I've just received a telephone call from an old friend from my former Ban Hin Lee Bank days...Mazlan Hassan.
He phoned to tell me that a mutual friend of ours, Ahmad Fauzi b Ismail, collapsed from a heart attack and died last night. He had been on medication for quite a while but had been delaying getting a bypass.
It's a shock to hear such unpleasant news. Fauzi was one of the first people I knew when I entered the banking industry. He was my superior officer at the bank's Penang Main Branch in Beach Street, Penang and later, we also worked briefly at the bank's Prai office in Chai Leng Park on the mainland.
Fauzi was one of the most unassuming fellas I've ever met. He treated everyone as equals and we could talk openly. I told him once: you mustn't think that you have people working for you. Think of them as people working with you. I believe it must have been a revelation that hit him then and there.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Pulau Jerejak raped! Where are the environmentalists?
Someone in the civil service has some explaining to do! And it has better be good!
On Thursday (13 Mar 2008), I happened to capture this image of Pulau Jerejak from my vantage point at Hotel Equatorial. I couldn't believe my eyes to see the hilltop was being raped. What's happening? It was all greenery about three weeks ago when I last looked at the island. Today, the northern tip of the island is bare. Only brown earth where trees once grew.
Wanting to take a closer look at the destruction of vegetation, I drove out to the Queensbay Mall (it's directly opposite the island) and this second photo was taken on Friday afternoon. I'm dismayed by the wanton rape of Pulau Jerejak. Has it escaped the notice of the environmentalists in Penang? Hasn't anybody noticed? Doesn't anyone care? Where is the government department that has allowed this to happen? Who is responsible?
For you to deduce what has happened, I pulled out my old images from my camera and here are two more digitally blown up photos of Pulau Jerejak, taken from the direction of Hotel Equatorial. On 1 Feb 2008, lush vegetation still covered the hill top but by 29 Feb 2008, you can make out that the vegetation had already started to thin:
On Thursday (13 Mar 2008), I happened to capture this image of Pulau Jerejak from my vantage point at Hotel Equatorial. I couldn't believe my eyes to see the hilltop was being raped. What's happening? It was all greenery about three weeks ago when I last looked at the island. Today, the northern tip of the island is bare. Only brown earth where trees once grew.
Wanting to take a closer look at the destruction of vegetation, I drove out to the Queensbay Mall (it's directly opposite the island) and this second photo was taken on Friday afternoon. I'm dismayed by the wanton rape of Pulau Jerejak. Has it escaped the notice of the environmentalists in Penang? Hasn't anybody noticed? Doesn't anyone care? Where is the government department that has allowed this to happen? Who is responsible?
For you to deduce what has happened, I pulled out my old images from my camera and here are two more digitally blown up photos of Pulau Jerejak, taken from the direction of Hotel Equatorial. On 1 Feb 2008, lush vegetation still covered the hill top but by 29 Feb 2008, you can make out that the vegetation had already started to thin:
Friday, 14 March 2008
General Elections: Observations 9
My impression of Guan Eng is that he is a man in a hurry. I know the enthusiasm and excitement is there because it is the first time he is running a state government but .... the heavy responsibilities of the office will mean that he can no longer make comments the way that he used to do.
No more shooting from the hips and scoring points against the Barisan. Now, whatever he does or say, he must learn to weigh the implications carefully because the whole country will be watching him. Every time he opens his mouth in public, people take it to me the official line, a government policy. So he must learn to be careful.
Take, for example, his policy statement on Thursday. Guan Eng talked about doing away with the NEP at state level. Good for him to say that, but because it was announced so soon after being sworn in, it raised hue and cry among the UMNO people. He allowed his opponents to take immediate pot shots at him, no matter how crude their methods. Just the moment that they were waiting for. It invited a warning from the PM; then it provided those hoodlums and nuts with an excuse to take to the streets. I feel he could have waited for a more appropriate time. Or perhaps a subtler approach instead of taking the bull by its horns. Now, he has to bear the full brunt of his inexperience of public office.
But I like his style of getting down to business right away. I really do. It says a lot for the DAP and PKR coalition governemnt that they have the will to begin governing the state immediately. I hope the new team will be successful, really successful. I'm behind them all the way.
No more shooting from the hips and scoring points against the Barisan. Now, whatever he does or say, he must learn to weigh the implications carefully because the whole country will be watching him. Every time he opens his mouth in public, people take it to me the official line, a government policy. So he must learn to be careful.
Take, for example, his policy statement on Thursday. Guan Eng talked about doing away with the NEP at state level. Good for him to say that, but because it was announced so soon after being sworn in, it raised hue and cry among the UMNO people. He allowed his opponents to take immediate pot shots at him, no matter how crude their methods. Just the moment that they were waiting for. It invited a warning from the PM; then it provided those hoodlums and nuts with an excuse to take to the streets. I feel he could have waited for a more appropriate time. Or perhaps a subtler approach instead of taking the bull by its horns. Now, he has to bear the full brunt of his inexperience of public office.
But I like his style of getting down to business right away. I really do. It says a lot for the DAP and PKR coalition governemnt that they have the will to begin governing the state immediately. I hope the new team will be successful, really successful. I'm behind them all the way.
A very astute observation
Former MCA vice-president Chua Jui Meng, when asked to comment on why the Malaysian Chinese Association's candidates suffered huge rejections in the General Elections, said: "A silent politician is no politician as silent politics is equal to zero politics."
