Hantu Laut
DAP won by the skin of its teeth.A win is a win.The BN election machinery buggered the whole campaign.They have a good chance of winning this seat but they blew it by over-indulgence.With so much goodies poured in the loss has become more terrifying.
As I have said in my previous post 'Veni,vidi,vici' the Foochows can spring a surprise and they did. The close call means DAP was unable to sway the Iban/Melanau votes.
There are several factors that caused the defeat.We'll have to wait and see the analysis when it comes out.
First and foremost, the Taib Mahmud factor and second equally damaging, the West Malaysian factor.
A week ago BN chance of winning the seat was much brighter.The last three days saw a complete reversal. The less than 60 percent turnout shows that many voters prefer to stay away.Side effect of the 'Greek Bearing Gifts'
Taib Mahmud is not well liked in many parts of Sarawak particularly with the Dayak and Chinese community due to his strong links with the big logging companies.Accusations of nepotism and corruption surrounds Taib and his family.
After almost 30 years at the helm Taib has yet to identify a successor.He is the second longest serving MP after Razaleigh and the longest serving chief minister.He has also put his son in parliament in the last general elections which got tongue wagging that his son would succeed him.This 'Bai Mao' or white-haired rajah as they called him has been too long in office and the people want him out.
Taib Mahmud understands local politics that's why he is visibly absent from the campaign other than his one or two lightning visits.
On the last day of campaigning an eye witness account of how much Taib is hated in Sibu tell of a story of a voter who went up to him and spat in front of him and overheard Taib saying in response "Ini bukan budaya kita, kamu mahu undi siapa kamu suka, undilah"
This is what can happen to a leader who overstayed his welcome. Taib Mahmud's tenancy expired some time ago and like most third world country's leader he is oblivious.
The state elections, which is round the corner, will be crucial for the BN.The West Malaysian wind of change blowing across the South China Sea has reached the shores of the East Malaysian state but it's too early for Pakatan to rejoice.It does not mean they can capture the state government in the forthcoming state elections.They probably can put a dent in the BN's armour and deny them the two-thirds majority.
In my previous post I said you can't pay a Chinese to buy his vote.
Obviously, West Malaysians politicians including our Prime Minister don't understand local politics and the Chinese psyche.Federal leaders should not have overwhelmed the campaign with their regular attendance.They should have left the whole campaign to local leaders.
Most West Malaysian politicians do not understand local politics in both Sabah and Sarawak.As much as I hate to say this, there are times, they actually become liability.Some East Malaysians particularly those in small towns and rural areas are xenophobic and couldn't relate to the politics of federalism.
The Chinese are not affected or moved by offering of instant noodles.... hefty donations and promises of better days when experience for the past 50 years tell a story of failed promises, indifference and uncaring leaders.
Najib's bag of goodies did not impress the Chinese at all and the unfortunate part is he may have to fulfill his promise if he wants to sail through the next by-election.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Veni,vidi,vici?
Hantu Laut
Watch the oppositions.As soon as they feel the result would not be in their favour, the spinners, led by Master Spinner Lim Kit Siang would spin the yarn, why they lost? It is always the same old sob story.Thy were cheated.The BN cheated, the Election Commission cheated, pork-barreling, not level playing field and you name it, a litany of wrongs that's not of their making but Najib and his band of no good lackeys.
Najib came to Sibu twice in a week, unprecedented in previous by-elections when Pak Lah was the prime minister that rendered the BN a string of losses.
After drenching the place with all kinds of donation and promises of projects to come to protect his fixed deposit Najib should be aware that if he loses this hard fought battle it may be the end of his premiership come next general elections.If Sarawak and Sabah show the slightest mutinous tendency Najib should start visualising what the future beholds.
This Foochow's land can spring a surprise for him.
If you don't read history than you wouldn't know what the title means.Anway, with today's technology the answer is only a click away.
