Of ball-grabbing and licking.
Does the rakyat need a government more than a government need the support of its people?
I know. It is one of those tautological, chicken and egg or Catch 22 conundrums that academicians spend much time arguing about without offering any real and viable solutions. Let me change that, academicians and bloggers.
Everyday I hear people whining and ranting about how disunited the opposition is, how they can never form a credible government, how they want the best and not settle for the lesser of two evils.
Here’s how I see it and the explanation are a bit crude so please bear with me.
I think the rakyat has the opposition by the balls. DAP, PKR, PAS, PRM, PSM, DLL (dan lain-lain) are at our mercy. I mean what I say. They need our votes and support because without us, they are nothing. I think that’s a better bargain for the rakyat to have at least some kind of leverage over them.
As for the ruling BN coalition government now. They have all of us by the balls and are squeezing it so tight that we are nothing but mere shells of what a decent citizen is entitled to. That’s what happens when you have a government that has raped the system so thoroughly, that rewards come without even needing to ask for it.
They just take it all. And they take it from us (and Petronas - which belongs to the people!!)
Sure, I sound like some opposition campaigner … well, I’m not. I read law and politics and I’m a journalist. I have little personal interest whether Jeff Ooi becomes an MP (but he would be an interesting test case from an academic perspective concerning the first blogger cum politician in the country) or whether some bloke I date just so happens to be Nat Tan of OSA remand infamy. C’mon, go beyond what I do, who I date and what I believe; instead, engaged me on what I know and what I don’t. Engage me in epistemological arguments. Challenge me with examples. Delight me with your fire for change.
I’ve been wrestling with this rock the vote idea to get youths and adults in Malaysia to vote. I’ve been blogging about elections pretty darn early, even before the wave in other blogs began around late-2006. It was just getting friends to register to vote. Whether they vote or abstain is entirely their choice. In the meantime, I tried my best to highlight issues in my blog that is close to my heart. The most recent was a teary email to friends venting my frustration when the Hindraf 5 were arrested - these people were my friends and not merely contacts I meet through work. It was quite hard for me to accept what happened when their arrests were confirmed but what do any of you know? Some just swallow the mainstream media’s spew of their yet-unproven terrorist links hook, line and sinker. How many of you have ever experience a loved one incarcerated, held incommunicado over something illogical as an official secret in a blog comment? Have you experienced Uthayakumar’s humour? Or Ganabatirau’s kindness? Or Manoharan’s always-available help? And to have all of them arrested under the Internal Security Act without solid evidence. Geez.
The point is that I knew these people and it still crushes me that that are still in Kamunting. Nat’s case remains unresolved with nobody held responsible. I still remember Kampung Berembang. Demolished temples. Arrogant ministers. Arrogant cops. The Orang Asli. Everything hike. The shit I read everyday is a stark reminder that the country is going to the dogs because we feel the opposition isn’t the best and oh, have to vote for BN cos I dunno, dacing what.
Fuck that, you moronic robots.
So, you don’t wanna vote? Then you’ve just deprived yourself the chance to make the teensiest of change. You’ve also revoked your right to complain about the government or the opposition. Your decision not to vote, to me, is as good as a foot set in migration.
The only difference that sets you apart from those Badruddin has labelled ‘kalau you tak suka, you boleh keluar dari negara’ is that somewhere deep down inside, you love the country but you’re not willing to bear the responsibility of actually DOING something. The responsibility is shared and not solely for the opposition to bear. Just as criticisms can come from you, so can ideas and positive suggestions. Of course everybody just LOVES being a critic. So much easier isn’t it? I’m not surprised. You lot ain’t got no more balls left, that’s why.
I just feel so sorry for Nat having to deal with the opposition’s opposition. Sometime I agree the opposition isn’t doing enough, but there are more outsiders bitching about them more than joining it to make it better.
That just shows the typical tidak apa attitude we’re so famous for. Bitch, bitch, bitch and complain only. I’ve heard so much that days when I use to get angry at such people seems so far away. Right now I’m just waiting for retribution because I believe in karma. And it will come back and bite you on your arse so hard, you’ll be sorry. Heck, I think many of us are already paying for it now.
You reap what you sow. You get what your put in and who suffers? - fellow Malaysians, your children, your family, your friends. Sure people always think me me me!!! Fucklah, I’m happy for Kelantanese who think PAS is doing a fucking good job. Don’t see a mass exodus of them moving to KL cos PAS is treating them like dirt. How well do you know PAS? Have you ever done research or speak to people from the party? I guess not. Whoever bothers these days. Just set up a blog and say PAS is evil because our ministers say so. Our ministers said we are an Islamic state. Vote them in again lah, dickheads.
