The Borneo Post
September 17, 2008
Editorial
OUR political troubles aren’t over. And, we may be in for an even longer crisis that could lead into political chaos and adverse instability in our fragile multi-ethnic nation.We need a solution, an acceptable, near perfect and more lasting political solution; not one that could solve a problem but create a new nightmare at a time when political and economic difficulties and uncertainties are looming large over us and threatening to make life even more difficult for everyone — from the wage earner to the businessmen and investors and families striving to make ends meet throughout our diverse land.
Superfluous to say that it is imperative we fix our political problems using a more acceptable method that borders on democratic values which is more reflective of the wishes of the majority.
The current unprecedented political crisis that has given rise to a near political mess, does not seem to want to go away with no acceptable solution in sight. Not even if some BN MPs were to defect and cross over to Pakatan Rakyat (motivated by personal reasons, political reasons or promises of money and positions) to allow de facto opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to form the next federal government and become the new prime minister of the many ethnic communities thirsting for good governance.
Anxious Malaysians are witnessing an unacceptable situation where the incumbent prime minister, seemingly unpopular with his economic policies and actions, yet stays embattled with forces within his own party and ruling BN coalition.
By the same token, a weary and wary Malaysian public is not about to fully accept Pakatan Rakyat as the alternative front — unscrupulously and unashamedly trying to topple a democratically elected BN government by enticing and encouraging lawmakers from its ranks to defect to its side, knowing there is a significant section of the society who would show their disapproval.
A government formed through defections and crossovers as pursued relentlessly and with increasing vigour by Anwar, is equally despicable and devoid of democratic values and scruples, as it is without the people’s mandate.
Never mind if Anwar were to offer to hold fresh elections within six months to a year.
Ours is the first-past-the-post political democracy. Even if a party wins by one vote or one seat, it gets to rule. The losers will have to play the opposition role in parliament. When the March 8 general election concluded, the BN clearly secured more than a mandate to rule despite suffering massive seat losses and five states to Pakatan Rakyat.
Thus, there has been no total rejection of the BN (with 140 seats). And, there has been no total support and acceptance for Pakatan Rakyat (with 82 MPs) either. So, it might be wise if we go back to the people. Yes, ask the electorate for a clearer mandate not because the existing mandate is unclear.
Abdullah, who faces calls to step down, and has said he would by mid-2010, can mull the prospect of a new election to break the political impasse which threatens to further dilute the quality of life of each and every Malaysian. He ought to consider advising our King to dissolve parliament and call for fresh elections.
We can resolve this political stalemate together, once and for all, instead of allowing it to drag on and frustrate us.
After all BN–ruled Negri Sembilan has signalled it would be willing to dissolve the state legislature if any of its elected representatives were to defect. What better way is there to resolve a political conflict?
By all standards and logic, wouldn’t it be better to go back to the people than to impose an emergency rule for instance, to arrest the slide to political chaos and instability. Wouldn’t it be a better choice to ask the people to decide anew instead of allowing Pakatan Rakyat to frustrate the mandate given earlier to BN? Political democracy is about the wishes of the people — certainly not Anwar’s or the BN’s. Even if the people have had enough of the BN’s “misuse and abuse” of power, they can respond to this through the ballot box which is legal and democratic.
No parties, no politicians, and no quarters should be afraid to face the people. Malaysian democracy after all is by the people, of the people and for the people and this political system has been in place for decades.
With a new round of elections, parliament when it reconvenes — it does not matter if neither the ruling nor the opposition commands a two-thirds majority — should enact an Anti-Hop or Anti-Defection Law to make it illegal to defect from a platform on which a lawmaker is elected.
If a lawmaker so wishes to resign for whatever reasons, it shall be bounden on him or her to first vacate the seat and allow a by-election to take place. Again, it is all about going back to the people who must decide. Fair enough if some of those in our midst are talking about giving Pakatan Rakyat and Anwar a try at power, but they must give the opposition the mandate through a properly held election.
Let the electorate decide if they want to continue the political revolt of March 8. Allow the people alone to tell through the ballot box if they want BN to continue ruling and not through any party or political machinations that are not in tandem with the democratic and electoral processes.
As the nation continues to pray and hope in earnest, for an end to the present predicament, one thing that is certain is that nothing can be so certain, not unless and until we seek the people’s participation in this business of governing.
Calling for a fresh general election is tantamount to giving Abdullah a no-confidence vote – I doubt if he wants a fresh general election.
That will inconvenience his retirement plans!
That is the problem when you want to hang on beyond your shelf life – even your own supporters want you gone asp.
If you take an MNC, in most cases the moment the BoD wants you out, it is only a matter of days if not hours.
But seriously the BN will win perhaps 40 seats in the next elections if it is free and fair.
BTW what happened to the RM6m marking ink?
The ink is going to be used to write the history books for each of the Bee-Ant deed. Good or bad, doesn’t matter. It is going to be a thick one. Haha..
PL and co will never call for fresh election judging from PP. They know that the waves of tsunami against BeEnd is still strong. They just can’t risk it.
By consolidating his power by being a defence/defiance minister, he is not planning for recede power now. They are going to cling to power and unless all the so called “defecting MPs” and present MPs supporting Opposition appear together in a press conference, then it will be tough like some had suggested earlier.
So YB Kit will have to act fast before more dirty tricks and threeats are being rolled out by BeEnd to instill fear to Rakyat.
Although a new general election is the honourable thing to do, however I doubt that it will see the light of day her in Malaysia. All the things that are wrong with previous GEs have not been put to right and no efforts appear to address blatantly obvious issues such as the ‘comedy of the indelible ink’! The media has not change still bogged with fear from drastic actions by BN. International help? Well I dunno, doesn’t seem to be that effective in other places. BN will try to hold on to power in any way possible, undemocratically. So, for once lets just turn the table against them, let us be undemocratic too. They deserve it!
Trust Sdr. Lim to come up with the best idea at the most critical time. Sdr. Lim is definitely Malaysia most senior statesman.
Its the most fair and just thing to do of course but 40 years of unjust rule means its just too strange a feeling for UMNO/BN all up and down the heirarchy.
They are probably so twisted in their minds to think it would be unfair to them because they are at the weakess and its not their fault they got to this stage.
If Sdr. Lim does not get a TUN or even Tunku, frankly there will always be something wrong about Malaysia.
