Umno deserve the PP BN chairmanship?

Repeating demand by umno Pulau Pinang (PP) for the chairmanship of state BN has made Gerakan frustrated again. The state Gerakan express their disatisfaction earlier after the umno highest authority decided to remove the suspension order of one penang umno division head recently. The man was suspended after local chinese dailies reveal his racial remarks towards chinese community during the Permatang Pauh by-election. The simple logic for the demand was, Gerakan and MCA is powerless at state and BN need to be re-organised to face the 13th GE. If state Umno’s demand authorised then the party will lead for the overall state strategy to face the next GE. If it is concluded with the victory then umno is entitle to lead the state administration.

I don’t deny umno’s capability while mca and gerakan as become tootless but the way umno demand for chairmanship since Lim Chong Eu defeated in 1990 general election is unacceptable from BN perspective even to penangites. Present Malaysian political environment is not very much convenient for either political coalitions to demand over the board. The fact that no sound minded voters will deny, is the continuous demand and pestering by umno for the state chairmanship was among the factor for the defeat in last general election. The more umno pester for the position the more penangites will distanced their self from BN especially the non-malay voters.

Having more seats compare to other component members is not a good justification since umno, mca, gerakan did not stand as individual party during the general election. Who have more seats in components is not an issue but BN component members must prove to voters their leadership is commited to 1Malaysia concept otherwise the whole effort will be seen as hidden propaganda by umno just to regain the lost political ground. I believe its much better for BN to conclude this umno’s drama and seal it forever.

Speak Logic and Legalistic

It’s almost 21 months after 2008 GE. Thousands of promises given on pre-election campaign by both parties but many was not ful-filled due to various reason. Not to deny, certain promises delivered such as free 20 gallon water for consumer and more transparent by SELANGOR state government. While the level of transparency by present state rulling party is much greater than before, there are still room to improve.

Last week I went back to my home town, Pulau Pinang. I was there for four days and generally people sound very supportive to the state government irrespective of race of religion. But then I did meet a group of people who expressed their disatisfaction towards un-fulfill promises by state ruling and opposition party. A middle age man said, “they promised to hold the Local Council Election but now in mute mode.” Many promises given only left on paper due to the legal implications. The failure to walk the talk has disappointed many who bought the pre-election promises [from both parties] without second thought.

I remember Y.B.Rayer promised to remove the toll collection for Penang Bridge on his pre-election campaign. His promises was unrealistic since only federal government can decide on toll collection for penang bridge. The question was how he can promise to remove the toll collection when he was not standing for parliament seat? When I went to Island from Butterworth, I was forced to pay RM1.40 for my motor bike. Instead mislead the voters, Rayer as a lawyer shall speak logic and legalistic. Now many voters have no other choices other than to swallow the unrealistic promises.

(Even though the disatisfaction was expressed but when I put a question of their choices for next general election they still prefer the present state ruling party which I conclude impossible for Gerakan to take over the state in near future)

RM1700 Monthly Pay for Estate Workers?

It's really joke of the day and the joker is Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok. He told Parliament on Oct 19 that the net income of a oil palm harvester is about RM1,700 and a rubber tapper’s salary is about RM870 a month. If this is true than I don't think our Malaysian will moved out to urban area looking for better employement. Many Indians who was loyalist to estate employer should be having luxury life if the number's given by minister is true. Hope Sungai Siput MP Dr.D.Jeyakumar can arrange a tour studies to estates to give better exposure to our MP's. If our MP's can fly to Taiwan for agriculture studies why not they have the same tour studies to estate's for better understanding on living conditions of our employee's.

Old Friends - But Really Good Shot

The snap was really good. Let the peole have a look on this photo. Parlimentarians really have a good time during the parliment sitting then why should the supporters bickering each others for 24hrs? Hope Muhyiddin will not have a fear after having a look on this photo.

N3:Kota Siputeh

High Court declares N3 Kota Siputeh state seat in Kedah held by umno/bn Datuk Abu Hassan Sarif vacant and the instruction was given to EC to call for the fresh poll. The declaration will bring the political hot spot back to the centre of the debate on who has the people’s support. Based on GE 2008, N3 was won by umno/bn representative with the slim majority 495 votes compared to 2004 election where the same candidate won with 1573 votes. While Bagan Pinang by-election, saw the PR was defeated with bigger majority it will not be the same situation in N3. The situation in Kedah was totally different where umno stand very weak after the humiliation defeat in last GE which saw umno lost the power in Malay heartland. Even though its too early to predict who will be defeated but these contest is equally important to determine who will lead the road to Putrajaya in coming GE.