Breath-taking sunrise
I managed to catch this picture of a glorious sunrise from the Equatorial Hotel in Penang yesterday. Time was about 7.06am. But no such luck with the skies today.
General Elections: Observations 8
CASE #1: Who is right, who is wrong?
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: "The NEP has benefited everyone. I would like to ask the DAP which community has been made poorer because of the NEP. The (Penang) state government must not try to create an atmosphere which can cause racial tensions. They should not marginalise the Malays In Penang, who are the minority in the state, and other minority groups like the Indians. Do not marginalise the Malays. I want to ask Lim Guan Eng what his plans are for the Malays in Penang What are his plans for the Indians in Penang? What are his plans for other minority groups in Penang?"
Lim Guan Eng: "I said we will have an open-tender system (in Penang). What’s the problem with that? Unless Abdullah doesn’t like open tenders but corruption, cronyism and inefficiency. I don’t understand what has abolishing the NEP got to do with marginalising the Malay or the Indian community. I think he is not right, (he’s) going on the wrong facts and trying to provoke (racial) sentiment."
CASE #2: Who has the more sobering, balanced view?
Nazri Aziz: "It appeared that the Malays, especially in the town areas, had become more confident now and felt they could compete with the other races on a level playing field. It looks like the educated Malays do not care about Malay rights anymore. The Malay doctors, lawyers, engineers feel they have made it on their own merit. It looks like the NEP is not something that can be used to persuade the Malays to support the Barisan Nasional. The Malays are saying 'you can’t scare us by talking about us losing our rights, because we are here on our own merit.' Some Malays felt that the NEP was unfair, and questioned why special rights should be given to them. The new confidence among the Malays is good for the Malay psyche."
Hishammuddin Hussein: "Abolishing the NEP could cause national instability. The move would not only negatively affect the Malays, but all Malaysians as well. Such irresponsible actions from DAP will only worsen the economic disparity of our multi-racial country. All the while the NEP has served to maintain balance in such issues. We cannot allow a large part of the country’s economy to be ruled by the minority races while the majority race is abandoned without representation."
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi: "The NEP has benefited everyone. I would like to ask the DAP which community has been made poorer because of the NEP. The (Penang) state government must not try to create an atmosphere which can cause racial tensions. They should not marginalise the Malays In Penang, who are the minority in the state, and other minority groups like the Indians. Do not marginalise the Malays. I want to ask Lim Guan Eng what his plans are for the Malays in Penang What are his plans for the Indians in Penang? What are his plans for other minority groups in Penang?"
Lim Guan Eng: "I said we will have an open-tender system (in Penang). What’s the problem with that? Unless Abdullah doesn’t like open tenders but corruption, cronyism and inefficiency. I don’t understand what has abolishing the NEP got to do with marginalising the Malay or the Indian community. I think he is not right, (he’s) going on the wrong facts and trying to provoke (racial) sentiment."
CASE #2: Who has the more sobering, balanced view?
Nazri Aziz: "It appeared that the Malays, especially in the town areas, had become more confident now and felt they could compete with the other races on a level playing field. It looks like the educated Malays do not care about Malay rights anymore. The Malay doctors, lawyers, engineers feel they have made it on their own merit. It looks like the NEP is not something that can be used to persuade the Malays to support the Barisan Nasional. The Malays are saying 'you can’t scare us by talking about us losing our rights, because we are here on our own merit.' Some Malays felt that the NEP was unfair, and questioned why special rights should be given to them. The new confidence among the Malays is good for the Malay psyche."
Hishammuddin Hussein: "Abolishing the NEP could cause national instability. The move would not only negatively affect the Malays, but all Malaysians as well. Such irresponsible actions from DAP will only worsen the economic disparity of our multi-racial country. All the while the NEP has served to maintain balance in such issues. We cannot allow a large part of the country’s economy to be ruled by the minority races while the majority race is abandoned without representation."
General Elections: Observations 7
How long does it take for a honeymoon to be over?
In the case of Guan Eng, his honeymoon was over in .... two days. Well, you can consider it four days if you like, by counting the period from the day after the elections. But for all practical purposes, it's only two days.
He was sworn into the office of Chief Minister of Penang on Tuesday, and by Wednesday he was already being criticised by the Consumer Association of Penang for the decision to waive summonses issued by the two local councils for parking and hawker licence offences.
CAP president SM Idris rebuked him: “We believe he has no power to bend the law. He should not reward the lawbreakers and discriminate against the law-abiding citizens who had settled their summonses."
In the case of Guan Eng, his honeymoon was over in .... two days. Well, you can consider it four days if you like, by counting the period from the day after the elections. But for all practical purposes, it's only two days.
He was sworn into the office of Chief Minister of Penang on Tuesday, and by Wednesday he was already being criticised by the Consumer Association of Penang for the decision to waive summonses issued by the two local councils for parking and hawker licence offences.
CAP president SM Idris rebuked him: “We believe he has no power to bend the law. He should not reward the lawbreakers and discriminate against the law-abiding citizens who had settled their summonses."
Thursday, 13 March 2008
General Elections: Observations 6
Stephen Colbert is credited with introducing this word - truthiness - into the English language. Let me attempt to add to the richness of the language with my own contribution - bloatiness.
Bloatiness. It's the word that I use to describe a fat Cabinet. A Cabinet chockfull of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and what else. A fat, bloated Cabinet where too many comfortable people do too little work.