STOP mumbling about you PK forming new government IF YOU CAN’T!!! PK has disappointed the majority saying come 916 is a NEW DAWN!!!
my advice is again is GET CONSENT FROM AGUNG AND THE SULTANS to claim new government-ship or opt for election (which is a risky win based on bn dirty tactics) due to dissolution of assembly!!
beware now that bo has become minister in defence, with the help of police (before) and the army NOW & maybe later including the navy, not only DSAI but the whole of those more vocal PK component leaders will be considered as A THREAT ( not to the fundaments of economy or national security as claimed by boof but to bo n regime instead!!! ) . he will use ISA to warrant for an arrest on all so who else is left behind to struggle on for the rakyat —NONE!!!
when you called for fresh elections, my heart dropped because i doubt PK did managed enough majority for a change!! bo made a sensible comment – he said if DSAI has had the enough MPs, DSAI would have barged into his office demanding bo to step down!!!
if i am bo, i wouldn’t want to take the chance for a fresh election because i can still RULE Malaysia for another 5 YEARS-lah!! why uncle lim so bodoh to suggest this and PK being so NICE to give the tyrant a couple of days to consider????
like mca said, SHUT-UP!!! for me, i totally agree because i wake up each day wanting to know if its a New Dawn AND if its not, I WORRY and gets SCARE of you punks be put into ISA by the tyrants. this situation really affects my work and my health!!!
so for goodness sake, if can become government, DO IT NOW BEFORE all birds go to jail OR TELL US PK FAILS but promise to become Good Opposition Voice for the rakyat !! We will understand and 5 years from now, we will PUT U IN CHARGE!!!
now, bo fights back opting for ISA because he has nothing to lose since he says he might leave early. who knows, at the side, na has already promised bo to become permanent advisor when na becomes PM for real !!!
Just go to see Agong if Pakatan Rakyat has the majority now
if not
admit it
apologize to the rakyat
we still support PR if you all could not form government now
but
work hard and sincerely in the 5 states from now on
show us you are capable to run these 5 states better than BN
Fresh GE is a no-no for Badawi and BN
Next GE will be the tomb for them
until next GE… Malaysia is beyond “recognized”…ehhh “recoverable”.. sighhhh… :(
It is not so easy to unseat the seated.
We already had enough of AAB fooling around as PL (Pak Lah @ Pah Lan) and LP (Lan Pah). Now instead of PM (Perdana Menteri) he wants to be MP (Menteri Pertahanan).
Fresh Election? BN will be trounced !!! They definitely will loose more states because other states have watched how efficient those states under PR. How LGE cannot tolerate corruption! all these factors favour PR
Just do it if Anwar has the numbers otherwise no point playing shadows with your supporters and the BN goons. It may backfire on PR with this kind of political opera. No way for BN to call for fresh elections.
Dear Big Joe ,
Never mind about those titles “Datuk Seri” , “Tan Sri” , “Tun” etc etc…..
with or without a title is secondary & ppl will always remember YB Lim for the good deeds he had contributed to the nation.
as he will be leaving a good name for himself in history ……wherelse those with titles but not done any good for the rakyat they left behind a smelly name in history.
this comment awaiting for moderation…….
I agree with newchief. the longer PR delays this, the more support it will lose. When dealing with a govt like BN, there is no point in being the gentlemen. If you have the numbers, go for it, don’t delay any further. If you call for fresh elections, there is a very real worry that you won’t win, partially because many voters still have not seen the light, but mainly because BN plays really dirty.
The longer you wait, the more things bodohwi will throw at you. And if all you leaders end up in ISA, there will be no one left to take up the fight. When that happens, I will never ever come back to Malaysia.
I have had enough of BN, and I don’t think I can take it if all of the hope given by PR were trashed and BN remains in power and continues with how it has for the past 51 years. So please, stop being foolish, and do whatever it takes to wrestle power over from BN now.
Unless of course, you don’t have the numbers.
A referendum, though unconstitutional, will be the best solution. Abdullah can authorize a one-off referendum (only for the present troubled situation) to seek rakyat’s opinions whether they want a fresh general solution. If the rakyat agree then Abdullah can dissolve parliament.
A prolonged period of political instability is detrimental to the country; politicians should quickly come up with a solution that is fair to all parties to lift the country out of the present political quagmire.
All parties need to be aware of two important timeless principles. 1) The elephant principle; 2) The frog principle. The first being the progressing one – eat a little bit a day and you become very strong when finishing the whole elephant. The second being the deteriorating one – stay in the comfort zone for too long and risk being cooked – too late to jump out for survival. So the choice for parties-concerned are clear. Rakyat wants someone who have this kind of wisdom to run the country.
A fresh GE is a very honorable way to decide the govt…the winner takes all. I am afraid, it is not that simplistic a solution. UMNO-BN knowing if they lost, they will be history. Will they take this challenge fairly and honorably? I doubt, it will be the dirtiest and most violent GE Malaysia will experience.
If current govt is so unashamedly to use ISA, to silence the critics, can we expect fair play from them?
Innocent lives may be put in danger, by rowdy mobs from the political parties.
Of the two evils, danger to lives and morality, I choose the latter.
i think i lost confidence with anwar….and many of the people have lost confidence and trust on him…..
hmm,a fresh GE is not a viable solution? Have anyone heard of a fair GE without the use of postal phantom votes before? I agree with wanderer it’ll be the dirtiest GE ever,if it were to happen. For now i’m still hoping for PR to take over the governmen,the MPs who have not returned from the trip is delaying 916,and badawi seems to take chances and itching to arrest anwar under ISA. That will make him into a Hero,biggest gathering by the people then.
“Calling for a fresh general election is tantamount to giving Abdullah a no-confidence vote – I doubt if he wants a fresh general election.” – yhsiew
You’re right!
The writer of this article in the Borneo Post has a propensity to write like the so-called MSM in West Malaysia.
He does not seem to realise that the PM will not play by the book and will not vacate his post unless he is forced to!!
Another thing is that he seems to forget that the very tactics for which he is criticising the opposition has been used by the BN for a long time except that when the government uses them, nobody makes any criticisms!!! No wonder the government wants to own and control the news media! They are a bunch of sycophants.
The crux of the matter is that the people are fed-up with the BN.
kiren, I, for one, have not lost confidence in Anwar. Time & troubles are a test of one’s faith and trust in somebody. Obviously, you would have failed. Today is only 2 days past 916, and so soon you are willing to throw your confidence in Anwar out. AAB is an injured animal and very dangerous, especially now when he is in charge of the army. It’s like giving a gun to a man on the street to shoot. I hope there aren’t many like you, kiren, who is fast to give up hope, because if there are, this will only strengthen AAB. I hope you don’t mean what you say here.