MCA are heading to mass destruction

Extremely sick with MCA political drama. Latest script was from Dr.Chua Soi Lek. He said he is ready to hand over MCA deputy president post to Liow Tiong Lai with condition he personally request to him. In other words Dr.Chua saying, Liow come and kiss my foot and the rest I will leave it to you. The whole drama now can be concluded as power struggle among the 3 MCA leaders. They are not bother about their members aspiration for the party. The power struggle in MCA will not end at near time. It will pro-long until the MCA collapse totally. If George Bush junior was the most weakest leader in American history, Ong Tee Keat, Chua Soi Lek and Liow Tiong Lai can be concluded the worst leaders in MCA. They has come to the point, for the sake of position "they will do any thing." Grub party number one title is more than everything for them. What they don't understand is - MCA are heading to mass destruction. When they realised, it will be too late to save the party.

U-Turns shows Inconsistency

1st U-turn – Ong Tee Keat refused to step down after the delegates rejected his decision to sack Dr.Chua Soi Lek. Initially he said will step down if he lost the votes in EGM.

2nd U-turn – Registrar of Sociecty issued a letter saying Dr.Chua Soi Lek is a legal Deputy President but silent on Liow Tiong Lai status who was appointed as Deputy President by the Central Committe after Dr.Chua was removed. Initially ROS said they will not interfere.

3rd U-turn – Ong Tee Keat and Dr.Chua Soi Lek take up the hatchet. They can’t see each others face to face but now they shake hand and pretending nothing happen. Both of them join hand to face the 3rd Force lead by Liow Tiong Lai [the shortest Deputy President if the ROS decision is legally accepted by MCA members]

4th U-turn – Ong Tee Keat strategies his plan to remove Dr.Chua Soi Lek based on support from Liow, Dr. Wee Ka Siong and Chew Mei Fun but then he understood they was behind the 3rd Force. Ong Tee Keat made a biggest U-turn against 3rd Force leaders for his political survival.

Snippet

I can add many more U-turns which shows the inconsistency of decision makers in MCA. The whole episode now sound a good jokes of the kopitiam which really make the delegates look and sound fool of the day. Ong Tee Keat and Dr.Chua Soi Lek might bury the hatchet but they will not be able to have a reconcilitation in longer period. They will back stab each other once the 3rd Force threat silent. The most important matter is not who are in party corridor of power but will this team get the endorsement from party delegate and chinese community? Will other Malaysian accept the MCA drama? Will they be able to win the voters? Ong Tee Keat might win this drama with best actor award but he have lost the reputation and confidence not only from chinese community but Malaysian overall.

28 October 2009, Perak State Assembly.

[updated/edited: 29102009 at 11:33] Legislative, Executive and Judiciary is a components with equal status in democratic system. If either of this component failed to perform the other will be in-effective especially in Westminster democratic system. Each component were interconnected in term of his members except for judiciary and will work hand to hand as check and balance for each others.

The principal of democratic system in Perak is in greater danger since the three YB’s from Pakatan Rakyat defect and declared as an independent YB. Since then Perak State assembly became laughing stock for Commonwealth members. The people’s and state interest was not taken into considerations since the so-called people’s representatives are more concern about their political power. BN and PR have equal representatives while the three YB’s status in limbo since High Court have granted leave for YB Sivakumar appeal on EC jurisdiction to decide whether the constituency has vacated or otherwise.

Today BN MB with BN Speaker has tendered Perak bajet for 2010. The bajet was approved by BN YB’s in 30 minutes after the meeting started without going through the details and then the assembly was adjourn indefinitely. Concurrently PR MB with PR Speaker have proposed three resolutions and was accepted by PR YB’s and then the assembly was adjourn indefinitely. Two Speakers have run the assembly concurrently. Don’t this look silly?

Dear leaders [both BN & PR] please put the political interest aside and look for the people’s and state interest. I think the best remedy for Perak political turmoil is the state fresh election. Let’s put a pull stop to this drama.

By Election in P.115 Batu?

