Who is willing to sacrifice?
By Soong Phui Jee
Is the BN well prepared for the 13th general election? I don't think so. At least it still has to deliberate in fielding candidates.
Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak called for an alternative development and leadership plan during the opening of the 40th Gerakan national delegates conference. However, Penang Gerakan chief Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan expressed difficulties in rearranging the line-up, implicating that he did not think BN could regain Penang.
Najib wants the Penang Gerakan to make a painful decision but the Gerakan has no idea how to make it, showing a communication problem and differences in strategy. It is indeed a great taboo in politics.
If the so-called "sacrifice" means party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Teng Hock Nan and Penang Gerakan vice-president Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye will not be contesting in the next general election and let secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow and Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Ong Thean Lye lead the team, they should make arrangement as soon as possible. They are doomed if they repeat the same mistake in the 2008 general election.
In fact, the BN should not only introduce an alternative Chief Minister candidate and leadership team in Penang, but also Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan. It could help gather the grassroots force and at the same time, strengthen public confidence by allowing voters to make an assessment.
How could the BN laugh at the Pakatan Rakyat's shadow budget if it fails to introduce an alternative line-up? It has exposed the BN's worry of obstructions if they announce Chief Minister candidates too early.
Another undecided issue is, whether they should have a large-scale seat swapping. Najib pointed out that there should be no massive seat swapping but MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the MCA would give its support to any candidates of greatest winning chances, regardless of which BN component party the candidates are from.
Component parties of the BN receive different levels of popularity. For example, the MCA is having higher winning chances in Kepong compared to the Gerakan and therefore, they should let the MCA confront the DAP. However, it is still not a sure win for the MCA. As for the Gerakan, the winning chances might be even lower when it contests in an unfamiliar constituency.
It is a good idea to field candidates according to their winning chances but it does not necessarily bring a massive victory. Instead, it might result in a lose-lose situation.
Where Chua Soi Lek would contest also remains a mystery. He claimed to have received invitations from state menteri besar of Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Perak to stand in the next general election.
Politics in Malaysia is always filled with falsehoods and it is quite unusual to make such a high-profile announcement of being roped in.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that BN component parties must get prepared to sacrifice and give ways to candidates from other component parties with higher winning chances. Sacrifice and dedication are the required spirits in defending the regime and they are as well the greatest challenge for the BN.
The BN has ruled for over half a century. Many members have forgotten how to sacrifice and BN leaders do not have much time to change their mental attitudes. They can only hope that they can cross the bridge when they come to it.
Is the BN well prepared for the 13th general election? I don't think so. At least it still has to deliberate in fielding candidates.
Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak called for an alternative development and leadership plan during the opening of the 40th Gerakan national delegates conference. However, Penang Gerakan chief Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan expressed difficulties in rearranging the line-up, implicating that he did not think BN could regain Penang.
Najib wants the Penang Gerakan to make a painful decision but the Gerakan has no idea how to make it, showing a communication problem and differences in strategy. It is indeed a great taboo in politics.
If the so-called "sacrifice" means party president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Teng Hock Nan and Penang Gerakan vice-president Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye will not be contesting in the next general election and let secretary-general Teng Chang Yeow and Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Ong Thean Lye lead the team, they should make arrangement as soon as possible. They are doomed if they repeat the same mistake in the 2008 general election.
In fact, the BN should not only introduce an alternative Chief Minister candidate and leadership team in Penang, but also Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan. It could help gather the grassroots force and at the same time, strengthen public confidence by allowing voters to make an assessment.
How could the BN laugh at the Pakatan Rakyat's shadow budget if it fails to introduce an alternative line-up? It has exposed the BN's worry of obstructions if they announce Chief Minister candidates too early.
Another undecided issue is, whether they should have a large-scale seat swapping. Najib pointed out that there should be no massive seat swapping but MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said that the MCA would give its support to any candidates of greatest winning chances, regardless of which BN component party the candidates are from.
Component parties of the BN receive different levels of popularity. For example, the MCA is having higher winning chances in Kepong compared to the Gerakan and therefore, they should let the MCA confront the DAP. However, it is still not a sure win for the MCA. As for the Gerakan, the winning chances might be even lower when it contests in an unfamiliar constituency.
It is a good idea to field candidates according to their winning chances but it does not necessarily bring a massive victory. Instead, it might result in a lose-lose situation.
Where Chua Soi Lek would contest also remains a mystery. He claimed to have received invitations from state menteri besar of Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Perak to stand in the next general election.
Politics in Malaysia is always filled with falsehoods and it is quite unusual to make such a high-profile announcement of being roped in.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said that BN component parties must get prepared to sacrifice and give ways to candidates from other component parties with higher winning chances. Sacrifice and dedication are the required spirits in defending the regime and they are as well the greatest challenge for the BN.
The BN has ruled for over half a century. Many members have forgotten how to sacrifice and BN leaders do not have much time to change their mental attitudes. They can only hope that they can cross the bridge when they come to it.
