Posted on by Kit

If Anwar not a factor, why Abdullah cannot wait less than 2 months for next general election?

“Tell it to the marines” – that will be the common response to the statement by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in CNN’s World News Asia telecast live from Davos, Switzerland yesterday that former deputy prime minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was not a factor in his decision on the timing of the next general election. (“Telling it to the marines” is the scornful response to a tall and unbelieved story/claim.)

Asserting that he was not pre-empting the former deputy prime minister from contesting the general election, Abdullah said:

“There are other factors in my mind that I have to think about before I recommend the dissolution of parliament and fix the date for the elections.”

If Anwar is not a factor in his calculations for the next polls, Abdullah should explain why he cannot wait less than two months to allow the former DPM to contest in the 12th general election?

Is it because Abdullah has been advised by his strategists and the Putrajaya fourth-storey advisers that the electoral prospects for the Barisan Nasional can only get worse and not better, especially if Anwar is allowed to participate personally in the hustings as a candidate?

The latest opinion poll should be a “shocker” for Abdullah and the Barisan Nasional leaders, as it found that the Prime Minister’s approval rating has hit a personal low, slipping from a high of 91 per cent when he took power in late 2003 to 61 per cent in December last month, the lowest since he took office in late 2003 and down by 10 percentage points from November.

The poll by market research firm Merdeka Center found that as the country gears up for early elections, voters were unhappy over rising prices, racial tensions and crime – issues which the DAP had been hammering over the past few months and years!

Abdullah’s statement “There are other factors in my mind that I have to think about before I recommend the dissolution of parliament and fix the date for the elections” is very wrong for another reason.

Under Malaysia’s system of parliamentary democracy, the Prime Minister has the sole discretion to decide when to recommend the dissolution of Parliament to the Yang di Pertuan Agong but once Parliament is dissolved, it is the constitutional duty of the Election Commission to conduct the general election, including the issue of the election writ and the fixing of the Nomination and Polling dates.

It is unconstitutional and gross abuse of power for the Prime Minister not only to recommend the date for the dissolution of Parliament, but also to fix dates for nomination and polling, in effect deciding on the length of the campaign period – which is the sole prerogative of the Election Commission!

Thus, when Abdullah told CNN interview that he had various factors to think about before he recommended “the dissolution of parliament and fix the date for the elections”, he was making a confession that in the 2004 general election, he had acted unconstitutionally and abused the powers of a Prime Minister in fixing the election dates of nomination and polling – providing the shortest election campaign period in the nation’s history – when this should be decided by the Election Commission without interference or directive from the Prime Minister!

Is Abdullah prepared to own up to his past unconstitutional action and abuses of power and fully respect the untrammeled right of the Election Commission to fix the dates for nomination and polling for the 2008 general election without any directive from the Putrajaya fourth storey?

It is clear that as far as Abdullah is concerned, the polling day for the next general election will be in the first half of March. March 15 was the favourite day as this was said to be recommended by his feng shui master.

The March 15 date will have to be ruled out however if Abdullah is serious about his announcement in Madrid last week when attending the First Alliance of Civilisations Annual Forum that he would be in Senegal to hand over the chairmanship of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) at the OIC Summit in Dakar on March 13-14.

On the other hand, this could be a ruse – as Abdullah could either request for a postponement of the OIC Summit or finally skip the OIC Summit on the ground of having a general election in Malaysia.

Be that as it may, there is no reason for Abdullah to act with such secrecy when he should be setting an example of “First World Infrastructure, First World Mentality” as Prime Ministers and Presidents of first-world developed nations give several months’ notice of the election day, and not like in Malaysia, where there is lightning notice for the shortest period for election campaign provided by an unfair and undemocratic election law.

85 Replies to “If Anwar not a factor, why Abdullah cannot wait less than 2 months for next general election?”

  5. To ask the PM as to whether Anwar would be “a factor” is as stupid as his response. Why do they bother to ask him that. And why does he bother to respond.

    It is not like the rest of us are fools.