Today, I read in the newspapers that our Prime Minister is now mulling over the formation of his new Cabinet. But for once, he is looking into eliminating the bloatiness. He wants to make it leaner now. No more bloatiness. Only a leaner Cabinet, see?
I suppose it will help by combining some of the Ministries into one. For example, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education. If ever there's a splitting of hair, this must be it! Combine the two together, lah!
Then there are the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication. Certainly another candidate for merger. Let me say here that I'm proposing the new merged entity to be called (please take a deep breath) ...
Going further, there's always the possibility of a new (take another deep breath)...
Bloatiness. It's the word that I use to describe a fat Cabinet. A Cabinet chockfull of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and what else. A fat, bloated Cabinet where too many comfortable people do too little work.
Today, I read in the newspapers that our Prime Minister is now mulling over the formation of his new Cabinet. But for once, he is looking into eliminating the bloatiness. He wants to make it leaner now. No more bloatiness. Only a leaner Cabinet, see?
I suppose it will help by combining some of the Ministries into one. For example, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education. If ever there's a splitting of hair, this must be it! Combine the two together, lah!
Then there are the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication. Certainly another candidate for merger. Let me say here that I'm proposing the new merged entity to be called (please take a deep breath) ...
Ministry of Energy, Water, Communication, Science, Technology and Innovation.At least, for our PM's comfort, he can still keep some of his bloatiness in Cabinet, if not physical bloatiness but certainly in spirit!
Going further, there's always the possibility of a new (take another deep breath)...
Ministry of Culture, Arts, Heritage, Tourism, Women, Family and Community Development.How about coming up with a ...
Ministry of International Trade, Domestic Trade, Plantation Industries, Commodities and Consumer AffairsAnd while we are at it, the three ministries under the PM can be merged into one too. I'm proposing a newly merged ...
Ministry of Finance, Internal Security and Home AffairsHeck! My mind is really working overtime today! Full of bloatiness. Good grief!
General Elections: Observations 5
In case you are wondering about this picture from the Sun, that's the endearing - some say spunky - 89-year-old Maimun Yusof who dared to contest as an Independent candidate in the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat. She travelled daily on her trusty bicycle, cycling around to meet people and asking for them to support her at the ballot box. Unfortunately, she was up against the big guns. No way that she was able to create an upset. Although she obtained 685 votes out of 65,112 votes cast, she still lost her deposit. Poor dear! I hope this won't discourage her to try again in five years' time when she is, what? Ninety-four-years-old?
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Nothing is sweeter today than....
Nothing is sweeter today than to look at this table and see that Arsenal holds only a two-point lead over Manchester United who have a game in hand. Plus, with the two teams yet to meet a second time in this year's Premier League, there's a real chance of Man Utd overhauling the Arses for the Premiership title.
Now Guan Eng knows that Penang Tourism sucks...
I will fully support any initiative in this matter of tackling Penang's tourism woes. It's time to bring back the shine to our pearl. As reported by NST Online today:
Clean up Penang to attract more tourists - This was the message given to new Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at his first meeting with the state tour agencies here today.
“I’m shocked to hear this. I came to listen to macro-issues on how to bring more tourists to Penang but what I got was complaints of dirty and smelly places and lousy service,” he said.
He said these fundamental problems, especially the the ones that come under the purview of the state government, would be addressed immediately.
“Looks like we got to roll up our sleeves and start working,” he said at the short meeting with about 100 members attending the annual general meeting of the the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta).
Lim said tourism is one of the key components of Penang's economy and thus needs to be rejuvenated to bring in more income, especially in terms of foreign exchange.Among others, there were calls to have clean public toilets, beaches and drains. There were also requests to have a pre-booking counter for tram services at Penang Hill, enhance the eco-tourism concept, tourism products and souvenirs.
The tourism industry also wants the state government to have constructive consultation with them before implementing or introducting plans for the industry, especially with regards to colonial buildings which it said should maintain their originality when refurbished.
Matta Penang Chapter secretary Evelyn Toh said the industry should have a state tourism executive councilor who is passionate and pro-tourism to better understand their issues and problems.
“We need an exco member who will listen to us and know our needs. Someone who loves the tourism industry as much as we do and who knows that even we can make good recommendations, she told Lim.
She also asked for better signboards to be put up throughout the state.
General Elections: Observations 4
Wow....I've just heard that Penang now has two deputy chief ministers. Not one, but two!
And they are PKR’s Penanti state assemblyman Muhammad Fairuz Khairuddin and DAP’s Perai representative Dr P Ramasamy. Fairuz will be DCM1 and the good professor DCM2. Lim Guan Eng said the reason the two were picked was to have a leadership representing all the communities in Penang.
Gee...very good intentions, if you were to ask me. But I wonder whether it is necessary in the first place? Or is it simply a prudent move to appease all the communities in the state? Ahh....I can't answer that because I'm not privy to their decision-making process.
But the way the top guns are being slotted into positions, I think I stand a chance to be picked as a DCM too. I'm very patient. Maybe, Deputy Chief Minister #8169 will be good enough for me. You, too, can be one but please stand in line behind me, okay?
And they are PKR’s Penanti state assemblyman Muhammad Fairuz Khairuddin and DAP’s Perai representative Dr P Ramasamy. Fairuz will be DCM1 and the good professor DCM2. Lim Guan Eng said the reason the two were picked was to have a leadership representing all the communities in Penang.