The call for fresh election surely the democratic way. But I am sorry if it is call now BN will still be in power. It is not going to be fair. The way forward is take over and make amendment to all flaws in our election as raise by many. As long as it is one sided that is allowed to use their position, the instruments they have and name it what they had done for the last 50 years, YB Kit, Pakatan Rakyat will be dreaming and the rakyat on your side who is looking for change will join you either dreaming or have the worst nightmare. Do not underestimate PM and his goons and avoid over confidence in outlook. Good Luck if that is the choice .
yeah, i think we should forget about crossover. its wont be happen.
and i hope the pakatan should stop crossover issue to make country economy unsettle. if thre really a number to defects.
please show up your last card.!
if not, this only make rakyat dreaming !
wesuffer,chill. Good things take time to materialize. They cant come right out and announce the defectors,AAb will just happily arrest them under ISA
OK, I forgot to comment on the topic.
AAB has found tremendous power of the ISA. He is going to use it at free will and then concoct some lies for the detention. He will not use democratic ways nor will he listen to the rakyat. He has already proven this many times over. His new portfolio is probably an attempt to instil fear among Umno members, but not among the public, no not fear, but concern.
Fresh elections now is the last thing he will do, for it will be his & Umno’s demise. He knows he is not the most popular figure here, so his last step is to instil fear.
We as a people must not be swayed by his tactics. As long as we stay united, we will be strong. We also need to exert our pressure on AAB to stop what he is doing.
Just be reminded folks, this is never easy and when things gets tough, its expected, it means..
1. The Goment is not lying down without a fight.
2. The rewards for New Goment is ‘priceless’ therefore its more
difficult.
3. DSAI and PKR is fighthing against 51 Yrs of Slaves Master.
and we expect to win it easy?
4. I don’t blame some of you, are beginning to complaint because
of DSAI dates 916! He dares to commit and he try harder than
anyone else and remember……
ALL THIS IS FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE RAKYAT!
SURE IT BENEFITS HIM ALSO, BUT CAN YOU DO IT?
Pls….HAVE FAITH!! STOP HAVING DOUBTS OR ANY INSINUATION TOWARDS DSAI LIKE WHAT BODOWI IS PREACHING NOW.
A true New Malaysia is not going to be easy, but we need to be steadfast and not sway our decision and cast doubt over it. Instead we need more constructive ideas and encouragement from one another.
YES, WE CONTINUE TO MARCH ON…. WE WILL THRIVE!!!! WE REMAIN RESOLVED!! CLEAR ON INTENT AND PURPOSE!!! DETERMINE FOR CHANGED!!!
Calling a fresh election – it’s ideal to the rakyat but definitely not so for bn. It might just be a theory talk.
Yes, calling for fresh elections would be the most democratic thing to do under the present circumstances. But, seriously do you think BN will be democratic enough to allow for a true and fair electoral process? The answer is definitely no. If we go for fresh elections now, it will certainly be the dirtiest and underhanded elections in history.
The current scenario do nobody any favours and if prolonged, we may slide into economic ruin. The global economic scenario is really bad and for Malaysia, coupled with its political dillemma, it will spell even greater disaster, maybe worst than 1997. The only way forward in my humble opinion is for the Rulers to step in and stop the rot. The longer we wait the worst it will be for us.
Base on the 308 election result of 81parliamentary seat won by Pakatan Rakyat over 63 BN winnings, BN has already lost the government in West Malaysia, if the Tribes in Sarawak still wanted BN, let them continue but please let Opposition run the show in West Malaysia.
Let the Majority not suffer because of some minority Naive votings.
The Editorial of the Borneo Post,
Do you honestly think the governing party with 58 seats more than the opposition would call for a fresh election?? Please tell me you are not kidding!
///Ours is the first-past-the-post political democracy. Even if a party wins by one vote or one seat, it gets to rule. ///–Editor
Agreed. So why call for a new election when clearly BN has more than one seat, at the moment, and gets to rule?
The MPs are representatives of the people of his constituency. He might be elected under the banner of a particular political party, but it is the representative that has to speak, act, and decide in the interest of his constituency. If the representative represents absolutely the view of the party he was supposedly to represent, without change whatever with changing circumstances, then there is no need to draw up any constituency for the election. Political parties should just stand for election, and they get to send their representatives based on the proportion of the votes they get. The party list portion of the Thai parliamentary election adopts this system. But in Malaysia, the representatives in the Lower House is supposed to chose their leaders, and the person who commands the support of more than half the members in the House would be appointed the PM who then forms his Cabinet. There is no requirement that elected representative vote for their party for that purpose. The practice for the past 51 years in just the practice, but the law does not restrict free choice for the representatives.
There is no requirement that MP should hop from one party to the next to support the person to be the leader to become the PM. Also, an “opposition” member of the parliament can be appointed to the Cabinet, and collectively the Cabinet would govern.
The government services are an independent body which takes its direction from the government of the day. The Cabinet should also be a body independent of the political parties who send their representative to the Cabinet. Thus, the Cabinet may not adopt completely policies of any political parties. That allows the Cabinet to serve the interest of the people. Otherwise, different political parties would become master-slave relation within the Cabinet, as it is the case of BN now.
The problems facing the country are strictly a question of governance. The government is said to practice rule of law, but the PM implements law by rule, at his convenience. When ISA is meant to prevent violence which could lead to a breach of national security, he now says that utterances not in favour of the government might sap the confidence of investors, and hence constitutes a breach of economic security; when economic problems exist, national security suffers. How convenient when one can rule by law, with no sense of governance. The poor quality of PM leadership might not have been a serious problem if the institutions function professionally. Unfortunately, they are subservient to the PM as though they are part of the political party observing hierarchy rather than performing their duties determined by the role they ought to play.
There is no need for fresh election. If AAB can keep his BN MPs’ support, he is free to continue. If Anwar can get the support of the majority of MPs, he gets to be PM.
Many if not most governments in the world do not have a larger majority in the parliament compared to what BN has. It should learn to govern without the whims of amending the constitutions. It should learn to accept criticism and change for the better of the country. If they cannot stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
The results of the March 2008 election do not constitute a crisis. The failure of PM AAB to act decisively against party members within UMNO in their willful defiance of the law was. This was compounded by his desire to show that he is also a Malay hero in his public display of double standards in using the law of the land against citizens of different background. How can one person accused of sodomy of mutual consent be charged in court while the other party to the act is free? PM AAB should ponder on this question.
