KAJANG MOVE: What kind of Malaysia do we want?

KAJANG MOVE: What kind of Malaysia do we want?

Written by Kim Quek

I am completely puzzled at why well-wishers of Pakatan Rakyat such as Bersih 2.0 including Ambiga should remain puzzled at the Kajang Move.
What is so difficult to understand when these people share the same aspiration to remove the Umno hegemony and bring real change to Malaysia?
They need only to ask this question: will the Kajang move bring us closer or farther away from Putrajaya?

Aren’t they aware that Umno’s extremists have been creating racial and religious conflicts with increasing gusto?

Khalid too naive

The explosive power of these sensitive issues is illustrated by the recent Allah furor. What would have been a non-issue in any other country in the world has now been blown up with the potential to rift the nation apart along religious and racial fault lines, simply by seizing some bibles containing the word Allah.

Having found a bridgehead in the Allah conflict, Selangor Umno decided to make hay while the sun shines and plans to “educate” Malay Muslims throughout the state with 30 road shows. What for? To “defend race and religion”, of course. It is obvious that these trouble-makers are hell bent to incite mankind’s primordial instincts. And it is entirely possible that even before the end of the road shows, flash points would have been reached.

In the meantime, the Pakatan led Selangor state government which governs Islamic affairs could only stand by the side to helplessly watch the unfolding of these heart-breaking dramas while Christians and non-Muslims fume, also helplessly, at the violation of their religious rights guaranteed under the Federal Constitution.

Make no mistake, the Allah and seizure of bible issues are not end of the story; it is the beginning of a determined conspiracy built on race and religion to restore the maimed hegemony of Umno. It will go on and on until Umno feels that its political supremacy is secured.

Selangor government’s impotence to deal with what could have been a minor incident if promptly nipped in bud, has already caused widespread dismay among non-Malays for failing to protect minority rights; imagine the consequence of similar incidents of greater magnitude and frequency hereafter.

Once the non-Malay disillusionment of Pakatan’s rule become entrenched, Pakatan Rakyat might as well kiss goodbye to Putrajaya; and there goes the dream of 52% of Malaysians who had voted for a new Malaysia.

Everyone acknowledges that Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim is a leader of high integrity and of extra-ordinary competence in financial management. But I think he would be the first to admit that he is not cut out to deal with the intrigues and sabotage found in this unique Malaysia Boleh, where religion and race form the common fodders for politicians. Without such competence, Khalid would be hard pressed to take the ship through such turbulent sea to destination.

Anwar, a proven entity

In comes Anwar Ibrahim, who needs no introduction for his political credentials. Regarded as the brightest political star in the region ready to take his country to new heights by world opinion almost one generation ago, he has undergone continuous political persecution and non-stop vilification for the past 15 years. As a result, his image has been undermined; and the young have no recollection of his distinguished leadership as deputy prime minister and as acting prime minister.

Despite such handicap, no one disputes his extra-ordinary charisma and political skills. While you may not like him, you cannot deny that he is more politically competent than Khalid to face-off the dirty manoeuvre from Umno.

Objectors to the Kajang move often cite PKR’s internal feud or Anwar’s ambition to replace Khalid as MB as reasons for their disgruntlement.

But if Anwar’s entry to the Selangor legislature, whether as MB or any other capacity, should result in party unity, and his becoming MB should strengthen the Pakatan state government, why should you, as Pakatan supporters, be unhappy? In fact, you should applaud such move.

Be careful Pakatan

I hate to say this, but I have to sound the warning now. Considering the ruthlessness of Umno in past elections, we cannot rule out a stumble for Pakatan in the coming by-election, particularly when large numbers of past supporters have turned sceptics or even adversary as it appears to be the case now. Both a narrow loss or a narrow win is within the realm of the possible.

A defeat will deal a crippling blow to Anwar, and by extension to Pakatan Rakyat, and possibly smashing the dreams of the 52% Malasians wishing for change. Even a narrow win could spell a serious setback

This country belongs to everyone, not just Anwar or Pakatan Rakyat. Our fate is in our hands; and it is up to every one of us to make Malaysia into the kind of country we want – a happy and prosperous country or a miserable country of endless conflicts and poverty. - MAILBAG

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The Kajang Move – Right or wrong voters to decide with wisdom

Kajang by-election a mini national referendum 

The resignation of Kajang Assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh to pave way for PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim has created a great deal of debate and controversy in the media, the offices and in coffee shops all over. The Kajang Move as it is called was initiated by Anwar may even become the cause of his downfall if he loses the by-election, now scheduled for March 23, 2014 as many groups including Bersih and even some ardent supporter of Pakatan are unhappy with the forced by-election which they feel is an abuse of our parliamentary democracy and a waste of taxpayer’s money. 

The voters may not be happy with the way the way the Kajang Move was introduced, very suddenly and in secrecy, without prior consultation with people or even among top Pakatan leaders. They may be justified for being angry but they must listen to the reasons given for such a secretly rushed move. They must get to know the truth before deciding what to do next in the elections. In this regards, Anwar’s decision to go down to the people and meeting the voters to explain his controversial move should be commended. I for one do not believe Anwar would want to take such a big risk that could virtually ‘kill’ off his political future and even land in jail for life. In fact some of his senior allies in Pakatan have expressed the fear that Pakatan will be finished if Anwar loses the Kajang by-election. Thus this by-election will be a great test for Anwar, PKR and Pakatan. Why has Anwar embarked on such a dangerous move?

Since the13^th GE on May 5 last year many there have been many developments to bring the country to the present situation we are in today. The economy is slow, price of all basic commodities have gone up tremendously leading to an escalated cost of living, racial and religious tensions among the multiethnic population have risen to dangerous levels threatening the peace and harmony and rampant corruption continues to rob the nation of its wealth. These and many others have led to an uncertain future for all Malaysians.

Voters are normally denied access to the right channels to air their views especially if theirs are against the ruling party. The Kajang by-election gives them a rare opportunity to show their anger and their frustrations over the unfavorable state of our country and the performance of both BN and Pakatan over the last 10 months. They should treat the Kajang by-election as a referendum not only on the Selangor government but on the handling of important national issues confronting all especially social, economic and racial tensions.

   

The voters of Kajang cannot change the federal or state governments but they can make or break Anwar and his Pakatan in this election and thereby can indirectly cause the collapse of the Pakatan state government in Selangor and see the return of the BN. The Kajang voters have therefore very important decision to make on March 23, 2014 on behalf of all Malaysians. The choice is theirs but they must bear in mind they may be determining the future of all Malaysians.