  6. PM: Malaysia a model of interfaith co-operation – NST

    All lies. In Seremban the body snatchers got away with it:

    Gan’s body has been buried in a Muslim cemetery at the orders of an Islamic religious court after his family. The family was not even allowed to see his body nor do they know where he was buried.

    And what has our supposed Buddhist Minister, Ong Ka Ting and the MCA done to defend this man’s rights? They have done nothing and they will do nothing like the whipped dogs that they are.

    Wong was proved to be not a Muslim. The excuse for the snatching was because she had visited a bomoh sometime before her death and had chanted some Islamic words as part of the ritual. What sort of flimsy evidence is this?

    And how about Gan? The body-snatching was carried out on the claim of just one son, against the sworn words of his wife and other children. This, I suspect, is more a family fued that anything else – one son appears to be seeking revenge on the rest of his family over some issue.
    http://islandmiss.wordpress.com/2008/01/26/body-snatchers-got-away-with-it/

  8. When one has the advantage of choosing the date, of course he would make full use of it.

    It only shows the the sense of insecurity UMNaziO has. Don’t be surprise if he declares an honorarium or bonus to civil servants this Monday. But I do welcome it.

    After the elections, everything will go up. Even Mr. Chua can get it up at 62.

  9. “Abdullah’s statement ‘There are other factors in my mind that I have to think about before I recommend the dissolution of parliament and fix the date for the elections’ is very wrong for another reason…..it is the constitutional duty of the Election Commission to conduct the general election, including the issue of the election writ and the fixing of the Nomination and Polling dates.” – YB Lim

    Even if the EC were to ‘independently’ fix and announce the Nomination and Polling dates, would it be realistic to expect one to neglect the debt of gratitude, having recently benefitted from an extended tenure, to set on a date not cherry-picked by the benefactor?

  10. How they manipulate the market. Look at the heading and then the text in this MCA paper:

    Prospect of pre-election rally gains momentum
    [ ]
    It said that in the past two general election, the KLCI recorded returns of over 9% in the two months before the polling date and generally “stayed firm in one or two months after the elections”.
    [ ]
    OSK Investment Bank head of research Kenny Yee concurred that there was no strong correlation between a general election and a stock market rally in the past four elections.
    http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/1/26/business/20134660&sec=business

    But at least there is some `valuable` advise on which stocks to get out of:

    The commonly known politically-linked stocks are Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd, UEM group, Scomi Bhd, KUB Malaysia Bhd, MMC Corp Bhd and DRB-HICOM Bhd, Tradewinds Corp Bhd and Tradewinds Plantations Bhd.

    The list also includes Putera Capital Bhd, Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor and Kumpulan Hartanah Selangor.

  12. “Tickler Says:
    Today at 11: 24.32 (49 minutes ago)
    PM: Malaysia a model of interfaith co-operation – NST
    All lies. In Seremban the body snatchers got away with it:”

    I guess the significance is not in body snatching. But it is on how the deceased assets will be distributed.
    Can anyone shed some light on this?
    Some said that the deceased assets can only go to the the muslim family whereby the sole person in that family (Eldest son) will benefit (after giving some to the whatever institution responsible).

  14. I guess the significance is not in body snatching. -posted above

    There is much on that here:
    “I am sure the wife would have preferred to see the body being buried but being denied this privilege, she is going to carry to her death the resentment the religious people were cruel. Consider her agony as a wife, would any wife demure in carrying out the last rites of her husband. The last rites are symbolic to her, it is the last rite to indicate she is now a widow. In practical sense, she becomes a widow once the husband dies, but to the world it signifies the breaking up of the husband-wife relationship as the body is lowered to the ground. In this case the man is buried as a vagrant and a nobody when by choice he has a wife, and a family to ensure he is buried according to his religious rights practiced by the family. Is she or the family ever going to be at peace the way the dead body has been disposed off and the other fear of the wrath of the Gods they pray to, for not ensuring their love one passed on graciously. Every religion has got its do and don’ts. It is universal.”
    http://aarvidi.wordpress.com/2008/01/25/religious-burial/#comments

  16. “There are other factors in my mind that I have to think about before I recommend the dissolution of parliament and fix the date for the elections.”

    I doubt he even has a brain, not to mention a mind.