Gee...very good intentions, if you were to ask me. But I wonder whether it is necessary in the first place? Or is it simply a prudent move to appease all the communities in the state? Ahh....I can't answer that because I'm not privy to their decision-making process.
But the way the top guns are being slotted into positions, I think I stand a chance to be picked as a DCM too. I'm very patient. Maybe, Deputy Chief Minister #8169 will be good enough for me. You, too, can be one but please stand in line behind me, okay?
General elections: Observation 3
Now that the general elections are well and truly over, here's an update to my layman's guide on electing your team of parliamentarians. Three out of five ain't bad:
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Meet the new Yang Amat Berhormat
Fresh from the oven. Just received this picture from a friend.
Lim Guan Eng's first press conference as Chief Minister of Penang.General elections: Observation 2
This general election sees the Barisan Nasional's control of Parliament reduced to a simple majority. The Barisan now holds 140 seats while the Opposition has 82.
So who will be the new Opposition Leader? Traditionally, the role goes to the opposition party with the most seats. For example, in 1999, the Opposition Leader was from Parti Islam and in 2004, he was from the Democratic Action Party.
This time around, with the Parti Keadilan Rakyat having the most number of seats, the new Opposition Leader should be from the PKR. Anwar Ibrahim is the obvious person to lead from the Opposition bench as he is the de facto leader of the PKR. It is widely expected that someone from within PKR will be resigning his/her Parliamentary seat after 15 Apr 2008 to force a by-election which will see Anwar presenting himself as the candidate.
Will it be his daughter or his wife? I do not foresee his daughter giving up the Lembah Pantai seat in Kuala Lumpur because the scalp that she claimed was too big a prize to give up. So it may be Anwar's wife that will give up her Permatang Pauh seat.
However, a little bird suggested to me that it may be neither of them. And the person who may be giving up his seat in Parliament could be one that won both Parliament and State seats. His reason for wanting to surrender his Parliament seat will be that he wants to concentrate on the State.
There shouldn't be many people who is in this enviable position, especially within the ranks of the PKR. Therefore, I'll leave it to you to speculate on his identity. Anyway, Anwar has said it is not urgent for him to consider standing for Parliament at this time. But things may change by 15 April. We've got to wait and see....
So who will be the new Opposition Leader? Traditionally, the role goes to the opposition party with the most seats. For example, in 1999, the Opposition Leader was from Parti Islam and in 2004, he was from the Democratic Action Party.
This time around, with the Parti Keadilan Rakyat having the most number of seats, the new Opposition Leader should be from the PKR. Anwar Ibrahim is the obvious person to lead from the Opposition bench as he is the de facto leader of the PKR. It is widely expected that someone from within PKR will be resigning his/her Parliamentary seat after 15 Apr 2008 to force a by-election which will see Anwar presenting himself as the candidate.
Will it be his daughter or his wife? I do not foresee his daughter giving up the Lembah Pantai seat in Kuala Lumpur because the scalp that she claimed was too big a prize to give up. So it may be Anwar's wife that will give up her Permatang Pauh seat.
However, a little bird suggested to me that it may be neither of them. And the person who may be giving up his seat in Parliament could be one that won both Parliament and State seats. His reason for wanting to surrender his Parliament seat will be that he wants to concentrate on the State.
There shouldn't be many people who is in this enviable position, especially within the ranks of the PKR. Therefore, I'll leave it to you to speculate on his identity. Anyway, Anwar has said it is not urgent for him to consider standing for Parliament at this time. But things may change by 15 April. We've got to wait and see....
Monday, 10 March 2008
General Elections: Observations 1
It is quite interesting to see that the representation from the Indian community has increased in this new Malaysian Parliament but not in a way that the Barisan Nasional preferred.
In 2004, there were only 12 Indian Malaysians in Parliament, comprising nine from the Malaysian Indian Congress, one from the People's Progressive Party and two from the Opposition.
Now, the number stands at 15. The People's Progressive Party has been annihilated while the Malaysian Indian Congress is reduced to only three seats, of which their highest-ranking official is their secretary-general S Subramaniam (incidentally, my classmate from a very long time ago). The Opposition parties now contribute to the remaining parliamentarian seats in Indian Malaysian hands.
I hope they contribute meaningfully to the Parliament proceedings or otherwise, they may become only Bollywood parliamentarians. Carpe diem!
In 2004, there were only 12 Indian Malaysians in Parliament, comprising nine from the Malaysian Indian Congress, one from the People's Progressive Party and two from the Opposition.
Now, the number stands at 15. The People's Progressive Party has been annihilated while the Malaysian Indian Congress is reduced to only three seats, of which their highest-ranking official is their secretary-general S Subramaniam (incidentally, my classmate from a very long time ago). The Opposition parties now contribute to the remaining parliamentarian seats in Indian Malaysian hands.
I hope they contribute meaningfully to the Parliament proceedings or otherwise, they may become only Bollywood parliamentarians. Carpe diem!
Escargo, anyone?
Time to return to some of the more mundane stuff. I doubt this snail is edible but I found it right smack in the middle of the road at BM Hill on Sunday morning. I rescued it by removing it to the side so it won't be crushed by unsuspecting walkers.
