2008-04-08

Don't let heart rule mind, Pakatan


Apr 9, 08 9:43am


vox populi big thumbnail'It should allow its component parties to settle down among themselves first before attempting to wrest the federal government BN.




On Defections – Why Pakatan should wait



Sri Arjuna Dewata: My frank opinion is that Paktan should not do it immediately. Pakatan should let the mind overrule the heart; let wisdom overcome greed. It should allow its component parties to settle down among themselves first as they smoothen the rough edges by giving adequate space and time for each other to interact with each other and operate comfortably.



Pakatan should also allow enough time for Umno to burn itself down as much as possible as key power brokers unleash mutual hatred, jealousy, and disclose each other's sins. Just give Umno one year to complete this process. Pakatan then would be walking on the ashes of Umno. What would be left then would only be too eager join Pakatan component parties.



So my advice to Pakatan is to not be in a hurry and go for two bites instead of one. It is safer and more secured. Good luck!



Oddpapa: Malaysia has been under BN rule for 50 years unlike US where the ruling party changes between Republican and Democrat every two terms. Both parties there have the experience of running the White House.



Pakatan does not have the experience of running the federal government except for Anwar. Pakatan should not be overly ambitious and bite off more than they can chew. Denying BN their 2/3rds is a good start. Work on the state governments to gain experience and make a charge for the federal government after a few terms. Pakatan generals should not make a charge only to find that there is no army or an incapable army behind them.



The Silent Rakyat: I think Anwar and company need to behave themselves. This type of party- hopping will only encourage corruption to happen. My advice to them is to concentrate on proving to the rakyat that they meant it when they said they would fight corruption.



Charli88: If it's meant to be for PR to take charge of the federal government, then no matter what, it'll happen. If PR is just, sincere and compassionate in taking care of all Malaysians, PR will naturally one day take charge of the federal government.



Nature's laws will always prevail. Be patient! There’s no hurry! Just do whatever you are supposed to do for all Malaysians and your turn will come.



Disgusted Voter: Pakatan should go all out to form the federal government. Simply because there might not be a second chance. BN has so ingrained in us that only they can govern and there is still residual fear that abrupt change is bad and it has to be gradual, etc, etc. But that will allow BN time to change laws and procedures and implement unfair practices to deny Pakatan anymore chances.



I, for one, would like to see the slate wiped clean and all corrupt and inefficient cronies thrown into jail for any misdeeds that they might have done and those less capable swept aside. Asking for a gradual change is to allow the second best to hang on and allow them more time to shred more documents.



James Koh: Yes, definitely. Pakatan should go for the federal government because the current law allows for it. But why does the current law allow for it and who was responsible for this law? It is none other than BN. When it was advantageous for BN to have the opposition members hopping over to join BN (particularly in Sabah, during PBS time), they encouraged it. Even though the opposition cried foul on this law, BN refused to heed their cry.



I say, let's give BN a taste of its own medicine. Take over the federal government first and amend the law later. Of course, it is an unfair practice but BN was never fair to the opposition and refused to amend this law in spite of numerous complaints from the opposition. So for the time being, let's play it the BN way. Take over the federal government first, then amend the law later. We amend it because Pakatan are democratic and fair to the people.



Theowl: PR should consider going for the federal government and do it when the opportunity arises any time within this year. With the internal strife among the component parties of the BN, it is really easy to enroll many of them to join the PR. With control over the federal government, they will have the authority to implement changes. Imagine the taxed revenue, the Petronas funds, etc. A huge amount to carry out projects to benefit the rakyat instead of seeing it being squandered away on overpriced projects/contracts and other corrupt schemes.




Remove OSA, ISA, free the press and introduce and implement numerous changes such as the Freedom of Information Act so that no corrupt schemes are possible in the future. As for the running and managing the whole country, it should not depend entirely on people from either the PR and BN. Manage the country like an MNC controlling its global empire, with proper corporate governance systems. Of course, minor leakages are unavoidable due to human weaknesses.




On Syariah lawyers back action on khalwat against non-Muslims



Joseph Raj: Islam is a great religion that's why 1.3 billion people are Muslims. I am sure Islam preachers equality for people of all races and religious faiths. The Syariah lawyers should not be advocating for equality to be dished out to non-Muslims only when it comes to punishment but also for many others issues of double standards that non-Muslims are subjected to in Malaysia.