  17. Errr, is it true the the deceased assets will be distributed only to remaining “Islam believer” family member and concerned institution?
    that may explain one of the reason of overzealous person who is always on the lookout to snatch body? (out of topic – but so far all body snatching stories do not touch on this, i m a bit curious here)
    Hope to see the relevant laws on this.

  19. Let’s stir up more issues to force the sleepy head to push the GE further back. When he has more issues to handle his ratings will drop and he will surely need more time to call for GE.

    If peaceful Demos cant get permits, then perhaps one should organise such Demos during festivals. There is no law to say we cant wear BERSIH tshirts during let’s say a CNY gathering or open house like say OKT house?

  20. going forward it could only be worse.
    Taking off subsidies of petrol needs to be done as soon as possible to support his mega projects … PKFZ zone BIG HOLE needs plenty of money to cover up as well.

  21. CNN mentioned that the early polls were to deny Anwar the chance to participate. Abdullah was pointed asked “What was foremost in your mind about calling an early election” and “Would you happily run against him?” and he evaded the issue and replied it was not a main factor. For a full view of the 5 min CNN interview Clip go
    http://powerpresent.blogspot.com/2008/01/cnn-interviews-pm-abdullah-tonight-25th.html

  22. There is so much dislike for the BN and its abuses.Unless and until the opposition parties can put aside their differences and take on the BN as one united force we are all doomed for another 5 years of BN rule.Thats for sure.PKR is trying to establish a party that will be accepted by all Malaysians alike.DAP must be practical and realistic.It can never rule the country with out the support of the Malay votes and Indian votes.Thats a fact.DAP must know that no election can be won by its hardcore supporters alone.The most they can make.. lks happy.To win elections DAP need the votes of those who are undecided and neutral malay and Indian votes.Please please DAP unite for christ sake and give BN a good fight.

  23. PKR was practically wiped out the last GE. It must learn to be pragmatic and stop disturbing the DAP seats. PKR should fight in the malay centred areas, before it moves up the ladder. They should help DAP in consolidating seats.
    That also is a fact.

  24. To ask the PM as to whether Anwar would be “a factor” is as stupid as his response. Why do they bother to ask him that. And why does he bother to respond.
    It is not like the rest of us are fools. Dracula

    Hmmm, there are no stupid questions and there are no stupid answers. Lots of lies are told in silence; lots of truths are told in insinuation. Those who think questions and answers are obviously stupid are probably the most stupid people.

  25. smeagroo Says:
    If peaceful Demos cant get permits, then perhaps one should organise such Demos during festivals. There is no law to say we cant wear BERSIH tshirts during let’s say a CNY gathering or open house like say OKT house?

    Yes we should. In fact someone suggested this earlier, but I don’t know why NGOs and Oppositions have not taken up the idea. We can have yellow shirts or t-shirts every Monday too. We can all take leave at the same day! Surely the authority can’t come to our house to arrest us for taking leave! It is a good idea really, and we have the technology readily available to disseminate the information quickly.

  26. Hi Tickler…we can go on arguing with no end in sight.I wont say you are wrong.You have a valid point.What i will say is the only winner will be BN.Is this what we want?The question we all should ask is do we want BN for another 5 years.PkR is not projecting as a malay party but a party for all Malaysians.THis is the path they are taking.It will also show the maturity of DAP as a political party if they can make sacrifices for the sake of all Malaysians.This is a humble request as i hate to see another 5 years of BN again.

  27. Anwar was not a factor on the timing of the next GE. Anwar is the reason for the timing. AAB is not afraid of PKR wining seats, but he is afraid that Anwar would stand against him in his constituency. When that happens not only would PKR members support Anwar, some UMNO big guns would also pay to make AAB lose.

  28. TO DAP/PKR
    I agreed with Itshowtime that both party should projecting to fight with BN. We dont want another 5 years of BN.I hate that to.
    Please Please all MALAYSIAN go all out to tell the kampong people to vote BN<MIC<MCA<PPP. OUT.
    Time is running OUT.
    LETS ALL OF US GO ALL OUT TO HELP DAP.PKR
    WE NEED ALL OF UUUUUUUUUU
    GOD BLESS MALAYSIA FOR ALL.

