3 July-September 2013 PP 16376/08/2012 (030849) A New Starting Line!
A New Way A New Hope A New Gerakan
State Election Results ‘Loopholes in Prevention of Crime Act Amendments’ Acting President’s Press Conference on the 42nd NDC
www.gerakan.org.my for internal circulation only | 只供内部传阅
GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 1 10/18/2013 7:05:20 PM Contents 3, 4&5 State Election Results EDITORIAL BOARD 编辑部 Acting President’s Press Conference on the Editor-in-Chief 总编辑 6, 7&8 42nd NDC - Ivanpal Singh Grewal 郑可扬：先交流避免分裂 Editor 编辑 - Lim Shi Hou 林诗豪 9 ‘Loopholes in Prevention of Crime Act Amendments’
Sub-Editors 助编 - Lee Chun Hung 李俊鸿 Gerakan Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House 2013 - Tan Aik Mund 陈毅民 2013年民政党开斋节开放门户 10&11 Layout & Design 美术编辑 ¦¸Ã¡ì¸¡É¢ý †Ã¢ á¡ ¾¢Èó¾ þøÄ 林诗豪 - Lim Shi Hou ¯ÀºÃ¢ôÒ 2013
Address: Level 5, Tower 1, Menara PGRM, A New Way and New Hope Must Give Rise to No. 6 & 8, Jalan Pudu Ulu, 12&13 a New Gerakan - Ivanpal Singh Grewal 56100 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-9287 6868 Fax: 03-9287 8866 14&15 Malaysia Youth Politics and Post-GE13 Political Website: www.gerakan.org.my Renewal - SEDAR Institute
Gerakan matters! would like to invite members to send Position Papers & Proposals by the Party in your views. Please send your feedback to 16 《民意》欢迎任何意见或投稿， SEDAR in the news 请电邮至《民意》电子邮箱: [email protected] 17 Gerakan in the News Disclaimer 负责声明 Is Merging the way out for BN’s Chinese based The publisher, PGRM, and its editors cannot be held 18&19 responsible for any errors and consequences arising parties? - SEDAR Institute from the use of information contained in this magazine. 民政党及其编辑不为本刊内容的准确性和完整性承担 Back Back to The Future - Gee Kok Hong 任何责任。
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 2 10/18/2013 7:05:20 PM State Election Results Chairman Choong Vee Hing (David) Cheok Wan Seng, Wong Tin Chan AJK Ng Soon Lean, Tang Thin Loy Negeri Sembilan Pang Yet Siong, Tee Ah Ping
Looi Kock Quen, Chong Wai Fee, Tee Chen Boon National Delegates Lee Song Sin, Go Ah Moi
Chairman Lee Ah Fatt Tan Chin Yang, P.Mahandran a/l Perumal AJK Melaka Lee Hock Kee, Soh Nam Hock Lee Kong, Tan Jeok Kwang
Tai Tham Chin, Tan Chong Lim, Kew Kee Lin National Delegates Nathan a/l Balakrisnan, Pang Whye Nam
Chairman Yap Kea Ping
Wong Kim Su, Lim Kheck Gey Terengganu AJK Chee Hai Fong, Wang Bih Chiang Lua Yik Hor, Lau Yew Yee
Chee Hai Fong, Chang Jong Yu, Wong Kim Su National Delegates Kweh Tieok Eng, Khoo Siew Giok
Chairman Teng Chang Yeow
Ng Siew Lai, Puvaniten Penang AJK Lee Boon Ten, Tan Kah Leong Teh Kheng Siong, Thor Teong Gee
Chan Kim Beng, Tan Chee Heong National Delegates Ooi Ah Bee, A.R. Velu, Tan Chuan Koon
July - September 2013 | 3
GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 3 10/18/2013 7:05:21 PM Chairman Dr. Ng Keong Chye Wang Kong Fatt, Ong Boon Hong AJK Chong Ah Yu, Wong Chee Pahang Tan Ah Hock, M.Sathasivam
Ho Chooi Meng, How Teng Wah National Delegates Lim Chin Ann, Lim Kim Fook Kalaimani a/l Muthu Chairman Ng Chiang Chin Albert Khor Teck Hin, Tuan Mat Tuan Wil Quek Eng Pian, Wong Choong Khiong AJK Kelantan Cheok Ka Hiang, Tan Ching Soon
National Delegates Eyo Hock Seng, Chew Po Su, Koh Gok Ghoon Wong Chew Kwan, Lee Yok Fong
Chairman Dr. Cheah Soon Hai Ch’ng Boon Chye, Lim Ewe Boon Tan Beng Hock, Teoh Eng Sin Kedah AJK Ng Swee Weng, Boon Pow Koon
Fong Chok Gin, Tan Beng Hock National Delegates Chong Kam Chong, Teoh Siew Yiam Chuah Chong Yong
Chairman Ang Chin Tatt (David) Syed Abdul Razak, Tiew Hock Huat Azmar bt Md.Alias, Juan Sei Chang AJK Selangor Leong Sze Kwok, Tan Yow Huat
Amar Singh a/l Hihal Singh, Lau Chai Ming National Delegates Vincent Ho Swee Peng, Lee Siong Chun Chia Sian Koon
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 4 10/18/2013 7:05:21 PM Chairman Lau Hoi Keong Dominic Lau Hoe Chai, Chan Fui Gan Chue Peng Kong, Tang Luan Kang AJK KLFT Ruslan Abdul Hamid, K.Nadasapillay Sim Kai Yong, Lim Kwee Lan, Polycarp Francis National Delegates Foo Cheng Chee Sean, Lim Shan Her
Chairman Gordon Leong Vui Cheung
Kong Yu Kiong, Wong Choon Seng Sabah AJK Lum Yun Kui, Soon Ten Fook Shaiful Bahari Bin Muin, Halban Bin Janan
Wong See Yun, Poon Wee Kong National Delegates William Chee Nyuk Khong Anne Wong Yun Fong, Yap Jeng Yung
Chairman Teo Kok Chee
Raveedran a/l Chellaiha, Ng Lai Huat
AJK Lim Chin Eng, Yap Joh Fee Johor Lim Eng Koon, Wong Yung Kang
National Delegates Ng Teck Kiang, Pang Mui Lim, Ho Fatt Meng Leong Wan Ying, So Kai Jinn
Chairman Dr. Lee Chee Pheng
Sugumaran a/l Velayutham, Soo Kay Ping
Perak AJK Ceylyn Tay Wei Lung, Eyok Poe Lieong Ang Poon Thiam, See Tean Seng
Ooi Choon Hock, Ng Bok Seng National Delegates Cheong Nyuk Khun, Khor Ching Leng Sit Wai Yin
July - September 2013 | 5
GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 5 10/18/2013 7:05:21 PM Acting President’s Press Conference on the 42nd NDC 8th October 2013
On Gerakan’s Future Chang KY said Gerakan realised it has deviated from its original struggle in explaining the deteriorating minority support towards BN’s non-Malay component parties.