Sunday, 9 March 2008
New dawn over Penang
Good morning! Did you wake up this morning with the sun shining into your room? Or were you like me and had gone somewhere to watch a new dawn unfolding over Penang? I'm dedicating this picture - fresh from my camera - to the people in the Democratic Action Party (DAP) and the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) who had worked so hard for this day to happen. Congratulations once again.
My election views continue here:
(9 Mar 2008, 5.30pm) I've just seen Malaysiakini and this is the excerpt from their news item. It's important to see that Guan Eng has made this assurance:. Maybe my text message to a friend was not in vain: "At the press conference, Lim pledged that the new state government will pursue an investor-friendly policies to ensure Penang retained its edge as the leading industrial and manufacturing region. He assured both local and foreign investors that the new state government will be fully cognizant of the importance of their major contribution to the state’s economy, and will put public interest first in the government’s policy and project."
(9 Mar 2008, 2.25pm) This is an extract from a Reuters news report on the elections: "The poll, called before it was due in May 2009, was widely seen as a referendum on Abdullah's rule, and Malaysians took the opportunity to administer a stinging rebuke over price rises, religious disputes and concerns over corruption."
(9 Mar 2008, 11am) This just came to my mind. It's not new but rather obvious. The existing set of municipal councillors on both sides of the Penang Channel must go. They are all political appointees and must go and follow their masters into oblivion. No doubt about it. The sooner, the better. But can the law be changed to bring back municipal elections? This will undoubtedly be the most democratic of processes.
(9 Mar 2008, 10.15am) It struck me, as I was lying in bed at 3.30am this morning trying to fathom the turn of events, that even though the MIC had been rejected by their own supporters, there are actually more Indian Malaysians elected into Parliament but they are mostly with the opposition. You know how Indians love to argue. It's in their blood. Parliament's going to be very lively indeed!
(9 Mar 2008, 9.20am) I'm sharing a table at the food centre at the Kampung Baru market with a lady. One of her friends sat down beside her and asked how she voted. I couldn't help listening to her saying that she voted for the DAP because the Barisan candidate did not invite her to the dinner at the St Anne's Church hall last Thursday evening. I felt aghast. How shallow can one's reasoning be?? Here's a lady whose opinion was turned not because of issues but personal unhappiness over a simple dinner!
(9 Mar 2008, 8.35am) I sent out a text message to a friend inside the DAP. Please tell LGE that he must assure the business community that it is still "business as usual" here in Penang. After all, we wouldn't want to give the wrong impression to our international investors, do we?
(9 Mar 2008, 8.30am) The Kampung Baru market is abuzz with talk about the election results. Everyone looks dazed as if they couldn't believe that the Gerakan, Malaysian Chinese Association and the Malaysian Indian Congress had been made to look redundant in Penang. I checked my mobile and a message has just come in: "Just wondering whether u were able to sleep last night. I slept very well with the good news and woke up to even more surprises! Really good news! Yes very exciting. I have been waiting for this moment my whole life!" Yes, it's almost like 1969 once again. Common, let's show the folks at Putrajaya what we in Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan can do on our own two feet.
(9 Mar 2008, 8am) Received a call from a friend in KL. He cautioned me that this election is not about the Opposition winning but the Barisan losing. I thoroughly agree. These cannot be the same. The new victors in Penang, Selangor, Perak and Kedah must guard their victories well or else all their gains will be for nothing and you'll see a swing back to the Barisan in five years' time.
(9 Mar 2008, 6.15am) A quick online check reveals that the final state of the parties in Penang will be: DAP 19 seats, PKR 9 seats, PAS 1 seat and Barisan 11 seats. All Barisan seats belong to UMNO.
(9 Mar 2008, 6am) Had to drag myself from the bed to climb BM Hill with my wife. I barely had two-and-a-half hours of sleep. The carpark at the foothill was rather empty. People must be still sleeping after staying up the whole night to soak in the shock.
(9 Mar 2008, 2.40am) Just got off the line with Jeffrey. He's still having a big adrenalin rush. One of the happiest days of his life, he told me. We talked 20 minutes about what had happened the day before. What an eventful day.
(9 Mar 2008, 1.20am) I'm having problems with my blog. At first, it was just impossible to write anything new in it. Then from 1.30am onwards, it became impossible to even access the site. Traffic through Google must have increased tremendously for this to happen.
My election views continue here:
(9 Mar 2008, 5.30pm) I've just seen Malaysiakini and this is the excerpt from their news item. It's important to see that Guan Eng has made this assurance:. Maybe my text message to a friend was not in vain: "At the press conference, Lim pledged that the new state government will pursue an investor-friendly policies to ensure Penang retained its edge as the leading industrial and manufacturing region. He assured both local and foreign investors that the new state government will be fully cognizant of the importance of their major contribution to the state’s economy, and will put public interest first in the government’s policy and project."
(9 Mar 2008, 2.25pm) This is an extract from a Reuters news report on the elections: "The poll, called before it was due in May 2009, was widely seen as a referendum on Abdullah's rule, and Malaysians took the opportunity to administer a stinging rebuke over price rises, religious disputes and concerns over corruption."
(9 Mar 2008, 11am) This just came to my mind. It's not new but rather obvious. The existing set of municipal councillors on both sides of the Penang Channel must go. They are all political appointees and must go and follow their masters into oblivion. No doubt about it. The sooner, the better. But can the law be changed to bring back municipal elections? This will undoubtedly be the most democratic of processes.
