'If Chandra is man of his word, he should have uttered his words directly to Anwar and not at a public forum organised by a MCA proxy.'
On RM110mil law suit against Khairy, Chandra
Arunasalam: It is my frank view that Chandra has made a fool of himself by making such uncalled for and outrageous remarks against Anwar Ibrahim. If what Chandra said was meant as the truth, than he should not have joined PKR to later became its vice-president. Is Chandra saying that he was fooled by Anwar?
Chandra leads an NGO called Just and he has lost sight of the meaning of that very word. If Chandra is man of his word he should have uttered his words directly to Anwar and not at a public forum organised by the MCA.
Chandra should unconditionally apologise to Anwar and PKR members for his outrageous and stupid remarks. Chandra, be a gentleman and apologise for your remarks or face the consequences of being sued for defamation. Let it be known that people like me who once admired you are disgusted by your comments
Mohamed Aslam Haneef : I attended the Election 2008 Forum held last Monday at the Menara Star in Kuala Lumpur. The five speakers, Karim Raslan, Denison Jayasooria, Rita Sim, Chandra Muzaffar and Syed Arabi Idid had their say, with the moderator, Wong Chun Wai playing an active role stimulating discussion and at times, provoking the speakers and the audience to speak their mind.
I felt that the issues raised were frank, reflecting the concerns of Malaysians such as inter and intra-ethnic relations, marginalised sections of Malaysian society and their plights, political and governance reforms that need to be made post 2008 elections, as well as some predictions of outcomes.
As a whole, though not as controversial and heated as some political forums can get, the session mainly reflected the maturity of most of the speakers and audience.
The last question allowed by the moderator was on the future role of Anwar Ibrahim in Malaysian politics. In their winding up responses, Karim Raslan seemed to be very positive about the role of Anwar and the need for BN, especially Umno to create ‘more Anwars’. Even Denison Jayasooria and Wong Chun Wai, who are known to be more pro-BN, were open to the possibility of Anwar having a positive role in Malaysian politics, if nothing more than for just keeping the BN government on its toes.
The disappointment to me was Chandra. His views that there could be more segregation and deterioration of inter-ethnic relations if more votes went to the opposition was quite shocking. His solution of a stronger BN that would act benevolently after winning comfortably was even more shocking. This was coupled with his emotional outburst against Anwar Ibrahim.
As someone who has known him for a relatively long time and who always respected his calm and patient responses, I was totally shocked by his many, rather weak accusations. Although the question was on Anwar’s role in Malaysian politics, Chandra answered that if Anwar was to become prime minister, it would be ‘an unmitigated disaster ' for Malaysia.
I do not know what his problems are with Anwar, but this one incident has reflected badly on Chandra, especially since Malaysians have always come to expect a higher standard from him. His point on ‘honesty of politicians’ was especially humorous given the whole array of conflicting statements, warnings and threats issued by politicians, including government ministers and ex- opposition politicians in their long or short political careers.
Richard Kamalanathan: This is in response to the remarks made by Dr Chandra Muzaffar about Anwar Ibrahim last week. The founder of Aliran was not instrumental in the formation of PKR (during the formative days there was no PKR but just Parti Keadilan).
Just after a few weeks after Anwar was arrested 1998, there was meeting held at Professor Sabaruddin’s house behind University Tenaga Nasional and in that meeting Dr Wan Ismail (Anwar’s father-in-law) spoke about his relationship with the former primer minister and how Anwar was urged to join Umno.
During the meeting, he (Wan Ismail) urged us to consider forming a party. Hence, it was his idea that was formed on the porch of Professor Sabaruddin’s house. None of Anwar's family members were there. I was one of the few initiators of the idea.
Subsequently we went around building up this party and we had a lot of youngsters joining the party along with former Umno stalwarts like Marina Yusof. She was a great asset at that time. For some reason though, most of the good leaders could not work with Chandra. He was haughty, arrogant and oblivious of the real issues at the kampung and estates.
It was difficult to talk to him. Once, at a Hindraf gathering in Sentul, he told me that my analysis of the Tamil situation was good but added: ‘You Indians must know exactly what you are asking for.