He said the party, which will be facing elections soon, is now looking inwards for improvement and vowed to return to its centre-left struggles. He further noted that Gerakan, a strong grassroots outfit, was once the “conscience” in BN.
“Over the years, we have neglected our very basic philosophy. We were once the conscience of BN. We represented the workers, the trade unions and the poor. We have overlooked these very basic issues. We have to go back to the basics and look back at our constitution,” he said.
Two thousand delegates are expected to vote for a new leadership in the party polls next month. (The Malay Mail)
Chang KY also added the state elections went on smoothly and there were contests in seven (7) states i.e. Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Melaka, Pahang Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Perak witnessed contests and they are currently five (5) new state chairmen and a number of younger people who are members of the respective State Liaison Committees (SLC) as well. So this is testimony to the fact that Gerakan is rejuvenating and by allowing younger people to assume leadership position the party is open to fresh ideas and new approaches to remain politically relevant.
Gerakan has also been more active in championing issues of concern especially the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act (PCA), the need for the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) and others. The leadership as a whole has adopted a more assertive tone and despite the lack of representation in the Cabinet we have been making our views known via the media and also through position papers and letters to the Minister’s concerned. (SEDAR’s reporting)
On Barisan Nasional and the Need for Reforms within BN ChangKY said component parties in Barisan Nasional (BN) should be given a bigger role to play in policy making or voters will continue to see the ruling coalition as an Umno-dominated bloc.
Although the Malay party is the dominant force in BN with 88 federal seats in its bag, Chang KY said it was pivotal for Umno to include its non-Malay allies in charting government policies as the coalition is up against an opposition thriving on the bloc’s lack of cohesion.
“Umno’s dominance is inevitable as they are the dominant party with more seats. But any policies must get the consensus from BN members since the government is made of BN.
“Like the BN election manifesto, it was a BN manifesto. It was done together. We must work together, and then only people would see there is consultation and partnership. If not, the opponents will play on it. Pakatan Rakyat (PR) knows how to exploit the differences to create an impression of disunity,” he told a press conference at the party’s headquarters here. (The Malay Mail)
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 6 10/18/2013 7:05:21 PM Chang KY said he has observed a lack of consistency among BN component parties on certain issues of late and he urged the BN leadership to have more frequent meetings.
He said instead of holding meetings every once in a while like now, leaders from BN component parties should meet every month or when controversial issues crop up.
“For example the (Bahasa Malaysia version of) Holy Bible issue, by right we should have called for an emergency meeting to reach a common stance instead of letting it being debated openly.
“Once you have different leaders saying different things, it is very hard to close the issue,” he said.
He also said that BN as the ruling coalition should make collective decisions and be more democratic. (MalaysiaKini)
On Pakatan Rakyat Chang KY pointed out that Pakatan Rakyat had capitalised on the issue well.
“That is why they only attack Umno, and it arouses anger among the Chinese,” he said, in reference to the community’s purportedly strong rejection of BN in the May 5 general election.
The Chinese, who make up Malaysia’s biggest ethnic group after the Bumiputera, had voted overwhelmingly against the ruling coalition in the last polls, leading to the shrinking of Chinese representation in the government.
MCA, which is BN’s biggest Chinese party, won only seven federal and 11 state seats while Gerakan, also a predominantly Chinese party, which once dominated Penang, one of the states now controlled by PR, was all but wiped out.
Gerakan’s Liang Teck Meng is the party’s sole representative to be elected to the Dewan Rakyat ad Simpang Renggam MP but holds no Cabinet position.
Surveys showed corruption as the major factor behind Chinese rejection towards BN but Umno’s racist politics also contributed to fleeing support towards the opposition. (The Malay Mail)
On the UMNO Election Gerakan acting president Chang KY said he told UMNO’s top leadership that racially sensitive comments should not be tolerated.
“Just because the parties are having elections does not mean the candidates have the licence to make remarks that hurt the feelings of other communities.
“They have to bear in mind that whatever they say or do will boomerang back five years down the line in time for the 14th general election,” he said.
Mouthing off racial comments to gain votes would not be fair to other component parties, said Chang KY, who said these parties would then bear the brunt of such actions at the next general election.
Chang KY appealed to candidates to have more restraint and be more responsible in their words, saying they risked undermining BN’s efforts to woo back support from other communities. (The Malaysian Insider)
July - September 2013 | 7
GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 7 10/18/2013 7:05:22 PM 郑可扬：先交流避免分裂 民政党代主席郑可扬披露，据他所了解，在即将来临的民政党党选中，至少会 有两人欲竞选主席一职，唯他并无说明本身是否在内。
他也披露，为了避免过于激烈的竞选导致党的分裂，该党领袖也与这些有意竞 选者进行交流，以便避免党第1、2高职出现竞争。
他不无嘲讽地指出，国阵成员党与民联拥有很大的差别，国阵各成员党都是靠 基层及组织来壮大本身的党，反观民联各党，则是通过挑起课题来赢得大选。 他重申，之前已经说明，党高职最好避免出现竞选，有人说这不民主，因而拿运动比赛来做比较，但是 运动比赛和我国的国内政治环境不一样，党内若出现激烈的竞选，对党会带来冲击。
欣慰领导层有新血
郑可扬指出，民政党各分部、区部与州联委会的改选，都已顺利完成，领导层也有新脸孔，这是令人欣 慰的。分部选举是在今年6月和7月完成，区部是在8月完成，至于最后一个州联委会的改选，是10月6日 举行的霹雳州联委会。
他说，在12个州联委会，有出现竞选的是7个州，分别是吉隆坡、马六甲、雪州、霹雳、槟城、彭亨及 森州。
“其中5个州属出现新脸孔，那就是吉隆坡、雪州、霹雳、槟城及森州。马六甲与彭亨，因为原任主席 竞选获胜，而得以蝉联。”
他指出，相比2008年大选后的情况，本次大选结束后，仍有很多年轻人仍积极的希望为党做出贡献，所 以冒出很多新脸孔。
他透露，该党已经拟定新的口号，即是“新方向、新希望、新民政”。
建议应频密开会
另外，他也建议国阵应频密召开国阵会议，特别是在一些重要或敏感课题上，召开紧急会议，让各成员 党有一个共识。
“不要让一些敏感课题继续蔓延，因为最终受影响的是国阵本身。”他指出，有时候，各成员党各有话 说，结果外面人认为国阵各党都言行不一致。
郑可扬解释了他不想看到两个最高职出现竞选的理由时表示，我国的政治还不够成熟，根据我国政党， 特别是国阵成员党于过去的经验，党选若出现激烈的竞选，难免会导致分裂的问题。
“我看过很多次，有的成员党因为竞争而被弱化，例如马华现在的情况，我们必须保护我们的组织，我 们承担不起分裂的后果。”
他说，党选后是否能重新归队或重修旧好，胥视赢家如何去处理。
