputy Menteri Besar, today, they plan to hold another demonstration and MCA and Gerakan are going to send their supporters to help Teng mobilise a crowd of 10,000 to prove that his support is overwhelming. Can we please remember this name and come next election we send him to where Zakaria Deros now resides? "

Well, is that really necessary? That is so ugly. First, such position does not exist. Second, I am sorry I have to be rude, not to the MPs but to the supporters : Are you mad, stupid or something ? You are demonstrating for a position that does not exist. Third, another question to the supporters : do you know that your actions are not doing any good to the name of the party as well as the members? I thank God that His Majesty, Sultan Selangor is polite and understanding enough not to shout away the demonstration. Fourth, do you have brains? Oh great, now MCA and Gerakan are helping you. Do you think they are helping you to achieve your goals or to highlight your insolence? If you said it is the former, I will not be surprised.

I am sorry but I have to say this. I think a portion of DAP supporters are out of their mind, think only of themselves, short-sighted and do not think of the bigger picture before they act. Likewise, please take out all that primadonna attitude. It is really sickening.

Issue 3: Insensitive to Malays
DAP has to know that it is now A GOVERNMENT in two states. Frankly, I do not like the idea of the early announcement of the NEP abolition. PKR has an alternative Agenda Baru to assist the poor of all races. No one would be marginalised. Why can't the Penang GOVERNMENT announce the abolition of NEP coinciding with the launching of Agenda Baru ? Why can't it be announced after a new solid coalition between DAP-PKR-PAS is formed? Why should the announcement be premature?

DAP has to understand its success in 2008 is through the support of many Malay comrades. The community had shunned DAP for so many decades until the overwhelming internet campaigning and spirit of nationalism make them give a chance to the party. It is a chance of a lifetime. When you speak or do something, you have to think of the Malays as well. DAP can't use the "MP being jailed for championing one Malay girl" issue forever as a justification for their effort.

It is about the way you speak and the timing planned. DAP has to be pragmatic. DAP has to read "The Malay Dilemma" by Dr. Mahathir . Yes, you may not agree that he is a good guy and you may not want to view the affirmative action section but there are many other points that you need to read in order to understand how the Malays feel. Therein lies the secret that you can vest to help the people and gain their permanent and not temporary support.

DAP MPs have to be careful with the words used to describe matters of Islam and issues related with Malays. This is not about racism but the method of communication. Remember, DAP is a political party. MPs are politicians. Politics is all about perception. Your choice of words will affect perceptions. Every culture has their own flow of thought.

updated 16 March 2008 2.22 a.m.
The Star had just reported Penang CM did not say he would do away with NEP, says DAP chairman

Excerpt:
He said Lim’s statement on March 11 after being sworn in as Chief Minister, that he wanted to run the state government administration free from the NEP that breeds cronyism, corruption and systematic inefficiency, does not amount to sedition.

Malaysia Today reported 21 NGO Islam puas hati penjelasan KM P.Pinang mengenai kedudukan Melayu dan Islam (21 Islam NGOs are satisfied with the explanation of Penang Chief Minister on the position of Malays and Islam)

I still think that Lim Guan Eng should be careful on the usage of words as there are many people out there who wants to see the failure of a non-Gerakan governance in Penang therefore would engineer an oust.

Conclusion
DAP has to wake up. I would like to see Barisan Rakyat to be succesful but everyone has to tolerate and collaborate.

If one wants to be a Government, one needs to act like a Government. One can't do it as if one is still an Opposition party !

P.S. Sagaladoola is not associated or a member of any political organisation. Sagaladoola is still a supporter of Barisan Rakyat for the time being. Sagaladoola would not like to be placed in a position for running a massive "Criticism Campaign" on Barisan Rakyat. Please do not put him in a spot.

Next : Criticising PAS, PKR

Barisan Rakyat Coming Into One Piece ?

Husam Musa wrote in his page Tiada rundingan dengan BN - Husam (No discussions with BN)

Excerpt (in Bahasa Melayu):
TIADA sebarang rundingan diadakan dengan Barisan Nasional (BN) untuk membentuk kerajaan campuran tegas Naib Presiden PAS, Dato' Husam Musa.

Beliau juga memberi amaran akan mengambil tindakan termasuk dipecat dari menjadi ahli PAS jika terdapat individu yang cuba untuk membawa PAS menyertai Umno.

