‘He being kept to become the next PM by the scheming few who knowing he will bow to pressure from those who assigned him the post of PM and Umno president'.

On It's Najib who must quit, not Pak Lah

Om Prakash: The DPM has failed to capture Kelantan or Permatang Pauh. Furthermore, his political and personal credibility has gone bankrupt in the eyes of the majority of the rakyat .

Now he being kept to become the next PM by the scheming few who use him for their sinful greed, knowing full well that Najib will bow to pressure from those who assigned him the post of PM and president of Umno.

Although both Najib and Abdullah have failed to push Malaysia through the current national and international challenges, my bet is with Abdullah rather than Najib.

However, they must both be replaced, considering that Anwar is in parliament and that Sept 16 will be the national agenda for the new government.

The rakyat have proven that they will no longer swallow hook, line and sinker what the politicians say and do. A new generation of politicians must emerge from the ashes of the despicable and sinful Umno.

History will teach new generations of students how race and religion were used to rule over Malaysians.

It's now left to all other component parties of BN to renounce their allegiance and crossover to Pakatan in order to neutralise the much-feared PAS, another political party that will turn turncoat in the name of God and religion against Pakatan anytime.

Mike Yeoh:

Firstly we all have to look at the reason why the DPM was given the mandate to lead the BN campaign in Pauh. I, for one, see it as the baptism of fire for the PM-in-waiting, since it was agreed by the PM and DPM that he will be PM in 2010.

There are two years for Najib to learn the ropes and to slowly ease his way into Putrajaya.

However, if the by-election campaign by BN is anything to go by, we can see - from the character assassination of DSAI - what kind of leadership the DPM will engage in if he does become PM.

Actions speaks louder than words, and by such an unscrupulous act, many Malaysians can now easily determine who is the better candidate to lead a Malaysia for all Malaysians.

Peter Ooi:

I must congratulate Anwar Ibrahim on this historic occasion. He deserves to be the opposition leader, more so after a very hard fought 'battle' against the might of BN.

Yes, BN was trying to 'finish' off Anwar Ibrahim politically by deploying its whole battalion's top guns from Abdullah Badawi, Najib, Hishamuddin to the MCA and Gerakan presidents.

Despite Anwar was hopelessly ill-armed with primitive ‘bow and arrows' or ‘blow pipes'

and despite all the disadvantages, he not only won the by-election but won it in style.

In real battle, the commander-in-chief, and the on-field general of the defeated side would have been sacked. What more if they had in their possession the vastly superior weapons.

If it were to be translated to the humiliating defeat of BN by a poorly-armed PKR, the PM being the commander-in-chief and DPM being the on-field general, should be sacked.

On DNA Bill: Defect rather than perfect

S Vijay: NTV7' s 7 Edition news bulletin conducted an SMS poll on Aug 27. The poll was initially titled ‘The DNA Identification Bill, when passed into an act, would turn Malaysia into a police state - A. Yes; B. No.'

I answered the poll and selected the ‘Yes' option. When the results were announced at the end of the news, it was hardly surprising: 99% responded with a ‘Yes'.

However, to my surprise and disgust, the title of the poll was changed to ‘Tabling of DNA Identification Bill is too rushed - A. Yes; B. No.'.

Shame on you NTV7. Was the second title more ‘government friendly'?

That poll is not what I and other viewers responded to, and could be considered a fraudulent misrepresentation, seeing that RM0.50 was charged for each SMS.

Perhaps tonight's poll should go something like this: ‘By us at 7 Edition changing the title of our poll yesterday, is Malaysia already a police state - A. Yes; B. No.'

Dian Abdullah:

Our country is ready for the DNA Bill. But it is our MPs that are afraid to have their DNA taken. It has been an open secret that most of our MP men and women commit adultery, steal, and even murder.

The PM and DPM must be the first to commit their support on the DNA Bill and have their DNA taken as a first step, then the cabinet ministers, etc.

The other concern that was brought up in parliament - that our country will be turned into a police state - is nothing to laugh or joke about.

Our Umno MPs do not seem to have the maturity to think properly about it and the consequences that it will have on our future.

The police, in league with the AG, have repeatedly misused their position and have invented and forged evidence that is questionable to suit their fancies time and again.

I would like to propose to the next government that the forensic department be run by a forensic expert who has experience and qualification. In the meantime, we could employ a foreign expert to build up the forensic department.

Another suggestion is that the forensic department head answers only to parliament. Two people, one each from the police and AG's chambers could assist and be placed in the forensic department.

Their duty would only be to assist - not to force or create unnecessary evidence.

Let's go in the right direction, as this country definitely needs the DNA Bill to reduce the mounting crimes that are committed daily.