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 8 10/18/2013 7:05:22 PM ‘Loopholes in Prevention of Crime Act Amendment’ SEDAR Executive Director , Ivanpal Grewal recently conducted an exclusive interview with The Star on the amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act. Q: Which would you say are good provisions that have been proposed and which seem worrisome? Are the safeguards effective enough to ensure that the rights of society and the accused are well balanced? A: I believe the provisions are worrying as the amendments on the face of it seem to be contrary to basic human right principles and it also harkens back to the now repealed Internal Security Act (ISA) and Emergency Ordinance (EO). The safeguards are clearly insufficient because there is no oversight body to monitor the police for any overreach or misconduct. The IPCMC (Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission) would have been the ideal safeguard. In the end, the balance between the rights of the public and the rights of any individual is a fine line however the state must not act in a way that tramples on the very rights they are claiming to protect. Q: Has the Prime Minister gone back on Q: Is the Prevention of Crime Board(PCB) any his word there would be no more detention different from the police or Home Minister’s without trial? Are some provisions to actions under the EO or ISA? strengthen the Prevention of Crime Act almost A: As the devil is in the detail, the Standard Operating like a backdoor to re-introduce controversial Procedure and the Guidelines of the PCB must be provisions from the Emergency Ordinance made known so lawyers can then actually challenge and Internal Security Act, albeit with minor such detentions in court, even if on procedural grounds amendments, for example, establishing a alone. Another option will be for the PCB to have its own PCB to issue detention orders? internal appeals mechanism and again, any individual A: We must be careful not to jump the gun. The full slapped with a detention order can challenge its validity breath of the amendments must be appreciated and before the appeals board and be provided with legal the philosophy behind it will only become evident representation. Access to justice is a fundamental during the debate in Parliament. However, the Home aspect of the rule of law and it does not augur well if we Ministry and the Attorney General’s Chambers must dismantle this fundamental right. be mindful of the PM’s assurance and also the AG Q: If the inquiry report must have “sufficient himself when he made it quite clear that there will be evidence” of the individual having committed no preventive detention. The PCB must be different two or three serious offences before a from the similar review boards that existed under the detention order is issued, shouldn’t that EO and the ISA and were found to be resoundingly evidence be good enough for a trial? ineffective as they constantly deferred to the wishes of A: Ideally the evidence should be able to withstand a the Minister in charge. While the move to outsource the trial but, as in cases of organised crime, the police have powers to issue detention by police to the PCB is a step to deal with seasoned criminals at times and it would in the right direction, the scepticism stems from the fact be difficult to procure evidence that will withstand the that the substantive aspects of the PCB’s decision will rules of evidence in court. Hence, under an inquiry one escape judicial review. is not subject to the strict rules of evidence in court and Q: Why do the enforcement authorities still with that lower standard the required threshold will be need to extend a detention order? Shouldn’t satisfied with more easily. In this respect, the police will they have spent the time gathering evidence need a degree of flexibility. for a trial? A: Detention orders are not bad. It is an effective tool Q: While the chairman of the PCB shall be or to combat organised crime. But I believe a suspect have been a judge, who should the other two should be confined to his home and the order should members be? for example bar him from meeting known accomplices A: They should be legally qualified and the chairman etc. In that sense, his rights are limited but not taken of the PCB should be at the very least be a High Court away. This is something the public can accept as well. Judge. One member should be from the Bar Council But any form of incarceration in Simpang Renggam while the other could be from the Judicial and Legal without due process runs contrary to our human rights Services or the police. obligations.
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 9 10/18/2013 7:05:22 PM Gerakan Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House 2013
Gerakan on 24 August 2013 held a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the HGH Convention Centre, the event attracted more than 3000 members of the public who enjoyed the food and performances.
The event started at 12pm with a welcoming speech by the Organising Chairman of the function, Dr. Asharuddin Ahmad and followed by the Party’s Acting President Chang Ko Youn.
After that, Chang who was flanked by Organising Chairman Dr. Asharuddin Ahmad & party leaders proceeded with the cake- cutting ceremony.
The Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house is an annual event for Gerakan and leaders who were present included Gerakan Secretary General, Mah Siew Keong, Vice Presidents Kohilan and Raymond Tan, Wanita Chief Tan Lian Hoe, Youth Chief Lim Si Pin and others.
Apart from serving various Malay delicacies, the event also prepared a series of entertaining shows such as traditional dance and singing, very much enlivening the atmosphere around.
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 10 10/18/2013 7:05:27 PM 2013年民政党开斋节开放门户
民政党于2013年8月24日，在HGH Convention Centre举办开斋节开放门户活动，共 吸引了超过3000名各族人士参与其盛，共庆佳节。
当天的活动于中午12时开始，首先由筹委会主席阿沙鲁丁致欢迎词，随后则邀请 代主席郑可扬致词。 之后，郑可扬在筹委会主席阿沙鲁丁及党领袖的陪同下，进行切蛋糕仪式。
开斋节开放门户是民政党的常年活动之一，当天出席的领袖包括民政党副主席马袖强、柯希、陈树杰、 妇女组主席陈莲花、民青团总团长林时彬等。
大会除了招待各式马来风味美食外，也准备了一系列的余兴节目，如民族舞蹈及演唱，增添了不少欢乐 气氛。
¦¸Ã¡ì¸¡É¢ý †Ã¢ á¡ ¾¢Èó¾ þøÄ ¯ÀºÃ¢ôÒ 2013
¸¼ó¾ ¬¸ŠÎ 24õ §¾¾¢ º¡í §¸¡ äý ¯¨Ã ¦¸Ã¡ì¸¡ý ¸ðº¢Â¢ý †Ã¢ ¿¢¸úò¾¢É¡÷. á¡ ¾¢Èó¾ þøÄ ¯ÀºÃ¢ôÒ ±îƒ¢±î (HGH) Á¡¿¡ðÎ þ¾ý À¢ÈÌ ²üÀ¡ðÎì ¨ÁÂò¾¢ø ¿¨¼ô¦ÀüÈÐ. ÌØò ¾¨ÄÅ÷ º§¸¡. ¼¡ì¼÷ 3,000 §ÀÕìÌ §Áø ®÷ò¾ þó¾ «º¡ÕÊý «¸ÁÐ ÁüÚõ ¸ðº¢ò §ÃöÁñ𠼡ý, Á¸Ç¢÷ Å¢ÕóÐÀºÃ¢ôÀ¢ø ÀâÁ¡ÈôÀð¼ ¾¨ÄÅ÷¸û Ò¨¼ÝÆ «É¢îºø À¢Ã¢× ¾¨ÄÅ¢ º§¸¡¾Ã¢ ¼¡ý ¯½Å¢¨É ¿ýÌ «ÛÀÅ¢ò¾É÷. ¦ÅðÎõ ¿¢¸ú¨Å º§¸¡ º¡í Ģ¡ý §†¡, þ¨Ç»÷ À̾¢ ¬¼ø À¡¼ø ¿¢¸ú¢¨É ¿¼ò¾¢É¡÷. ¾¨ÄÅ÷ º§¸¡. Ä¢õ º¢ À¢ý ú¢ò¾É÷. ÁüÚõ ÀÄ÷ þ¾¢ø Àí§¸üÈÉ÷. †Ã¢ á¡ ¾¢Èó¾ þøÄ ¿ñÀ¸ø 12 Á½¢ìÌ ¿¢¸ú× ¯ÀºÃ¢ôÒ ¦¸Ã¡ì¸¡ÛìÌõ «¾ý Àø§ÅÚ ÁÄ¡ö ¯½× ÐÅí¸¢ÂÐ. Å¢Õó¾¢ý ²üÀ¡ðÎì ¾¨ÄÅ÷¸Ùì¸¡É ÅÕ¼¡ó¾¢Ã À¾¡÷ò¾í¸û ÀâÁ¡ÈôÀð¼ ÌØò ¾¨ÄÅ÷ º§¸¡. ¼¡ì¼÷ ¿¢¸ú×. ¦¸Ã¡ì¸¡ý ¾¨Ä¨Áî þó¾ Å¢Õó¾¢ø À¡ÃõÀâ «º¡ÕÊý «¸ÁÐ ÅçÅüҨà ¦ºÂÄ¡Ç÷ º§¸¡. Á¡ º¢äù ¿¼Éõ, À¡¼ø §À¡ýÈ «õºí¸û ¬üȢɡ÷. À¢ÈÌ ¸ðº¢Â¢ý ¸¢§Â¡í, ¯¾Å¢ò ¾¨ÄÅ÷¸û ¿¢¸úÅ¢¨É «Äí¸Ã¢ò¾Ð. þ¨¼ì¸¡Äò ¾¨ÄÅ÷ º§¸¡. º§¸¡. §¸¡¸¢Äý ÁüÚõ º§¸¡. þ¨Å ±øÄ¡õ ´Õ Ìà¸ÄÁ¡É Ýú¿¢¨Ä¢¨É §¾¡üÚÅ¢ò¾Ð.
July - September 2013 | 11
GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 11 10/18/2013 7:05:31 PM A New Way and New Hope Must Give Rise to a New Gerakan
