The 16th DAP National Congress the next two days is the focus of national attention for more reasons than one, viz:
• It is the last national conference this year for any political party in Malaysia;
• In fact, it is the last national conference for any political party before the 13th General Elections which would be held in the next 100 days;
• DAP is the only political party in the country which dares to hold party elections on the eve of impending general elections, as all other political parties have postponed their party elections until after the elections;
• Will the DAP emerge stronger or weaker after the 16th DAP National Congress;
• Will Pakatan Rakyat and the cause for “UBAH” to effect political change in Malaysia all the way to Putrajaya be strengthened or weakened?
In the past month, Pakatan Rakyat suffered a serious setback when the four million middle-ground voters who will be the arbiter as to whether it is the Pakatan Rakyat or the Barisan Nasional which will appoint the Prime Minister and form the government in Putrajaya after the 13GE developed doubts and hesitations as to whether Pakatan Rakyat parties of PKR, PAS and DAP are fully committed to the PR Common Policy Framework and Buku Jingga common platforms.
This is a salutary lesson to all the component Pakatan Rakyat parties that in the “hot-house atmosphere” which will further intensify with the approach of the long-awaited 13th General Elections, that they must always be conscious that every statement and action not only of the national leaders but of the other echeleons can have an impact many times larger than ordinary times when exploited and distorted by unscrupulous and unprincipled political propagandists with their biased mainstream media.
The Kelantan gender-segregation ruling affecting non-Muslim hair salons is a case in point where on the one and same issue, DAP is accused of being “subservient” to PAS while PAS is accused of compromising to “appease” the DAP.
It is a lie that DAP leaders are afraid of PAS leaders, just as it is a lie that PAS leaders are afraid of DAP leaders. It is also a lie that the Malays or the Chinese will be oppressed under the PR government, for the PR parties of PKR, PAS and DAP are committed to serve the best interests of all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion or region.
Our relationship in PR, together with PKR, is one of equals where we respect each other’s views and differences. This is why DAP leaders have communicated our stand on the Kelantan hair salons controversy to the PAS leadership right from the very beginning, although we did not announce it in the media.
But this is not adequate to win the support of the four million middle-ground voters if we are to succeed in effecting a change of government in Putrajaya, as we have to convince them that the three parties in Pakatan Rakyat are fully committed to uphold the principles and platforms that unite us as stated in the PR Common Policy Framework and Buku Jingga while putting aside our historic ideological differences.
DAP stands for a secular state while PAS is in the diametrically opposite pole on hudud – but we agree to disagree in the interests of upholding democracy; restoring the independence of key national institutions whether the judiciary, the civil service, police, the election commission, the anti-corruption agency or the Attorney-General’s office; ensuring justice and prosperity for all Malaysians; promoting national unity and inter-religious harmony; and establishing good governance by declaring an all-out war against corruption.
The basis of DAP reaching out, engaging and co-operating with PAS in Pakatan Rakyast is not on Islamic state or hudud, but on the principles of promoting democracy, pluralism, cultural diversity, human rights, women’s rights and development in Malaysia.
Malaysia is at the historic cross-roads in the forthcoming 13th General Election – whether to perpetuate UMNO hegemony and one-coalition state or to change the political landscape by initiating a two-coalition system to signify the advent of a more mature and healthy form of parliamentary democracy in Malaysia.
The 16th DAP National Congress also has a date with history – not only as the most momentous in the party’s 46-year history but also in the 55-year history of Malaysia.
It appears to be easier for UMNO/BN to regain its two-thirds majority in 13 GE than for Pakatan Rakyat to reach Putrajaya, for UMNO/BN need to win another eight seats from the 140 it won in the 2008 General Elections.
Pakatan Rakyat has a longer distance to cover to reach its objective, as the three PR parties must win at least another 30 seats than they won in 2008 to cross the hurdle to win the parliamentary majority of 112 seats in the 13th general election.
But to be a secure, viable and durable federal government, PR cannot just have a simple majority of one in Parliament, but must reach out to win a larger and more solid parliamentary majority in the 13th GE.
This is an uphill, even herculean, but not impossible task.
Let the 16th DAP National Congress sound the call to arms for the “Hundred Days to Putrajaya” campaign for a Pakatan Rakyat government in Putrajaya with 125 PR seats in Parliament with distribution of 45:40:40 seats respectively for PKR, PAS and DAP.
The secret to a successful “Hundred Days to Putrajaya” Campaign by Pakatan Rakyat will hinge on our ability to win over the four million middle ground/swing voters by focusing on national issues of importance, including PR’s greater ability:
• to manage and reduce corruption in the country;
• to show a new path towards genuine national unity and inter-racial harmony;
• to govern more equitably with social justice and economic efficiency;
• to reduce poverty among the native population in Sabah and Sarawak and bring more sustainable development to both of these states; and
• to usher in a new era of governance where democracy is developed and deepened.
(Eve-of-16th DAP National Congress message on Friday, 14th December 2012)
Dear delegates to the DAP 16th NC,
PLEASE STAY TOGETHER AND DO NOT ALLOW MINOR ISSUES TO DIVIDE YOU ALL. MALAYSIA NEEDS YOU TO DO THAT FOR US, TO SAVE MALAYSIA.
We are very near the finishing line to change the tenant at Putrajaya. please do not trip yourselves.
We must change the tenant at Putrajaya. GE 13 is coming soon. We can do it. We will all work very very hard. First to GE 13, then to Putrajaya.
Change we must. Change we can. Change we will.
I wish you all a very fruitful and successful 16Th DAPNC.