Watch the oppositions.As soon as they feel the result would not be in their favour, the spinners, led by Master Spinner Lim Kit Siang would spin the yarn, why they lost? It is always the same old sob story.Thy were cheated.The BN cheated, the Election Commission cheated, pork-barreling, not level playing field and you name it, a litany of wrongs that's not of their making but Najib and his band of no good lackeys.
Najib came to Sibu twice in a week, unprecedented in previous by-elections when Pak Lah was the prime minister that rendered the BN a string of losses.
After drenching the place with all kinds of donation and promises of projects to come to protect his fixed deposit Najib should be aware that if he loses this hard fought battle it may be the end of his premiership come next general elections.If Sarawak and Sabah show the slightest mutinous tendency Najib should start visualising what the future beholds.
This Foochow's land can spring a surprise for him.
If you don't read history than you wouldn't know what the title means.Anway, with today's technology the answer is only a click away.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Anwar Unmasked
Hantu Laut
There will be more of this where it is coming from.Anwar outwardly ethereal character has caught up with him.The article below appeared in a news portal, the Daily Caller that depicts him as a two-faced demagogue.
Upset the Jews, you'll soon find out, the pen, if not the gun, is mightier than the sword.
There will be more of this where it is coming from.Anwar outwardly ethereal character has caught up with him.The article below appeared in a news portal, the Daily Caller that depicts him as a two-faced demagogue.
Upset the Jews, you'll soon find out, the pen, if not the gun, is mightier than the sword.
The art of deceiving D.C.
An outstanding example is Ahmed Chalabi, whose influence was critical to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. He also raised millions of dollars from American taxpayers for his Iraqi National Congress. Now back in his native-Iraq, this Macchiavellian political survivor has re-invented himself as a staunch Shiite advocate and close ally of Iran. A sense of betrayal overwhelms many of his original supporters in Washington.
Another recent convert to the chameleon cause is Anwar Ibrahim. From 1993-98, Mr. Anwar served as Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. After losing a power struggle with Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad, Anwar was removed from power and imprisoned. During his years of incarceration, Anwar became a cause célèbre for human rights advocates. After his release in 2004, Anwar hit the international circuit, which included stints at the World Bank and lecturing positions at Oxford University, Johns Hopkins and Georgetown. His official bio on one website described him as “one of the forefathers of the Asian Renaissance”, “a leading proponent of greater cooperation among civilizations” and “an authoritative voice in bridging the gap between East and West.”
Anwar has returned to Malaysian politics and serves in the opposition. While the foreign policy of Malaysia’s current government is fairly in tune with U.S. and western policy, Anwar has decided that pro-Western sentiment does not serve his current political interests. He has begun preaching a conspiratorial rhetoric of anti-American and anti-Semitic nature. Particularly since the Malaysian government hired an American communications firm, Anwar has suggested that Israeli spies are directly involved in the running of the Malaysian government. He claims that the recent meeting between President Obama and Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia was arranged by the influential “Jewish-linked” company which has resulted in Malaysia subservience to the U.S.
These statements will obviously shock Mr. Anwar’s supporters in the West, which include former Vice President Al Gore. They will provoke questions: have Anwar’s words been taken out of context? Perhaps they can be subject to interpretation? Is one failing to read between the lines?
Anwar’s statements are blatantly clear and direct. His rhetoric represents an unmistakable case of raw political opportunism and much more. Although opportunism is an inevitable fact of politics, it also has its limits. Particularly when degenerating into unacceptable demagoguery with obvious racist overtones.
How did Anwar’s transformation from reformer to rabble-rouse occur? The reality is that he probably always held these views. Over the years, he just simply tailored his message to different audiences according to necessity. After all, Anwar served for five years as Deputy Prime Minister to Mahatir Mohamad, renowned for his anti-Western and anti-Semitic tirades. This alone should have immediately raised red flags and serious questions about his ideological allegiances. It is not uncommon for the Washington establishment to be ill-informed, naively overlook significant facts, or willingly brush them aside. In the international realm, the Beltway Bubble often prevails.