Ivanpal Singh Grewal Executive Director of SEDAR Institute Introduction of the masses, whether they function in a pluralistic democracy A couple of months back, as I was engrossed with Dr Ooi or in a monolithic dictatorship, parties have one function in Kee Beng’s book on the late Goh Keng Swee , the joint common: they all participate to some extent in the exercise architect of modern Singapore, I came across of a piece of political power, whether by forming a government or by of advice Keng Swee had for the younger generation exercising the function of opposition, a function that is often of Singaporeans who have been accustomed to the of crucial importance in the determination of national policy,” political stability, rapid economic growth and wealth Encyclopaedia Britannica that Singapore is famed for; he advised that all of them to read and appreciate Edward Gibbons’ book on the Gerakan, having been dislodged from its power base in rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Penang, Perak and Selangor, finds itself in a conundrum as it a political party without political power yet seeking Being a young Malaysian myself, I was curious and to make a difference. Smaller parties like Gerakan proceeded to voraciously peruse Gibbons book and I have always found it a challenge to make a difference realised that the sagacious exhortation of Keng Swee because of a limited power base. For example, the also resonates with the need for Gerakan & Barisan Free Democrats in Germany were recently booted Nasional (BN) to ensure that it survives past the next out of Parliament for their first time since World War 2 general election. because they did not get the minimum percentage of Essentially, Gibbons’ attributed Rome’s fall to a votes required to enter the Bundestag but contrast that combination of internal problems such a power-plays, with the Liberal Democrats in the United Kingdom who division, dissent and decay and external factors like returned to power with the Conservatives in 2010 after attacks from outsiders that were considered barbarians. a sojourn of over seventy (70) years. Hence, internal and external factors always interplay but the hypothesis offered by Gibbons is that one can So there is no clear trend for small political parties in only be attacked externally if one is weak internally. coalitions but the Free Democrats were able to ensure We must heed the message of Keng Swee too as it is sixty-four (64) years of continued representation relevant to Gerakan and BN. because they had a loyal base and following and lost power when their base felt they no longer represented In my article in the previous edition of Gerakan them. As for the Liberal Democrats in the UK, despite Matters! I spoke about the history of the party and being out of power they had enough representation to political compromises Gerakan made over the years ensure their voices were still heard. As for Gerakan, due in the interest of political stability that has resulted in to the ethnic voting trends and its urban seats, it has the reversal of its political fortunes. But I believe other suffered considerably. With reference to the definition factors too have contributed to Gerakan’s downfall and of the role of political parties above, Gerakan finds a lot of it has to do with the lack of internal cohesion itself struggling for relevance and unable to navigate and organisational infirmity. the choppy waters of Malaysian politics. What can Gerakan Do? Political Parties and Political Power I joined Gerakan in August 2008, at the invitation of Dr The purpose of any political party is to amass political Koh Tsu Koon, the Immediate Past President of the power to implement its aims and objects. Essentially party. I joined Gerakan even when many of my friends a party is in politics to make a difference but they only were gushing over the Democratic Action Party (DAP) way it can make a difference is if they have the power and People’s Justice Party (PKR) because I believed in to do so. “Whether they are conservative or revolutionary, the ideals and objectives of Gerakan. Gerakan was the whether they are a union of notables or an organization
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 12 10/18/2013 7:05:32 PM first Malaysian party to gain widespread popularity and political retribution simply because they did not for bucked the trend in 1968 when other were still thriving them and instead accept all those that voted for or in the fault lines of Malaysian politics. against them as Malaysians. That is in fact the first step towards national reconciliation. However, over the years and burdened with the over- bearing partners within BN, Gerakan finds itself in a As pointed out by Sdr. Mah Siew Keong recently, in quandary, unsure the path to take and the way forward. 1999 when the Bumiputeras voted against BN there In advising the party Central Committee on the theme was no call for political retribution but instead there for the NDC, I decided that what was needed was a was a concerted effort by BN to endear itself to the rupture with the past. Gerakan had to show the political Bumiputeras. The legitimate question one can now ask courage to be different and it can no longer be seen is why the same approach is not being adopted towards as meek and merely clinging to BN for the sake of a the Chinese and Indians that voted against BN in the semblance of political power and influence. 13th General Election? The lack of sincerity on the part of BN leaders, who constantly employs methods of Gerakan has to show that it dares to be different to political populism for short term gain but continue to the chagrin of its partners in BN and will once again feed the political divide, will only serve to further cement assume the mantle as the conscience of BN. The party their aversion for BN and again the biggest price will be cannot afford to make compromises, small or big, that paid by parties like Gerakan, MCA and MIC. impinges on its political values and conviction. Gerakan has to stand firm on this and lead the path The New Gerakan must offer tangible reforms within of reconciliation by standing firmly against punitive the party to institutionalise renewal and rejuvenation. politics and instead promote reforms within BN and the The best way forward is to explore term limits for government to ensure that in the 14th General Election office bearers and elected representatives to ensure BN returns to power with a bigger majority. that no one overstays. In the end, in order to attract talent Gerakan must show that there is upward mobility It is said that Gerakan has a solid and relevant ideology in the party. DAP has been successful with young and that has been the constant message that has professionals and urbanites because there is a slew been propagated by the leaders of the party whenever of new faces and at the same time they portray a confronted about the supposed relevance of Gerakan welcoming attitude to new comers, for example, Dr but I believe that an ideology is only strong if it is Ong Kian Ming. practised because talk is obviously cheap.