  29. If Anwar were to stand against Badawi in the latter`s constituency, the odds are that the former would lose. Badawi has kept a tight grip on his own constituency. In fact, it has one of the best equipped hospitals in the country (tho` I hear there are not sufficient knowlegable people to use the equipment). Further, there would be enough postal votes to see Badawi through.
    Najib is a good example from the last elections.

  32. “The balance of power seems to rest on the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. However, with the 2006 state election of Sarawak as a reminder of the problems of the urban voters’ dissatisfaction, the mood of the SUPP, the Chinese-based party in the BN, is uncertain. Sabah seems to be a better bet for the BN in all things go smoothly, with the palm oils prices at their peak and good tourism sector, maybe the BN can pull off another record win.”
    http://davidwongsblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/inflation-what-inflation-who-is.html

    Therein lies the rub.
    I would like the current oppn. to seriously consider providing income tax exemption on all housing loan repayments for first time house buyers – in the event they form the next Govt.

  33. Actually, if it was say say a couple of months ago, i would agree that Anwar was not a factor. But now after Hindraf, Chua Soi Lek sex video, rising prices, Lingam Tape, PKFZ, etc. AND the fact the economy will be slowing down as the market tanks, he is a factor. This is a lesson in procrastination if nothing else.

    If I were the PM, I would hold the election next week. It just does not get better for him. It just gets better for opposition the longer he holds out.. The man still don’t get it after 4 years, its not an exercise in administration but rather visionary leadership.

  34. Tickler, David’s Wong opinion on Sabah and Sarawak might not be accurate. The last time I was in Kuching and Sibu, the general “coffee shop” dissatisfaction is very strong. DAP has a strong presence in these two towns and YB Lim KS knows this. It is my opinion that there is a general dissatisfaction against SUPP in most major Foo Chow areas like Bintangor and Sarikei and even the Hakka areas of Bintulu. Miri could still be loyal to the incumbent. Maybe Sarawak commentators Liu and Pulau Sibu could help providing some feedbacks.

    But that is as far as it goes. In the rural areas, politics take a different form. Blood ties and election promises usually determine swings of votes.

    Sabah is one area that DAP could make better result. I don’t agree that the Oil Palm prices having major influence in the trend of voting. Right now sentiments that could swing votes are ethnicity, religion and Musa Aman. As I said earlier, if DAP could harness Christian’s voters , it stand a very good chance. Christians make up at least 60% (against the official 30%) of the population simply because such denominations as SIB and evangelicals do not have any official membership register.

    Musa Aman is not an asset to the BN as he potrays himself to be. But he cab split the Chinese votes, but if the pact between PKR and DAP is done right, DAP-PKR has their best chance yet.

    The worrying news from Kuching is the inability of DAP and PKR forming an electoral alliance.

  37. The fact that BN is now actively attacking PKR shows that Anwar is anything but relevant.

    Badawi would have come across as more honest if he said – sure, Anwar would have been a factor, because if he could contest, he would be running for one additional seat for PKR, and we have to work just a bit harder.

    Instead, he says Anwar is not relevant, and in the process everyone sees it as an empty denial. This is a man under siege, unable to even string cohesive sentences together. Even if BN wins the elections, his political days under the sun are numbered, and along with it, Khairy’s. And that would be dreadful isn’t it, because we have Najib or Hisham down the line, both rather unpalatable to have as Malaysian PM.

  38. If DAP and PKR cannot discuss with level heads, can some neutral committee steps in and decide for them. To me, the issue is quite clear. Where DAP had done well, let them keep the seats. In all 50/50 seats, one for you one for me! Of course PAS would do the same with PKR, follow the same principle. I would certainly think there are ‘king-makers’ in each party; if they are relatively ‘unknown’,don’t use your status to insist on a ticket please. It will be a burden to the BA! Can’t you all do a poll or pay some one to do it professionally, then maybe, you know your chances better. How about it? Come on! At this rate, I can already predict the outcome!!
    To the leaders of the opposition, watch out, many may want to get elected and then JUAL diri, and you know they have got $$$$$!