Then, I think, most non-Muslims will have admiration and faith not only in these Syariah lawyers but only in their laws.



Fergus Ong: The PGSM's position that khalwat charges can be placed on non-Muslims because it infringes a Rukun Negara principle is laughable. Anyone who confuses the Rukun Negara with legislation can hardly be taken seriously. So perhaps we can start pressing charges against Malaysian atheists? That would be an even stronger premise, right PGSM?



Arah: I believe there are advantages and disadvantages if this law is imposed. But it is not fair to enforce our beliefs on others so it is better for this khalwat law remain for Muslims only and we should not disturb the rights of the non-Muslims. This can create more differences among the Malays and non-Malays.



These bunch of lawers should look at both sides of the coin before they speak out on anything. The Rukun Negara is made up of holy words which they can take as a reference and force the people to follow. This is what the Taliban tried on others and the world has witnessed the results. Don’t allow the Americans and excuse to interfere in our home matters. Let the non-Muslims have their own rights as before.




Jane: I see the guardians of public morality are coming out of the woodwork. Might I suggest they crawl back into their dark holes while the rest of us get on with the more urgent matter of living.



Just imagine how much we could get accomplished as a nation if these self-styled guardians stopped harping about the morality - or lack thereof - of the rest of us and put their brains to work on more important things.



SV: I find this is totally unacceptable. First of all, Why should the non-Muslims be charged at all.



From what I know, the Syariah law is only for Muslims. The Muslims adopt Syariah law due to their belief in Islam and committing khalwat is a offence in Islam but it is not a offence for any of the non-Muslims religions.



Charging a non-Muslin for committing khalwat with a Muslim partner is indirectly forcing a non-Muslims to accept Islam as their religion. We are been thought to respect each other as human beings and follow the civil law .The civil law is not based on any religious laws and beliefs.



I also suggest that the relevant parties first educate those Muslims who are drinking alcohol, gambling and committing zina before they attempt to charge non-Muslims for khalwat. Of all the nerve.




On MPs with exco posts: A case of political greed?



Tan Soo Huat: When these people contested parliaments and state seats, they were not sure of getting elected overnight. There is nothing to blame as nobody could foresee the political tsunami. Now that they are elected at both levels, they feel they can serve at both levels. Why not let them do it and get the rakyat to judge them come the next time? For the time being, please do not make premature assumptions.



Teo Chuen Tick: I would like to give them the benefit of doubt. Yes, I believe one ought to be only either an MP or a state assembly person , what more with an exco post. Well, they can shortchange their constituents for at most one term only. Given the maturity of our electorate now, I am sure all non-performing elected officials will be shown the door in five years time.



Yow Lop Siaw: Without prejudice whatsoever, I would urge that those elected representatives who hold multiple portfolios to structure a team of capable people who can assist in looking after their constituencies effectively. This view is based solely on the fact that these YBs may not have sufficient time to do so. Even with a team of good people assisting, these YBs should also work out a schedule whereby they can avail themselves for specific ‘meet-the-people’ sessions.



Ideally speaking, if the Adun under your parliamentary constituencies are also Pakatan representatives, these ‘meet-the-people’ events should be done together so that local and national matters can be addressed jointly.




On PM Blames saboteurs for BN setback



Chuacj: He is still playing the blame game. He had all the BN machinery and wasted our money and now comes out with all these excuses. Do we still want to support this type of government? Umno (BN) is an outdated party where they are still thinking along the race line.



Did you read this: ‘Although microphones were there but when it came to the Q&A portion, Muhd Taib said that Abdullah's clarification was very good and asked if the Q&A session could be scrapped’.



If you can't laugh, probably you are too sad that we have such ministers. It is okay, let’s forget them and move ahead with Pakatan Rakyat.




On Dr M: Vote for him and you'll destroy Umno


Richard Teo: As an elderly respected former prime minister of our country he has certainly overstepped the boundaries of a statesman who should spend the twilight of his retirement away from the limelight of the current political turmoil. The former premier has once again exhibited his stubborn, recalcitrant character of imposing his views and thoughts on members of his once Umno party.



This Grand Old Man of Malaysian politics should have been aware that the present political turmoil is the result of his legacy which his successor inherited from him. Therefore for every finger he points at the PM, there are ten fingers pointing back at him. Abdullah Ahmad Badawi could have been the greatest prime minister Malaysia ever had if only he had grasped the opportunities Mahathir presented to him.