The New Gerakan must also be firm externally by Conclusion ensuring that its position on issues and our public In the end, A New Way and A New Hope can only come policies are in line with its Malaysian objectives. In a way, about if there is sufficient political will and courage. If a plurality of Malaysians voted for the loose opposition there is no appetite for painful decisions then Gerakan’s coalition because they offered a new hope and a new new leaders will only be managing decline. way for Malaysians. They offered something different as opposed to the usual mantra of “in the interest of In order to ensure that does not happen, Gerakan must political stability and racial harmony” that BN has not only strive to be firm externally but also take steps become accustomed to; while BN has kept the nation to improve itself internally by projecting a Malaysian together over the past 56 years the challenge today is image by engaging Bumiputera and Indian stakeholders to ensure a clean, efficient, just, equitable and inclusive as opposed to the current Chinese-centric approach. government. To some this sounds like hollow words but to those who voted against BN, it was Pakatan Rakyat We always get offended when were are called a mini- who gave more meaning to these ‘hollow’ words than MCA but in true fact the reason we are called that is BN. because we have been unable to differentiate ourselves from MCA. We must show that we are different and if Gerakan must now revamp its approach within BN as we preach a Malaysian approach to governance and well and push for a modern and dynamic coalition that politics then we too have to practice what we preach; is not dominated by any single party. BN must show only then we will be taken seriously. that is a partnership of equals instead of a compromise between un-equals. BN must also stop the practice In the spirit of Satu Hati! I pray for the rebirth of Gerakan of punitive politics and single out any community for with renewed hope for all Malaysians.
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 13 10/18/2013 7:05:32 PM Malaysia Youth Politics and Post-GE13 Political Renewal Youth constitutes a large segment, among the people that sent a political youth support. 43 percent, of the total population in shockwaves overturning the decades Malaysia. The diverse and numerous long and steady staid political BN must realise that “the only constant roles they play in the country’s socio- paradigm of the country dominated is change”, which is another important political and economic landscapes by BN. The prevailing sentiment rule in politics that has proven its underline the fact that they are that is prevailing among the people relevance and validity in answering a critical demographic group to implies the coming of age of a civil current social dilemma involving engage. Political parties in Malaysia society in Malaysia even though it youth uprising in Malaysia which see youths as potential kingmaker has not quite reach its full maturity, inadvertently brings back the memory in future general elections which is nonetheless it is not an exaggeration of Woodstock Festival in New York also due the undeniable necessity to to say that the idea is in an early 1969 that represented a high point in secure a long lasting survival for the conception stage and some practical the counterculture youth movement party as youth support also means transformation can clearly be seen during that socially tumultuous era. a future guarantee of support. It is within the multiracial society. BN must honestly perceive, accept politically understandable why both and adapt to the incoming changes sides of the political divide have Just like the ever-expanding universe, that are represented or trumpeted by gone all out to woo the youth in all this antagonistic phenomenon of various demands from the youth and possible ways. However, it is obvious an almost one-sided youth support other representatives from the civil that the opposition Pakatan Rakyat leaning over to the opposition PR society. (PR) have taken the lead in the race is apparently showing no signs of as they have been enjoying the lion’s abating, instead it has now settled A penetrating view into the post-GE13 share of youth support ever since down on a steady state and clearly it scenario, the voter sentiment remains the “Political Tsunami” of March is here to stay and grow as evidenced unchanged as revealed by a survey 2008 and the event itself was almost by the recent GE13. The 51% popular conducted by Universiti Malaya treated like a “Youth Renaissance” by votes garnered by the PR which is Centre of Democracy and Election all quarters. unprecedentedly overshadowing the (UMCEDEL) in mid-September, four 47% popular votes received by BN months after the 505 GE13 in May The recently concluded 13th General clearly indicates the contemporary that showed neither BN nor PR has Election (GE13) has sparked the social mood which is prevalent managed to gain significant fresh beginning of a new direction in among the youth as they now actively support after a much divisive general Malaysian politics. The ruling Barisan call for social and political renewal election. However, the results was Nasional (BN) entered the electoral in the country. The influx of young rather encouraging for the tripartite fray with huge adversity from the voters as predicted by all parties long PR as illustrated by the increase of youth as they were determined to before the GE13 took place or 5 May popular votes by PR that surpassed show their presence and influence indisputably signals the arrival of new BN for the first time.This could in other in the country’s political mainstream. politics in Malaysia with the youth hand spell deep trouble for the ruling The GE13 was a perfect stage to taking up the protagonist role. More BN with worrying future outlook as showcase their coming of age. The Malaysians now want a nation that is their electoral popularity is shrinking fervently outspoken youth have free of corruption, racial politics, power amongst growing number of young constantly voiced their opposition abuse and faulty governance; youth voters who will exercise their suffrage for the perceived entrenched are well knowingly leading the social in the next GE. BN hardliners and establishment, unfair policies demand for socio-political renewal conservatives must adopt to the and monumental mistakes by the and change. Political scientists across political reality and adopt truthful authorities to the point it led to the world generally agreed that there changes in both political cognition prevalent cynicism and widespread are unwritten rules in the world of and government approaches to win distrust that slowly spread across politics that every player must adhere the support of young voters in a hope the society as the idea itself is highly in order to thrive and be successful in to arrest the tailspin towards total contagious especially a renegade realpolitik, “he who understands the rejection and crushing defeat in the one. rules will win” is one of the famous near future judging by the post-GE13 rules that now both BN and PR must voter sentiment, lack of political Ever since the last general election strive hard and compete each other willfor renewal and the continued on March 2008, we witnessed the to be the “enlightened and adapted youth antipathy towards BN. emergence of an astounding capacity one” in order to gain the upper hand of anti-establishment sentiment in the political tussle of winning the Two successive electoral defeats in