This Chandra Muzaffar @ Chandrasegaran Pillai considers himself not Indian just because he has converted. Chandra thinks he is a super-intellectual on human rights, philosophy and Islamic civilisation in Malaysia. He is not. I will blame Anwar for bringing him into the party. Chandra was the cause of the early troubles in PKR. He has no leadership qualities and had no political thinking. He was zero at politics.
I am no more in PKR but I feel I have to put the facts right, not for Anwar's sake but for many individuals who had worked along with me in the party in its formative days including my wife Philomena. I am disappointed in you, Dr Chandra.
Concerned Ex-Malaysian: I am a 60-year-old has-been. Even though I am no longer a Malaysian, I follow politics in Malaysia with great passion. When Chandra Muzaffar joined Anwar Ibrahim to start PKR, I knew Anwar was making a grave mistake. I have read much of what Chandra has written. He is just a pseudo-intellectual. I remember he used to criticise Dr Mahathir Mohamed, but the moment Mahathir gave him a pat on the back, he fell head-over-heels to please Mahathir. He is at best, an arm-chair champion of social causes.
I feel sorry for Anwar too. Like Mahathir, he is not very good at judging characters. A case in point in Jeffrey Kitingan. That chap is a serial party hopper! Yet, Anwar is counting on him to deliver results in Sabah. Be that as it may, I hope the people of Malaysia will not allow BN to take them for granted this time! Malaysians deserve better a better leader than Abdullah Badawi.
JD Lovrenciear: Not only has Chandra lost his credibility, he has destroyed whatever good tracks he left through the initiatives of Aliran and Just World. And Aliran's immediate response to distance itself from Chandra only further cements the general public's disgust.
In the first place, and as rightly pointed out, why did he use such a platform to make these baseless claims and at this crucial moment too?. Mind you, he had all these years to do what needed to be done if he was sincerely aligned with the rakyat 's concern for a just society and fair leaders.
Secondly, as also rightly pointed out, the other panelists had spoken with a fair mind and had not lanced Anwar like Chandra did. But unfortunately, the mainstream media chose to scream Chandra's views only. Hence the whole episode smells of a diabolic plan, for want of better word. And therein lies the lost battle of Chandra's credibility. Shame on you doctor.
Navina: The recent statements by Dr Chandra Muzaffar and Lim Keng Yaik are mind-boggling. Chandra was, as he claims, the deputy president of PKR when Anwar Ibrahim was in prison.
In that case, he should have been the man in control at the party, notwithstanding Wan Azizah. The fact he could not get the party into line, as he claims now, in itself reflects very poorly on him. It’s a pity that a man of his stature in society has been compromised.
LKY says that Anwar was anti-Chinese. Where was Lim when the current DPM drew the keris and promised to bathe it in Chinese blood. And why didn’t he make an issue of Anwar’s stance on the Chinese schools when the latter was in the cabinet? Wasn’t Lim then the leader of a multiracial party who had given him the mandate to speak on its behalf? Both these guys should just shut up.
On First Indian woman rep bemoans racial politics
Siva: Gerakan started on a good footing. It was multi racial with a good mix of professionals, the middle-class, trade unionists, and the working class. The candidates were well-known and above racial politics. After joining the BN, they became a Chinese party. It is better that they join the MCA now instead of professing to be multiracial. The same with PPP. The original leaders were non-racial in their outlook and were well-respected even by the Alliance leaders. But once PPP joined the Barisan it also lost its identity. Like the Gerakan, PPP should join the MIC. The BN should only have 4-5 component parties. Then it can have a manageable cabinet of about 20 ministers instead of accommodating and pleasing 14 components parties.
The Barisan Rakyat, on its part ,should be serious enough to consolidate itself. Taking the example of the Gerakan Rakyat then, it should form a non-racial alliance with a national agenda. Set realistic targets, workable solutions, recruit professionals and most of all, be honest. I am very sure there are people in BN willing to come over to the BR if the come up with a common vision. Will the DAP, PAS and PKR dissolve to form a non-communal party? Are they prepared to compromise their present position for the greater good of the country so that the rakyat have an alternative voice? At present we the rakyat have no choice but to choose the BN as the ruling coalition.