On MCA slams Umno leader's 'Chinese squatter' remark

Mahendran Balakrishnan: While it is good that MCA is trying to fight racist behaviour, how come it was pretty much quiet during the controversy regarding the racist teacher in Banting?

Only Indian-based groups were seen to be making noise, and that too with no stern action till today.

Eileen: Dear reader, may I know which one you prefer, Umno's scornful ‘Chinese squatter' or Anwar's ‘ Anak Melayu anak kita, anak Cina anak kita, anak India pun anak kita '?

Are you still enjoying sleeping with the enemy or have you woken up by now?

On Muhyiddin worried, calls for swift changes

KSN: He did not specify what changes are essential for Umno and BN to survive, if that is even possible at this stage. Let me list the changes that I think are necessary:

a. Recruit capable leaders who are prepared to serve the country for the country's sake,

b. The leaders must be national in outlook, seeing all the citizens as Malaysians, and non-racial in their thinking and practises,

c. They must not be fanatically religious or racial,

d. Recruit independent and competent people for the judiciary, police force, attorney-general's chambers, Election Commission, civil service, etc. that represent the various communities of the population, and base promotions on capability and performance,

e. There must be no corruption, no favouritism, no cronyism.

I can go on and on. I hope Muhyuddin gets the drift. But considering the rot that Umno has now, does anybody believe that all the changes listed above are possible and acceptable for Umno to implement?

Something for the Umno leaders to chew on.

JC: Even after the Permatang Pauh debacle, BN's Muhammad Muhammad Taib, Nazri, Najib and even Pak Lah himself - are still giving arrogant statements.

Now, Hamid Albar is frantically pushing the DNA bill through, and he still has the cheek to say that it has nothing to do with Anwar.

Such nonsensical utterances continue to insult the people's intelligence. Clearly those in the BN are displaying stupidity of the highest order.

On Dr M to Umno: Back Abdullah at your peril

David Yoong: Another truth is this: Mahathir himself is personally responsible for having set the stage for racist and unjust policies, corruption, and arrogance.

He fuelled them into what they are today. In fact, many of his actions after the last general election remain racist in nature.

That he can blog and pronounce 'remedies' for the nation that are, at best, his own personal vendetta against his hand-picked successor.

As this is a clear case of the pot calling the kettle black, it would be interesting if someone compiled the heaps of favours Mahathir did that directly or indirectly paved the way for his own children during his rule.

His statement regarding Anwar buying MPs and other bidders having more money is a clear manifestation of his endorsement of 'money politics' - again, something Mahathir pushed full throttle during his tenure.

Lastly, to paraphrase this confused man: 'He has ears, but refuses to listen; he has eyes, but refuses to see'.

Kaisim: Dr M is now an armchair critic and so can say what he likes, whereas Pak Lah had to do many things. He hoped to make good decisions, but unfortunately, he has not got the support of his men.

I disagree with Dr M that the Chinese, Indians, or other minority groups will support BN if Pak Lah is not the PM.

The minority groups are already fed up with Umno's stand on many national issues. Some fed up BN members might have voted for PKR.

Rakyat Malaysia: Dr M may still dish out his own brand of so-called ‘wisdom' about issues of the day, but his latest comments about the Permatang Pauh by-election and the call to Umno to abandon Pak Lah just shows how removed he is from the general public's feelings about the state of affairs in Umno and in the country.

The truth of the matter is that the rakyat did not vote against personalities as much as they voted against an incurably corrupt government that Dr M left as a legacy, or should I say rather ‘a burden' to Pak Lah. Not on March 8 nor on Aug 26

Removing Pak Lah from the leadership of Umno is not the solution.

Nothing less than removing the corrupt Umno and BN from the government in Malaysia will be sufficient to stem the steady ruin of the nation by corrupt, self-serving, racist, and bigoted traitors to the rakyat .

We are not sure that PR will be the ‘cure-all' for our ills, but it would be the right step towards a truly just and harmonious Malaysian society. Of that, we are sure.

Siva Palaniappan: Dr M - For god's sake, please stop singing the same old boring tune. The rakyat and the rest of the world know that you are the culprit and that the unfortunate Pak Lah has become the victim.

You were quoted as saying 'The Malay and non-Malay voters do not want to vote for Anwar but are even less inclined to vote for BN'.

What you said was only partially correct - Malays and non-Malays indeed will definitely vote for Anwar and his allies.

You will be remembered by Malaysians and the world for what you have done so far. But please stop telling lies to us.

Apanama: Dr M's assertion that we are gullible, stupid, and immature in choosing our politicians is probably more accurately reflected by his 22 years in power than the current political reality.

We have learned and moved on.

At present, Anwar Ibrahim serves the Malaysian public to our own determined ends, not the other way around.