  39. Quick, can someone compile a list of ‘skeleton in the closet’ for all BN leaders before the EC call for election. We got to get it out now otherwise the EC will disqualify contestants for using it to win votes.

    PM?, DPM? SIL?, Auditor General’s report?, ….

  40. If Anwar not a factor, why Abdullah cannot wait less than 2 months for next general election? – Kit

    I got a question for you, YB. If DAP is truly a party for all instead of the Chinese, why won’t you field candidates in non-Chinese majority areas? Instead of leaving crumbs and hard to win seats to PKR and other opposition parties, while you seat comfortably in your stronghold, why not let other parties prove themselves?

    BN will be taking a significant amount of risk if they allow Anwar to contest.

    DAP will also be taking a significant amount of risk if allow PRK to contests in some of DAP’s seats while DAP field their candidates outside of their strongholds.

    Fair game, no?

  42. Hi.. waterfrontcoolie…Its a good suggestion.I hope lks will take note of this as a request from rakyat.Time is fast running out.They must be real fast now…election will be held in march at the latest.

  43. Dear Readers,

    I refer to comments with regards to PM,s view on the next general election. Actually, what PM encounters currently is not surprising. I still remember several years ago, a Western magazine which never had anyhing good to say about Dr Mahathir wrote that ” Malaysians with bated breath wait the decision of Tengku Razaleigh whether he will challenge the PM in UMNO General Assembly..”.

    Obviously, the Western Press overated the popularity of Tengku Razaleigh. What it failed to understand is that sizable Malay population did not believe Tengku Razaleigh had what it takes to be PM.

    As for Anwar Ibrahim, with due respect to him, he is considered not trustworthy. Surprising? That is because I believe non of the bloggers here( with no intention to insult the intelligence) care to go down and talk to the Malays.

    Anwar gambled his political career by becoming an ally of the party that every Malay considers as an enemy. And besides, no Malay can forget how he broke his numerous promise not to challenge Tun Ghaffar Baba.

    And despite whatever he said about UMNO, Dr Mahathir, he should not forget that he was in the very same govt now he condemned. And Abdullah Badawi is right by saying Anwar as a non factor.

  44. “And despite whatever he said about UMNO, Dr Mahathir, he should not forget that he was in the very same govt now he condemned. And Abdullah Badawi is right by saying Anwar as a non factor.”

    That’s the point. Our PM dances round the issue. He says Anwar is not a factor and yet he has no intention to let the date pass which would give Anwar an advantage.

  45. Shamsul,

    If I remember correctly, Mahathir just managed to beat Razaleigh. It was not a comprehensive victory, but a very narrow one. The votes were quite fairly split. So the Western Press did rate Razaleighs chances quite well. If you can recall, Musa also narrowly lost in that elections.

  47. Count Dracula Says:
    “Anwar a factor?? It is as stupid to ask as it is for him to answer ” – Count Dracula

    No it’s not stupid to ask. That was deliberate, carefully framed to expose him, a “pengecut” …a coward, and a no-hoper that’s what Malaysia has for a Prime Minister!

  52. “We can have yellow shirts or t-shirts every Monday too. We can all take leave at the same day! Surely the authority can’t come to our house to arrest us for taking leave! It is a good idea really..” limkamput

    Then what message are you giving?? The message written across your T-shirts? We can do that anytime. Are you saying that the sight of people dressed in yellow T-shirts loitering around would send the same message as thousands of well organized protesters packing the streets listening to speeches? That’s dumb!

  54. oknyua Says Yesterday at 18: 19.22

    `Tickler, David’s Wong opinion on Sabah and Sarawak might not be accurate. The last time I was in Kuching and Sibu, the general “coffee shop” dissatisfaction is very strong.`

    Well, then I find that encouraging. The Matzu issue probly is a factor there.

    `I don’t agree that the Oil Palm prices having major influence in the trend of voting.`

    Now that you mention it, you could well be right. The plantations are the beneficiaries. I`m not very much aware of the smallholders` position there. I think jeffooi did have something on the poverty there, despite high palmoil prices.