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 14 10/18/2013 7:05:32 PM March 2008 and May 2013 clearly The Youth wing is an important indicate that Gerakan failed to budding ground that recruits and overturn its political misfortune cultivates young party cadres, which despite its staunch effort to make is so vital and rudimentary in ensuring a swift comeback to mainstream the survival and longevity of the party politics. Worse still, post-GE statistics in view of the much changed and also revealed the worrying trend of renewed political landscape after sharp diminution of popular votes the 308 GE12 and the recent GE13. received by Gerakan in the last They must strive to renew itself in few general elections from 3.7% of adaptation to the much demanding popular votes received in the 11th youth, listen to their voices and most GE in 2004, it reduced to 2.27% in importantly associate with them and the following 12th GE held in 2008 be acceptable to them. Although it and in the recently concluded 13th is not an easy task, given the huge GE, Gerakan only received 1.38% adversity of a lopsided sentiment and of popular votes. The continued support among the youth that leans to the youth. shrinking popularity of the party over towards the opposition PR. puts its survival into question and Nonetheless, human nature itself is Honesty and determination for a warrants a deep soul-searching and the most inconstant variable in politics change is important to show the rebuilding of the party in an honest which also spells the probability of sincerity of the Gerakan Youth in and comprehensive way to keep the Gerakan Youth regaining the much their quest to regain the support party going as a political movement sought-after support from the youth. and acceptance by the youth. A for all Malaysians. political stand that is in line with Gerakan Youth leaders must now the perspective and vision from the The party has now been reduced take a principled position and people will certainly be applauded to only 1 parliamentary seat in earnest approach in a bid to reinstall by the youth. The GE13 results Simpang Renggam, Johor and there themselves as a crowd favourite clearly indicate that a new politics is are also clear signs that the party again among the demanding and now in place with the youth leading is out of favour among the youth rebellious youth. They must reignite the call for a wholesome, genuine which means that the party cannot their passion and eagerness to lead and progressive political renewal. go for a respite in theaftermath of the political struggle of the party and The ball is now in their own court the divisive GE13. Instead, the party be more courageous as well being to take heed to the social demands should start introducing intraparty bold in taking up all sorts of political and rectify their past weaknesses or renewal effort on many aspects risks. This may include the possibility mistakes and maintains its political of the party in order to overcome of breaking ranks with fellow BN relevance to the people or the party’s some major shortcomings of the component parties in order to uphold wing along with the party itself with party. The Youth wing in particular is the principality and righteousness in over 40 years of history would slowly vital in recapturing the support and most issues which is paramount in lose ground and gradually phase-out endorsement of the youth as it is contemporary youth’s perspective. in this ever-changing politics. important to secure a political lifeline Apart from strengthening the wing’s for the party. It is always crucial in political agenda, the next big step By SEDAR Institute youth politics to understand and would be to kick start the long- associate with subjects who take the abandoned political training or cadre lead in mainstream social dynamics, training involving youth members not just superficial engagement with which are generally the new comers strong political purposes lurk behind of the party. It is an important step in which are often debunked and improving understanding to the party’s resisted by the youth. philosophy, history and struggle as well as to cultivate comradeship and Gerakan Youth should take up therole loyalty among the youth members. It as the vanguard in both promoting is also highly advisable that the youth and defending the party in numerous leaders of the party to lead the party’s fronts. It is utmost important for the charge into all digital and social party wing to shake away its semi- media fronts such as Facebook, dormant, poorly organised and Twitter and Youtube, which have scattered impression to the public become increasingly more important and remain vibrant and outspoken. due its wide usage and high appeal
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 15 10/18/2013 7:05:32 PM Position Papers & Proposals by the Party 1. Position Paper on the Need to Reform the Univeristy Intake System 2. Proposals for Budget 2014 3. Position Paper on Education Blueprint
4. Position Paper on Trans Pacific Partnership Agereement (TPPA)
SEDAR in the news
Consulting Council may be a ‘courtesy’ but not to the people (The Star, 1 October 2013) Subsidy rationalisation the right move Sedar Institute executive director Ivanpal S. (Bernama, 25 September 2013) Grewal notes, superior court judges “enjoy Election court next security of tenure as it is the bedrock ofThe increase of RON95 petrol and theatre for political judicial independence.” diesel by 20 sen per litre on Tuesday is certainly the way forward, despite parties (Bernama, “It ensures that they act without fear or favour some minor inflationary pressure 12 June 2013) but on the flipside this is a challenge for any on the economy. process of renewal.” SEDAR Institute SEDAR Institute executive director executive director Instead, he suggests that an “internalised Ivanpal S. Grewal said it is the Ivanpal S. Grewal system of ensuring competence and excellence most appropriate move towards said the high is needed to ensure judges meet the markrestructuring the methods standard of proof expected of the exalted office they occupy.” employed in providing subsidies. was required “Our current method of giving subsidy is very much distorted, inefficient andfor any election wasteful. The whole idea of subsidy is helping the poor, not having those drivingpetition as “a judge Ferrari cars enjoy the subsidised fuel as well. would not simply want to overturn “That’s why as we restructure our subsidies on fuel and gas, the amount giventhe people’s through BR1M will also be adjusted and increased gradually until it reacheschoice” unless the RM1,200 from the current RM500,” he added. petitioner had very strong evidence of irregularities which finally affected the overall result.
“There must be a critical mass that affected the election result. Let’s say some voters were bribed, the alleged offences must meet a critical mass in the sense it had affected the election result and caused one person to win unfairly,” he said. Small parties battle the odds (The Star, 13 September 2013)
Ivanpal Singh Grewal, executive director of SEDAR Institute said “Gerakan have obviously suffered in the last two elections, reduced from 10 MP’s to 1, and from 30 state representatives to just three. Gerakan neglected social media and as yet have not effectively countered it. Personally the task of the new Gerakan leadership after Dr Koh must play the role of a consctructive opposition within Barisan. Gerakan must be brave enough to disagree and state our views.”
Still Ivanpal feels that all is not lost. “There are still young people who support Barisan, bucking the anti-establishment trend. Gerakan need to correct all the negative perceptions and tackle the issues that affect the people.”
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 16 10/18/2013 7:05:32 PM Gerakan in the News Gerakan for ‘unified’ varsity entrance exam (Free Malaysia Today, 26 July 2013) Gerakan Education Bureau Chairman Lau Chin Hoon said that the present dual system for entry to local universities, namely the STPM and matriculation, has become a source of discontentment for some despite a more merit based intake.
He said without a unified entrance exam, people would always perceive there to be a lack of transparency in the selection process as there were no immediately available percentages of intake from each system. Firearms last resort, not ‘first’ – Gerakan (The Malaysian Times, 8 Oct 2013) Gerakan Vice-President, A. Kohilan Pillay has deplored the recent remarks made by the Home Minister, Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi that the police would ‘shoot first’ and ask questions only later when dealing with criminals.
“The utilising of firearms should be seen as a last resort by the police to apprehend the suspect instead of being the easy way out to solve a case,” stressed Kohilan.
He added that the reason why Gerakan and other parties were skeptical of more powers for the police was because there was a fear of abuse. Stop your ‘bullying’, Gerakan tells Mukhriz (Malaysiakini, 11 October 2013) Gerakan Secretary-General Mah Siew Keong has returned fire at the criticism levelled against the party by Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir, stating it will not “stand for bullying” or “vindictive politics”.