I’m sick of you ranting Malaysians who can only complain about opposition, the government and how imperfect every damn thing is. Pleaselah, look at your bloody self. Having your balls squeezed til they’re black and blue; and many of you are licking the ones of your masters. You fuckers deserve it. And don’t vote. You will STILL be a loser.
If you wanna migrate then migrate lah. We don’t need pussies in the country taking the easy way out. If the Orang Asli has never had the urge to migrate although they are treated worst in the country, then the lot of you sure have a sorry excuse to be Malaysian.
I’m voting and I’m not sorry, tossers.
:P
January 19th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Hear hear!
January 19th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
A very good reprimand. Even I am getting very weary of people who don’t vote but blog unceasingly about the rights and wrongs, privileages, values, equality or country welfare. And after migrating overseas, they write even more stuff about the welfare of Malaysia and how good they are now in comparison. Please allow me to join you in chorus “….If you happy and you know it, clap your hand….but shut the f–k up please!”
January 19th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Polytikus rocks!
January 19th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
[…] undecided whether to appear at the polling station this coming GE, you bloody make sure you read this masterpiece (I think!) by Miss […]
January 19th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Heh, I feel that I am somewhat responsible for this blog post. Anyway, I may not like what I am seeing now (at the opposition) but that doesn’t mean they are not getting my vote. This makes me sound like a hypocrite because I am still voting for them even though I do not think they are working hard (or smart) enough.
Like I said earlier, I am voting for them because I dislike the ruling party, not because I like the opposition. Again, a new government should not be formed out of hate for the old government. But at this point, what other choice do we have?
So, the opposition is still getting my vote.
January 19th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
laksarian: we all share the responsibility mate because we are all in this together. some carry the burden for us (like opposition politicians - granted as imperfect as they come - whom many of us take for granted). while other burden we carry ourselves because if not, if will be somebody else or our own children.
January 19th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
hey LT, great honest reaction! im going to forward this to my friends.
i didnt know you have balls though! ;)
dont worry, there is a group of us aint voting for dacing, and never will!
hope u are feeling better
January 20th, 2008 at 1:38 am
ooosh!!!!
January 20th, 2008 at 2:22 am
the orang asli don’t migrate because they don’t have the means or capacity to.
January 20th, 2008 at 8:21 am
shiver: thanks and i’m much better now!
adriene: i beg to differ. unless you know some orang asli who takes your stand. but picking on your point, objectively, i wonder what’s the cause for their situation. who’s robbed them of their lands and peaceful living? who is responsible?
January 20th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Don’t hold back, girlfriend. Tell us how you REALLY feel. :P
January 21st, 2008 at 12:45 am
lol.
crankshaft: about what? about adriene’s comment on the orang asli or other stuff? :)
January 21st, 2008 at 8:54 am
Not trying to add fuel to the fire or anything, just showing you another article which relates to this post.
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/1485/46/
I think the writer said it best when he wrote “any extra votes they will be votes AGAINST the Government, not votes FOR the Opposition”.
January 21st, 2008 at 10:50 am
again, all i see is whining, bitching, complaining … where are the ideas and suggestions and effort from this dennis bloke? i have issues with these kind of people laksarian. if people think they can run the opposition better since it’s the ‘easiest job on earth’ … then heck by all means … DO IT.
January 21st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I don’t expect Opposition to win & I don’t fully support them. I voted them solely for check & balance purposes. Just like what the Taiwanese are doing. I was overwhelmed when I saw the victorious Taiwanese Opposition bowing to the citizen. Don’t expect that to happen to Malaysia.
Every GE I voted Opposition because I wanted to show BN that I’m the boss and whoever formed the government is to serve the people & not the orherway round.
I’m sick of the Media highlighting people going to the MP or government “begging” for help. I’m also sick of BN component ethnic parties politicians telling us that they are championing, figting, claiming for our “rights”. Looks like as if they (the running dogs) are begging from their arrogant master.
But then, when BN wins, they will be celebrating & becoming more arrogant. BN screwed the citizens & they expect the citizen to bershukor & say thank you to them instead. How sad.
January 21st, 2008 at 12:53 pm
other stuff. about our lovely dacing. and of course those who lament and complain about everything but fail to get off their asses and vote. :) my eyeBALLs nearly fell off after reading it!
January 21st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
It’s the same argument again.
Even if Msians vote against the BN and tip the scales towards a larger majority of the opposition in the Parliment - it doesn’t mean that the opposition will make things better for any Malaysian. How do we know that the Opp won’t sit their ass and make themselves comfy just like BN?
From what I see and read so far, no opposition party have a concrete plan what they can do for us if they win or if they become the majority in the Parliment.
