‘I had successfully registered myself to vote in the upcoming elections at Pejabat Post SS20, PJ, on Nov 26, 2007. Or so I had thought. That was slightly more than three months ago.’
On Of course EC would say 'take it to court'
Daphne Oon: I had successfully registered myself to vote in the upcoming elections at Pejabat Post SS20, PJ, on Nov 26, 2007. Or so I had thought. That was slightly more than three months ago. But the dysfunctional, induced-state-of-coma government machinery fools me yet again. I have called and faxed my Borang A several times to SPR Selangor. Bottom line - here's what I learned:
- There is a big pile of faxes on this issue.
No one in SPR, up to the Pembantu Pegawai Pentadbir, is making any sense. Mind you, I did speak to he-who-is-listed-on-the-website-of-SPR for Selangor two days ago. As usual, no one reverted back to me. I want to vote in the upcoming March elections. I have the right to vote
Is this how the government keeps its promises to its people?
PY: Daphne, you had the right to vote since 1999. What took you so long to register? You have put yourself in the path of the bureaucratic steamroller. Why don't you come out to help in the campaign? That way, you can release some of your frustration.
From Klang: As for me, my husband and I applied to have our polling station transferred to our new address. This was done at an MCA voter registration counter and till today, after eight months, we are still waiting. So much for their efficiency.
What crosses my mind is that at where we vote, there is always a contest between BN and PAS. Maybe they had thought that as we are Indians and if they were to keep us there, BN would be our only choice. What?
Cosmic Nomad: I’m a Malaysian citizen residing in Australia. I recently called up the Malaysian Consulate in Sydney with regards to how to cast my vote. The gentleman on the other end of the line was not sure of the process and referred me to the Malaysian Embassy. But before providing me with the number of the Malaysian Embassy in Canberra, he mentioned that only students and those on working visas in Australia can vote. Permanent residents in Australia are not allowed to vote. I was surprised and said that being a citizen, I have every right to vote irrespective of where I live. The gentlemen on the other line responded, upon hearing the outrage in my voice, by stating "I mean you don’t have to". I left that as it is and called the Malaysian Embassy.
A personnel at the Malaysian Embassy entertained my called and he mentioned that he was the information officer. He said the Malaysian government has been vague about how to deal with overseas votes. As far as he knows, I have to travel to Canberra and apply for a ballot paper. The application form has to be witnessed by anyone of three specific officers (not just any government official). The application will then be sent to Malaysia and returned to Canberra via postal mail. I am then expected to be in Canberra during the date and cast my vote in Canberra. Can they make this process any more difficult? Why can’t the consulate in Sydney handle the votes? There are more Malaysians in Sydney than in Canberra.
The information officer was not sure about my eligibility to vote as a permanent resident. This episode makes me wonder if current government under BN even cares for the voice of its citizens overseas. The entire government needs to be revamped.
On Economic growth beats forecasts, 6.3% in 2006
Anonymous: It is a surprise even to economists that economic growth of 6.3% was achieved in year 2007. To me too! I am not an economist, only that I feel that the only ‘growth’ is in the prices of things.
What is economic growth ? The rich getting richer? My income is not growing as far as I know - but may be my rich boss's income is. Can anyone explain please to me on how these economic figures affect the man in the street ?
On Samy: PKR 'samseng' behind demos
Jeevaa Renuka: He can say whatever he wish because this is a democratic country and he is exercising his freedom of speech. I’m from Lunas and I know what actually took place - he was forced to abort his dinner. Generally, it is estimated that almost 75% to 80% of the Indian community hates him. Those who gathered in Lunas on Tuesday did so not because of instigation or cheap liquor as claimed by him.
The reason is very simple - everyone dislikes him as he really betrayed the Indians. He can have the thousands of youth in the MIC to declare war but he also should know that those same youngsters also participated in the Nov 25 Hindraf rally.