    Also, you have something on the `christian` element which could influence the votes wit the increasing `isalmisation` there. Here`s something new:

    Sabah school told to stop it
    24 January, 2008

    Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Education Director Puan Normah Gagoh said she has directed SMK Tansau, Penampang, to stop the gender segregation of students and revert to the original position of integration with immediate effect.
    http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=55469

  55. Meanwhile, today`s Sunday Times is trying to sell mumbo jumbo on how strong the M`sian economy is to win friends and influence voters. One can shoot holes through the PM`s and Finance Minister`exuberant announcements most easily. Whole lot of hogwash.

  56. Our PM is no doubt in a bad shape now. Situation is just getting worse for him. Actually, the situation is kind of amusing, I should say. It shows that our government is being super-insecure in what they do. Now, I don’t think any of us would want an insecure government in power, do you?

    So, DAP and PKR, please stop concentrating on yapping too much about what BN is doing wrong. Instead, I strongly recommend reconciliation of policies between the opposition parties so that Malaysians could have an option of an equally-strong coalition of parties which could face UMNO. Right now, I should say that there is still chance for BN to win (after a hard struggle, of course). But if the oppositions team up to fight this neverending evil, I will 100% sure my vote (and a lot of others’ votes, too) goes to you. UMNaziO (Quote max2811 from earlier comment) SHOULD BE GIVEN A REAL HARD LESSON ON THE NEXT ELECTION.

    No time for coalition? Nope. I believe anything is possible. Look back 60 years ago when PKMM organized a nationwide general strike called Hartal (Youtube and Google “10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka”) event opposing the Malayan Union. PKMM, PUTERA-AMCJA should be an inspiration for the opposition parties fighting UMNO now, just like how PKMM was against Pro-British-UMNO in their proposal for the Malaysian Federation. The super-huge Hartal was planned, publicized within just a few weeks and yet Hartal was successful because of the solidarity of Malaysians during that time, regardless of race. But unfortunately, these left-wing (anti-British) leaders got arrested (UMNO never changed) and insecure British put it’s puppet UMNO ito power.

    I am a Malay myself and I can’t wait for the day when Malaysians stand up together against corrupted UMNO one more time, just like how they did 60 years ago. Malaysians are matured enough to no longer have this kind of dictator-like leadership.

    So, again, I have to say that Malaysians today need an equally-strong coalition of parties as an option. Or else, most likely UMNaziO will win again and continue it’s power abuse for another five years, and I definitely do not want to see that happening.

  57. Taipei Times:
    Gan Hock Sin, another son of the dead man, said the family did not go to the Shariah court because they felt it was unfair to hold the case there.

    “It’s not fair for us. I don’t know how they say he converted. My father couldn’t even talk [before his death],” Gan said.

    “Unfortunately we feel the way they do [these conversions] is not fair for non-Muslim people. The government should be more transparent,” he said.

    He said the police had seized the body when the family was carrying out Buddhist rites in a Chinese funeral parlor.

    The family had asked the state’s civil High Court to hear the case, but a judge ruled he had no jurisdiction in the matter as the Shariah court had already made a decision, said a court official, who declined to be named.
    http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2008/01/26/2003398907

  58. “Are you saying that the sight of people dressed in yellow T-shirts loitering around would send the same message as thousands of well organized protesters packing the streets listening to speeches? That’s dumb!” BlackEye

    For children and adults with a child-like mind, we probably have to be more explicit and demonstrative because they can’t see unless certain things are clearly shown to them. Hence, for example, if we want to protest against the government, these people must see actual demonstrations and speeches made during the demonstrations. May be they even want to see some tyres burnt on the street. Anything less than that, they will have a mental block. But if we are normal human beings with average intelligence, I think we should be able to see the nuances and subtlety of things we want to do and this includes protesting our displeasure against the government.

    Another word for people who can’t see subtlety is dumb.

  60. Hmmm, Count(ess) Dracula Dracula, that is a good one! “Women are devious and manipulative”? Come on Dracula, don’t insult your mother and sisters.