Why’s that?
Obviously, a protest vote against the BN is better than anything, but doest that mean the Malaysians need to be satisfied with that? that would mean that Msians really do have any long term planning.
There are so many topics that the oppositino can use to gather the support of the people, unfortunately they are still divided and interested in getting favours for their own race.
Issues like the following should be campaigned about.
1. Economy - basic food prices, oil - > this leads to transportation issues - how can this be better? Who’s willing to state what is needed, to try and get *something* done.
2. Minimum wages - surely setting a min wage would help msians at the bottom of the food chain? Again - who would be a strong personality to campaign this issue?
3. Security - crime rates - what is being done about it, is there any action so far - who are the strong personalities that mean what they say in the force.
So far just a lot of empty talk - a lot of hot air, and no real action.
January 22nd, 2008 at 8:32 am
go to the People’s Parliament here, for those who feel they’ve got sufficient reasons not to vote. meet up with your neighbours. come up with an alternative.
as for the opposition, i’m still voting for them when the time comes. no, it isn’t a protest vote, though i don’t agree with their bickering and such. what i do agree with is the need to end communal politics. that, to me, is a concern that overrides bread and butter issues (because how to tackle these issues will defer under different paradigms - this needs to be understood).
long term plan? the long term plan, in my opinion is this: dismantle communal politics. allow in a government more conducive to individual rights and then shift the balance of power from the government to the people - allow real, non-partisan local representation at the grass roots. and then we force partisan politics to bow to real with grassroots concerns.
so practice your god-given duty to vote. feel like a minority, a second-class citizen, etc.? well affirm your citizenship by carrying out your duties. vote.
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:35 am
actually, what goal does the BN govt have anyway? you guys talk what can the opposition offer but have you done your homework and see what has the rulling Govt given to the people? cakap je free school fees.. apa yang free? RM5-10 service/admin fee saje… everything else went up, school books, exam fees, PIBG, what have you… so is this the plan by the govt the long term plan?
come on la you guys, BN long term plan is to screw its people and ransack the country’s coffers. so if you all are willing to take that, so by all means go for it.
i would rather give the opposition a chance as i know they cannot form a govt on their own so there will be good check and balances.
do something instead of reasoning, just put yourself in a position of hopelessness, then you will do the right thing.
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Fred, you had a good argument, unfortunately, the mesage on this blog and elsewhere is not being relayed to the ones that matter the most - the people in small kampungs, and towns. At the end of the day - how many of them have a PC at home? How many of them have heard of the People’s parliment?
We online users can bicker til kingdom come, in the meantime - THEY are the votes that count.
If one thinks about it, there’s only a select group of people with access to the Internet. They know.
What about the ones that don’t know?
Don’t hear the opposition trying to reach the voters in these sorta areas! And if they are, what kinda promises are they telling these voters that they have not already heard from the BN camp?
It still seems to me that this will be a protest vote - it will tip the scales but i’m not sure if we’re trading one evil for the other.
January 22nd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
Come Thunder or lightning, MY vote is for any non BN party. I dont even care if its PKR,DAP or PAS, AS LONG AS THEY GIVE A ONE ON ONE FIGHT to BN.
FYI, i have voted BN in all the last 4 elections.
Whatever damage control BN does is not going to alter my VOTE FOR OPPOSITION.
Whichever opposition. So will all my club members, friends and families.
FREE THE HINDRAF 5 NOW or CHARGE THEM IN COURT NOW
SAMY velus gathering is a joke, most people who attended were rented for the “show” Well done samy ,enjoy the next 2 or 3 months ,then you will surely enjoy your retirement at the polls.
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:29 pm
trading one evil for another?
ok, how evil are the opposition parties? i frankly have never lived a day in my life where i was subjected to opposition ‘evils’. i’m from PJS (parliament seat) and bukit gasing (state seat) and opposition has never had a say over me.
i’m not sure about others. if they have been wronged by the opposition in any way, i would love to hear about it. please share. thanks!
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Perhaps evil is a strong word …
What I meant was that I’m not sure whether the opposition has enough co-operation and political will to make the changes everyone wants.
Will the opposition tread softly and gently or can they tread on a lot of toes to make the change, cos that’s what they’ve gotta do.
Sure there are pockets of good political will here and there, but even they have some difficulty getting together to form one united front - maybe when these small pockets come together - there’s enough will in there to push the main opp groups to unite in some way.
A good example is the collective neighbourhood groups have to resort to their own action to get something done. Perhaps throw in the name of some political figure to get a little media coverage - but in the end these small groups make the change because they have enough will to force the hand of a property developer/city hall etc. Now, if only these groups were united to make sure that their common interests for their neighbourhoods are represented by a united front - because this may sound cliche, but more heads are better than one.