YB LKS, can you please provide an empty chair for Altantuya as “guest of honour” (in a manner of speaking), to highlight DAP’s and PR’s commitment to transparency, accountability, integrity and justice – PR’s platform for a renewed Malaysia.
Ah Jib Gor does not seem to understand that what Malaysia did to Altantuya is utterly heinous and so much worse than human trafficking. This is bonfire of human bones, cartilage and flesh! The ghost of Altantuya haunts Malaysia and bodes ill for Malaysia’s future if justice is not done or seen to be done, aiyoyo…. Ah Jib Gor.
BTW, the empty chair should be on the stage – centrepiece – prominently marked with Altantuya’s name.
The press should have a field day.
United is strength. Divided.. you will fall.
Stay true to be politicians for the people.. by the people and with the people.
If not then give up politics.
PR must be Opposite to BN in behaviors and actions.
Umno b is clearly divided and Najib is delaying the 13th GE for so many reasons.
The secret of DAP success is no secret.
Malaysians trust DAP as the party that dares to exposed corruptions with no fear.
I would like to remind readers not to forget Lim Guan Eng went to jail exposing Malacca M.Besar…Thambi Chik raping a 15 year old Muslim girl…with the girl’s parents ever grateful to LGE.
DAP dares to take on big crooks in elections too.
DAP inspires and now…keDAILan has Rafizi doing nothing but exposing corruptions and PAS is no more a quiet mild mannered so call religious party.
Hadi Awang with the creator of “ABU” roars like a lions…. like Karpal.
The DAP old guards do say what they mean and mean what they say…..non stop for 40 years.
Let the new DAP politicians understand why Malaysians keep supporting DAP and the scenario has changed dramatically at this present days…but the spirit must be the same.
Do not drag DAP to be a hypocritical party.
Be a working politician speaking nothing or be great speakers and action men/women to keep building DAP reputations.
Please d not join DAP hoping to be millionaires like MCA politicians.
Goodluck to your Annual meeting.
Hundreds sincere DAP young politicians can understand and trust he old guards.
They need to really feel the pains and sufferings of the old guards and not just admire and believe.
They need to develop characters that feel the suffering and sacrifices by the old guards in jail and daily fighting for country and Malaysians to be free.
Just listen…believe is not enough.
It has to start by being totally unselfish and fear nothing.
You see….if all Umno b politicians be like what I wrote…they may govern forever and DAP long gone folded up.
You understand….you know but do you say what you mean and mean what you say?
Do not just memorize and speak.
Every word you utter involves somewhere a Malaysian future.
It is not what you know but what your purpose of life to be a DAP politician and how you deliver.
I envy you all with such great strengths and purpose of life for people…by the people and with the people.
I despise anyone trying to upset another politician for personal benefits….plenty all over every Organization and DAP included.
It will be the ever sharp eyes and minds of the decision makers…to stay alert non stop….at least ….until after 13th GE.
I say DAP and PR never had a better change to be elected and govern until 12th GE.
It will be DAP own doings…to be defeated.
What will you young DAP politicians do if your parents are supporters of MCA?
Think about that and make up your minds.
My father put that question to me when I was young and I gave up the idea to enroll as DAP member.
I was not old enough to think he is he ….I am I.
I am his son but I am not him.
I should do what I wanted to do but I am much too old now.
I missed the golden opportunity to be a service to country and people.
I did the next best thing…sell the best products that are useful to customers and became and instant millionaire….but that’s money and materials.
What Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh have are blessed by good khammars ripened and alive to see that.
That money cannot buy.
Do not be confused that Mahathir…Dollah and Najib also enjoy good fortunes to have good sons.
You can understand the differences.
“An empty chair” + a few bottles of perfumes of Arabia on d stage
“Here’s the smell of d blood still. All d perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!” Said who? D fat stumpy flom?
It is not easy fore the old guards to bring DAP what is today.
It is easy for young politicians to spoil it all.
I have seen many companies gone bankrupt due to weak management….due to being too soft….or too demanding for nothing..and many more reasons.
I see Lim Kit Siang can be very humble and keep quiet towards his friends and I think…to the DAP members too.
I admire his style.
He made one mistake to team up with PAS when PAS cannot fight Umno b at that time.
He was engrossed to send a message DAP is for all Malaysians.
Now with Anwar and keDAILan…and all parties are open to all Malaysians as members….you should be very proud that DAP has finally shut the mouths of MCA as a racist party which they are.
What a bunch of lucky young DAP politicians you are!
DAP is solid as a rock. You need not send time to protect DAP image at all…..like the old guards.
After your 16th Assembly….go back to work for what you are elected for.
Everyone doing that…..it will accumulate into a mighty mighty reputation for being elected to do and not sit and relax enjoy the salary.
I am sure the decision makers to choose candidates for 13th GE will be based on results and even one may produce results with a character that is unreliable will be dropped.
For those that are dropped out and feel sad….don’t be so.
Accept top level decisions and be strong and united.
It is very easy to be Arm Chair Critics. Do not be like that in politics.
Be like that in business…OK la….you hurt no one but yourself.
If Pakatan take over putrajaya , many oversea malaysians will move back to Malaysia to make Malaysia a better country and to be a proud and happy Malaysian, I will be one of them !
The Lion of Jelutong likes to roar. I can go along with that. And he is right when he roars on matters of law, but may it please the great Simba, try not to pronounce on legal matters involving sensitive issues until after the G.E. when, at the least, you will have a neutral main-stream press to explain your case fairly to the public. Remember, the UMNO fellows will pounce on your every word/decibel.