In coming general election, he and his allies (Umno, MCA, Gerakan etc) will learn a lesson. For the first time in the history of my beloved country, almost 90% of the Indian community will be a little ‘king maker’ by denying land slide victory to BN.
Barathi Tamil: Samy Vellu is the man with most bodyguards and police escorts. Even Abdullah needs less security compared to Samy Velu.
Samy has become so insecure that he probably needs bodyguards even when he’s in the toilet or having lunch. He made the situation himself. Look at what Komala is facing in Kapar.
There is lots more to be faced by MIC reps. Let’s see what Saravanan, Vikneswaran and T Mohan say when they face the Indians. We have lost interest in MIC’s campaign. We prefer to hear what DAP, PKR or PAS have to say.
The Silent Saint: It is indeed very amusing to hear the great Datuk Samy Vellu taking about samseng . It is a known fact that he is the greatest of them all! How could we forget the incident in Tangkak about 25 years ago when he unbuttoned his shirt and challenged his rivals to a boxing match?
A thug sees everyone as a thug. This guy has lost his clout over the Indian community. He is scared of his own shadow. We hope Malaysians will be wise and give him the boot. Let’s weed out such self-centered, greedy and dishonest elements from the society.
On MIC may be shaken and stirred in Kapar
Senthil & Revadhi: This is no surprise at all for many Indians are working day and night for the downfall of MIC and its candidates. This not only includes the ones who have been hurt and maimed by MIC but also the younger generation who are frustrated as well.
Kapar and the surrounding areas of Klang compromise a big number of Indians. Unfortunately the Sementa state seat has already gone to Barisan. In Kapar alone there are more than 70 MIC divisions. There is even a Cawanagan MIC Jalan Tap. Imagine, you can have branch for every single road there.
But since the birth of Hindraf, Indians have got another alternative. We are talking about a situation where Indians are holding and waving PAS flags from Johor to Kedah. The Indians have been touched by the small gesture by PAS in fielding an Indian candidate.
The Indians will not stop with Hindraf. There might be more waves of antagonism from the majority of Indians who despise the MIC. We can see turbulent times ahead and probably many more rallies and protests will follow if Samy vellu succeeds in defending his Position.
M Mahendran: I read with interest MIC’s full blown advertisement in the papers where it states its achievements and what it has been doing for the community. Being an Indian it really hurts to read it. How can MIC have the courage to advertise such a a subjective report? This is the era of globalisation and clearly there were no statistics quoted. Remember ‘opinions confuse but statistics convince’. At least they should have a clear strategic intent and goals with clear statistics. The achievements stated are nothing more than a wish list.
Perhaps it is the truth and also because this is the ‘MIC culture’ where everything is in the hands of the deadwood leaders who are so much past their prime that many die in office. For a start, all those in their 60’s and above in MIC must quit and give way to the young. Let the many professionals manage the party. They presently hesitate to be MIC members as they are not welcomed.
Meritocracy must not only start in BN but start with MIC. Leaders who cannot serve must vacate immediately as Hindraf has made the MIC irrelevant and absolute. Please leave gracefully. We need young gung-ho professionals who have the vision, energy and respect of the community.
On MIC, Indians ties 'like husband and wife'
25/11 Supporter: I think that this is probably the first time that I have ever agreed with S Samy Vellu. Unfortunately, this ‘husband’ has been ‘raping’ his ‘wife’ since marriage and the Barisan Nasional government of Malaysia turns a blind eye to ‘marital rape’. Now, we have ‘Sivaji the Boss’ (Anwar Ibrahim) and Hindraf assisting the ‘wife’ in a divorce settlement.
However, the ‘husband’ refuses to agree to an amicable divorce as he enjoys his ‘rape’ and wants to continue to do so for the next few years. Although he once said that if the ‘wife’ does not want him any longer, he will leave ‘her’, his sick, psychopathic behavior encourages him to continue this ‘rape’ as he enjoys it so much and reaps massive benefits from it.
