It is refreshing to hear some leaders from Barisan Nasional making sense in their statements for a change. Indeed, what they have said actually reflects general opinion that there should be fresh State elections in Perak.

Then again, perhaps these BN leaders are simply weary of the never-ending political imbroglio that seems to be quickly degenerating into a farce. Perhaps they are beginning to realise that something needs to be done desperately before the farce turns Malaysia into a joke in the international community.

I note that the sentiments reported in that article are only the personal views of the Deputy President of MCA and the Secretary-General of Gerakan. What are the parties’ official positions on the Perak issue?

One really wonders whether the leaders of BN component parties have the moral fibre to make their official views public even if they contradict those of the Prime Minister or Umno.

Indeed, I recall that the MCA President was once notoriously outspoken before he became President and a full minister in the cabinet. Perhaps he has too much at stake to publicly voice an opinion contrary to his political ‘big brother’. Similarly, what about the President of Gerakan? Is he prepared to make a public stand on the matter?

The question begging to be asked here is whether the component parties of Barisan Nasional are actually equal partners in government or are they simply junior partners that have to kowtow to the senior partner, Umno.

For the sake of Perak and Malaysia as a whole, I certainly hope that the leaders of all BN component parties will make a stand for the rakyat, speak up and do the right thing; i.e. table and support a motion at the next BN meeting for fresh State elections in Perak to resolve the constitutional stalemate once and for all.

It will be dark days ahead for Malaysia if citizens cannot speak up against undemocratic actions of the government. Sdr Wong Chin Huat, one of the spokespersons for Bersih was arrested earlier tonight at his house in Taman Sri Sentosa, Kuala Lumpur.

He has been taken to the Commercial Crimes Department HQ, where I believe lawyers Edmund Bon and Latheefa Koya are in attendance. For the rest of the news, check out the Malaysiakini article.

Personally, I received a couple of SMSes last week to wear black this Thursday, 7 May 2009, to protest the undemocratic takeover of the Perak government and call for fresh state elections. Frankly, I didn’t give much thought to it. But now, by hook or by crook, I’m gonna look for a black shirt that’s suitable for work on Thursday.

I know it was wishful thinking on my part when I asked whether Najib can perform miracles. Alas, it’s now blindingly obvious that Najib is not only incapable of changing a corrupt and autocratic government but he is so childish and sensitive that he can’t take the very clever play on his “1Malaysia: People First, Performance Now” slogan by Bersih.

All together now, “1BlackMalaysia: Democracy First! Elections Now!”

I read the news on the formation of the People’s Alliance (Pakatan Rakyat) with glee. Indeed, I am excitedly anticipating the ratification of the new political coalition by the respective parties’ leadership.

Whatever it is, this calls for a congratulatory message. It is not everyday we have something like this happen in Malaysia’s political landscape. Actually, the last time we witnessed such an event was almost a decade ago when Barisan Alternatif was formed prior to the 1999 general election.

This time round, the coaltion was formed after the so-called political tsunami of the 2008 general election. Hence, if we are to be objective and honest with ourselves, the new coalition of Pakatan Rakyat is only possible because of the wave of change brought about by the people’s power to vote and, in particular, their decision to start a new chapter in Malaysian politics.

Therefore, Pakatan Rakyat must recognise this fact and proceed cautiously and responsibly vis-à-vis the people’s hopes and dreams. Now, more than ever, the opposition must be clear and single-minded in their struggle for democracy and unity of this often divided nation.
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I think the initial reactions to the recent general election results would sound something like this:

“Wow! Holy s*@#!”
“Wahliao-eh!”
“Adoi!”

Whatever the language, the exclamations of shock or surprise are not negative – they are just expressions of amazement. Most people that I have spoke to are actually quite happy with the way the election has gone. However, with the favourable winds of change, the Barisan Rakyat will now have to manage it well for the next four or five years. Otherwise, we would have lost a golden opportunity to institutionalise good governance in this rich and beautiful country.

To follow up on my previous posting, I think a course in Change Management is necessary for all new elected representatives. I certainly do not presume to be an expert in the subject. However, I know enough of the subject to know that not only the politicians need to learn it, but the public servants and the rakyat also need to be aware of it.
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Many sceptical Malaysians often say that things will never change in Malaysia. In particular, these people are talking about the political landscape of Malaysia. Although I agree that it is extremely difficult to visualise Malaysian politics any other way, i.e. being dominated by Umno, I strongly believe that we can change things; otherwise, I wouldn’t bother being in a political party.

Party politics aside, many people say that it’s time to change. With all the crime, corruption, educational and environmental (physical, mental and spiritual) damage that Umno has perpetrated on Malaysia, it’s very clear to everyone that it is time for change in Malaysia. Indeed, many would say that change is overdue.
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