Translation:
There is no discussion being held with Barisan Nasional (BN) to form a mixed government, Vice President of PAS, Dato' Husam Musa stated.

He gave a stern warning that actions will be taken, which may include membership cancellation should any individual is found trying to bring PAS into joining UMNO.
______________________________________

That is a good effort from Dato' Husam Musa. This is what I consider as leadership with clear direction. It is good that the Vice President can look ahead and see the bigger picture.

This is a good sign for Barisan Rakyat. PKR and DAP have to be cooperative as well.

MySinchew.com reported Malaysia: I Never Think Of Joining Other Parties, Says Anwar

Excerpt:
"Yes, there are parties asking their people came and lobbied me to join them. I met them with an open-manner. I am willing to exchange opinions with them. But I never think of joining other parties, UMNO or Barisan Nasional forever and ever," he told reporters in a press conference here, today.

"I never think of it and I never think of joining UMNO or Barisan Nasional (BN)," he said.
______________________________________

Anwar Ibrahim is the representative from PKR.

Meanwhile Malaysiakini reported that Ramasamy was sworn in as deputy Chief Minister in Penang . This is the first time an Indian has been awarded such a high post in Malaysia.

updated 3.27 p.m.
Read Nat Tan's jelas.info Have a little faith on the words of PAS on the Menteri Besar Perak items. It seems that there is no major disagreement yet between PAS and DAP . A praise for PAS on being gentleman and understanding (especially Dato' Husam Musa). This will encourage more trust from non-Muslims on PAS . Now, who said PAS is extreme? UMNO is extreme but not PAS. At least PAS doesn't wield keris and shout on the Perak MB issue.

updated 11.55 p.m.
Disagreements appeared. Lim Kit Siang posted No DAP CEC mandate for PAS Menteri Besar in Perak after Malaysiakini announced PAS' Nizar is new Perak MB . However, commenters in Lim Kit Siang's blog claimed they are willing to look at a greater picture and cause and able to accept the fact that the new MB of Perak would be from PAS. Bear in mind that the choice of PAS is made by the regent.

Pragmatism, Chinese, Barisan Rakyat Unity

Election 2008 : History And Voting Style
Election 2008 had just completed. Barisan Rakyat, in which the civil organisations and certain citizens term the PKR , DAP and PAS parties managed to deny Barisan Nasional two-third majority for the second time since 1969. The success is more pronounced with 5 states falling into the hands of Barisan Rakyat. Now, this is happening for the very first time in history. In 1969, only 2 states were taken by non-BN parties.

There must be some reasons that Barisan Nasional had lost so many seats. The main reason is, of course, as everybody knows, the "no confidence" in the Pak Lah Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Hadhari Administration. This guy here created two major historical moments in Malaysia within two terms of his leadership.

1) Biggest win for a single political coalition (BN) in Malaysian history : Election 2004.

2) Biggest loss for a single political coalition (BN) in Malaysian history : Election 2008.

Other than Pak Lah's poor performance, is there any other reason? I would say it has something to do with the citizens. In 1969, seats were cut out in the form of racial proportions. Malay areas would have PAS contesting as opposition. Non-Muslim areas will see Gerakan (opposition back in 1969) or any other non-Muslim parties contesting. Victory was easily assured because of such grouping in constituents.

After 1969, most constituents have a somehow balanced racial distribution due to government's plan execution of integrating the Malaysian community. However, this posed a problem for parties with ethno-centric outlook. Barisan Nasional looked better for having all parties representation with all sorts of ethnicity within its coalition. If there are three-cornered fights, it would be easy for Barisan Nasional to win. Such scenario was common. Yes, it was, until 2008.

Barisan Rakyat made sure each seat will only have one representative from the opposition party. People have woken up. They have discarded the divisive racial and religious mentality and collaboratively opted for the opposition parties during election. People have realised that they need to do something useful to save the nation.

Minussing PKR, which is a multiracial party in its outlook, 2008 witnessed non-Muslims voting for PAS and Malays voting for DAP. Previously, such an incident somehow looks taboo and unable to happen. Perhaps, I have underestimated fellow Malaysians. It is time for the Malays, Chinese and Indians to hold hands and work together. Blaming each other's religions and races will bring us nowhere. We have to sit down and talk and kick out anyone or any parties that seek to use divide-and-rule strategy on the people. Question the leadership.