On Mahathir: We need an opposition
Observer: Dr Mahathir's assumption that BN will win 70% to 75% of the seats is baseless and presumptuous and his views can be discounted for. After all, he was and still is a BN leader. We believe that Dr M is a fence sitter now to safeguard his position. His son is a BN candidate so of course, the former PM hopes that BN will win most if not all the seats. The share market can be a good indicator of the final outcome of the election.
Neither Here Nor There: I read through the whole interview and I can tell you I am sick of Dr Mahathir’s 'neither here nor there'. Some more, he denied there was a 'gentleman’s agreement'. Can you believe this coming out from his own mouth?
Saying 'We need an opposition' is just meaningless to me. Need an opposition? How strong should it be then? 1%, 10%, or 33%? I see his answers were favourable to BN. Mahathir cannot have the best of both worlds.
On Don't expect BN to lose big
Andrew Ng: The writer may be right in that the Malays may be spooked by the swing of the non-Malay votes against the BN government. But that is only on the assumption that the Malays have less appreciation of social justice and an abhorrence of corrupt/incompetent governance.
Look at the escalating consumer prices, the rising crime, the rising unemployment and their shock over the rapid escalation of the Umnoputra's wealth. If that's not enough to trigger them into voting against BN then it is time to pack up and leave the country for good - not forgetting to switch of the light for the last time while the country enters the Stone Age.
Concerned Malaysian: While admitting that there will be a swing in votes for the opposition, the writer says that Barisan cannot be denied the majority. To deny them their two-thirds majority, the opposition will have to get 75 seats or more.
I think the Barisan can be denied their two-thirds majority provided the sounds of protest against their rule can be translated into votes. I have been receiving feedback saying that the opposition parties are attracting more crowds at their ceramah but as said, the people may not vote for the opposition.
Let us pray and hope that the Barisan will be denied their two-thirds majority and will then wake up from their sleep. The government should take care of all the races, not just the Indians, Chinese or Malays. We are Malaysians and our rights must be protected. The day the Malaysians think as one irrespective of their race, religion or creed, is the day the country going to enjoy freedom, prosperity and peace. Until then, our struggle will go on.
YSM: This analysis if true is most depressing. That means forever we will have to live with this colonisation by BN. I think I shall begin the process of migration.
On Shock reversal: Indelible ink plan erased
The G: I strongly believe all Malaysians deserve to hear a solid justification from the EC chairman why the indelible ink plan was scrapped. The rakyat need to know more than just stating the reason ‘due to security issues’. The EC has spent more than RM2 million of our taxpayers money for the ink, and all the sudden because of few culprits, EC scraps the idea. It doesn't make any sense at all.
How big is the impact of this ‘illegal ink’. Can it affect the election? I believe if culprits are running around marking 1,000 voters’ fingernail, the police should be able to nab them without any hassle. Because of few culprits, the EC has decided to risk millions of other voters’ right.
Why not get all the parties to send out warnings to the rakyat ? All parties can spend tons of money for campaign and time for ceramah so why not send out a warning via TV, SMS, radio or posters? Mr EC Chairperson, I believe and I think most of us believe the cancellation is a wrong decision. There are better ways to deal with the problem. This definitely will further tarnish EC’s credibility.
Isaac A: I am deeply disturbed by the action of the EC to do away with the indelible ink. I personally think that this a ploy by the ruling government. The prime minister says that they do not cheat but I am not sure about that. I really hope Malaysians will be wise when they go out to vote and look out for any suspicious things may be taking place.
Kak Dah: I agree with Malek Hussin on the EC being selective of our constitutional rights as Malaysian citizens. If one were to use the same argument used by the EC, then many would want to take EC to court for denying people's right to vote when they transfer names of voters to polling districts nearest to the address shown on their MyKads (I have many friends who cannot vote because their names are registered in other states).
There are cases where there is no change of address but a voter finds out that he cannot vote in Bangi where he lives but has to travel to Klang to vote. And another case where a friend who has never registered but suddenly finds out that she's listed to vote somewhere. And yet another whose grandmother has passed on and reports were made to SPR to delete her name but to date, she's still registered. Oh man, if BN wants to win so badly, at least do it in a honourable way.
Muhammad Syafiq Mohd Isnin: I would like to beg all the phantom voters and those who will vote for the almost 9, 000 over 100 years old voters (who are still unsure whether they are alive or not) to think hard before voting for BN. Clearly, this election will be decided based on their votes. Phantom voters, please realise that the people of Malaysia want change.
