Fifty-three years after Merdeka and 47 years after the formation of Malaysia, Malaysians are at last within reach of a historic mission – to end Umno political hegemony and make Malaysia a normal democratic country where change of government through the ballot box is accepted as a healthy democratic process and not one to invite threats of man-made disasters.
Three years ago, before March 8, 2008, Malaysians would not dare to think or dream of this possibility in their lifetime – but now it is not only a realizable dream but one which could be accomplished in the next general elections expected to be held in the first half of next year.
This is the magnitude of the change in the political landscape brought about by the political tsunami of the 2008 general elections less than three years ago.
This is also why the Selangor DAP State Convention today is taking place at a historic moment in the nation’s history and why it is attracting national attraction well beyond its state boundaries.
Recently, after the Galas and Batu Sapi by-elections, former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir said Barisan Nasional is capable of wresting one or two states from Pakatan Rakyat as the opposition is in disarray, although he is of the view that BN would likely fail to regain its two-thirds parliamentary majority despite being returned to power in Putrajaya.
It is no secret that Mahathir meant Selangor when he mentioned “one or two states” which Barisan Nasional could wrest from Pakatan Rakyat in the next general elections.
Can Umno and Barisan Nasional win back Selangor in next general elections? Is Pakatan Rakyat government in Selangor impregnable and invincible?
I know there are people who believe that Pakatan Rakyat cannot lose control and power in Selangor in the next general elections.
In the 2008 general elections, Pakatan Rakyat won 17 out of 22 parliamentary seats in Selangor and 36 out of 56 state assembly seats (losing one as a result of defection).
Eight Pakatan Rakyat parliamentary seats in Selangor were won with less than ten per cent majority, namely Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat (these won with less than five per cent majorities) and Selayang, Gombak, Ampang and Kelana Jaya. In a recent by-election, PR lost Hulu Selangor, which was won with the slimmest majority of 0.4% in 2008.
For the state assembly seats, ten were won by Pakatan Rakyat with less than ten per cent majority, viz Sekinchan, Bukit Melawati, Cempaka, Damansara and Teluk Datuk (these five won with less than five per cent majorities) and Ulu Kelang, Bkt Antarabangsa, Lebah Jaya, Kota Anggerik and Selat Kelang.
Taking into account that Barisan Nasional had also won three parliamentary seats and 12 state assembly seats in Selangor in 2008 with less than 10 per cent majorities, is Pakatan Rakyat invulnerable, invincible, impregnable and unconquerable in Selangor?
We should not only take heed of the warning “Pride comes before a fall” but also learn from the lessons of history.
In the 1999 general elections, PAS had never expected to win power in Terengganu state but it swept the state with a landslide 28-4 victory in the state assembly seats.
In the 2004 general elections, PAS never expected to lose power in Terengganu but it lost in a reverse 4-28 sweep by Umno and Barisan Nasional.
Can what happened in Terengganu in the 1999 and 2004 general elections happen in Selangor in the 2008 and next general elections – capturing power in Selangor although never expecting to win before the 2008 general elections, and losing the state in the next general election although never expecting to lose?
This is why the Selangor DAP Convention today is important, as it will help determine whether Pakatan Rakyat in Selangor will repeat or avoid the Terengganu example in the next general elections.
I spoke of the “two fatal political assumptions” – one for BN and the other for PR – in Kota Kinabalu last week:
• That it is a great mistake for BN to believe that its hold on Putrajaya is secure and that it could win back the Kedah and Selangor state governments from PR based on its victories in the Galas, Batu Sapi, Hulu Selangor and Bagan Pinang by-elections.
• An equally great mistake for Pakatan Rakyat to believe that it is embarked on an unstoppable movement to capture federal power in Putrajaya with invincible control of its present state governments, particularly Kedah and Selangor.
I know that I have caused upsets with my “two fatal political assumptions” statement, but I prefer to be proven wrong in the next general elections rather than proven right!
The Selangor DAP State Convention today can be a major political milestone for Pakatan Rakyat to ensure that Selangor in the next general elections will not be a repeat of Terengganu in 2004.
But even more important, the Selangor DAP State Convention can help to end the crisis of confidence in the Pakatan Rakyat and restore the political momentum for democratization created by the March 8 political tsunami by giving new hope and inspiration to all Malaysians that the historic mission to end Umno political hegemony to make Malaysia a normal democratic country where change of government through the ballot box is accepted as a healthy democratic process and not one to invite man-made disasters remains on track.
How can the Selangor DAP State Convention today become a major political milestone in the historic mission of Malaysians of all races from all over the country to make Malaysia a normal democratic country, which is a prerequisite to save Malaysia from becoming a bankrupt nation in 2019 as warned by a Cabinet Minister and lay the basis for building a new Malaysia which is democratic, just, inclusive, prosperous, internationally competitive, a magnet for global talents and FDIs where every Malaysian has an equal place under the Malaysian sun.