Breaking Barisan Rakyat Unity Using PAS
Malaysiakini posted PAS wins big with gentler image: analysts . I would believe this as true. Some important excerpts to justify :

a) Hadi Awang said there would not be any dramatic changes for non-Muslims in the new PAS-ruled Kedah, unlike when it took over Kelantan in 1990, and it intended to respect minority rights.

b) "Whatever we (restrict), it will be in consultation with the various races living in these states," he said. "Whatever is allowed by their religion we will not interfere in but what is banned in Islam, we will forbid for Muslims."

c) "Being the party of Islamic scholars, PAS will now have to tread a much more moderate line in ensuring that they can form a coalition with the DAP," he (Husam Musa) said.

According to Malaysia Today, someone has started to spread rumours to break the newly-found Barisan Rakyat unity. I have heard from somewhere that certain mainstream media lapdogs machinery have started to function. Yet again, will Malaysians be divided?

In The aftermath of the 'bloodbath' , Raja Petra wrote this piece :

Now, with regards to the talk floating around that Tok Guru Haji Abdul Hadi Awang has announced that Kedah is going to introduce Hudud laws; this is not true. Tok Guru confirmed he never made such an announcement. The trouble is, many of you wear these 'boycott the mainstream media' T-shirts yet you still read and believe what the mainstream media spins. Would you become terrible offended if I shout 'Bodoh punya orang!'? I really don't know what else to shout under these circumstances.

Let me repeat what I have said many, many times in the past. PAS does not have 150 seats in Parliament. In fact, PAS, DAP and PKR combined do not have 150 seats in Parliament. Read my lips. “PAS NEEDS 150 SEATS IN PARLIAMENT TO CHANGE THE LAWS OF THIS COUNTRY OR OF THE STATES!”

Anyway, 150 seats or no 150 seats, PAS does not intend to introduce Islamic laws, PERIOD.

Pragmatic Should Be the Word
For those not in the know, PAS only contested in 60 parliamentary seats, of which, not all were won. That is not even half of the two-third majority (150 seats) needed to form a government.

I believe PAS understands that it has to work with other parties (DAP and PKR). PAS is pragmatic enough to adjust itself. Now, there is no Islamic State. Its Manifesto for 2008 is Welfare State (Negara Berkebajikan), which, in a way is feasible and fair to people not from the Muslim community as well.

Reading the statements above, PAS is practical enough to consult non-Muslim communities before implementing any form of law or making any final decision. It is only concerned with Muslims. Hadi Awang has said it. There is always DAP and PKR to rely on.

We should all understand PAS has survived all this while because there is still support from Muslims. They believe that this party can fight for their cause. It is similar to DAP. Although there are people who speak about its irrelevance, we have to know DAP exists until this very day because there is support from the public. We can't just simply "deny" PAS and DAP and think they would disappear into thin air. That is not really sensible. I think DAP may be willing to be pragmatic but the problem rests not with the party but its supporters.

The latest method from certain lapdogs is to break the understanding between PAS and non-Muslim supporters. The way of doing it is easy. Since the mainstream media is controlled by Somebody, Somebody would play all these classic 1980s (28 years ago) stuff, painting PAS in an extreme way to the non-Muslims. For the Muslims, certain Malay papers could be made to paint DAP as this chauvinistic chinese party who will demand for everything and suppress the Malays. Standard divide-and-rule approach. The idea may be old but who knows it may work?

Anything minor or potentially exploitable will be capitalised. For instance, the Menteri Besar of Perak decision. Actually, the truth is, PAS havs just nominated a candidate for Menteri Besar. Due to the nature that the Perak state majority can only be established through the combination of 3 opposition parties, each party would provide a candidate for the Sultan of Perak to choose and DAP only said they would discuss with PKR for decision on a related issue.

Somebody actually tried to make it look like PAS and DAP cannot agree on anything. The point is, the spin doctor failed to realise PAS proposing a candidate and DAP discussing with PKR on this issue doesn't mean they are disagreeing. It is not logic to paint it that way. Of course, this show is catered for the non-Muslim audience of which a portion may be stupid enough to think DAP does not want PAS candidate to become the MB of Perak therefore a decision has yet to be made.