We are badly sick with the poor administration and management of our beloved country by very under-qualified leaders. I strongly believe that our phantom voters are also humans with common sense and are fair-minded. To Muslim phantom voters, remember that every human dies and the big sin you will commit this coming election will surely be judged in the next life.
The money you make won't be able to pay for the price of the punishment. I also strongly believe that most of the phantom voters are Malaysian and they do love our country. So come on. Be with us and vote for better Malaysia. It's now or never.
Meng: The EC Chairperson Abdul Rashid is a big disappointment. After this elections, he would probably go quietly into retirement and leave the Malaysian civil service. However, the EC chief will forever be remembered as the man who had no integrity and who helped deny the Malaysian people their right to a fair and free elections with his sudden refusal to use the indelible ink. Many go remembered for great deeds but Abdul Rashid will go as a BN man who worked not for the people but for the ruling elite and their continued rule.
On Opposition 'poised to deny two-thirds majority'
A Revolution: Pak Lah, the world is watching us this coming 12th general election day after tomorrow. We are being observed by the New York-based Human Rights Watch. So, please do you best to ensure a 'free and fair' election for all. If BN unable to get a 2/3rds majority, so be it. There is always a tomorrow to win again. A vote for Barisan Rakyat does not mean we don't love you or Malaysia.
On Selayang: Leong sees light at the end of the tunnel
JO: I refer to the above report on William Leong and express my full agreement. Anwar is indeed is our hope of breaking the mould of Malaysian politics. If he succeeds on Saturday, there is hope for Malaysia but if Malaysians continue to vote for the status quo, then I can only say God help Malaysia.
Say No to Race-based Politics : William Leong, I agree with you wholeheartedly on PKR’s vision to transform the political landscape of Malaysia through the practice of multi-racial politics. All of us should despise race-base politics played by BN.
Since PKR is mostly contesting in mixed seats where Malays form the majority of about 40-50%, the Malay vote is still critical for PKR to record big wins. I sincerely hope the Malays are convinced of Barisan Rakyat sincerity’s in denying a 2/3rds majority to BN.
Rakyat Malaysia: Bukan tak sokong , memang kita benar sokong , dari Bapa-nya sampai sekarang dah. Tapi, tengoklah apa sudah jadi sekarang. Inikah hasil dari sokongan kita? Apa yang dikata TPM ‘Kuasa disarahkan kepada rakyat sekali dalam lima tahan’ itu benar. Dia tak bohong kita, Dia betul. Dia tak bersalah
Tapi, kita kena ingat selepas undi. Kerana kita punya kuasa hanya sekali saja dan dia punya kuasa selama lima tahun tolak sehari. Fikir lah baik-baik, gunakan kuasa kita untuk pilih wakil-wakil yang benar-benar boleh berkerjasama dengan kita, majukan negara dan membangunkan ekonomi kita sama ada di dalam atau di luar negara.
On Kok raps rival over 'sexist' posters
Peter Ooi: The posters put up by BN depicting Teresa Kok as a ‘loose lady’ is disgusting and in utterly poor taste. Already Teresa had been the butt of dirty jokes by those male BN MPs in the Parliament. These sexist remarks by those MPs were totally unwarranted. They lack respect for their female counterparts and I would say such an act is despicable.
Now during her campaign, she is again attacked. And this time coming from her female BN opponent. I am really stunned. It makes me wonder whether BN candidates are really made up of such poor-quality material? Imagine if Parliament is filled with such MPs. Think many, many times if you wish to vote for BN.
Disappointed: Carol Chew, go home and learn some basic manners. Your tactics are cheap and dirty.
On Wake up Indian women! It's your field day!
Cocomomo: Yes, Indian women, wake up indeed! Do not be fooled by this article by an MIC supporter or by what you read in the mainstream media. Yes, the MIC has done positive things but in fifty years (not five years!) more could have and should have been done. Do not listen to the MIC supporters who try to make it look as though they have done a fantastic job - they definitely have not.
Vote for the opposition. The ruling party needs to be checked so that it does not continue with its arrogance . It should not have a two-thirds majority in the parliament and state assemblies whereby they can can make blatant changes to the constitution. When they have a smaller majority they will serve better to obtain continued support.
