Posted: February 19, 2009 | Author: Michelle | Filed under: Digressions |
There are some things in life that take precedence over other things in life. And at times they collide.
This is such a time for me.
I have very much enjoyed reading and learning about different ways to view certain issues from the various comments that have come my way. Sadly though, this may be the last post in this blog for a long time.
I do hope, however, that I’ll be back soon. And perhaps I will. With a stronger understanding of everything that goes around.
Until then, I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who has read this blog, and contributed their thoughts.
Posted: February 19, 2009 | Author: Michelle | Filed under: Society |
Much has been said and written and blogged about what happened to Elizabeth Wong. Her privacy was invaded, photos of her taken without her consent, and have been publicly circulated.
Most people have commented that she shouldn’t have tendered her resignation. And perhaps she shouldn’t have. I’ve read testimonies about her being an excellent representative of the people, and that she has served the people well.
I just wish to express my support for whatever decision that Eli has decided to make. It’s a traumatic experience to have one’s privacy invaded. But to have this showcased for all to see is to throw salt to the wound.
Though I cannot say that I understand everything that she might be going through emotionally, I can understand that it is not easy. And if the decision to resign was entirely her own, she has my support.
Posted: February 10, 2009 | Author: Michelle | Filed under: Politics | Tags: Barisan Nasional, Khairy, Pakatan Rakyat, PAS, Perak, UMNO |
My condolences to the family of Roslan Shaharum. His passing on was very unexpected. Many have said it to be ‘divine intervention’, considering the political climate that looms over Perak at the moment.
Al-Fatihah.
*
Perak is now in such a state that just when you think you know what’s going on, the next minute you’re not quite so sure. And emotions are definitely running wild.
Take for example THIS:
“In the old days, what did we do to those who committed treason?” Khairy [Jamaluddin] asked the crowd at the Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil field here.
The crowd replied “kill him!” as they waved banners with the words “Nizar Penderhaka Melayu Moden (Nizar is the modern day Malay traitor)” but Khairy instead said that “we only ask that they be banished,” referring to Nizar and other PR leaders who have supported his decision.
This is nothing short of fanning the fire. I think this is what is referred to as mengapi-apikan perasaan. The end result wouldn’t be nice. And politicians, or anyone of influence, would be well-advised to stop egging the people on, like what Khairy has been seen doing. It can’t be good for ANYONE.
It is in this state of uncertainty and swirl of anger that a next by-election will be carried out.
I hope Barisan Nasional will refrain from banging on the derhaka issue. And I hope Pakatan Rakyat will control their supporters from pelting more stones at cars of royalty/dignitaries/anyone.
Let’s at least TRY to keep it clean.
Posted: February 7, 2009 | Author: Michelle | Filed under: Politics |
From Malaysiakini:
An articulate Perak Menteri Besar Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin revealed his combative streak and colourful vocabulary today by challenging Umno to a duel.
“If Umno is jantan (a man) then battle it out with Pakatan Rakyat through elections,” was his challenge.
“Tapi Umno dayus dan pondan sepenuh pondanya,” was his conclusion during a press conference at the menteri besar’s official residence this evening.
I happen to think that Barisan Nasional SHOULD “battle it out” with Pakatan Rakyat through elections. That’s how it should be done if we claim to practise democracy.
But hey, lay off with the name-calling.
Since when did being jantan have anything to do with “battling it out”? And since when did people who refuse to “battle it out” become pondans?
This is bad form.
Posted: February 6, 2009 | Author: Michelle | Filed under: Politics | Tags: Barisan Nasional, Pakatan Rakyat, Perak |
Y’know, I was sort of expecting the Sultan of Perak to announce the dissolution of the Dewan Undangan Negeri, and that we would be seeing snap polls in Perak in the very near future.
So I was suprised when I read that the Sultan decided that Barisan Nasional has enough support to form the Perak state government, and this change would take effect immediately.
It’s a little bit of a deja vu kind of feeling for me right now, considering the fact that Anwar had proposed a change in the Federal Government through the same means that Barisan Nasional has acquired the Perak state government. The proposed 916 that never happened.
I wrote THIS about the time 916 was about to happen:
[I]f I had things my way, I would probably require that all the MPs who wish to defect would have to first relinquish their position in Parliament, and get re-elected by the people under a new flag.
This, unfortunately, is not doable. Basically because the law states that any MP who resigns cannot contest as a candidate in the same constituency for the next 5 years.
I take the assumption that the same law applies in state seats. If I’m wrong, please correct me.
I think this law, plus the fact that we don’t have anti-hopping laws, actually encourage this frog-hopping business that we’re seeing in Perak now. This undermines democracy, and it undermines the importance of the mandate that the representatives received from the people through the ballot box.
The proposal of enacting an anti-hopping law is ding-dong-ing between both BN and PR, depending on the situation each side is in. If there are defections from BN to PR, the proposal comes from someone on the BN side, and vice versa.
The legitimacy of defections also depends on who’s defecting to whose side.
If I’m a PR rep, and there are defections from BN into PR, it’s a good thing, because PR is good, and at least someone has finally “seen the light”. But if it’s from PR to BN, that person’s a traitor, a good-for-nothing, and his/her position should be nullified.
Believe it or not, the same kind of thinking occurs in those who represent BN.
That’s why I think it’s interesting to see how the reactions towards this coup d’etat are being formed. Those who supported the proposed 916 are now saying that the defectors should get a fresh mandate from the people. Those who opposed the proposed 916 are now saying that it’s perfectly legitimate to defect.
I still think the law, as it stands, encourages power transfers of this manner. The key word here being “power”. Because it feels to me like our politicians are more interested in getting power, rather than serving the people. Which, incidentally, is what they’re supposed to be doing.