(9 Mar 2008, 10.15am) It struck me, as I was lying in bed at 3.30am this morning trying to fathom the turn of events, that even though the MIC had been rejected by their own supporters, there are actually more Indian Malaysians elected into Parliament but they are mostly with the opposition. You know how Indians love to argue. It's in their blood. Parliament's going to be very lively indeed!
(9 Mar 2008, 9.20am) I'm sharing a table at the food centre at the Kampung Baru market with a lady. One of her friends sat down beside her and asked how she voted. I couldn't help listening to her saying that she voted for the DAP because the Barisan candidate did not invite her to the dinner at the St Anne's Church hall last Thursday evening. I felt aghast. How shallow can one's reasoning be?? Here's a lady whose opinion was turned not because of issues but personal unhappiness over a simple dinner!
(9 Mar 2008, 8.35am) I sent out a text message to a friend inside the DAP. Please tell LGE that he must assure the business community that it is still "business as usual" here in Penang. After all, we wouldn't want to give the wrong impression to our international investors, do we?
(9 Mar 2008, 8.30am) The Kampung Baru market is abuzz with talk about the election results. Everyone looks dazed as if they couldn't believe that the Gerakan, Malaysian Chinese Association and the Malaysian Indian Congress had been made to look redundant in Penang. I checked my mobile and a message has just come in: "Just wondering whether u were able to sleep last night. I slept very well with the good news and woke up to even more surprises! Really good news! Yes very exciting. I have been waiting for this moment my whole life!" Yes, it's almost like 1969 once again. Common, let's show the folks at Putrajaya what we in Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan can do on our own two feet.
(9 Mar 2008, 8am) Received a call from a friend in KL. He cautioned me that this election is not about the Opposition winning but the Barisan losing. I thoroughly agree. These cannot be the same. The new victors in Penang, Selangor, Perak and Kedah must guard their victories well or else all their gains will be for nothing and you'll see a swing back to the Barisan in five years' time.
(9 Mar 2008, 6.15am) A quick online check reveals that the final state of the parties in Penang will be: DAP 19 seats, PKR 9 seats, PAS 1 seat and Barisan 11 seats. All Barisan seats belong to UMNO.
(9 Mar 2008, 6am) Had to drag myself from the bed to climb BM Hill with my wife. I barely had two-and-a-half hours of sleep. The carpark at the foothill was rather empty. People must be still sleeping after staying up the whole night to soak in the shock.
(9 Mar 2008, 2.40am) Just got off the line with Jeffrey. He's still having a big adrenalin rush. One of the happiest days of his life, he told me. We talked 20 minutes about what had happened the day before. What an eventful day.
(9 Mar 2008, 1.20am) I'm having problems with my blog. At first, it was just impossible to write anything new in it. Then from 1.30am onwards, it became impossible to even access the site. Traffic through Google must have increased tremendously for this to happen.
Saturday, 8 March 2008
My election views
(9 Mar 2008, 1.15am) Is this the end of the Gerakan as a party? Completely wiped out in Penang which has been its stronghold since 1969. Also wiped out are the MCA candidates in the state.
(9 Mar 2008, 1.10am) Winds of change. The results are coming in fast and furious, and there is an indication that Selangor can also fall into the Opposition's hands.
(9 Mar 2008, 12.50pm) I've just heard from Malaysiakini that Lim Guan Eng will be Penang's next Chief Minister!! “It will be a government for all Malaysians. We stress that we will not rule alone but together with PKR. We also hope that the PAS can help this new government.”
(9 Mar 2008, 12.30am) Now, it has just come to my mind that the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) was one of the issues of this election campaign. With the Barisan routed here, there should be a big question mark over the PGCC. A friend was telling me about a week ago that he had an unpleasant experience at the Tanjung Bungah market where Chia Kwang Chye, the Barisan parliamentary candidate, was campaigning. My friend pointedly (but politely) asked Chia where he stood on the PGCC issue but Chia just remained silent and ignored him. Worse, Chia's supporters pushed him away. My friend contemplated making a police report but I don't know whether he did or not.
(9 Mar 2008, midnight) Happy birthday, Jeffrey Chew!
(8 Mar 2008, 11.45pm) It IS a defining moment in Malaysian politics. Dr Koh has appeared on TV to concede defeat. Seems that the DAP-PKR-PAS alliance may have garnered 30 state seats out of the 40. If so, it's a big majority in the State Legislative Assembly.
(8 Mar 2008, 11.15pm) It's a bit of disappointment .... no, make that a BIG disappointment .... not being able to get the news fast from the mainstream media. In fact, news continue to trickle in at snail's pace from that source so much so that I have to resort to looking at Malaysiakini which has done a great job with their reports from the ground. However, Malaysiakini's server seems to have crashed and it is now inaccessible. I hope they can go online again fast because we are starved of the latest developments. Really starved. BTW, before it crashed, I did read that Dr Koh has conceded defeat and has formally informed the Penang Governor. He has also promised a smooth transition of power. The DAP is delighted with this win and I congratulate them. I especially congratulate Jeff Ooi. It's tremendous that a blogger has managed to get himself into Parliament. But I wonder who'll be Penang's next Chief Minister?
(8 Mar 2008, 10.35pm) This is an excerpt from Reuters:
(8 Mar 2008, 9.50pm) I just got off the phone with a friend in KL. He couldn't believe all the news I told him. As usual, he said, the TV stations are withholding the news from the public. But I told him, all these are unofficial unless announced by the Elections Commission. He had some unkind words for the commission too....