The Chinese often said the community is pragmatic. From the way I see it, this may not be the case. If they are far-sighted enough, they would have seen through the trick easily. Indians are more open to PAS and Malays to DAP than Chinese with PAS. To change one's fate, one has to collaborate with others. Perhaps it is high time to write about the kiasi and short-sightedness of Malaysian Chinese. Should add one more term too : "Not Pragmatic".

Terima Kasih dan Syabas Rakyat Malaysia !

Poster from mob1900 -> Barisan Rakyat: Terima-Kasih & Syabas!

Looks like the results are starting to appear. It is time to see how the People's Power works. No matter what the results are, congratulations to all elected ones. Thank you as well for those who blogged in Malaysiakini .

Syabas Kawan-kawan Semua ......

Malays , Chinese , Indians United ! Bersatulah Rakyat Malaysia !

We must remember to take care of the Elections Commission Chief Tan Sri Rashid Abdul Rahman after this on the last minute indelible ink cancellation.

To Be Fair To PAS, DAP, PKR : Divide and Rule Strategy

I found out part of my article PAS, Samy, Hindu Temple Demolition was published on Husam Musa's (of PAS) blog. Husam Musa made a copy of an original article from Anak Bapa blog : PAS dan Isu Kebebasan Beragama (PAS and the Issue of Religious Freedom)

Husam Musa's article : http://www.husammusa.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=365

Much has been promoted in the mainstream media on PAS being an intolerant party. PAS has been terribly tarnished by certain parties without much chance to redeem themselves in the eyes of the public. Are those who tarnished PAS as a 100% intolerant Islamist group the same parties that tarnished DAP as a 100% intolerant chinese chauvinist group and PKR as a 100% party made only for Anwar? Who is the main power behind all these things gets the most advantage from doing all that? These are questions that we should ponder.

Teresa Kok just held a press conference slamming a mainstream press who twisted her words. Allegedly, the press tried to put this DAP candidate against PAS on ethics. Teresa Kok did not even utter any form of statements on PAS during her campaigning. According to her blog , she is considering legal action on this mainstream local press if an official apology is not given for putting words in her mouth.


On PAS
Somebody created the impression that PAS is very intolerant towards other religions. However, the biggest Buddha statue in South East Asia is in Kelantan, a state controlled by PAS. How can that be happening if PAS is intolerant? PAS could have actually demolished it 18 years back when it first assumed control. Besides that, PAS did not declare any fatwa to disallow any contruction of worship places of other religions. PAS even gave out permits. Even Hindraf leader, Uthayakumar, who is born in Kelantan said he does not bear any grudges with PAS because PAS does not tear down Hindu temples in gangster-like manners. PAS Chairman of national unity, Mujahid Yusof Rawa disagrees with violent treatment and proposes diplomacy on temple issues. Pork is still on sale in Kelantan for non-Muslims. Males and females swim in the same swimming pool. People regardless of gender queue up in the same line. PAS did not do any keris waving with questionable remarks on non-Muslims. In fact, PAS feel that it is not the right thing to do. So, how could PAS be considered as intolerant if all these are happening?


It is indeed strange that Chinese and Indians in Kelantan can speak better Bahasa Melayu than their counterparts in West Malaysia. In fact, Kelantanese are more engaged in muhibbah (racial harmony) than West Malaysia. Visit Kelantan and see it for yourself.


On DAP
As for DAP, Somebody painted them as chauvinistically chinese. However, everybody forgot that Lim Guan Eng went to jail for a case during the course of helping a Malay lady. If Saudara Lim is from DAP and DAP is only for chinese then how could that happen? Certain people abused NEP to enrich their cronies. Common poor and working class Malays are marginalised because of such abuse. If DAP is criticising NEP because of that, how can they be considered as chinese-chauvinist? DAP has been exposing issues on corruption for years. Corruption is destroying Malaysia. Majority Malays and Indians being the poorest in Malaysia will suffer if the economy goes down because of corruption. If that is the case, how can DAP be regarded as chauvinist and not patriotic? If DAP people wanted to make money, they could have joined the fray as a crony party of this Big National party but why didn't they do it?


On PKR
Somebody even painted that PKR is a party created specifically for Anwar Ibrahim. Before his release from jail, Somebody said PKR was maintained as part of the Free Anwar movement. After his release, Somebody said PKR is only for Anwar to further his ambitions and nothing else. I feel disgusted with such tagging by Somebody. It is of course not 100% the fault of Somebody. Malaysians are equally stupid to easily believe in such low IQ rethoric.