Bn now has 138 seats, SAPP out , so 56 seats more than PR, GE 13 = 2012 lah.
Dear Mr Tan,
“Please let the opposition run…..”. I am afraid in democratic setting that is impossible. Why? BN won the last election, remember. That is the reason why UMNO can install its President as the PM.
Voices of the rakyat must be respected. They gave 5 states to opposition but they decided to keep BN in power at Federal level. If Uncle Lim or Anwar want their right to rule Penang and Selangor respectively to be respected, then please respect the right of UMNO led coalition to rule Malaysia.
No need to get a fresh mandate. The rakyat has spoken , last time on March 8.
As for Toyol, yes Sir, I wish The Yang Dipertuan Agong will reprimand Anwar for trying to topple His majesty’s govt using unethical way. Best still, I wish His majesty slap his face. That may bring him to understand what reality is
[anakMCI Says:
Today at 09: 18.06 (2 hours ago)
Just go to see Agong if Pakatan Rakyat has the majority now
if not admit it apologize to the rakyat we still support PR if you all could not form government now but work hard and sincerely in the 5 states from now on show us you are capable to run these 5 states better than BN]
I totally agree with anakMCI!
DSAI, go see the Agung and get it over! Paklah may use ISA agst you and then it’s too late, unless you want to be arrested…
If you have the numbers, do it, unless you don’t have them…???
DSAI, the ball’s in your court!
You think AAB will call for fresh elections now knowing very well it’s suicide? From 308 and PP elections, AAB should know the result of GE13!
DS. Anwar Ibrahim (PKR), YB Lim Kit Siang (DAP), DS.TG. Hadi Awang (PAS)- LUNATICS? LIARS (POLITICAL ACTORS)? OR REAL (Telling the truth)?
PKR, DAP, PAS Credibility is at great stake! The Rakyat’s Welfare is at great stake! The ISA Detainees in at great stake! The country’s Economy is at great stake!
Let’s explore the only THREE theories for DSAI, LKS and DSHA’s in cosigning the letter for PM Abdullah (on 15th Sept. 2008) to ask for a smooth and peaceful change.
If the letter content does not have what DSAI, LKS, DSHA has asked (as accused by PM Abdullah). PM Abdullah, I urge you to publish the LETTER to the PUBLIC and LET THE PUBLIC TO INTERPRET!
As for now: (The THEORIES to explain DSAI, LKS, DSHA’s behavior)
(1) DSAI, LKS, DSHA are lunatics- When they have so much to lose if their promise/ indications that a Pakatan Rakyat Government is NOT REAL.
OR
(2) DSAI, LKS, DSHA are liars (Worse than BN Leaders)- When they have so much to lose (when Pakatan Rakyat Government in NOT REAL) just to gain a mere temporary political fame and be “Heros to Malaysians” in a “Political Comic”.
OR
(3) DSAI, LKS, DSHA are telling the truth that a Pakatan Rakyat Government in REAL.
Let us all rationalise and pick ONE of the THREE PROPOSED THEORIES ABOVE to shed a little light in our current “OVERDOSE” Political drama.
As I continue to reinterate that a Government takeover by Pakatan Rakyat should happen in DAYS and NOT WEEKS OR MONTHS again. Let me inject another “dose of hope” for a Pakatan Rakyat Government:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I776BsiDO3k
(“We are Ready!”- Rakyat to DS. ANWAR IBRAHIM, LIM KIT SIANG, DS. HADI AWANG)
WE ARE READY! THE RAKYAT IS READY!
THE POLITICAL CHESS GAME MUST END NOW! ITS “CHECKMATE” TIME!
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim: “Time is up! You (BN) get out! and let us (PR) move in!” – The statement is either made by a LUNATIC, LIAR or A REAL HERO.
Sorry out of topic but i thought this is important as we are talking about foreign investment in our country.
Malaysia’s ‘worst in the world’ taxis
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/89947
I have been traveling around especially Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Europe… i agree that our taxi system need improvement and also the attitude of our taxi driver not to mention cleanliness of cabin and car condition.
When the whole world is reeling from the FINANCIAL shocked of what is happening in USA.Major banks and financial institutions had gone bankrupt.The USA Government had just bail out AIG in the tune of USD 85 BILLION.
How stupid can our government get.When the worlds stock market is getting a beating our government announce that we are not affected by what is happening in the US.
The way our banks are run don,t be surprise if our banks will do the same.One example, what happen to the deal between MAY BANK and a bank in INDONESIA.
Don,t forget when PAKLAH announce our budget crude oil was above USD 105 a barrel.Today crude oil is below USD 89 a barrel and dropping.
If DSAI has the numbers he wants to have a cross over. He must do it now.If he don,t have the numbers just keep quiet.Give us MALAYSIAN 2 weeks we will forget the whole thing.Which we always do anyway.
I can see now when our economy start to grumble PAK LAH will say “” WE ARE FACING OUR WORST FINANCIAL CRISIS AND IT IS ALL BECAUSE OF DSAI DOING.HE COULD NOT BECOME THE PM SO HE DID THE NEXT BEST THING HE COULD HE BANKRUPT THE NATION.””
I don’t know what Borneo Post is talking about. Why the need for fresh election? Even we hold fresh election, what makes us think that the results would be any different? What makes us think that the stalemate would not continue?
Unless PR has the unequivocal support of at least 31 BN MPs, why must PM dissolve the Parliament and call for fresh election? The last time I check BN still has comfortable majority to govern the country.
If PR wants to take over the government, it must show the number transparently and boldly to the people. BN MPs who want to cross over must do so openly and without the fear of being arrested or harassed. If PR has the majority as claimed, show it. I believe BN government can not arrest all the MPs, and I believe the army will not act blindly. I like to assume that the armed forces are not inherently pro BN or anti PR.
If PR does not have the number, I think they should just concentrate their role as the opposition at the federal level and rule the 5 states the best they can. It is pointless to go on ranting. You rattle the BN government, people and foreign investors. We all know BN is not the best government. Unless you have the mean to take over legally and quickly, you have to let them rule till next election. This is our rule.