In future, greater caution and prudence is required when endorsing foreign champions, particularly those eagerly preaching a message favorable to Washington. Furthermore, the tendency to confer automatic sainthood and infallibility on the persecuted, or those claiming persecution, must be tempered. Pry more and do not give an easy ride. After all, Washington will inevitably see the likes of more Chalabis and Anwars.
Sibu Buy-Election: Is Good Money Chasing Bad Money?
Hantu Laut
This little town has produced more millionaires per square mile than any other town in Malaysia.It has also made a few silent billionaires.Much of the wealth are in private holdings nicely tucked away from the proving public eyes.
Three most prominent families that have made their fortunes here, mainly through timber, courtesy of the BN government of Taib Mahmud, are the KTS group of companies led by its Chairman Lau Swee Nguong related to the current BN candidate Robert Lau Hiew Yau, the WTK group of companies led by TK Wong and Rimbunan Hijau group of companies led by Tiong Hiew King, nicknamed the 'Timber King' with logging interests all over the globe through his company Rimbunan Hijau. All three companies have logging interests that spun the globe, from tiny Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea, Africa,Latin America and Siberia in Russia.
Rimbunan Hijau is also at the center of several controversies with Greenpeace on abuses in logging operations in Papua.
The Foochows are the most powerful and influential Chinese clan in Sarawak and the three families ranked highest in term of wealth and influence.
The KTS group also control two major newspapers....The Oriental Daily and Borneo Post while Tiong and Wong control Chinese national daily Sin Chew Jit Poh and Guang Ming Daily.
Where ever they go they to met the ire of the natives for destruction of the forest abodes of the indigenous people.Backed by powerful politicians and lots of money kept the lids on the simmering pots.Most complains against the logging companies, where ever they are, fell on deaf ears.
Will the power of money and his rich family connection give BN candidate Robert Lau the edge over DAP's Richard Wong? Much depend on the Chinese voters.Much also depend on the female factor.There are over 29,000 female voters in Sibu, mostly Chinese.Would they vote the handsomer of the two? Although, this is not a beauty pageant, looks, if not everything, does help to go the extra mile.Sarah Palin may not agree to this but in her case it wasn't her it was John McCain.
Money is very important commodity to the Chinese and they work hard for it.That's why they control the economy of most South East Asian countries and Malaysia is no exception.
Although, money is important to the Chinese, you can't pay a Chinese person to buy his vote.It's akin to try selling ice to the Eskimos.
Obviously, Prime Minister Najib does not understand the Chinese psyche.Chinese do not accept handouts unless they are really very poor.This buy-election may not work here.BN may still win but it is not for the lure of money or projects.
Each constituency has its peculiarities.In rural and non-Chinese areas cash can be king.Cash can translates into votes but in urban and semi-urban areas where Chinese formed the majority it is the long term socio-economic development of the community that they are interested in and high on the agenda and one that eventually decides who gets the votes.
Being in the opposition voting DAP's Richard Wong into parliament may no help bring development to the place at this juncture.If he does win it would merely be protest vote against the BN. The real stealer would be the forthcoming state elections
Najib has promised hundreds of million in donations and projects to appease the Chinese of Sibu.Would they be grateful and vote for the BN candidate? Some are likely to vote for the BN candidate but not because Najib has drenched Sibu with money but more due to Lau's family clan connections and whatever good stead the family has with the local population.
In my previous post I predicted BN majority of between 2000 to 3,000.I believe they still can achieve that if they employ the right strategy.First, they must go all out to get majority of the non-Chinese votes, the Ibans,Dayaks,Melanau and Malays and must get at least 50 percent of the Chinese votes.Anything less is precarious to the BN.
Money is power.Money can buy almost anything, including integrity of the human souls.Without money life can be very miserable.There is plenty of money in Sibu.
Can money buy the Foochows?
Is Najib paying good money to chase bad money?