[edited 13:14 / 22102009] YB Chua Tian Chang was found guilty by magistrate court fines RM3,000 and jailed 6 month. The charge was biting a policeman and preventing the discharge of his duties. Any how he said will appeal to higher court. YB Chua is PKR strategic director defeated Lim Sin Pin from Gerakan with majority 9,455 votes in 2008 election. There is three possibilities;

i. YB Chua will appeal; higher court might revoke the magistrate court decision and freed him;

ii. Higher Court might retain the magistrate decision to jail him but reduce the fined less than RM2000 to avoid another by-election;

iii. For strategic matter, YB Chua might not appeal instead decided to go to jail to show to the world the injustice to opposition members.

If possibility no iii comes true then P.115 Batu will have the by-election and for sure PKR will retain the seat with bigger majority.

Tan Sri Athi Nahapan

[Edited: 09:20 / 22102009] Tan Sri Athi Nahapan mendapat pendidikan awal di Bukit Mertajam High School, Pulau Pinang. Selepas Perang Dunia Kedua pada 1947, ketika berusia 22 tahun beliau mula berkhidmat sebagai wartawan di dalam beberapa buah akhbar Tamil. Athi Nahapan merupakan wartawan malahan penyunting termuda yang pernah berkhidmat di akhbar Tamil Nesan ketika itu.

Ahti Nahapan merupakan tokoh pemimpin India yang terkenal di kalangan masyarakat lantaran sumbangan besarnya di dalam MIC. Pada tahun 1974 beliau telah diberikan kepercayaan oleh Tun Abdul Razak Perdana Menteri ketika itu untuk memegang portfolio sebagai Timbalan Menteri Undang-Undang.

Dua tahun kemudian iaitu pada 1976, ketika negara dipimpin oleh Tun Hussein Onn sebagai Perdana Menteri, Athi Nahapan diberi kepercayaan yang lebih besar apabila dilantik sebagai Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri mengendalikan hal-ehwal perundangan dan kehakiman.

Selain dari penglibatan langsung dalam politik dan kabinet negara, Athi Nahapan turut memberi sumbangan dalam Badan Bukan Kerajaan. Misalnya semasa dalam proses pembentukan Malaysia, beliau turut dipilih sebagai Pemerhati kepada Suruhanjaya Cobbold. Beliau juga pernah menjadi wakil dalam Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu bersama Tun Dr.Ismail sebagai Federal Capital Advisory Board dan juga sebagai Pengerusi PEMADAM.

Sumbangan beliau yang amat menyerlahkan adalah apabila beliau dilantik sebagai Pengerusi Royal Commission bagi sebarang permohonan perkhidmatan awam Malaysia. Semasa memegang jawatan ini beliau telah menyediakan sebuah laporan yang kemudian dikenali sebagai “Athi Nahapan Report” dalam empat jilid yang kemudian diterbitkan oleh Kerajaan Malaysia.

Malangnya penyertaan beliau dalam kabinet dan berkhidmat untuk negara hanya untuk sementara kerana dua bulan selepas dilantik sebagai Menteri, Athi Nahapan meninggal dunia akibar diserang penyakit jantung di hadapan penyokongnya ketika beliau diraikan di sebuah majlis.

Source: Buku Menteri-Menteri Malaysia 1955-2008

MCA second EGM?

WHY MCA should have second EGM when the delegate have send their message very clearly to both leaders? That was the laymen question for the proposal to have second EGM for delegates to decide whether MCA need fresh party election. Ong Tee Keat is the one who said, he will resign from party postion if the delegate reject his leadership but now he is making U-turn. Calling for second EGM will create chaos in party [now it self party in worst crisis. I believe worst than Ling Liong Sik vs Lim Ah Lek crisis] and the best is to call for fresh election. Let the delegate decide the faith and future of MCA. The best Ong Tee Keat can do is to honour his own words.

