For the past several months, I have been an avid watcher of the spat between Tun Mahathir and Pak Lah’s government; especially Tun’s persistent criticism of his successor. I find it unusual though for Tun, having being at the helm of government for 22 years, and with a number of his ‘subordinates’ still holding ministerial posts today, could lash out his criticisms at the entire government, that he once commandeered.
Though strange to some, Tun’s bashful retorts at some of the things that the present government does, surely has its reasons, which has been made known by Tun, in no uncertain terms at various gatherings and meetings with people across the country.
Despite the above, Pak Lah still remains adamant, and is far from conceding to the pressures for him to relieve of his post, after his party’s dismal showing in the March 8, general elections. Even after having lost the state of Penang, his home state to the opposition, he claims the Malay voters are still supporting UMNO, which is now synonymous with him. This claim has given Pak Lah the legitimacy to cling to power, although there has been many dissenting voices within the party itself.
The recent ‘drama’ involving Najib, Rosmah, Anwar, Saiful, Bala, Musa, Gani and RPK has somewhat distracted the public’s attention towards the Mahathir-Pak Lah’s tirades; the latter being the least vocal. The ‘drama’ has raised several perceptions and spectre in the minds of people, one of which (if it is worth believing), is that the script to the ‘drama’ was written by Pak Lah himself.
Assuming the above to be true, Malaysia will the first country in the world to have its top members of both the legislative and judiciary as ‘criminals’, that is likely to drag the country towards political and economic oblivion.
Many questions will then be asked. Who else can the people believe? What laws runs this country? Are we nearing Armageddon?
Only yesterday, Pak Lah has awaken from his slumber, and was quick to shot down the internet (bloggers I suppose), whom he said had exacerbated the slandering and smearing of lies to those involved in the ‘drama’, supposedly squaring on Anwar. This accusation has taken a new turn to the reform stance adpoted by the new Minister of Information, who is much friendlier to the press, and to the bloggers in particular.
With all the uncertainties prevailing, and the possibility of new found ‘dramas’ being propped up, Malaysia can no longer be what it was before.
Public lost of confidence at the government, the judiciary and the police has been said aloud. Economic woes has added pressure on the people. And voices that the Army will be called in to assist the police if widespread disorder develops, has caused public criticism. Voices has also be heard that continued public protest, and in much larger scale will now spread into the streets.
What will all the above do to this country? My guess is one of apprehension and untold fear, which my grandchildren does not deserve.
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4 comments:
Looking at the overall picture, I find that Tun Dr Mahathir’s (TDM) criticism has some basis. After BN’s big win in 2004, I was looking some big changes as promised in the election manifesto. None came. In fact, the PM was so overconfident of the public support that he did not care two hoots about any criticism leveled at him then.
So many negative aspects about and around him seemed to appear with photo proofs in the blogs. All these had no effect on him. He kept on as he was until the 2008 election. Only this in a way shook him up to a certain extent.
If we are to list out the debacle, with explanations and comments, it could easily occupy one thick book.
Somehow, he continued making promises that he could not keep. One example is the Commission to oversee the Police (I cannot recollect the actual name) ‘misdeeds’. Until today, this proposed organisation has yet to see the daylight. This is just one example when he opened his mouth without realising the implications. This in a way confirmed that he had no foresight.
Establishing the Judicial Commission over the Lingam Tapes is another unwise move when you did not have the complete tape to view. Imagine a commission making recommendations from an uncompleted with perhaps edited version of evidence. What sort of judgement is this? In addition, the Government is expected to act on its recommendations!
The second example is the payment to the ‘disgraced’ judges. I do not see the logic of this payment at all when they have not lost any financial benefits. To top it all, the amount is kept secret from public knowledge. If these ex judges are so ashamed to disclose the amount, why do they accept? Are these the same people whom we had to call ‘Yang Ariff’ and bow when we appear in front of them?
The opposition with that scheming rebel in the lead seeing all these weaknesses, finds this was the best chance to make a kill. Thus the current situation facing the country.
With time, it looks that both sides are losing steam to the chagrin of the populace who what to go forward.
Nochan Sir,
I value your comments which reinforced what others has been commenting all along. Public opinion nowadays has little influence due to stereo type mindsets among our revered politicians. Like yourself, I too believe in speaking up now, for we have remain reticent for too long.
I think the rakyat is fed up with the politiking currently taking place with no end in sight.
The rakyat are at their wits end how to survive in these uncertain times.For example, going to Pasar Tani or Pasar Malam these days is no fun due to esclating prices of foodstuffs.A RM50 bill could not buy much these days.
As for the Armed Forces,I hope PERNAMA which has a monopoly of setting up mini-markets in almost all military bases in the country could come up with additional discounted pricing schemes on essential foodstuffs for the benefit of members of the Armed Forces.LTAT could provide the required subsidy, and PERNAMA to lower its profit margin, if possible just enough to cover its operational costs on the basis that it is a charitable organization of the Armed Forces and not a profit making company.
Dear Maurice,
I only hope that PERNAMA and LTAT reads your comment, which I agree totally. These two 'outfits' should be more welfare oriented, rather than thinking of making huge profits. I believe if prices are reduced, many more soldiers will patronised PERNAMA. Even we the retirees. With increase customers, there will be profits to be gained. I suggest PERNAMA look at how MYDIN works.
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