“Certain UMNO leaders have been constantly bullying its coalition partners in BN and concomitant to that is the loss of support amongst Malaysians as Gerakan and even MCA are seen as weak and supine. Gerakan, he said, will not stand for any attempt to bully any Malaysian community and will continue to speak up against what he deemed as “vindictive politics”.
“In 1999, when the Malays voted against BN because of the Anwar Ibrahim factor, Umno did not relentlessly attack the Malay community, in fact they sought to understand the concerns of the Malay community and studied the loss of support and made amends,” he said.He questioned why the same treatment is not accorded to the Malaysian Indian and Chinese communities, following the results of the recent general election.
Gerakan slams Chua for remarks (Malaysiakini,12 October 2013) Gerakan leaders are peeved with MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek’s remarks that the party would be another Gerakan if it goes under the leadership of his deputy Liow Tiong Lai.
Its acting president Chang Ko Youn blasted Chua for dragging Gerakan into MCA’s internal fracas, where the latter is engaged in an open squabble with Liow.
“Chua should step down and be responsible for MCA which caused Gerakan’s loss (in the general elections),” said Chang.
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 17 10/18/2013 7:05:32 PM Is merging the way out for BN’s Chinese based parties? By SEDAR Institute The recent general election held on and this has prompted talks of a invasion of Western Europe. 5th May 2013 saw contrasting results single Chinese based BN party which for certain political parties in the will encompass MCA, Gerakan, The fact that Chinese BN parties country. While Barisan Nasional (BN) SUPP and LDP. While some have have been perceived as playing retained its power by winning 133 out supported the idea, others remain second or third fiddle to UMNO in BN of 222 seats in the Dewan Rakyat to defiant and keen to preserve their led to more questions than answers form a simple majority once again, it own individual identity. among the Chinese with regards was a worse performance compared to safeguarding of their interests to the 2008 election when it won 140 The word ‘merging’ and ‘separation’ from, what is seen as, UMNO’s seats. In contrast, the loose opposition is nothing new in the world of politics. encroachment. Several pressing coalition known as Pakatan Rakyat While the idea of merging into a single questions will continue to linger even (PR) managed to increased their BN party seems far; the possibility of if the merger is successful. Is the new strength in Parliament by gaining creating a single BN Chinese based party going to be an equal partner 89 seats, largely thanks to the DAP party deserves careful study and to UMNO or at best retains MCA’s which won 38 seats individually consideration. In the aftermath of the position as the second biggest party resulting in it becoming the largest 505 election, the influence of Chinese in BN? What will the new party solidly non-BN party in parliament. based parties has eroded even further offer against aggressive racist and and it can be seen as the continuation sexist chants against the non-Malays Despite gaining only 133 seats, BN of the 308 tsunami. Therefore, it is or is it the same usual rhetoric’s that recorded some improvements with well apparent that all four parties we do not tolerate discrimination UMNO, the de-factor leader of the are considered to be severely weak but yet are unable to do anything ruling coalition winning a whooping and could be unable to individually about it? Is the new party ready 88 seats alone while the PBB from survive a third predictable tsunami to change the image of Chinese Sarawak managed to retain all their in five years time. Hence by deciding based parties as merely providing 14 seats contested. Even the MIC to merge, all four parties can pool individual services to the people or managed to win one additional seat, their remaining resources together to will they have a concrete say in vital increasing their tally to 4 seats. establish at least a new wall to brace national issues? MCA is now being The reason main reason BN lost themselves against a mammoth seen as the party of Michael Chong 7 additional seats to PR can be political assault led by the DAP. In that offers individual services with attributed to the failure of the Chinese the international arena, comparisons the accompanying press coverage based parties in BN, such as the of merging weak states to present a and running KTAR and UTAR as a MCA, Gerakan, SUPP and LDP, to credible challenge can be seen with consolation for the failure to secure improve on their 2008 performance. the establishment of NATO. Before adequate places for the Chinese in Collectively, the four parties gained the establishment of NATO, Europe public institutes of higher education. a mere 9 seats and a direct result was in tatters after a devastating of this abysmal performance was world war with countries requiring While it is important for political MCA declining any government post, massive aid from the US in the form of parties to offer services to the Gerakan returning to the post 308 the Marshall Plan. However with most people, it should be more than that status quo with no representation of the militaries either dismantled or or else it is no different to a charitable in government with the exception of destroyed, the European countries organization. Datuk Raymond Tan in Sabah. As for worried that continued dependence the SUPP, the writing was already on on the US without the form of a According to a poll conducted by the wall after their near annihilation new organization might spur the Free Malaysia Today regarding in the 2011 Sarawak state election. Americans to return to an isolationist what must BN’s Chinese based Furthermore, their political misfortune foreign policy. Additionally with parties do to remain relevant, 40% could also be attributed to the Stalin’s aggressive expansion in the wanted it to stand up against UMNO possible deregistration of the party East, Western European nations hegemony that they say is lurking by the ROS because of the alleged realised that in the event of a Red in every corner of the country. 37% irregularities in their most recent Army invasion, they would not stand wanted them to join Pakatan Rakyat party election in 2011. a chance against the Bolsheviks. This while 19% wished that they became fear caused the Europeans to rally for independent. Only a pitiful 5% Given the bleak outlook for the the establishment of NATO in a bid to welcomed the idea of merging into Chinese based parties in BN, there tie down the Americans and prevent a single entity and remain in BN. is a need for a new political dynamic or in the worst case, repel a Soviet
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 18 10/18/2013 7:05:33 PM The main reason why the Chinese seats available in the leadership will abandoned MCA, Gerakan, SUPP still be severely limited and we might and LDP is not only due to the witness more serious politicking government’s inability to combat compared to the past. As big fights pressing issues like cost of living have already happened in the past and increasing violent crime rates due to limited leadership positions and abuse of power, but also the available, we can only imagine the siege mentality used by UMNO to contestation that will take place in the gain support from the rural Malays by merged entity. A likely and practical chanting derogatory slurs against the solution will be for the number of USSR. If we look in the BN coalition non-Malays. It is very important for leadership positions to be increased. itself, there are four parties that all four parties to realise that forming Besides, since it is unavoidable that cater to the Chinese, two Indian a new party will not guarantee the several leaders in the three parties based parties and a number of East return of Chinese voters; instead will be denied posts in the new Malaysian parties that fight for the standing firm with visible concrete party due to inadequacies, will their same indigenous voters in Sabah results only will. personal egos get the better of them and Sarawak. However, UMNO is the or will they be gracious enough to only Malay based party in the ruling Despite seeing the benefits of accept the situation and retire? coalition, giving it the advantage to merging, there are several questions grab the all Malay votes for itself, that can be seen as weaknesses if all