Now, why are Malaysians foolish? Consider this. PKR is not a small party. It has an NGO president in the form of MTUC president Syed Shahir. There are people who quit Barisan Nasional to join PKR. If the party is made specifically "just for Anwar", don't you think it will be impossible to get NGOs for working society to join in. The NGO could have chosen to join Barisan Nasional. Don't you think it is silly that people would quit a lucrative party to join a less lucrative party to further only the ambition of a person who is not even their relative.

The fact that certain Malaysians believe such a twisted branding by Somebody on PKR is certainly intriguing.

Conclusion
The main aim of such consistent painting of false impression on PAS , DAP and PKR is part of the divide-and-rule strategy.

It is a strategy to compartmentalise voting groups into race and religion. Non-Muslims are made to be suspicious on PAS. Muslims are made to be careful on DAP. Mapping Anwar as being the sole figure of PKR is an attempt to totally get both Muslims and non-Muslims to shy away from PKR.

Will the strategy work? It may work in mixed races areas if Malaysians choose to be foolish and believe in such silly rethorics.

Malaysians - Malays, Chinese and Indians should wake up and realise that their enemies are not themselves but Corruption, Mismanagement and People who Divide-and-Rule them.

Blaming race and religion will get us nowhere. Blaming Malays, Chinese, Indians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Christians will get us nowhere. Ask the leadership who is in control of the information and we may get an answer.
___________________________________________________

Meanwhile, another story apart from the above is published in Malaysiakini titled : BN lambasted for racial campaign in Klang .

Excerpt: MCA’s campaign of ‘Chinese vote for Chinese’ has angered DAP’s Charles Santiago who wants the race factor to be kept out of the polls.

Election 2008 : Kelab Maya Barisan Rakyat

The Big Day of Election 2008 is 1 week away. I was reading updates from Malaysiakini and Malaysia Today. I noticed an important comment on the Malaysia Today Trapped in a pickle of their own making :
________________________________________________________________________
written by shamadz72, February 29, 2008 13:48:02
Up until today, I have managed to print and distribute around 2,500 opposition flyers. Personally, I have distribute around 700 pamphlets and the rest was distributed by other netters who have personally emailed me to help me with the distribution. I would like to personally thank mr. Rajan who has volunteered to help distributing 400 pamphlets.

Anyway, I already started to have a back ache due to the task of preparing the pamphlets and today another bad news happened. My photocopy machine a Ricoh Alfio 200 started to run out of toner. So I will just have to depend on my faithful Canon LBP2900 mono laser jet printer to do the task until I can get my photocopy toner by next week.

Nevertheless, today I got another encouraging support while distributing the flyers at Giant Puchong. One Chinese chaps call me from behind. I thought surely someone is not happy considering that I am distributing it close to Gerakan Office and he probably want to warn me from distributing what he might consider as his turf. To my surprise with one hand holding my flyers, he give me a thumbs up with another hand. It is a small gesture but this kind of good gesture from other Malaysian really give me strength to carry on. As for those who want to volunteer distributing the pamphlets, please email me shamadz72@yahoo.com.my. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and for those who want to download and distribute themselves, please refer to http://www.bahankempen.com .

There are tons of fact on corruption, statistic figures on crime, petrol charges and tol charges. You can always use any editing software to edit the pamphlets to suit your target readers.

Ok guys. Let us keep up our good work and together we reclaimed back this country!
________________________________________________________________________

I opened up http://www.bahankempen.com/ and saw this statement :

"Daripada Kelab Maya Barisan Rakyat: Kebenaran yang terserlah…untuk menghantar bahan kempen, sila emailkan kepada bahankempen@yahoo.com "

Go to the bottom right side of the page. There are plenty of distributable items there, either by mail or in physical printed form.

Ladies and gentleman, it seems someone has taken the initiative to do something for the nation ! Syabas, Shamadz72 ! People, please help out with something as simple as this - View them before distributing.

Malays, Chinese, Indians Unite ! Barisan Rakyat - PKR , DAP , PAS !

Meanwhile, I found myself shortlisted by MyCen News ( http://www.mycen.com.my/malaysia/election2008.html ) in the "Socio-Political Blogs / Bloggers / Commentary" category. Check it out.