Firstly, by ensuring that Selangor DA State Convention contribute to the solution and not aggravate the crisis of confidence in Pakatan Rakyat by avoiding any action or statement that could be exploited to undermine public confidence in Pakatan Rakyat.
Secondly, sending out a clear and unmistakable message of a single-minded unity of purpose to ensure that Selangor will not repeat the lessons of Terengganu of 2004 and full endorsement for national political change in Putrajaya. This message will be marred if key DAP leaders in the Pakatan Rakyat Selangor state government do not receive full mandate and support from the Convention.
Thirdly, also clear and unmistakable message that DAP stands constant and consistent for honest, clean and incorruptible politics whether at the national, state or local government level.
There is a place and role in DAP for every leader and member to contribute to the historic political changes awaiting the country. For DAP, just as for Pakatan Rakyat, united we stand, divided we fall.
Let us therefore venture forth to make this Selangor DAP State Convention a historic milestone to ensure that Pakatan Rakyat can retain power in Selangor and the other Pakatan Rakyat states of Penang, Kedah and Kelantan, recapture Perak state government which was “robbed” from Pakatan Rakyat illegally, undemocratically and unconstitutionally, take the offensive to Johore, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak as the front-line states and most important all, to make a successful bid for power in Putrajaya.
(Opening speech at the Selangor DAP State Convention 2010 held at Sunway Convention Centre, Subang Jaya on Sunday, 27th November 2010)
PR politicians n supporters must show voters dat they r worthy successors of UmnoB/BN
Y r there rampant in-fightings among members within DAP, PAS, n PKR?
Hv d elected PR politicians carried out their duties 2 serve d rakyat fairly n effectively?
R DAP politicians n members matured enuf 2 respect winners n losers in d on-going Selangor DAP election?
Will winners n losers work together amicably after d Selangor DAP election?
Will there b unity within DAP against UmnoB/BN?
Or is it a case of winners slaughtering d losers n their supporters n dividing d party?
Have to stick to our principle as our main motives is to bump BN out of Putrajaya.
We don’t care what really is happening to PR in-fighting as I do believed that most of it are caused by Umno’s planted moles and traitors who are being paid by BN to do the job.
It’s just to cause uneasiness among us voters and I’m not buying that.
We all knew very well that Umno is using every dirty tactics to rid Anwar ‘cos Anwar is the backbone of Pakatan.
Without Anwar, Umno will be invincible and BN will rule forever and we rakyat will suffer generations after generations.
If all of us are to stick to our original way and really rely on our brain, Umno’s plan will backfire one after another.
Uncle Lim, agree with you fully.
There’s not a moment too soon to start the momentum.
If the Filipinos can do it in their recent General Election, so can we!
Give the BN a landslide defeat that no amount of underhanded tactics can ever begin to change things in their favour.
Uncle Lim, start the march!!
Political parties break up because personal goals of those holding office do not conform to those of the party.
How can the party advance and move forward if those holding office have visions and goals which are not in line with those of the party?
To win GE13 BN no need to prove that they are capable of reform, they just need to prove PR as incompetent, just like any other half past six politicians on their side. While that may not be an easy task for BN, nonetheless it has succeeded in casting doubts on voters’ desire toward a change of government, that if change is necessary at all. A few more miscalculations will do because it is natural that the focus is on PR as expectations are high, promises have yet been fulfilled, but if not delivered that might just be the final nail in the coffin.
Don’t be too boastful or over confident in whatever you think or do!
God sometimes will play the fool with you!
Can PR at last create Malaysian history
By ending Umno political hegemony
Hopefully yes and here’s briefly how
Start educating the voters from now
Especially those in the hinterland
Be united and campaign well-planned
Run the states you rule with efficiency
Practise CAT formula and true democracy
D new 15-member Selangor state committee of DAP has been decided
Time 2 close rank, shut up, talk less, n work together to end UmnoB political hegemony n make Malaysia a truly democratic n fair country
Hope no purging, cleansing, or back-stabbing; good luck
Time 2 kick out UmnoB/BN b4 more teachers, encouraged by d inaction of UmnoB/BN, ask nonMalay students 2 “return 2 China n India”
Last Wednesday, a woman teacher, assigned 2 a school in Lukut as chief invigilator 4 d SPM examination, told some students b4 d examination 2 “return 2 China n India”
Dis is NR’s 1M’sia!
Is M’sia a police state?
Kuching police chief Mun Kock Keong refused 2 grant DAP a permit 2 organise a dinner on Sat 27 Nov at two restaurants at d old Batu Kawah bazaar. No reason was given.
Time 2 CHANGE dis practice of police acting as political thugs of UmnoB/BN
Work passionately to free Malaysians with total unity and one minded objectives with no selfish ulterior motives may make voters respect and trust a change of government is sensible and practical.
Lim Kit Siang speech is inspiring.