    Let me repeat: There are no stupid questions and there are no stupid answers. Lots of lies are told in silence; lots of truths are told in insinuation. Those who think questions and answers are obviously stupid are probably the most stupid people.

  61. Around the world…

    Politics is Dirty,
    Elections are Filthy,
    No Politicians are Trustworthy,
    Everything bears down to Money,

    But the rakyat stand to benefit from being the ‘King-Maker’….. every 5 years we demand for this & that and mostly get it. Every 5 years we get a good budget, tax-cuts, incentives, new roads etc etc… Just make the best out of it, get everything the govt has to offer near the elections, hold the BN flag high in front of them, say you support them so build a new road, new school for you & then
    vote DAP. Your vote is secret right???

  62. “Women are devious and manipulative”? Come on Dracula, don’t insult your mother and sisters.”

    Lim,

    When something is spoken in humour you must accept it as just that. Is it anybody’s fault if you lack the sense of humor. If he really meant that he wouldn’t be coming out screaming!

    I’m a woman and I’m not insulted by that comment.

  63. “And despite whatever he said about UMNO, Dr Mahathir, he should not forget that he was in the very same govt now he condemned. And Abdullah Badawi is right by saying Anwar as a non factor.” shamshul

    Anwar’s worst enemy is himself. How could he distance himself from the ghost of his former self? Perhaps never.

    Perhaps we’re asking the wrong question. Perhaps the right question ought to be “How do we use politicians like him as a catalyst for ‘change’? He provides us with the vehicle that could be used to spearhead ‘change’ and let’s take advantage of it. We don’t need to believe the pilot but just another pilot to keep him on the flight plan that was filed earlier.

  64. “Jong, let’s not have a cat fight with Count(ess) Dracula” – LadyGodiva

    LadyGodiva, thanks for the concern. Don’t worry that’s not my style and I’m never lack of good sense of humor. There’s a saying by Plato: :D

    “Wisemen talk because they have something to
    say; fools because they have to say something”

  65. LadyGovida, it is fair enough. It was not supposed to be this way, but I have a long history with Dracula and a few others. They have been constantly harassing me so I just want to rattle him a bit. You may want to read some of comments they made against me.

  70. limkaput, i agree with you 100% when u said that no question is stupid… If someone asks a question, they should at least have a reason for asking – anyone have the right to ask even when they already knew the answer.. But answers, I think some of them could be really stupid sometimes. If you don’t believe me, go and ask some questions to our current PM and he will give you a few good examples..

    But i don’t agree when you added something to that by saying “Those who think questions and answers are obviously stupid are probably the most stupid people”.. No wonder Dracula is mad at you, dude.. Next time, the best thing you could do might be just to ignore him..

  71. What the Count meant was that it appears stupid (unless it was meant to be a rhetorical question which it wasn’t) to be asking the PM if Anwar Ibrahim is a factor because everybody knows Anwar is a factor which is why he is having the general elections earlier rather than later.

  75. oh..oh I’m in trouble, oh goodness graciious me!

    OK to serious discussion. Didn’t you guys notice that the PM in Davos interview, had all his answers memorised expecting to be asked along those lines ?
    Applying same answers to different questions, he ended confusing not only himself but everyone listening to him as well!

  76. “Anwar a Factor” – Yep, we all know he’s a liar and a coward like his whole lot of BN followers, what else?!

    Meanwhile back home his No.2 had been making ‘staccato calls’ attacking Anwar Ibrahim the defacto leader of PKR and has anybody noticed, they have so far left DAP alone? See the fear for Anwar in them? The fear that Anwar is able to reach out to the Malay hinterland voters which they had always confidently think DAP is incapable of doing so because they play the ‘racial card’.

    Well well that evil serpent No.2 will have his day to be rattled and throttled, just wait for Altantuya ghost to put him to sleep.

  77. Is Anwar a factor? – is that a stupid question as in a question with an obvious answer?

    But is the answer so obvious?