Danny: On the Motorola issue, our Dr Koh says that he is saving more than 10,000 jobs for Penang residents. But if we really go and think about it, what is the main reason why all these investors are planning to leave our country? How many billions more can our government spend on all these investors? The main reason they are leaving is due to our government’s poor policies which are chasing all the investors out.
On Now is the hour to make our feelings known
Tim: The Malay monopoly on Malaysian politics has only a 50-year shelf-life. 2007 actually marked the begining of the end of the Malay monopoly on Malaysian politics. Najib will be the next PM of Malaysia fulfilling the Malaysian prophecy that the country will ave six PMs based on the last name of the Tunku which reads ‘Rahman’.
R for Tunku Abdul RAHMAN, A for ABDUL razak, H for HUSSEIN onn, M for MAHATHIR Mohamad, A for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (supposed to be for ANWAR Ibrahim but due to circumstances, it has fallen on Abdullah) and finally N for NAJIB Razak whose continuation of his father's ultra policies will bring the curtains down on BN.
It is interesting to note that all six of them will alternate between being moderate and ultra. Tunku who was a moderate and loved by all M’sians. Abdul Razak earned the tag of Father Of Ultras with his pro-Malay political stand. Hussein Onn, a true-blue moderate was followed by Mahathir, the Mother of all Ultras.
Then comes Abdullah who has failed in his role as a moderate primarily due to the demise of his wife. Today he is just a pawn in the game of the ultras, biding his time untill Najib takes over.
BN will win the coming elections but the winds of change will set in when Najib takes over as he will prove to be the worst of the lot. His tenure wil also be short-lived. Malaysia will then amend the constitution and turn into a republic where everyone under the M’sian sun will enjoy equal opportunities. Hey! Don't look at me. I am only telling you what's in my 'tea-leaves'.
Santi Vardhana: Somehow, during elections the police have been very, very busy and very successful in curbing the criminals as reported in the mainstream media. Bravo. If, this is the result of having elections, then we should have them every week.
Concerned Voter: After listening to all the ceramah speeches it is obvious that BN is absolutely defenseless and bankrupt of all ideas. Instead of trying to address and refute all the allegations of corruption, injustices, empty promises and the racial and religious issues etc they are sidetracking and resorting to attacking the personalities of the opposition. What a bunch of jokers.
On Why Chinese voters may abandon MCA
Nicholas Mun: I think your article is spot on with its analysis of MCA's impotence. I will be voting for the opposition and I hope other Chinese will do the same. It's time we send a clear message to MCA and Umno.
On Remember Hashim Suboh's question
Tankc : My dear fellow Malaysians, exercise your right on Saturday. Never say your vote is insignificant Every vote counts Go to your polling station and vote on March 8.
Another 2/3rds majority for the BN (Narisan nincompoops?) will be the end of road for Malaysians, So vote wisely We shall rejoice at the fall of BN come midnight of March 8.
On 'Silicon Valley' a hotbed for voter dissent
Mano: What could be a better post-election reward than a much cherished Free Port Status for Penang? Penangites lost that status after putting Gerakan into power in the 1969 election. Since then, nothing could be seen at the end of the tunnel as far as the Free Port Status is concerned. Apparently, there is a ‘no looking back policy’ from the Barisan government on this matter.
The tourism industry in Penang is raking in billions of ringgit annually. A Free Port Status will only boost the industry further much to the gain of the federal government directly or indirectly.
Invariably, Penangites have regretted choosing Gerakan as it ended up merging with the ruling government. Penangites have been punished for the past 39 years for electing the wrong state government. And now, Penang being a hot spot in this election, it may be given some due attention amongst the contesting parties. Penangites would be ever grateful to the party which can really champion this cause of action.
On Young M'sians say polls make no difference
Siva: Yes, true polls do not any difference. We got to work for a living. We have really given up on the government’s policies - they only take care of their own pockets. When there are elections, all the candidates will go from house-to-house asking for support but upon winning, they don't even bother.
Malaysia is a multi-racial country so everything should be equal for everyone. I am not a registered voter. I don't care what happens in Malaysian politics. This country holds no promise. Why should we vote? They gain and we suffer for nothing. I hope this time, all the parties will win equally