He is only a means of achieving what we want in the near future. If Mahathir thinks otherwise, he is also sadly mistaken.

Dhammika: Mahathir must realise that the rakyat want change and reform. DSAI is only the capable and skillful leader to make this change.

You weakened the judiciary, the executive and the monarchy. See what happens when you get the wrong person to lead the country.

You are getting desperate to even propose Rais Yatim to be PM. But don't worry, DSAI is a forgiving person, so don't fret.

Enough is enough and the rakyat wants change and only DSAI can meet this agenda of change.

The rakyat will be much satisfied for the next 50 years if DSAI can bring to book the corrupted ones .

The CAT system must be in place at all level of service to bring back the dignity and respect Malaysia has lost.

On Sworn in, Anwar is Opposition Leader

Rakyat Setia: I am following Malaysian's politics very closely. As a Malaysian staying in Singapore, my love for my country remains strong and I wish the best for my country.

Anwar is a potential leader who can bring Malaysia up to international standards.

For many years, Malaysia has been lagging in many aspects, especially under the ruling party BN.

In my opinion, BN didn't improve Malaysia much, as we've had problems with neighbours and some Western countries.

Worst of all, the security in Malaysia is getting worse. Not only that, BN doesn't care about the rising the cost of petrol much.

Although I am not directly affected, my relatives and immediate family who are still in Malaysia feel the pinch.

The income level is already low and job issues (unemployment or job prospect matters) are unresolved.

I just cannot comprehend how BN could implement such drastic changes and request that the people adapt to the current economic downturn.

Isn't it the responsibility of the government to solve the problems of and take care of the people? No matter what approaches are taken, people's welfare should not be compromised.

If BN is not able to do the task, the more credible party should take over for the sake of the country.

Nantha Kumar: The recent election in Permatang Pauh has shown that BN's dirty tactics have failed to convince the people.

I must say bravo to Anwar, who has won with a big margin despite fighting against the powerful BN's might with money and media, and their dirty politicians.

BN has dug their own grave by contesting in this election. On the issue of who must resign, I must say that the entire BN government should go because the credibility of BN is no longer acceptable by the people.

The decision for Arif to contest was made by consensus in BN, so get out and let Pakatan Rakyat lead the country for all Malaysians.

Long live Pakatan Rakyat. Once you are in power, the people will be watching you to see if you practise what you preach. Don't let down the people who chose you.

Michael Ng: The result of the Permatang Pauh by-election was a foregone conclusion to many Malaysians.

It was the tirade of negative news churned up by the media that may have got some people worried as to the outcome, but overall, Malaysians are now savvy enough not to swallow everything reported.

It seems that the feelings of the people since March 8 have not changed.

Many are still annoyed with the current administration, despite the mainstream media giving the impression that all was not well within Pakatan Rakyat, and the people are fed up.

Anwar must now play his role as a respected and responsible opposition leader who can unite the three main opposition parties.

Perhaps he should also consult with his partners in PAS to rein in some of their hotheads who seem to be against some concerts, either by locals or foreigners.

Everything that others like to do or enjoying doing is a no-go for them. These chaps must not impose their narrow-minded views on others who happen to be in the majority.

As for the much talked about change in the federal government by Sept 16, I don't see it happening. It's probably mere talk by Anwar to shake up BN.

Hj Muhammad Yusof Saad: History was made on Aug 26, 2008. Let's shout Merdeka! The road to the new Malaysia lies ahead - let's walk through it together.

Tan Keng Heng: The result was out and the best result is not that Anwar won or BN lost but that Anwar won by a bigger majority!

To me, at least, the best outcome is that racial politics cannot work anymore or it only has a very minimal effect on the intended targets.

We can only achieve real racial harmony if the people of the various races are not bothered by racial sentiments fanned by politicians anymore - that is the ultimate, the real guarantee for racial harmony in the future.

It will even be better if people will outright reject racial politics in the future for then it becomes a non-issue or non-starter.

That to me is the future of Malaysia. Not high economic growth, material advancement or fantastic superstructures.

Happy Merdeka everyone!

On Stop dishing out datukship to 'kids'

Can't Imagine:

In sports, a lot of incentives are thrown around, rewarding peanut achievements with lavish pensions and gratuities, equivalent to a Superscale officer who has put in about 30 years of civil service.

As a nation with some resources to spare for future generations, do we have to throw them away?

The point is that sports is something that we, as individuals, should love to do and develop in, given the facilities.

Many other countries with hardly any resources work very hard to compete in the Olympics. It is their own hard work and achievement that are gratifying.

Sometimes they don't even have the environment to train peacefully.

In Malaysia, you throw everything for just one. Why should that be? Is the achievement worth throwing out that much? I wonder, why do the administrators mix sports with politics?