Sunday, March 16, 2008

We Are the BOSS

You already know the result of Malaysia's 12th general election - in brief - first simple majority in 50 years. But the rhetoric process does not end here. In fact, there are even more debates in mass media, so much so that we hardly know it really means. This is merely the first wave of "tsunami".

Say, if a well-known social-political writer would "mis-read the mood of the country...(12th general election) an epochal contest", what can normal rakyat can preceive, as one only chat about it over cup a of teh tarik?

So let's seized the moment in the words of some witty Malaysian columist and Yang Berhormat - while I can finish my teh tarik!

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"Without their two-thirds majority, the Bariasn MPs lose their free hand to amend the Constitution...it will be protected for at least four years..."

"Let there be no confusion between what teh Opposition chooses not to do and what they are simply unable to do (Opposition presence in Parliament is not enough for them to form the executive)"

"...(new faces in Parliament that belong to intelligent, capable people) an injection of intellectual content in legislative deliberations, rather than the usual slinging matches that our parliament is so shamefully infamous for (no more bocor commnets!)."

"...some practical aspirations that brought along more intangible type of hope...it showed that our vote counts; we the people hold the power."

"Democracy is an ongoing process, and if we value it we must continue to take part in that process."

"...for one in a long time, there is hope taht a non-ethnocentric form of politics and a truer democracy is appearing in our country." - Dr Azmi Sharom, law teacher, columnist

"...Umno is less used to rejection and its supporters are having trouble adjusting to not being completely in charge." - Joceline Tan, columnist

"We have an image problem and we have not been able to get rid of the perception of nepotism, corruption and cronyism. The perception is so strong that we find it hard to answer when people criticise us. It would be foolhardy not to make drastic changes. For example, it would be suicidal to bring back Samy Vellu." - Datuk Shahrir Samad, re-elected Johor Baru MP

"...before this, they (the Opposition) staged such demonstrations against the government. Now as the new government, they should know what it feels like," - Datuk Azhar Ibrahim, Penang State Umno liaision committee secretary

"...any act of revenge will not only cause looses to Penang but also to the whole of Malaysia." - Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, re-emphasizing his points while lauded Prime Minister's decision to carry on with all major Federal Government projects in Penang

"If there is self appraisal, I think gone would be the days of taking things for granted, the highhandedness and rhetoric. I would also look forward to more decorous conduct and less of what I call cockerel behaviour."

"(On constitutional amendment) I don't see any obstacle if the amendment was not self-serving to the Executive but was for the general good of the people..."

"This will be a challenge for Barisan MPs...Oppositino MPs were already supporting their debate points with data and sound reasoning."

"(On whether Barisan MPs would be more willing to vote for their conscience now) The practice of being beholden to the Whip is too ingrained...don't expect anything so drastic." - Datuk Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, senior Barisan parliamentarian, ex-defunct Semangat 46

"(Election result)...shows that we're heading more towards a Malaysia that is suitable for all Malaysians regardless of race and creed...the political debate must revolve around policy issues rather than sentiments." - Wan Saiful Wan Jan, Malayia Think Tank director

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Well there will be more to come - there are internal bickering within both the Ruling and Opposition - let's just wait and see.

In Malaysia, we never fail to entertain you.

5 Comments:

At 4:28 PM, Blogger Pandabonium said...

One thing is sure - politicians will not stop talking.

One thing that disappoints me in press reports about Malaysia is that they report names and percentages and so on, but no one bothers to explain what the players stand for or what is at stake. It is as if the process is just another sport with interchangeable teams. Most likely, the non-Malaysia press doesn't know themselves.

 
At 5:27 PM, Blogger @ロウ 。LOW@ said...

2008 is so called 'election year' so maybe the foreign press can't afford to do reports with so much details. But of course, the interest is not there - we do not have much oil reserves, maybe, haha.

But sometimes it is the foreign press that is not oppressed. We just need to find the right press. Finger crossed.

In the end the numbers still matters. Conservative maybe but most of us do not wish to see the government being toppled by 'inexperienced' oppositions. It hungs right in the balance - over 50 but not towards 2/3.

Hmm, and we shall not stop blogging, eh? :)

 
At 6:54 PM, Blogger HappySurfer said...

In Malaysia, we never fail to entertain you.

Low, I couldn't agree more with you on the above. It's more like embarrassing than entertaining. Jeez!!

Hope all's well.

 
At 11:43 PM, Blogger HappySurfer said...

Malaysia is missing you already. Looking forward to pictures of you in Belgium. ;)

 
At 12:15 AM, Blogger @ロウ 。LOW@ said...

Hey happy,

Thanks for your messages! Belgium has been great - but for now I have more words than pictures - more later then :)

All the best to you too my friend!

Regards,
@LOW@

 

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