Not only that, but he also allows his close circle of cronies to participate in the ‘rape’ of his ‘wife’. His cronies, being nothing more than the scavengers of corruption, queue in line to partake in this ‘rape’.
On Insulting Malaysians' intelligence
Teo Chuen Tick: The problem is that many Malaysians allow their intelligence to be insulted especially during elections. Will we, the ordinary rakyat as a whole, wise up to BN's deceptions?
If BN is denied their 2/3rds majority, we can say with pride that we are finally on the way to a more civil and democractic society.
On Student party 'prevented' from contesting
Concerned Malaysian: These students are in their 20s and presumably with loads of years left in them to be active. Such an action by the police today would only motivate the creation and growth of a new race of educated Malaysians who would oppose BN in the future.
In this sense, this move by the police and government should serve as an eye-opener and reminder to all the Malaysian students today and in the years to come of BN’s undemocratic practice of denying students their right to determine their leaders.
Another issue to ponder on is shouldn't the police be busy catching criminals rather than wasting taxpayer's money doing BN’s dirty jobs? Bersedia berkhidmat untuk BN ?
On Generation Next's wish-list for PM
Ksmalhi: My election wish is that all senior citizens (above 55) be given at least RM200-300 monthly for their expenses. Sometimes these citizens have worked so hard to bring up their children spending every penny they have and a the end there’s no one to look after them at all.
That is the best the government can do to help senior citizens and make them not depend on their children who may not give them a single sen.
On PKR promises a 'New dawn for Malaysia'
Meng: I cannot imagine a Malaysia that is free of racial politics but I will celebrate when that day comes! For the sake of our children, I hope the day is sooner rather than later. The petty little racial games which the ruling coalition plays are divisive and distracting. It distracts us from what is truly important and preventing moving this country forward globally. We can take on the world and be among the most progressive and competitive countries when we cease to play petty little racial games. By putting our best man/woman forward, we can accomplish great things.
It still has not dawned upon our leaders that the enemy is not within but without. With rapid globalisation, Malaysia continues to play the ‘little cocoon’ game called the NEP. Huddled under the tempurung , ignorant of where the world is heading, Malaysia is lagging behind countries that were worse of than us 20 years ago.
I welcome PKR’s message of doing away with race-based politics. Its is divisive and evil. Based on this manifesto itself; they get my vote.
On Jeff Ooi - from digital to political clout?
A True Malaysian : I am looking forward to having more bloggers like Jeff Ooi becoming an MP after this coming election. Just imagine, if Jeff Ooi wins in this coming GE, our views can reach him easily through his blog, at no extra cost incurred, rather then sending a letter to him through our Pos Malaysia which take days or even months to reach.
The same thing will happen if DAP’s Tony Pua also becomes an MP. Blogging is definitely the trend for MPs. If not, they are outdated. Revolution is definitely on the way.
On Report card II: Excellence, glory, distinction
YSM: There are similarities in the level of discontent around this elections as to the 1999 elections after the Anwar Ibrahim crisis. The difference is that 1999 was emotion-filled and the majority of Malays took to the streets for the sake of reformasi . It was right after Anwar was sent to jail and emotions were running high.
This time around discontent is high, but very subtle. Speak to many people on the street and they will say: ‘This time I will vote opposition’. Which means that they were BN supporters. It is everywhere, as if Barack Obama himself was campaigning. The slogan for ‘Change’ is on everyone’s lips. Many agree we need change and the words ‘arrogance’, ‘corrupt’ and ‘incompetence’ keep surfacing.
Once again, no one really knows which way the tide will turn on March 8. This time, however, the BN party doesn’t seem as worried as they were in 1999 and that may be a good thing. Nothing like getting swept away by a tsunami to get your priorities right.
Say No to Teng Hock Nan: Your piece on the high stakes in Penang is an excellent one that the Penangites must take seriously.
Penangites must wisely choose their next chief minister. It must be either Chia Kwang Chye or Lee Kah Choon. A people's poll must be carried out like the SMS contests for the ‘Idol’ contests.