Mahathir's 22-year legacy left every institution in the country either tainted or in tatters. All Abdullah had to do was expose and reform. Instead of formulating remedial strategy to overcome them he chose to ignore them with impunity.It was not a deliberate strategy but a truthful admission of his incompetency.



Mahathir did not make a mistake in choosing his successor. He knew very well Abdullah's capabilities but still chose him because he would have a lesser person to compare with his own legacy.



Charles Leong: I am also very concern about the incompetencies of Pak Lah’s leadership. He should listen to all Malaysians that say he is really incapable of running this country. I do not feel at all good about his administration. Pak Lah, please do the right thing - resign now.



Manjit Singh: Perhaps it is high time Abdullah called Mahathir’s bluff and launched an international investigation into all the alleged misdeeds of Mahathir during his 22 years in office, with Anwar Ibrahim as the first key witness.



Mahathir already made his move by organising forums, first in Hotel Singgahsana and second in Pandan, Kuala Lumpur. He started re-gaining supporters because he is worried he might be pulled in to the courts for his abuse of power and corruption done during his 22 years. If he gains strong Umno support, it will be hard for Abdullah to charge this him.



We hope that the rest of the Malaysians will not forget that easily that this man is accountable for the judiciary problem in Malaysia.



Aaron Yap: Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the nation gave you four years to deliver the goods and lead the nation with integrity and trust but indeed you’ve failed all of us in every way. So may I ask you, Mr PM, how much more time do we need to give you? Is it five years, 10 years or maybe we shall put it at another 50 years for you so that it’ll be enough for you to carry out those reforms this nation needs so badly?



Mr PM, the fate of the 26 million people of this country is much more important than the personal agenda of a minority group out there - please seriously consider this, sir!




On Old BN gone, Abdullah won't last



CH Ong: I agree with Ooi Kee Beng that Abdullah Ahmad Badawi won't last long as our prime minister. However before he retires, either willingly or not, there are two deeds that he can do which will at least make Malaysians remember him with the utmost respect and fondness.



Firstly he should use the ISA to send Mahathir to Kamunting. The way Mahathir has been insulting him publicly, he should find this first task very pleasurable. Then at the next sitting of Parliament, he should table a bill to have the ISA repealed, which will then make Mahathir the last person ever to be incarcerated under the ISA. With the full support of PRK-DAP-PAS, he should have no problem carrying out this second task.



Tan Soo Huat: Change, change and change, it is easier said than done. After the political tsunami on March 8, everybody seems to talk about change but in reality there are no changes yet on the part of BN and its components. Umno has deteriorated into factional fighting while MCA isn't any better. I would think that these parties will have to take up the fallen path of Kuomintang in Taiwan; losing power before gaining power again.



Ooi's vision of a forced transformation by market forces cannot work because the party structure is simply too rotted - it cannot be dismantled slowly but can be torn down without problem.




On Hindu temples hit by 'cabinet ban'



Peter Yew: This appears to be a systematic way to 'punish' the Indian community or make them kneel and beg for mercy. I find this very loathsome and despicable because there is obvious mistreatment of the community. I don't suppose the people will believe MIC can do anything nor that the BN government really cares for all races. If it has to come to this, I think the MIC must seriously consider leaving BN if it cannot be given the respect of representing the Indian community.



Joe: Who are you (cabinet or minister in charge) to tell the Indians to get the builders locally? How many such expert builders do you know? The local Indians go to India to learn and become expert musicians, priest and temple builders. Nevertheless, the number of such people is still too small and does yet not meet the required number.



Also, take note that no matter how well trained we local are, the Indians from India have these skills in their blood and are the best for these jobs. Until the time comes when local are good enough, I strongly feel the cabinet should stop playing smart on deciding how the Indians should build their temples because you ain't paying a single sen for those temples. I know how you (the federal government) feels- you have been hit hard after March 8. The wise thing to do is to repent by praying more, not stop temple building.



EK Lim: On the one hand we have a situation of excessive foreign workers crowding our cities while at the same time there is unemployment and under-employment of the displaced Indian estate workers and school dropouts.



On the other hand here we are crying out for skills imported from India for priests, musicians and temple builders. MIC should have worked together with Human resources Ministry to have a programme to send these people for training to ensure a constant supply of such skills locally.


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