Furthermore another concern is ensuring its ‘top dog’ status in BN. four parties do not address a number that will UMNO perceive a merged Could there be a conspiracy that the of concerns before combining. The Chinese BN party as a threat to its non-Malay parties were forced to first issue that comes into mind dominance in the coalition? The fight for the same bone to keep them would be the status of non-Chinese formation of the Warsaw Pact can divided hence unable to stand up to members in Gerakan and SUPP render some guidance in how UMNO? Despite voices of support by and how to accommodate them. As the parties should handle such the likes of our ex-Prime Minister, Tun pointed out by political analysts and a situation. As said earlier, the Dr Mahathir Mohammad on the need politicians such as Minister of Welfare, inferiority of the Europeans resulted for a sole Chinese representative in Women and Family Development, in the formation of NATO with the BN, there is a saying in politics that Datuk Fatimah Abdullah and MCA’s chief purpose of deterring the Soviets ‘All those who gained power are own vice-president, Gan Ping Sieu, from crossing the Iron Curtain. afraid to lose it’ which could be used the MCA itself is proving to be the However, what they fail to realise at to describe UMNO who might not feel biggest obstacle to the merger as that time was that although Stalin’s comfortable with having to share real there is strong resistance against hard and aggressive stance on power with an equal partner. accepting non-Chinese members. Eastern Europe looked threatening, it Datuk Seri Peter Chin, the leader of is more defensive in nature due to the Therefore, before deciding to merge, SUPP was reported by Malaysiakini fact of they had suffered devastating it is up to leaders of the four parties as saying and I quote “Personally, I attacks from Napoleon to Hitler in identifying the main causes for the think it is difficult to have a merger through its Western Frontiers and the downfall of their respective parties with MCA as there are a few obstacles Soviets wanted to prevent that from before deciding to merge. PKR’s to surmount”. This I suspect, includes happening again. Hence they created Datuk Chua Jui Meng brought up the internal problems within SUPP buffer states to protect itself from the a good point by saying that simply and the current dependence on the West, especially given the possibility merging might only hasten the demise Dayak voters to keep them in power. that Western Germany may once of the three parties for it is easier for He further suggested that “If we want again become ascendant with its the voters to co-operate in rejecting to see a closer rapport among the inclusion in NATO. Therefore the co- one single party if core issues that three Chinese-based parties, it is operation of Western Europe in the caused them to fall badly are still not better to have a loose confederation form of a military alliance sent shivers being address firmly and effectively. where there will be a win-win situation down the spines of the Soviets who The 14th General Election could very for everybody rather than a merger”. saw it as ganging up of the Western well be the end of the Chinese based European states and America. parties in BN as the Grim Reaper Another issue that might arise would saying goes: ‘Time’s Up’. be the number of positions available In response, they decided to counter and who will be appointed to the new the threat by having their own NATO leadership posts. After merging the in the form of the Warsaw Pact that number of members will increase bound the communist states in significantly, however the amount of Central and Eastern Europe to the
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GM_2012_02JulOct(4)_v4.indd 19 10/18/2013 7:05:33 PM BACK TO THE FUTURE Gee Kok Hong Section 16 Branch, Petaling Jaya South Division Grassroot voices practices, as well as, being tarred After our Party suffered significant with the brush of Chinese-centrism losses in GE12 (’08) our detractors by our detractors, and worse, by our “padang politics”]. and the pessimists opined that it allies! signaled “the beginning of the end” for It cannot be overstated that our Party “Gelakan” (Laughable). Furthermore, In order to recover lost ground, it is should cater more to the pressing as our electoral losses deepened in imperative that our Party consciously economic needs of the growing petite GE13 (’13), doomsayers heralded – even, stridently –revert to her bourgeoisie and proletariat classes, “the end” of our Party. 1968 roots with some adjustments including the lumpen-proletariat to accommodate the exigencies and minor farmers, in the face of a On the contrary, it is “the end of of present circumstances. In this widening wealth gap in Malaysian a Beginning”; a Beginning that regard, our Party should espouse a society due to looming income blossomed in 1968 when our Party liberal center-left ideology. disparities. promulgated a centrist liberal philosophy and a vision of a country Our Party urgently needs a much Inner city and urban blight coupled devoid of racial and religious bigotry. more multi-ethnic composition. More with suburban poverty is becoming Our then President – Syed Hussein specifically, we need many more highly apparent from the increasing Alatas and his compatriots were Bumiputras from both West and East numbers of destitute persons ahead of their time. Malaysia to join our Party; indeed, sleeping on park benches or five- to become the backbone of the foot ways and rummaging through In 2013, it is manifested that the Party. In this regard, a merger with garbage bins in the backstreets of noble vision of our Party’s founders Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu will coffee-shops or restaurants. has finally come to pass as more than definitely be a game-changer! fifty-one percent of the electorate These homeless people ought to be moved away from ethnocentrism to Additionally, our Party should gathered and relocated to semi-rural become Malaysians and voted as collaborate closely with societal communes to engage in agricultural Malaysians for multi-racial parties. It advocates and NGOs in a network of pursuits. Disparate plots of idle Malay is a truly laudable “Gerakan Rakyat”! alliances in order to more effectively Reserve land should be consolidated reach the grassroots, the poor, and (perhaps, under FELDA) and rented Indeed, the Rakyat have matured the marginalised; particularly, in semi- to anyone who is desirous to become politically and moved-on decisively! urban areas which can be our Party’s a farmer (e.g., in market-gardening). In particular, Gen-X, and to a larger targeted electoral constituencies extent, Gen-Y Malaysians in the urban come GE14. Our Party should firmly support the and suburban areas are imbued with imposition of a minimum wage in a cosmopolitan liberalism leading to For example, our Party should urge order to ensure that the welfare of the greater socio-cultural acceptance of the Kedah state government to proletariat is safeguarded for this is a the mores of other ethnicities. transform the said areas bordering matter of import that encompasses Province Wellesley into townships, the welfare of the latter’s children, This ascendant phenomenon can in order to facilitate an efficacious viz to have a better quality of life and, be attributed to the Rakyat being creeping encroachment into the eventually, to improve upon their increasingly exposed to a myriad psyche of the “ngiow Penang-lang” socio-economic state. of socio-cultural diversity through and recapture the Penang state travel and the Internet, as well as, government within a decade. In essence, our Party, which purports through frequent interaction with to be a “Gerakan Rakyat”, must move otherethnicities, including migrant More importantly, as semi-urban synchronously with the hopes and communities, in their daily lives. areas are being developed it proffers aspirations of the petty bourgeoisie, our Party a fresh (second chance) the proletariat, and the lumpen- So, our Party ought to have been opportunity to “connect” with the proletariat in order to thrive, for in the the beneficiary of these Malaysian- Rakyat [which, for example, can words of Mao, “The helmsman must centric votes. Alas, it was not to be as be more frequently done through ride the waves or be submerged by we have become Chinese-oriented “ceramahs” in the little parks in the tide”. through our own behavior and housing estates at eventide, i.e.,
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