1. The recent publicity is about PAS and UMNO wants to have a muzakarrah (a discussion or dialog) certainly attracts a lot of attention. While there are certain worries within PAS members, the news also has an impact on other Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition members. Nik Aziz decision not encouraging the discussion was indeed a wise move. It is a reflection of his political maturity. The decision by other PAS members can be described as self centred and not looking at the bigger political picture.
2. It was widely reported in the media that immediately after the 12th GE, UMNO in its bid not to lose Selangor, even willing to give the MB post to PAS. PAS state leaders met with PM and Khir Toyo for several days trying to come an agreement. I would say they would have been successful if not for the influence of PAS HQ. I view the act of the Selangor PAS leaders as treason and as self-centred. They forgot the bashing that their brothers in Kelantan have been receiving. They forgot how the state of Kelantan was being treated as a stepchild over the years. They do not realise that the offer was not being made in the best interest of PAS but in the best interest of UMNO. It is not being done in the best interest of Malays or people of Selangor. The act of this people can be considered as treacherous.
3. The media is certainly enjoying spinning the story of the revival of the Muzakarah. I expected it as they are UMNO and MCA controlled media. They want to create uneasiness among the various members of the PR. To some extent, I think they succeeded. The red face of Guan Eng when he was asked to comment about it picture a thousand words. In a way, he did not know how to react.
4. I have always says that politics is about power. Clean politics can only be achieved by balance of power. In Malaysia today, there is almost a balance of power and that is a good start. For the best interest of the nation, it is best that the idea of balance of power is further strengthen. The concept needs to be nurtured further and let bloom further. Somehow, Selangor PAS leaders failed to appreciate this concept.
5. For Malaysia to grow forward it needs a strong and balance political system. After 50 years, the parties are still talking about ethnic base relationship. It is sad. It is time to abandon this concept. It is time for Malaysia to think about two party systems. On one end, I would like to see a BN party (and not a BN coalition) and on the opposite end Pakatan Rakyat. Political parties need to go on promoting certain values and not as what is being practice now.
6. I urged Gerakan to initiate this move. It has the right leaders and platform. It can start merging with other parties within the BN coalition. Don’t wait for UMNO to start. They are too busy cleaning their own house. On the other end, I feel PKR must lead the Pakatan Rakyat coalition. Party leaders must have Muzakarah within their own coalition and find the common platform. Identify the common values. Strengthen this values. This is the way to go. This is the kind of Muzakarah that should be promoted.
7. What is the point of having a Muzakarah just because it is about power? It is a shortsighted approach. It does not strengthen the national politics. It weakens the country. It saddens the people’s heart. I want PAS not to forget the 12th GE how many Indian and Chinese boys ride motorcycles and waves PAS flags. Think long term. Don’t be fooled by the offer of power (and maybe monies).
PAS – take heed of uour Tok Guru’s advice.
Do not be bitten by the same snake from the same pit !!
Do NOT be use to achieve other people’s ulterior agenda.
Well said. Dr.Rafick.
The torture and sufferings of the Kelantan Rakyat and PAS members especially for all these years, is a cruel act by the BN which is undemocratic and inhumane.
How can a Fed Guomen where most of the ruling elites are Muslim, implementing such a discriminative policy against their fellow Muslims?
What kind of leaders are these? Cruel? Heartless? Can’t imagine, really.
For HA who lost his MB post in 2004, it’s hard for him to swallow the defeat. He couldn’t win it back in the last GE, so may be the best way to become MB or DPM again is to collaborate with the “enemy”.
You can’t beat them, you join them? Is that so?
Are these leaders so foolish or money-minded, power-crazy? If yes, I believe the grassroot members will flush them out very soon.
Let’s wait and see.
Dr. Rafick,
As always these politicians get swollen-headed once they are elected, thinking they are elected because they are so “good” and clever. Then they go about entrenching themselves, grabbing power and looting the treasury and so on instead of working for the betterment of the people and the nation. They forget the people put them there and the people will take them out. And the people now are not so easy to fool like before, thanks to bloggers like you, RPK, and many more!
what is in common between the evil and good? Nothing.
Nik Aziz is right. If PAS continue the so called political meeting with UMNO, she will lose support of the educated chinese who supported PAS during last election.