(8 Mar 2008, 9.40pm) M Kayveas khee liao in Taiping, Samy Vellu asking for a recount in Sungai Siput. The Indians are laughing all the way, if all these are true. Someone told me that when Samy Vellu visited Prai recently, he was locked in a room, but this was not revealed in the Press. BTW, happy birthday, Samy!
(8 Mar 2008, 9pm) I've been sending text messages to some friends about the fall of Penang to the Opposition. That's a "political tsunami", to use Lim Kit Siang's words. Second time in Penang's history that the Opposition has won; the first time was in 1969 by the Gerakan Party.
(8 Mar 2008, 8.30pm) Just heard on the grapevine that DAP's Prof P Ramasamy may have defeated Dr Koh Tsu Koon in Batu Kawan. Also, Jeff Ooi has a massive, massive lead in Jelutong. Let's welcome the NEW Tiger of Jelutong!!
(8 Mar 2008, 7.18pm) NST Online produces a news item from Bernama that says: MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting is confident that the people will return Barisan Nasional (BN) to power with a bigger mandate. “I’m highly confident of the voters, BN will secure the mandate and continue with the development plans for the benefit of the people,” he told Bernama after visiting the polling centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Putri here, today. Well, all I can say is, he'd better be an equally good judge of the people's mood!
(8 Mar 2008, 7.08pm) I received an SMS earlier today telling me "Han Chiang School punished by pg govt. Their signboard TORN DOWN! The school faces unknown consequences after election." I wonder how much of this message is true.
(8 Mar 2008, 7.00pm) The results of this general election looks set to be a defining moment in Malaysia's history. It will see whether Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was correct to call the election at this particular time after only four years of receiving the last mandate from the people. Did he read the people's mood correctly or was he deceived by the cronies that he chose to surround himself with? We'll know soon enough as the night progresses.
(8 Mar 2008, 3.40pm) I followed my wife to the Sekolah Menengah Sains in Jalan Damai, Bukit Mertajam. It was just after the rain. When I crossed the road, I was surprised to see the incumbent state assemblyman for Berapit, Lau Chiek Tuan, standing alone on the pavement. He cut a very lonely, forlorn figure, all by himself beneath his umbrella. No supporters beside him. He looked at me, I looked at him. Slight recognition, must be from Thursday night's dinner at the St Anne's Church hall. We shook hands and he asked me for my vote. I nodded and followed my wife into the school compound. Fortunately for him, my voting station is in Seberang Jaya. As for my wife, she had made up her mind days before and nothing could change it. In a way, I feel sorry for the bloke.
(9 Mar 2008, 1.10am) Winds of change. The results are coming in fast and furious, and there is an indication that Selangor can also fall into the Opposition's hands.
(9 Mar 2008, 12.50pm) I've just heard from Malaysiakini that Lim Guan Eng will be Penang's next Chief Minister!! “It will be a government for all Malaysians. We stress that we will not rule alone but together with PKR. We also hope that the PAS can help this new government.”
(9 Mar 2008, 12.30am) Now, it has just come to my mind that the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) was one of the issues of this election campaign. With the Barisan routed here, there should be a big question mark over the PGCC. A friend was telling me about a week ago that he had an unpleasant experience at the Tanjung Bungah market where Chia Kwang Chye, the Barisan parliamentary candidate, was campaigning. My friend pointedly (but politely) asked Chia where he stood on the PGCC issue but Chia just remained silent and ignored him. Worse, Chia's supporters pushed him away. My friend contemplated making a police report but I don't know whether he did or not.
(9 Mar 2008, midnight) Happy birthday, Jeffrey Chew!
(8 Mar 2008, 11.45pm) It IS a defining moment in Malaysian politics. Dr Koh has appeared on TV to concede defeat. Seems that the DAP-PKR-PAS alliance may have garnered 30 state seats out of the 40. If so, it's a big majority in the State Legislative Assembly.
(8 Mar 2008, 11.15pm) It's a bit of disappointment .... no, make that a BIG disappointment .... not being able to get the news fast from the mainstream media. In fact, news continue to trickle in at snail's pace from that source so much so that I have to resort to looking at Malaysiakini which has done a great job with their reports from the ground. However, Malaysiakini's server seems to have crashed and it is now inaccessible. I hope they can go online again fast because we are starved of the latest developments. Really starved. BTW, before it crashed, I did read that Dr Koh has conceded defeat and has formally informed the Penang Governor. He has also promised a smooth transition of power. The DAP is delighted with this win and I congratulate them. I especially congratulate Jeff Ooi. It's tremendous that a blogger has managed to get himself into Parliament. But I wonder who'll be Penang's next Chief Minister?
(8 Mar 2008, 10.35pm) This is an excerpt from Reuters:
MALAYSIA'S opposition has staged a stunning upset and won northern Penang state, the industrial heartland, from the ruling coalition in general elections on Saturday, sources on both sides of politics said. 'It's bad. They have lost Penang,' a source close to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told Reuters only two and a half hours after polling booths closed at 0900 GMT. 'It's a perfect storm,' he added. 'Big guns are falling all over the place.'(8 Mar 2008, 10.08pm) I just visited NST Online. Guess they are among one of the first media to report this:
BN loses Penang Government to DAP, PKR, Pas alliance
After 36 years of continuous rule, the Barisan Nasional has lost the Penang Government to the loose alliance of DAP, PKR and Pas, according to unofficial results from the polling centres. The loss is the biggest shock in tonight's polls results.