I think there are lots of misconceptions about our democracy. Because oppositions have never performed so well before in our history, they thought that by winning 81 seats, they have won the right to rule. This is far from the truth. Many Western democracies have simple majority to rule. I think there shall be no exception here if we want everybody to respect democracy.
As I have said many times, if PR has the number, show it quickly and transparently. They should be the last one to be afraid of being arrested or harassed. If they can’t handle this much, they are useless to us.
If there is another round of general election,
Pakatan Rakyat will sure win even BIG TIME!
I see quite a number of threads over here with comments about the dissapointment in PR, calling DSAI a liar for not being able to keep up with his word.
Well first of all DSAI did not take any oath to say that the Sept 16 plan will take place. Nevertheless he was confident about up to the last minute. I am sure many of you would recall him saying that it may not be possible for him to pursue with his plan on Sept 16 given the current political scenario.
For those who believe that we need a change and that change is bound to happen , it does not matter if 916 did not take place.
Do remember that we have witnessed 2 political tsunamis and the third tsunami would be the most challenging for the people.
It’s easy for some of us to suggest DSAI to go to the King, the courts..etc but do remember whatever move we think is just, it has to be carefully crafted and executed in order for it not to backfire!
I personally believe that the change will happen, it may not be tomorrow, next month or next year, but it will take place soon.
Do remember that it would be a mighty task to challenge a ruling coalition that has been in power for 51 years.
Latest news: (18th Sept. 2008)
(1) Anwar is holding a press conference at PKR headquaters at 2.00pm. “He must reveal more than he did a couple of days ago to show that he has a majority; otherwise, he could be in danger of losing the psychological battle,” a veteran political commentator tells me.
(2) All eyes are on the Umno Supreme Council meeting at 3.00pm, which could discuss the transition plan, Mahathir’s possible re-entry into Umno, and the Cabinet reshuffle. And how will they handle Muhyiddin?
(Coutersy of http://anilnetto.com/malaysian-politics/klci-plunges-below-1000-barrier/)
I would like to stress on my faith in Uncle Lim- When Uncle Lim says the BN Titanic is sinking, Uncle Lim means sinking!
Let us all pray and hope.
I agree with several writers here that the Borneo Post has written a piece that reflects wishful thinking and nothing else.
Unless there is open rebellion amongst BN MPs, then Badawi is not going to test the waters by calling for another GE. The status quo actually works for him – he has agreed “in principle” to step down in 2010, and the next elections aren’t due till 2013. He can buy time to do anything he wants. He may have failed entrance statistics but surely he understands that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Nah, all the efforts to dislodge him from within and from the outside are going to fail, and we will have another 4 years of flip-flops with the country going to the dogs. In the meantime, the thieves continue looting…..
Whether PR physically takes over the government or not the general pupulace of Malaysia has been awakened. Psychologically PR has taken over the government. Whether it is 916 or not is immaterial. As long as the enlightened Malaysian voters keep this in mind, we will boot BN out by the 13GE.
UMNO cannot stop the people power. The enlightened votoers call the shot not UMNO.
Will Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says:
TIME IS UP! YOU (BN) GET OUT! and LET US (PR) MOVE IN!
(A third and final political tsunami to wipe off BN? A beautiful “Checkmate” in favour of Pakatan to end the “Political Chess Game”?)
Is YB Lim Kit Siang going to say:
THE BN TITANIC HAS FINALLY SUNK!
________________________________________________________
Latest news: (18th Sept. 2008)
(1) Anwar is holding a press conference at PKR headquaters at 2.00pm. “He must reveal more than he did a couple of days ago to show that he has a majority; otherwise, he could be in danger of losing the psychological battle,” a veteran political commentator tells me.
(2) All eyes are on the Umno Supreme Council meeting at 3.00pm, which could discuss the transition plan, Mahathir’s possible re-entry into Umno, and the Cabinet reshuffle. And how will they handle Muhyiddin?
(Coutersy of http://anilnetto.com/malaysian-politics/klci-plunges-below-1000-barrier/)
Like many others, I am bemused by the switching of portfolios between Badawi and Najis. Was it really an effort to allow Najis to learn the important portfolio of finance, or to allow Badawi and his family to have a chance at negotiating defence contracts ?
What about the clear conflicts now between Najis and his brother who runs CIMB ?
People, Malaysians!
My HOPE and SPIRIT are EXTREMELY HIGH for the 2pm PKR PRESS CONFERENCE!
THE FLAME OF HOPE burning in me its like the final moments when Beijing lit up the Olympic Flame on the BEIJING 2008 GAMES!
Let us all pray and hope!
If Pakatan Rakyat comes in power today, at least tomorrow I may have to pay less for my Roti Canai or Nasi Lemak…
I will not be able to watch the Press Conference at 2 as I have to attend a class. But my spirit is certainly with the Pakatan Rakyat!
Hope to hear: not GOOD NEWS but rather GREAT NEWS! When I get back from class at 5pm!
Bye everyone!
YB Lim, like many others who waited with great anticipation for things to happen on 916, there’s great disappointment that it did not come to pass. My blood pressure has shot up sky high and still going up. The only thing that continues to go down is the stock market. The silence from PR is very uncomfortable. What is happening and will we see a new government soon? If you have the number, do not wait anymore. You are giving Abdullah time to come up with his evil plan. Tell Anwar if he doesn’t do it soon, he’ll lose ground support. Likewise DAP and PAS too.
t
You can watch live also
@@ http://www.justin.tv/anwaribrahim
Lets hope for good news, ya?
The Umno Supreme Council meeting at 3.00pm today.
Item #1 on the agenda: To be or not to be – to ISA AIbr or not to ISA AIbr.
NR has been given the key to our treasury. Open sesame!
The best is take over by PR for 1 year then provide assurance that they will call for GE BUT
During this 1 yr, Clear up all phantom, ghost voters, revamp the Eletoral commision and not to forget flush out those who illegally become the citizan of malaysia in Sabah & sarawak.
then lets have a truly fair election to decide for Malaysia faith.
Ahmad Awang and Hashim Jasin of PAS confirmed the existence of a defection list. Most of the defectors come from Sabah and Sarawak though MPs from MCA and MIC were also included in the list. PAS leaders were said to be confident and “comfortable” with the 916 project.
“The Malaysian Insider” reported yesterday that before the 916 project can be accomplished, DSAI not only has to convince the king, but also other Malay rulers, the police force, civil servants and other institutions that the project will not cause upheavals and chaos in the country – it is not going to be easy!
boh-liao, so what if NR got the “key” when the “safe” boh lui liao!