    It is obvious only if one thinks Anwar is key opposition leader and if election held after expiry of his disqualification date he can stand for election and make a difference. But would it make a difference considering even if election is before the expiry of his disqualification, there’s nothing to stop Anwar from campaigning for PKR/Opposition to effect same results, field his proxy/nominee candidate, wins the seat and after the expiry of Anwar’s disqualification date, resigns to pave the way for a by-election for Anwar to contest and win that particular seat: from this perspective, what’s the material difference that makes the question “Is Anwar a factor?” so critical or Anwar factor so important in determining the polling date for GE or the answer so obvious?

    Deviousness and manipulativeness is not insulting : one needs intelligence to be so. I always say women’s demand for equality is but only a concession to men who often think they are smarter and above women and condescend to help women bring women up to equal level , a game women in their “deviousness and manipulativeness” gleefully play along, not wanting the racket to be exposed! .

    If you look around the world today including here, the men mess up the politics.

    If “women are devious and manipulative” and “better understand these things” I am all for more devious and manipulative women to enter politics and run the governments and the world that men with all the aggressiveness and ego (more testosterone) have proven to have messed up terribly. :)

  78. I-am-Malaysian says: But answers, I think some of them could be really stupid sometimes. If you don’t believe me, go and ask some questions to our current PM and he will give you a few good examples..

    The PM is not as stupid as we generally think. He is crafty and savvy. If he is not, I think he got enough advisors to guide him what to say and how to say.
    When a question was asked of him, he most probably already knew the answer one was looking for. So he would give you an answer other than the one you were looking for. It was all part of the game. To answer truthfully, he is actually indicting himself. So, he is not stupid. He is capitalising on our docile press and submissive society. He can say what he wants to say, stupid as it seems, but there is not a damn thing you can do about it. That is the issue.

  79. ///But would it make a difference considering even if election is before the expiry of his disqualification, there’s nothing to stop Anwar from campaigning for PKR/Opposition to effect same results, field his proxy/nominee candidate, wins the seat and after the expiry of Anwar’s disqualification date, resigns to pave the way for a by-election for Anwar to contest and win that particular seat:///–Jeffrey

    The big difference is if Anwar is allowed to stand, he can stand against AAB in his constitency. AAB would not even allow contest for the position of UMNO presidency, when he should not lose, with hundreds of million ringgit of government funds ending up as pocket money for UMNO division chiefs. AAB dares not face Anwar in the GE. It is AAB who decides, and it is AAB’s personal interest that comes first.

    Is Anwar a factor? NO, if that means other matters are taken into consideration for choosing the date of GE. Anwar was the reason for the timing.

  80. “If you look around the world today including here, the men mess up the politics.

    If “women are devious and manipulative” and “better understand these things” I am all for more devious and manipulative women to enter politics and run the governments and the world that men with all the aggressiveness and ego (more testosterone) have proven to have messed up terribly. ” – Jeffrey

    ummmm, did you read that Dracula? ..see what this wise guy has to say! :D

  81. Thanks Loh for your comments at 13: 54.04 above which are noted with interest. As a matter of curiosity, are we all certain that if allowed to contest, Anwar would have no qualms and reservations on taking on AAB directly in his constituency? Is there any news report or anything heard from anywhere that Anwar intends to do this (assuming election were held after the expiry of his electoral disqualification)?

  84. Dear Readers,

    I refer to discussion with regards to whether Anwar is a factor in the coming election. If you ask any Malay, the answer would be no.

    The reason is very simple. No Malay trusts him anymore after his “dalliance” with a political party that Malays consider having a very anti-Malay attitude. In other words, he has beome an ally of a political party that Malays considers as a threat to their interest.

    As for Anwar’s claiming corruption, well I hope he does not forget how he won against Ghaffar Baba in 1993.

  85. Anwar does not have to indicate an interest. But the possibility of being challenged by Anwar was enough for AAB to take all steps to prevent it. Malays do not vote as one, otherwise PAS will have been wiped out long ago. So the claim that ‘no Malays trust him anymore’ might be true among the UMNO Malays. But if Anwar faces AAB in the GE, some UMNO members would be happy to pay for AAB to lose. AAB certainly cannot appoint himself senator to remain PM. The son-in-law might claim that he inherits the position but would others recognize him in that event?

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