(8 Mar 2008, 9.50pm) I just got off the phone with a friend in KL. He couldn't believe all the news I told him. As usual, he said, the TV stations are withholding the news from the public. But I told him, all these are unofficial unless announced by the Elections Commission. He had some unkind words for the commission too....
(8 Mar 2008, 9.40pm) M Kayveas khee liao in Taiping, Samy Vellu asking for a recount in Sungai Siput. The Indians are laughing all the way, if all these are true. Someone told me that when Samy Vellu visited Prai recently, he was locked in a room, but this was not revealed in the Press. BTW, happy birthday, Samy!
(8 Mar 2008, 9pm) I've been sending text messages to some friends about the fall of Penang to the Opposition. That's a "political tsunami", to use Lim Kit Siang's words. Second time in Penang's history that the Opposition has won; the first time was in 1969 by the Gerakan Party.
(8 Mar 2008, 8.30pm) Just heard on the grapevine that DAP's Prof P Ramasamy may have defeated Dr Koh Tsu Koon in Batu Kawan. Also, Jeff Ooi has a massive, massive lead in Jelutong. Let's welcome the NEW Tiger of Jelutong!!
(8 Mar 2008, 7.18pm) NST Online produces a news item from Bernama that says: MCA President Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting is confident that the people will return Barisan Nasional (BN) to power with a bigger mandate. “I’m highly confident of the voters, BN will secure the mandate and continue with the development plans for the benefit of the people,” he told Bernama after visiting the polling centre at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Putri here, today. Well, all I can say is, he'd better be an equally good judge of the people's mood!
(8 Mar 2008, 7.08pm) I received an SMS earlier today telling me "Han Chiang School punished by pg govt. Their signboard TORN DOWN! The school faces unknown consequences after election." I wonder how much of this message is true.
(8 Mar 2008, 7.00pm) The results of this general election looks set to be a defining moment in Malaysia's history. It will see whether Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was correct to call the election at this particular time after only four years of receiving the last mandate from the people. Did he read the people's mood correctly or was he deceived by the cronies that he chose to surround himself with? We'll know soon enough as the night progresses.
(8 Mar 2008, 3.40pm) I followed my wife to the Sekolah Menengah Sains in Jalan Damai, Bukit Mertajam. It was just after the rain. When I crossed the road, I was surprised to see the incumbent state assemblyman for Berapit, Lau Chiek Tuan, standing alone on the pavement. He cut a very lonely, forlorn figure, all by himself beneath his umbrella. No supporters beside him. He looked at me, I looked at him. Slight recognition, must be from Thursday night's dinner at the St Anne's Church hall. We shook hands and he asked me for my vote. I nodded and followed my wife into the school compound. Fortunately for him, my voting station is in Seberang Jaya. As for my wife, she had made up her mind days before and nothing could change it. In a way, I feel sorry for the bloke.
Mainland mood
When I mentioned to Ted last Friday that I might be taking a drive around the mainland to observe what would happen on polling day, he was asking me what I was hoping to see. His opinion was that there would be nothing more to see.
Actually, I wasn't sure of what I would see too. I've never gone around before. But this morning after I cast my vote in Seberang Jaya, I decided to revisit the parliamentary constituency of Permatang Pauh. It's the Malay heartland in Province Wellesley and if you cannot gauge the pulse of Malay grassroots opinion there, then I wouldn't know where else to go.
A week ago, I had driven to Permatang Pasir, the state constituency that was in the control of Parti Islam (PAS). Not much of an activity there. Banners and buntings were up but no posters of the candidates yet. Here's a banner that caught my eye at that time:
Today, when I drove into Jalan Kubang Semang, this was what greeted my eye. People lining both sides of the road in boisterous support of their political parties. All very good natured and rather hearty. Supporters of the Barisan and the Opposition standing side-by-side, waving their flags and cajoling motorists to vote for their candidates.
But there were more surprises when I turned into Jalan Sungai Dua. I wouldn't want to turn this into a photoblog but the next photo pretty much summed up the mood in the Permatang Pasir state constituency.
It's still very much pro-Opposition and you don't need such banners and posters to remind you of this:
Actually, I wasn't sure of what I would see too. I've never gone around before. But this morning after I cast my vote in Seberang Jaya, I decided to revisit the parliamentary constituency of Permatang Pauh. It's the Malay heartland in Province Wellesley and if you cannot gauge the pulse of Malay grassroots opinion there, then I wouldn't know where else to go.
A week ago, I had driven to Permatang Pasir, the state constituency that was in the control of Parti Islam (PAS). Not much of an activity there. Banners and buntings were up but no posters of the candidates yet. Here's a banner that caught my eye at that time:
Today, when I drove into Jalan Kubang Semang, this was what greeted my eye. People lining both sides of the road in boisterous support of their political parties. All very good natured and rather hearty. Supporters of the Barisan and the Opposition standing side-by-side, waving their flags and cajoling motorists to vote for their candidates.
But there were more surprises when I turned into Jalan Sungai Dua. I wouldn't want to turn this into a photoblog but the next photo pretty much summed up the mood in the Permatang Pasir state constituency.
It's still very much pro-Opposition and you don't need such banners and posters to remind you of this:
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