I think Borneo Post is telling us that a lot of MPs there really would like to leave BN and join PR and that they are holding back because they do not want to be branded as deserters.
So the proper solution to that problem is to have a fresh general election so that they can properly come under the umbrella of PR as candidates and be voted as MPs of PR.
If I am correct then for the press to suggest such a thing is no small matter. The press, with its network of workers infiltrating either sides of the political line, is able to access quite reliably the political sentiments on the ground.
Now moving on to the switching of portfolios between badawi and najib. Realistically, the post of Finance Minister is the second most powerful post in the cabinet after the prime minister and it certainly is more important than defence.
It looks like an attempt by badawi to appease an impatient najib so that najib would not openly revolt.
rakyat didnt gv BN the mandate to govern. BN won thru devious schemes and lopsided media coverage coupled with tainted electorate and misuse of govt machineries.
If Anwar takes over the govt then he shld call for a fresh election within 6 months. Ensure the EC clean up its act and conduct a fair election for both the opposition and current ruling party.
Dear All
This is a good site for analyses from the experts
(political scientists from academia):
http://www.opinionasia.org/
Phua Kai Lit
if DSAI continue saying topple goverment, i believe not long , he will arrest under ISA
Although YB’s suggestion could be the real solution it may not be the case in BN. If they were to call for Snap Election it could be more like a BN suicidal.
can go into justin.tv…help?
I agree totally with the Borneo Post Editorial
If Malaysia is truly a democratic country and the present government is running the country according to the constitution and law and are fair in all aspect.
The editor must ask himself, is the country ready to follow what he had written? Is the recent arrest of Raja Petra, journalist Tan Hoon Cheng, MP Teresa Kok according to the law of this country?
Is the PDRM actions fair to all or to serve the master only? What about the judiciary?
Before the editor wrote on this article, did he dislodge himself from being partisan to any political party and answer to all the questions above?
The country is being run by morons and for me I have no objection at all to change the government by hook or by crook. This is a truly sad state of affair our country is facing now.
Blood-Suckers
GE 13 – No matter what, we must ensure that racist umno bn do not regain the power like they had for the past fifty one years.
I believe AAB will put DSAI under ISA as he knew that there are nothing else to stop DSAI from taking over the government top post from AAB.
Another recent stunt by AAB is by taking over the portfolio of defence minister will be to protect himself from any other possibilities of anyone else that keen to take him down.
So, this 3pm meeting is just to pass the pressure to all the UMNO MT that they are the one that given the consent to jailed DSAI under ISA.
We , Malaysian learn that ISA is not apply to protect this country from any form of danger but to served only to a few individuals in the current government. Now, we are living as prisoner in our own country as most of our freedom and rights have been removed. They called this action are to harmonized all races social economy.
To me, this call for the true independence of Malaysia must carry on and the momentum of it have been a constant threat to UMNO because of their weaknesses and lies. We, Malaysian must believe in our rights and our love for this country. We will walk through this fire and bring freedom to all Malaysian.
The UMNO led BN GOVERNMENT should forget about DSAI .After all PAK LAH OPENLY said DSAI is playing us RAKYAT as fools.
UMNO BN led GOVERNMENT must start running the country .Crude oil had gone down as low as USD 87 a barrel .When will petrol come down.
Will we see any of our bank going bankrupt.Since MARCH 8 election both sides PR and BN only talk but no action. Just two days ago i used RM 9 to reach my work place.Today i had to pay RM 15 .
Anwar is now stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand he can not reveal the names of the so-called crossovers and on the other he wants to motion a vote of no confidence and call for snap elections to seek popular mandate to lead new government. Clearly things are not adding up in the Pakatan camp. This is Anwar’s last chance to make a firm stand otherwise he will become irrelevant just like the fragile opposition he has stuck together with bubble gum.
Anwar’s PC – http://anilnetto.com/malaysian-politics/klci-plunges-below-1000-barrier/
1443: “Tuesday is the critical date,” says Anwar. “I said we have the list of names, we want to share the list with the PM, failing which we will go to Parliament. You want me to reveal the list and let them be harassed?”
1440: He explains why they can’t wait for Parliament to convene on 13 Oct. He says the country is in a state of a political and economic flux and there is a need to resolve this quickly.
1438: The MPs want Anwar to give a guarantee that they will be allowed to attend Parliament safely on Tuesday.
1433: If this is rejected, Anwar says Pakatan will call an urgent meeting to discuss their options. “It is critical for the PM to respond.”
1431: “There is no reason for me to be arrested under the ISA,” says Anwar. “We have a major economic crisis… it is therefore important for them to think of the nation and not for themselves. This is now a minority government. The majority of MPs are now with us.”
1429: Anwar has met key fund managers and they told him they wanted to see comprehensive reforms: judificial reforms, free media, investor-friendly policies, a professional police force. The current administration has done nothing to advance these reforms.
1426: Anwar says a letter has been sent to the PM asking him to convene an emergency sitting of Parliament on Tuesday. It warrants an immediate response. Any delay would be interpreted as sabotage of the democratic process.
1422: The press conference gets underway. Anwar clarifies that the letter he sent to the PM used diplomatic language such as ensuring national security, “We can’t very well say we want to topple you.”
Why is DSAI giving Nincompoop one week to response? Why is he giving Nincompoop so much time to concoct more evil schemes?
Only Khairy Jamaludin wants Pak Lah to remain as Prime Minister. If Pak Lah handover to his deputy today, you will hear calls for Najib to step down almost immediately, from inside and outside UMNO, from the same groups of people who has been calling Pak Lah to resign. You all must understand that not only Anwar and PR wants to takeover the government, there are those within UMNO who wants to seize power as well, if possible, undemocratically.
Let say you are Anwar, you have the numbers, how do you think you’ll play it better than him?
What will happen if the result of the FRESH ELECTION is just a reverse result from the previous election, will BN agree with it or will they call for another election again???
It will be non stop and endless issue….. “Everyone in the nation will suffer endlessly……”. So, please seek for more suitable way to resolve the nation’s problem.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 18 SEPTEMBER 2008
Today Pakatan Rakyat leaders have submitted a letter to the Prime Minister requesting him to call an emergency session of Parliament to deliberate a motion of censure against the leadership of YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi no later than Tuesday 23 September 2008.