150 + 50 = Shut Down = Dato' Subra Supporters

DSSV said he will shut down 150 branches and 50 division since they are inactive in serving community. Shutter down for 150 branches and 50 division is not a small issues. The decision might increase the disatisfaction on DSSV leadership and backfired MIC in longer run. I believe the issue here is not about the inactive branches or division but a strategy to remove Dato' Subra (D'Subra) supporters in party. It has become an open secret that majority of the delegates have decided to go against DSSV when they openly voted for D'Subra and Dato Sothi's (D'Sothi) candidancy for MIC Deputy Presiden post. DGP win with slim majority and if this trend continue in next party election, Dato Subra have high chances even to win president post. Before it's too late, DSSV have no other option than clearing the delegate list by shutting down D'Subra supporting branches and division. Even though it will a very strategic decision but not an intelligence enough. With present situation removing D'Subra supporters will not help party to rejuvenate. DSSV and his Lieutenant will take party to worst crisis if the decision is implemented.

Happy Deepavali

Wishing you Happy Deepavali. May GOD bless you and your family.

Snippet – N31 Bagan Pinang

1. Congratulations to newly elected Y.B.Isa. Your personal touch with the voters was the major factor for the victory. Even though I doubt your service to the Indian community during your tenure in office, the Indian voters knew you far better than PAS candidate. PAS commentator said trying to take Bagan Pinang from you is equal to trying to recapture Permatang Pauh from Y.B.Anwar Ibrahim.

2. Well done for MIC and his youth but don’t over confident. The majority votes from the Indian’s dominated estate’s was not an endorsement for DSSV and MIC yet. Generally all this while many Indians have voted for BN not really because of party but to BN. Indians voted BN to support the Prime Minister’s leadership except for last year GE, they voted against BN in protest of MIC’s ineffectiveness and of course disatisfaction to umno. But I very much agreed with Dato’ G.Palanivel’s (DGP) statement that MIC was not the sole factor for the defections of Indian community to Pakatan Rakyat. Umno also must take the responsibility and don't point to MIC only.

3. Isa’s candidancy with the corruption record shows umno was desperate to win this by-election. Even though he win with 100% increased of majority yet the precedent has been recorded that those with tainted record still will be given second chance as far as they can win the seat. Even the voters have accepted the man with tainted record. In next GE we can expect Rahim Thamby Chik back as Y.B. and who know may be Mat Taib and it’s already proven the man which was suspended from party pool now is a state administrator. If all this guys can be given second chance then why not for Dr.Chua Soi Lek? The bigger question, is this is the image that umno/BN wanted to potrait?

4. It’s a good lesson for Pakatan Rakyat especially PAS. Many non-muslims have voted for PAS without second thought about their ideology but that not means the non-muslims will vote for PAS forever blindly. None of the political party in Malaysia will be able to win to form the federal or state government solely by depending to their own ethnic. To get the votes from multi-ethnic community the party was be relevant to all. Pakatan Rakyat must learn a lesson from this by-election.

5. Y.B.Isa was a Menteri Besar for Negeri Sembilan for 22 years. He has a good network at state and at certain extent to federal level. He was a federal minister before his resignations from government and party position. Many was shocked when he was taken out from state to federal and some believe its good for his political future since he was appointed as federal minister. (Some state level politicians who was moved to federal, got their appointment only as Parliament Secretary for Ministry) What is next move for Y.B.Isa? Will he be appointed as State EXCO member? If yes, will he make inroad to be next state Menteri Besar? If not appointed to State EXCO, will his lieutenant and soldier’s rebel to state umno administration especially present Menteri Besar? Present MB facing some challenges from state umno Y.B’s who was not in his camp and it was very obvius when he said, he will dissolve state assembly if any one of them defect to Pakatan Rakyat. It’s an open secret Y.B.Isa and his comander’s was not in good term with state administration and definitely his political rejuvenation will create new problem to state MB. Only GOD knew at this moment.

BN: Change your Non-Interference Policy

Everything went up and down after the announcement of MCA EGM result last saturday. MCA become leaderless. The Captain and his Commander lost their own set-up game. Any how I believe, Dr.Chua still win the game on a small portion even though the delegates refused to reinstate him back to party second position. He have the advantage to re-contest for President post if Central Council decided to call for fresh polls. Ong Tee Keat lost the game totally and morally I don’t think is right to aks for re-election. Close source said, Ong Tee Keat will announce his resignation soon.