The result may differ from my earlier forecast due to changing circumstances the past few days.It is likely to be a close contest with BN having the upper hand.
Najib is working hard to win the seat.He is back in Sibu again today.He deserves a win.
Related article:Malaysian Swan Song in Sarawak By-Election
This little town has produced more millionaires per square mile than any other town in Malaysia.It has also made a few silent billionaires.Much of the wealth are in private holdings nicely tucked away from the proving public eyes.
Three most prominent families that have made their fortunes here, mainly through timber, courtesy of the BN government of Taib Mahmud, are the KTS group of companies led by its Chairman Lau Swee Nguong related to the current BN candidate Robert Lau Hiew Yau, the WTK group of companies led by TK Wong and Rimbunan Hijau group of companies led by Tiong Hiew King, nicknamed the 'Timber King' with logging interests all over the globe through his company Rimbunan Hijau. All three companies have logging interests that spun the globe, from tiny Solomon Islands to Papua New Guinea, Africa,Latin America and Siberia in Russia.
Rimbunan Hijau is also at the center of several controversies with Greenpeace on abuses in logging operations in Papua.
The Foochows are the most powerful and influential Chinese clan in Sarawak and the three families ranked highest in term of wealth and influence.
The KTS group also control two major newspapers....The Oriental Daily and Borneo Post while Tiong and Wong control Chinese national daily Sin Chew Jit Poh and Guang Ming Daily.
Where ever they go they to met the ire of the natives for destruction of the forest abodes of the indigenous people.Backed by powerful politicians and lots of money kept the lids on the simmering pots.Most complains against the logging companies, where ever they are, fell on deaf ears.
Will the power of money and his rich family connection give BN candidate Robert Lau the edge over DAP's Richard Wong? Much depend on the Chinese voters.Much also depend on the female factor.There are over 29,000 female voters in Sibu, mostly Chinese.Would they vote the handsomer of the two? Although, this is not a beauty pageant, looks, if not everything, does help to go the extra mile.Sarah Palin may not agree to this but in her case it wasn't her it was John McCain.
Money is very important commodity to the Chinese and they work hard for it.That's why they control the economy of most South East Asian countries and Malaysia is no exception.
Although, money is important to the Chinese, you can't pay a Chinese person to buy his vote.It's akin to try selling ice to the Eskimos.
Obviously, Prime Minister Najib does not understand the Chinese psyche.Chinese do not accept handouts unless they are really very poor.This buy-election may not work here.BN may still win but it is not for the lure of money or projects.
Each constituency has its peculiarities.In rural and non-Chinese areas cash can be king.Cash can translates into votes but in urban and semi-urban areas where Chinese formed the majority it is the long term socio-economic development of the community that they are interested in and high on the agenda and one that eventually decides who gets the votes.
Being in the opposition voting DAP's Richard Wong into parliament may no help bring development to the place at this juncture.If he does win it would merely be protest vote against the BN. The real stealer would be the forthcoming state elections
Najib has promised hundreds of million in donations and projects to appease the Chinese of Sibu.Would they be grateful and vote for the BN candidate? Some are likely to vote for the BN candidate but not because Najib has drenched Sibu with money but more due to Lau's family clan connections and whatever good stead the family has with the local population.
In my previous post I predicted BN majority of between 2000 to 3,000.I believe they still can achieve that if they employ the right strategy.First, they must go all out to get majority of the non-Chinese votes, the Ibans,Dayaks,Melanau and Malays and must get at least 50 percent of the Chinese votes.Anything less is precarious to the BN.
Money is power.Money can buy almost anything, including integrity of the human souls.Without money life can be very miserable.There is plenty of money in Sibu.
Can money buy the Foochows?
Is Najib paying good money to chase bad money?
The result may differ from my earlier forecast due to changing circumstances the past few days.It is likely to be a close contest with BN having the upper hand.
Najib is working hard to win the seat.He is back in Sibu again today.He deserves a win.
Related article:Malaysian Swan Song in Sarawak By-Election
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