This is in accordance with Order 11(3) of the Standing Orders of Parliament and warrants an immediate response given the gravity of today’s political impasse. A delay in his response would be interpreted as nothing short of a further sabotage of the democratic process and abuse of Executive Power.
The Prime Minister’s haggling on the syntax of our first letter is puerile at best. The intent of our meeting as described in that letter was clearly to discuss the future course of the nation’s leadership – though in deference to his position and in accordance with acceptable norms we remain considerate and polite in our approach.
I find the Prime Minister’s comment about me in his press conference yesterday to be reckless and irresponsible in light of the disastrous outcome of last Friday’s ISA raids.
He has conflated what is essentially an issue of democracy, freedom and the rule of law with national security. The use of the ISA to harass and detain duly elected political opponents is a grave transgression of the law and its continued use would further erode confidence in the current government and exacerbate political instability.
As the incumbent Prime Minister actively holding office and exercising all Executive powers, and as the outgoing Finance Minister, we hold him fully accountable for the current political turmoil and mismanagement of the nation’s economy. His accusation that I have had an adverse impact on the nation’s economy is entirely without basis.
I have met with the key fund managers in the region, representing over USD 1 trillion in assets, and on multiple occasions they were unanimously in support of comprehensive reforms in Malaysia including judicial independence, a free media, a more professional police force and anti-corruption agency, investor friendly laws and assurances on the non-interference of politicians in the governance of Bank Negara. These are policies Pakatan Rakyat has promised to implement– and initiatives that the current administration has done virtually nothing to advance since March 8th.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Leader of Opposition
De-facto leader, Keadilan
DON,T BE SURPRISE IF TOMORROW,S HEAD LINES IN ALL NEWS PAPERS AND RADIO STATIONS
“” DSAI LIM, KIT SIANG, LIM KUAN ENG and 12 OTHERS ARRESTED UNDER ISA””
dawsheng Says:
Let say you are Anwar, you have the numbers, how do you think you’ll play it better than him?
============================================
I would not be so vocal in the first place. I would wait for the House to be in session, then invoke standing order 11(3) and let the house vote en-blog.
If DSAI has the numbers then it would be very clear cut and Nincompoop will not have any further excuse to delay his stepping down.
Using the monarchy to put pressure on UMNO to surrender power is wishful thinking.
Emily, standing order or standing and shout, what you’ll hear duduk YB, diam YB, jangan macamtu YB, tak baik gitu YB, vote en-blog does not exist in a 3rd world parliament?
I am convinced that DSAI is having the numbers now. Judging from his press statement moments ago.
A fair and gentleman request for the PM to step forward and face the reality.
Male or female, find it out next Tuesday and rest the rumour peacefully once and for all.
Unless the PM is really, really scared.
Again, the ball is back on umno’s court.
Well done, Anwar. Long-live PAKATAN RAKYAT!
People! Please have more confidence in DSAI and his comrades! We are not changing nappies here. We are trying to get rid of the carcass of dinasour!
Anwar is satisfy if he gets a general election.
If the PM thinks he is in command as he often claims then get it done with, once and for all.
Face Anwr man to man in Parliament and prove that he commands majority support in Parliament.
But I think he is a coward and buru his head in the sand.
Pak Lah: They never mentioned about any takeover in the letter. Don’t worry, I will swap portfolio with Najib so i can takeover the defense army.
# dawsheng Says:
Today at 15: 29.29 (3 minutes ago)
Emily, standing order or standing and shout, what you’ll hear duduk YB, diam YB, jangan macamtu YB, tak baik gitu YB, vote en-blog does not exist in a 3rd world parliament?
============================================
Sad but so true, so true…
That or DSAI’s MPs stage a boycott or parliament to deny The House its minimum quorum until 11(3) is invoked.
I know it is a tall order, but I am just discussing wishful thinking…, but hey, I can tell my kids , your parents were at the fore-front of regime change.
Syed Hamid: Government to monitor situation before taking action against Anwar
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 18 The Home Ministry is monitoring the situation and keeping tabs on opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim before taking any action, says Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.
He said it was important to safeguard the country’s peace and security. He also urged members of the public not to speculate on the actions the ministry might take.
“It’s better to look at the situation first… and take action when there is a necessity,” he told reporters after attending the Home Ministry’s monthly gathering here.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Pakatan Rakyat de-facto leader was a threat to the economy and national security. Bernama
===========================================
The Botak Clown is up to no good again. I wish someone give him a good spanking
If Abdullah dares not call for an emergency parliament meeting next Tuesday, cold it be because he is not that stupid to sign his own death certificate?
Haris rocked at DSAI’s PC just now!!!!
**SALUTE**
Managed to get some screenshots from the live streaming & posted with comments…(well done Anil once again!!)
Shows that DSAI & PR are starting to feel the strain… just need that one good shot at it, but not getting the aim… Come On!!!
keep them candles burning for RPK, St Teresa & the rest…. this is not over by a long shot!
___________________
http://delcapo.wordpress.com/
There’s more than one way to tell the truth as there were with lies.
Perhaps, in a desperate gambit to counter AI, the Umno Supreme Council, which is meeting now, may accept MM back as Umnoputra and appoint him as a senator and then as the new born-again PM to replace AAB!
Com’n guys…you think those BN flers are that stupid to go for fresh general election now when they still have the majority of MPs to rule!!!??? If indeed they are that stupid, they will be trounced in this present insane political climate. No, they are not that stupid at all.
I think the most urgent thing to do now, if PR do have the numbers, go to the Agong and show His Majesty the proof. I have no doubt the Agong is for his rakyat and he will do what is necessary under the constitution to grant PR the right to govern, with the support of the military. But they must move fast as the economic turmoil is now coming like a tsunami to the rest of Asia and Malaysia is not going to get out of it scot-free. We need fast and efficient governmental rescue efforts NOW!!!
Stupid or not, it is not up to any of us to comment.
Since we have not done it before, the crucial part is to get it done through proper procedure or protocol.
Although plenty of official protocols are stupid in nature.
DSAI is taking careful steps. Going to the King serves as the last resort as explained by Tian Chua.
Now why would PM call for fresh general elections, as suggested by The Borneo Post editorial unless Anwar discharges the onus on him to first prove he has 31 crossovers depriving the PM off majority in parliament, which so far Anwar has not done so ?
And again, in reference to Anwar’s latest call for the PM to call for an emergency session in Parliament to debate a motion of no confidence, the above same reason applies – why would PM do that when other than unverified verbal claims Anwar has not proven he has 31 ‘kataks’ in his bag?