Keep reminding voters of the many sins UMNO B and BN have committed. The must be factual and not based on hear say..yet few based on hearsay are factual too. It is how you present your speech to convince voters is most important.
Be great speakers like excellent lawyers to fight and win a noble case to free Malaysians.
God bless Lim King Siang.
umno is like a prick that won’t go away. We just need that extra effort to dislodge it. that would be the day of relieve and reconciliation.
Two lessons. Yes. First the terengganu pendulum. This lesson tells us all about the vicissitudes of public sentiments. But lets not forget the penang lesson too. The point from the second lesson is this. Once a target is set, we must never lose sight of it and must never give up.
We want true democracy, true freedom and true equality. If only umno can provide us with these, I am sure we would have little hesitation to support umno. But the fact of the matter is umno’s ideal (which is essentially umnoputra centric) is just too far (in fact far to far) away from our target. More than that, it is causing and bringing immeasurable hardship to many many people.
Our target is to reach for true democracy, true freedom and true equality. Voting umno out would not only put an end to the rot that is taking place rapidly in the country; but would also give us the hope of an alternative. The latter is the essence of true democracy. The choice and the right to exercise it.
So keep in line fellas and march on!
It is telling that the bedrock of PR strength in Selangor remain that of the DAP and PAS rather than PKR who heads the coalition in Selangor. There is no question that DAP is the main bedrock in Selangor as they are in Perak and Penang.
More than any other state, PKR has to proved it can lead the coalition by retaining Selangor. If it can’t do it, it can’t lead the way to Putrajaya. That is really it.
Having said that, can PR lose Selangor? Absolutely. But what are the chances? At best its 50-50 at the moment. I would say it still favours PR. The more accurate way to pain the picture is its for PR, particularly PKR to lose it and its all possible the same way, Putrajaya is for BN to lose and not for PR to win.
That said, the odds are in BN favour they will keep Putrajaya so, even just retaining Selangor is no consolation prize.
Events in d last 50 yrs showed that UmnoB/BN failed 2 govern dis nation properly
Instead of growing dis nation fr strength 2 strength, UmnoB/BN r leading dis nation down d road of disunity, weakness n bankruptcy, surely 2 a failed state
UmnoB/BN only interested in divide n rule, n in enriching themselves n their cronies
Their racist practice is encouraging Malay teachers hurling racist abuse at students
Not easy 2 unseat UmnoB/BN bcos of d power they hv n d agencies they control (which they readily abuse 2 remain in power); a huge mountain 2 climb n overcome
PR must unite n b seen by voters 2 b a better alternative 2 UmnoB/BN
Forget d battles, get ready 4 d final war (GE13) n WIN it handsomely
UMNO had every potential to be a force for good.
But in 50 odd years, UMNO stood for a force that was corrupt,racist and directionless.
History shall judge UMNO as a force that went astray, commandeered by “pirates, thugs and cheats.”
So sad.
Sir, just one question to ask. Why is it Anwar is the one the lead the Pakatan? It’s quite frustrating.
First of all, DAP has more seats in the parliament than PKR.
Secondly, DAP has been the older party than PKR. With more experience leaders. With strong agenda.
Thirdly, the DAP and PKR polls indicates that DAP is more mature than PKR in terms of its member and leaders.
If PR wants to strive for success, Anwar shouldn’t be the leader. There are better leaders in DAP. One just need to say something and make it a reality.
perampok cinta 1…Malaysia not ready to have other races as PM.
Nothing can change overnight when you have 53 years of race and religion dirty politics promoted by UMNO B and supported by low class MCA ..Gerakan and MIC.
Similarly….so many label DAP as Chinese party without understanding DAP is a Freedom Fighter party….and one race that suffered most is the Chinese…due to massive corruptions…where tax big payers which were mostly Chinese all money stolen.
Nowadays..Malays are paying as much taxes as others…and that makes it easier for DAP.
The result of Selangor DAP State Convention is the breaking point for a few selfish DAP state leaders who will create enmity amongst the grassroots. Watch out for back-biting, cloak and dagger incidents. A safe bet will be for all winners and losers to appeal for unity (whether they like it or not). Otherwise we will cry for DAP during the next State Election. Want to bet?
3# Thor, I strongly agree with your posting.
PR must be prepared to field strong and capable candidates for this coming election. We are going to vote for change,vote the party, not the candidate. Another tsunami. PR must start using all avenues, like widespread sms, facebook,(multiplying effect) to remind one another to ensure eligible youngsters, to vote for change, Therefore, from now on, always bring forth good practices by State Governments like Penang and Selangor to effect change.Continuously remind the people your manifesto for change. Translate messages into simple Bahasa so that even a non Malay can understand.
PR must convince us that, even without DSAI, PR will march on.
No change is the same..same pathetic situation.Change change we must for now and better future prospect.What are we to loose from this present corrupted and bias doberment.