Nomination Day for Teresa Kok (Seputeh) in Sri Petaling

Nomination Day was on Sunday, 24th February 2008. I was cordially invited by my friends to record and support Democratic Action Party (DAP). DAP is part of the Barisan Rakyat group comprising a few political parties that endorsed the People's Declaration to serve the country and all its people.

The documents on the People's Declaration can be viewed here. Haris Ibrahim and the People's Parliament are behind this meaningful initiative:

1) The People's Voice and The People's Declaration (online version)
2) The People’s Voice (PDF version )
3) The People’s Declaration (PDF version)
4) Piagam Rakyat (PDF version)
5) The People’s Declaration (Mandarin) (PDF version)

Hidup Barisan Rakyat! On 23rd February 2008 (a day before normination), representatives from various political parties (PKR, DAP, PAS etc.) had agreed and accepted the document in the Blog House, Damansara. Malaysiakini made a video recording on the historical event as well.

These are the pictures taken from Bandar Baru Sri Petaling .....



People started to gather around 7 a.m. Flags, caps and banners were distributed to everyone.


Teresa Kok's banner. People were making sure everything is ready before moving. "Jom, Ubah!" is the slogan on the banner.


The leading car started to move. As you can see everyone was enjoying themselves. The crowd threaded the car.


The crowd walked towards the nomination center. Flags were raise and cars on the road honked in support while supporters exclaimed slogans on "Change!" and "Support DAP!".


The "cheerleader" of the day. He looked experienced.


The entourage reached the nomination Sri Petaling Community Hall which functioned temporarily as the nomination center. The 2 aunties were holding DAP's emblem for Election 2008. Nomination time started at 8.00 a.m.


Teresa Kok's representative for submission of nomination. She was being interviewed by the mainstream media. There was another man meeting the officer with this lady in turquoise shirt. He moved ahead already.


Supporters waited for the procedures to complete. Objection period was from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.


View from the other side. MCA is fielding its lady candidate, Carol Chew Chee Lin, 27.


The job was completed. The representatives returned. Now everything is set for the Big Day 8th March 2008. It is Woman vs Woman on International Women's Day ! I hope the ladies will ask Pak Lah why the election was arranged to coincide with the International Women's Day.


DAP T-shirt on Loving and Saving Malaysia.


The DAP emblem and motto for Election 2008.


Event Published in Malay Mail
Malay Mail reported Teresa and Carol run for Seputeh . According to the Malay Mail: “She (Teresa Kok) doesn’t care about the people in Seputeh. She’s not even here today,” remarked several supporters of the BN at the centre.

Now, why wasn't Teresa in Seputeh. That was because she had to present herself in Kinrara for the State Seat candidate nomination.

Teresa's performance in the Parliament was brilliant. She voiced out on many matters for the community such as the nude squat issue, the highway in Sri Petaling affecting the nearby houses, the muhibbah road signboard issue, land issues, etc. etc. There were aunties who told me she sometimes would visit markets in the morning, speak with the people and ask them if there are any community issues that need to be solved.

She did all that even though her schedule was packed. Alfred Ho, the Visually-Impaired but Famous Singer oficially joined Democratic Action Party because Teresa was the only one who took the initiative to meet him.

The Seputeh community would understand that the time and date of the nomination runs in parallel all over Malaysia. It does not matter if she is "here" for the nomination. The most important thing is, she is always "here" in the Seputeh area when the people needed her as exemplified by my writings above. The contributions are always more important.

Will MCA be "there" for the community when the keris is waved with sensitive remarks spoken? Wasn't MCA the one who said it was acceptable by the Malaysian community? The least of all PKR, DAP and even PAS were "there" to discourage it.

I call for people of Seputeh to give Teresa your votes based on her good performance in the constituency. I call for people of Kinrara to give a chance to Gobind Singh (DAP , Parliamentary - Puchong) and Teresa (DAP, State - Kinrara).

Cikgu Ahmad (PAS candidate, Seri Serdang) paid a visit to Gobind and Teresa during nomination. Best wishes to Cikgu Ahmad as well.

People, please vote for Barisan Rakyat in Election 2008 ( PKR , DAP , PAS ) . There will not be any three-cornered fights. There will only be an opposition against a BN candidate at each seat.