I don’t understand why the PM under such circumstances would want to call for an emergency session in Parliament to debate a motion of no confidence on himself and his administration : think he’s crazy or what, calling a motion which tantamount to admitting, whether true or not, that majority of Malaysians have lost confidence himself?
Why would any man commit political hara-kiri this way???
The joke is if general elections were called there are two unacceptable scenarios to the PM : (1) BN may lose or (2) even if BN wins the PM himself may lose his parliamentary seat in Penang – and cannot be an MP much less a PM – because Ahmad Ismail & his 13 divisions already given a veiled threat to him ie. that PM was a very brave man to take action resulting in his suspension of 3 years from UMNO party positions.
At all times the question of when to call general elections is, by commonwealth convention, the PM’s prerogative.
He calls it when he deems it opportune for his partisan and party’s interest. Since when is he obliged to call it just because Anwar says the nation needs it or that such election will serve Pakatan Rakyat’s interest?
If I were the PM, why would I hazard all this, & general election to be ushered out in the annals of Malaysian political as the first PM who fails to walk the talk and under such ignominous circumstances – esp now when all are not lost with him having full control of police and (now) army behind him to help him carry on perhaps to redeem his shortcomings?
Why would any reasonable man preserving his self and party’s interest answer these calls either for general election or emergency session in Parliament?
Anwar is asking for a course that he knows fully well the other side will not accept and intends to use this expected non acceptance as a excuse from having to immediately show the ‘numbers’ of kataks he allegedly has in his bag, transparently to the public as well as the BN.
A fresh election is the best solution. All parties can have another bite at the cake. Choose your ppl well. AAB can promise a snap election in 3 month’s time without giving up his gov.
Frog jumping laws and a clean electoral list must be in place. But is UMNO going to take the risks? Probably not. It means giving up their personal ATMs.
Let us be a little bit fair to PM and his morons.If they cannot accept their members to jump the sunken ship them dissolve the Parliament immediately for a FRESH ELECTION. I strongly agrees for a new election to settle the issue once and for all.Only after that will the Rakyat and the world knows who the rakyat is supporting.
MR PM AS A SIMPLE RAKYAT i CHALLENGED YOU FOR A NEW ELECTION.Maybe we will spend about RM 100 million for the new election but it is still less than the amount for the submarine deal.
We must not forget WHO are the real bosses!
We must remember elected politicians, including the PM, are our public servants.
Bosses can hire and fire.
The rakyat must speak out and act as bosses!
I totally agree long before DAP put forth this idea.
Who knows what the ‘Silent Majority’ thinks. They may not think like us, bloggers…
If they are not confident of calling a snap election nationally then why don’t they test water by using Negri Sembilan as a testing ground to see where the RAKYAT stands!
Then even the SIL will wet his pants!
Go on try and challenge the RAKYAT to see our feelings and wishes!
Let me put in my 2 sen worth. All this calling for elections will be hard to come by for BN. No way they will call for a GE. Why take the chances when they have a simple majority.
If Anwar has the numbers so be it. At the next sitting in October play your hand and move a vote of no confidence. Then only then can parliament be dissolved. That will also depend on the King if he will give his assent
I would suggest sit it out for the nxt 5 years. Rule the 5 states your in control of and make them shining examples so that the rakyaat can see your achievements. Also in parliament be united and make a good opposition. We know its difficult as the speaker is another BN goon. Thats the rule of the game.
Anwar you will only be 67 and I am sure the people will vote for PR. People today are not the same as yesteryears. We can see and remember. Let the nation have some peace and lets all go on with our day to day living.
Aye, demand for GE now and it is now or never, people voted for change in the five states and change came and embraced by all.
The losers copied the same tag line but instead of promising for change where they will never , it was a promise to be good and never be a bully….and admission that they had wrong the people.
blah , blah blah and blame , blame and blame anything even the sun for not shinning in the night.
Still many fell into such rhetoric speeches, but the change seen in the other states have shown what kind of change is in store for the people.
Many are able to see now that hand outs can run dry
and yearn for changes that gives hope , opportunity and a future to look forward to, it is open to all able bodied and mind willing people to work for it.
No fake amputee and dummies in the queue please
Why not all 31 mp’s RESIGN both their post as UMNO & YB post they’ve been holding at immediate effect?
AT immediate effect, 31 pre-election within the country would be held. The YB’s will represent PK candidates on the coming pre-election to fight new BN components. Im sure the people would have give full support for such noble moved. We have no time to waste, do not let UMNO strengthen their position while their weak and fragile atm.
@ SABAH 31 UMNO MP’s…
IF you want no issues/drama for jumping ships BUT you’re sincerely would like to help SABAHANs and NEW MALAYSIA, i suggest you pull out the courage to resign as both UMNO & MP’s.
Starts campaign represent the PK candidates on pre-election, trust me u would win the Nation Full Support in such Noble move regardless of race. Im 100% sure you would have BIG WINS prolly bigger than DSAI in P.44! Dont hesitate if we are CHAMPION of the Nation.
Fresh elections would only mean the “burial of UMNO and AAB”. The way they are losing support will see them topple in GE13, breaking AAB’s belief that 13 is a lucky number to him!
ktteokt, don’t be too sure about that. AAB will be gone before the new year and this will give BN ample time to rebuild their fractured support and policies.
I am AGAIN hearing from Anwar that the public will know crossover list today; he sounds like a sore broken record. The increase in the opposition members of parliament is said to be due to their representing the alternative to the race-based politics of the BN. How they can ignore the entirely Malay PAS and the overwhelmingly Chinese DAP I do not know. These are race based parties.
If indeed the people as a whole reject race-based parties as represented by the component parties of the BN, then they would reject PAS and DAP. Also note that the Malays constitute approx 15-20% of Pakatan’s support base wth the remainder made up of non-Malays, this shows that Anwar is being used as a pawn by anti-Malay forces to gain greater political influence despite the agreed social contract at the time of independence.
Without Malay unity there can never be a national unity because they comprise the majority race/religion. Pakatan does not speak for the whole rakyat but only a section with vested interests. If you think Anwar will be allowed to march into parliament and be allowed to form an economy-wrenching and Malay minority government, you are very much mistaken. Having the numbers does not address the fact that political power must remain in the hands of the Malay Muslims. Pakatan does not guarantee this.