Additionally, Malaysians still think in terms of race. When that mentality persists, there can be no true political party that represents a Malaysian of our time.
I say this because Malaysians living outside of Malaysia still state their race/religion during a conversation, regardless that they have lived for more than 5 years overseas. They follow the Malaysian news closely, and yet still form opinions about bettering the cause of their race.
Scary.
January 22nd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
hmm had a long post prepped and it’s gone! :p
The word ‘evil’ is a little strong…
What i meant to say is that I’m not sure that the opp has enough political will to right the wrongs of the current gov. If not to right, at least to start anew.
Will they tread lightly and gently to avoid hurting so and so’s feelings?
Or can they do more toe treading and get the action that we want?
A sorta example is that currently, there are many active groups out there, concerned about their neighbourhoods and have the will to take action against the developer or city hall when their neighbourhood is threatened.
They’re still small groups, and sometimes they lose the fight. If only these groups could get together and unite, a larger group would have a bigger voice to be listened to.
Another thing is that Malaysians still think in term of race. As long as that persists, there cannot be a true political party that represents the Malaysian of our time.
I’m not even sure if that mentality can ever change.
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Double post, whoops!
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:19 am
if they have been wronged by the opposition in any way, i would love to hear about it. please share. thanks! - polytikus
http://kickdefella.wordpress.com/2008/01/11/as-murky-as-it-can-be/#comments
Search for the word “visitor”, he has two comments which relate to your question.
January 24th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
your failure to understand the word “evil” in its proverbial sense astounds me. perhaps you should give up blogging and consider starting a colouring website instead.
hey but do vote for sivarasa. he is a cool dude.
btw, you vote by putting an ‘X’ next to the candidate you are voting FOR. (i felt a sudden compulsion to explain that to you)
January 24th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
bugger i search for porno in google come out this page… no porno also…
January 24th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
While I applaud your love for this country, I must say that I am not going to apologize or feel bad for wanting to leave a country that has given me nothing but substandard education while sucking dry the resources of its people. While I may not have physically suffered at hand of our oppressors as your friends and colleagues did, I have had my share of trials which I do not wish to go into. I want my children and my family to have the best life they can, and that is not something that will happen if you are Indian an in Malaysia. I would rather be treated as a second-class citizen in a country where I AM one, then in the place I was born. Good luck to you. I hope the Malaysia that you dream of materializes in your lifetime, if not, then your children’s lifetime.
January 29th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Whoooo-hooooo! If them ain’t fighting words, then I don’t know what is, Polytikus! I’m not sure if the obscenities shrouded the message, or enhanced it, but I like your stand!
You’ve hit some salient points, there. There are many amongst us who do nothing better than complain about things, without taking that extra step towards doing something about it. I’m not ashamed to say that I’m one of them.
But seriously, just complaining about things isn’t going to change anything.
KLConfidential and I used to lament about the need for the opposition to form a shadow cabinet, and at times, we still do. We want the opposition to stand together, or better yet, a completely new party that can cater for each and every one of our needs and wants.
If it happens, great. But if not, then we have to face reality, and use the tools given to us. For once, KLConfidential and I have registered to vote. For once, KLConfidential and I are trying to become polling agents.
Who are we going to vote for, well, we might not vote for the same party, but it sure as heck isn’t going to be the so called ruling coalition.
Do I agree with the opposition? Well, not on all issues, but I sure do have a lot of respect for them. DAP, PKR, and yes, even (surprise, surprise) PAS! The moral worth of some of these fellows are incredible, and I needn’t agree with them on all issues to respect them for their views and stand.
Keep it up, Polytikus! If there’s ever a rant that KLConfidential and I can agree with, it’s this one!
February 2nd, 2008 at 12:58 am
chanced upon the this post again in a google search.
polytikus, no, i don’t know any orang asli so personally as to know whether they want to migrate or not, but i know that even if they did want to, they don’t have the means to.
as you mentioned, they are the most downtrodden group in Malaysia. their average lifespan is just 50-something. high poverty level, high school dropout rate, poor access to healthcare, piped water and electricity and so on. they are worse off than other malaysians in every respect. i think that these are things that you are already aware of.
so, it is obvious to me that even if they do want to migrate to another country, they don’t have the money or education or good health to apply for it. the barriers for them to migrate are too high, and no country would take them in.
on another topic, for this blog, i can’t keep track of new comments posted after me because there’s no email notification when new comments are added. so i won’t know if there are any comments which are addressed to me. if you would like a response from me in future, an email to me would be helpful.
cheers,
adriene
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:39 pm
[…] Vote opposition for the sake of our balls. […]