MCA is equally important as other component party in BN and the leadership crisis in MCA is unlikely to be resolved before next general election. MCA need out side hand to resolve his leadership crisis. But who is this outsider? BN policy did not allow outsiders to interfere in components party matters even Prime Minister on his capacity as BN chairman. This is most tragic situation when the BN members cleary understood without MCA, BN will sink in next general election yet they can’t do anything due to the policy matters. Policy is man made and definitely the “political will” needed very much to change the policy. After number of years, BN have to revisit his “Non-Interference” policy so that the coalition can be stand relevant and pragmatic. Not only MCA need the interference but all the components needed it very much to change their outdates party policy.

Voters is the Real Sakti

Datuk G.Palanivel (DGP) in his blog said “Indians have an emotional link with the MIC. Tunku Abdul Rahman had once said, “ Even if there was only one Indian in the MIC, I would only talk to the MIC.” Unfortunately we no longer live in the era of leaders like the Tunku.”

Very much agreed with what you said DGP. Tunku is a state man and that was the reason why he dare to go against his party [umno] when he believe the party was failing the community. But definitely if Tunku is still around today he will not use the same phrase which you have mention in your blog. The simple logic is MIC have slipped from his ideology. From community based it has become an individualistic. Due to the power hunger and individualistik, the community have moved away from party and you have to accept the reality.

Young and educated generations refused to claim the ownership in mic and it’s sad we no longer live in the era of leaders like the late Mr. K.Ramanathan, the late Mr. K. L. Devaser, the late Tun V.T Sambanthan and the late Tan Sri Dato V. Manikavasagam. The real Sakti is voters and not party any more. Sorry to say, I don’t have any emotional link with MIC since the party become as personal property to Mr.President.

Note For MIC

MCA EGM has over but many was in shock including his chief Y.B.Ong Tee Keat. He lost in 2 resolution except to Dr.Chua's reinstatement as deputy president. While political analyst earlier predicted EGM will be do or die for either one of them none have mention both will sink. I believe delegates decided to remove both of them from corridor of power because they love party, loyalty was for the party and not to any individual. MCA delegates deserve the respect for their decision.

The question is what's next?

i. MCA President and his council members shall resign en-bloc and call for AGM so that the new election can be conducted. Let the new team drive MCA to face the future challenges. The crisis will not end here if only President resign. Since the delegates decided to endorse the removal of Dr.Chua Soi Lek as deputy president, party have no second leader to lead. It's impossible for the Vice President to run the party until the next party election.

ii. Y.B.Ong Tee Keat should decide whether he want to re-contest for the President post or resign from political arena. I believe he should not ask for re-contest. Opportunity given but he didn't play his role as a politicians. He dig his own political graveyard. Supposed he should give a due respect to the delegates decision who voted for Dr.Chua Soi Lek  but he failed and the rest is written with black pen in MCA history.

iii. If the council have decided to call for new election, I believe Dr.Chua Soi Lek will go for the president post and he might win the election.

Note for MIC

I extremely believe MIC delegates shall learn from MCA decision makers. The loyalty to party is more important than to president. MIC delegates was given an opportunity to reject the autoritarian rule in party but they failed and the consequence is Najib went to officiate another new Indian based political party. Shame we miss the chance to reject the autoritarian rule and safe the party.

N.31 Bagan Pinang – DO or DIE for MIC?

While umno are doing his best to win the Bagan Pinang with bigger majority the hidden consequence of this by-election is very much prevailing for MIC. Whether MIC still have a room to breath, relevant or otherwise will be proven in this state by-election. While DSSV have promised to deliver as many votes as possible the out come of Sunday polling will shows whether Indians have back to BN fold or remains as rebellion. If majority votes goes to BN box then DSSV will be saved temporarily. Any way if nothing goes wrong, BN will win with slim majority. Indians vote will back to BN maximum 45%. Logically it’s irrelevant to declare victory if anything less than 65% from Indians to MIC.

John A.Thivy

My first article was dedicated to John A.Thivy. He is the father for Malaysian Indians political struggle. He was the co-founder and 1st president of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC). MIC is one of the oldest political parties of Malaysia, established in August 1946. The original objective of MIC was to recruit Indians in Malaya to Indian National Army (INA). INA was formed by Subash Chandra Bose to end the British Colonial rule in India. After the second world war MIC leadership transformed his objective to represent the Indian community politically in the post war development of the Malaya. Even though today MIC has run far away from his objective yet historically no one can deny, MIC was formed to protect the Indians interest in this nation. Unfortunately from community interest MIC today was seen aligned to personal interest and community come second.