Good men are powerless to act on their own conscience as long as they are part of Barisan Nasional.

On Question time: Bkt Gasing's Lim vs Lee

John Lee: It is interesting how close both Edward Lee of the DAP and Lim Thuan Seng of the Barisan Nasional seem to be in their positions. If you removed any identifying information, it would be hard to tell that they are from different political parties. But just because both candidates have similarly good platforms doesn't mean they should be given equal standing. For fifty years we have heard the same promises from our leaders in Barisan Nasional. None of them have ever been able to really make good on them.

Why? We need look no further than courageous men like Zaid Ibrahim and Shahrir Abdul Samad. We need look no further than the Penang state assemblymen from Gerakan who, under then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, stood up for what they believed was right. We need look no further than men like S. Sothinathan and K. Devamany. Every one of them has stood up in Parliament or in a state legislative assembly to speak their minds, to voice their concern for their people. Some of them have put their money where their mouth is and voted against the government when they felt it was acting against the interest of the people.

Where are they now? All of them have been punished for their insubordination. If these men cannot even say their piece in Parliament and in our state assemblies, why should we vote for good men like Lim Thuan Seng? Good men are powerless to act on their own conscience as long as they are part of Barisan Nasional.

Kevin P: Its interesting to see the BN candidate being so brave to say ‘yes’ to the IPCMC, ‘yes’ to the ACA to be placed under Parliament, ‘yes’ to abolishing the ISA, ‘yes’ to local council elections.

But end up at the end of the day, he has to toe the BN whip. So Dr. Lim Thuan Seng, what good is it then to me to have you represent my voice? I think if you can answer this question of mine, you would have answered most of your constituents concerns.

Jason Lai Kuan Han: Short and sweet Q&A I must say! I notice Dr. Lim Thuan Seng has a very held-back approach to certain issues. For example, in Q2 regarding local council elections, he agreed along with an uncertainty who will implement it, certainly he should know by now that if he wishes to be elected, people want him to actively push for this to happen.

And then in Q5 about abolishing UUCA, Lim failed to realise that education cannot take form when regulations are too restrictive. In Q9 about abolishing ISA, Lim did not reply with a firm yes or no, similar to that of Q5, which implies he personally hasn’t made a firm stand on ‘sensitive’ issues.

And then in Q10, about public rallies, Lim obviously misunderstood the message of Bersih’s and Hindraf’s rallies. In Q11, about minimum wage, he gave a simple ‘yes’ without specifying any amount. Thus, it may be possible that his minimum wage is rock bottom or not up to the mark.

Finally, in Q12, regarding NEP, he again did not give a firm stand and also suggested another needs-blind policy, which of course was the original aim of NEP. Is suggesting to keep the NEP to live up to its name (NEP = Never Ending Policy)?

As for Edward Lee, I must say most of his answers are assuring and steadfast, unlike the trace of uncertainty in Lim’s answers. Although in Q3, Lim is right in saying that Petronas is not obliged to expose everything for all to see.

On Gerak tells Khir Toyo: Name the 'unclean'

Maran: Khir Toyo should reveal whether he passed the filtering test or not. Those who had failed should have been dropped. If he did not drop them, it means he is encouraging corruption. The ACA should take action against those who failed in this filtering test. It is a shame on Khir Toyo and BN to choose those who had failed the filtering test to stand as candidates. Shame! Shame! Shame!

On Blogger-candidate slaps himself - twice

Oxxo: Aiyoh! Jeff Ooi so lucky ah, only got slapped twice. Many of us been voting for the ‘gomen’ since Merdeka so how many times have we got to slap ourselves? Lost count lah. In Penang in 1969, we taught the ‘gomen’ a good lesson. But then Gerakan was the Penang people's party and was in the opposition that whacked the Alliance ‘gomen’.

Now Gerakan is the ‘gomen’'s lackey so it is their turn to learn a lesson. Penang people not so stupid to let the ‘gomen’ fool them again so this time they will do the right thing lah. No need to spell it out but I will give you a clue who I will vote for. The decent and principled. They deserve the chance to serve the people and prove themselves. Congrats Jeff Ooi, prepare to move to Penang. The island will do better with you. .

On Islamic state may become a reality

Joe Chia: When Tunku Abdul Rahman fought for the independence of Malaya then, he did not fight for an Islamic state but only that Islam be made the official religion of the country. He was a wise man.

However, today, the politicians led my Umno are twisting things around and saying that Malaysia is an Islamic country. This actually is very unfair to the non-Muslim Malaysians.

I thing it augurs well for Malaysia that it has a stronger opposition to check the wanton activities of the Umno-led government. One cannot deny that the government of the day has done many good things but it is also undeniable that many untoward things have happened.

Members of Barisan National parties must understand that it is not disloyal to vote in a stronger opposition to check abuses in the govt. Though one may love BN, one has to love the country, Malaysia more. As Brutus has said, ‘It is not that I love Ceasar less but I love Rome more’.

So likewise, we level-headed Malaysians must realise that we do not love our political party less but that we love our country more when we vote have a stronger opposition to keep a check on the government.

On Raised from the dead but still can't vote

John Lew: My family of four adult Chinese Malaysians faced a similar situation. On checking with the official voters' register, my daughter's name was missing despite of having voted in two previous GE. The next morning we visited the nearest opposition party branch to seek clarification and was told the same sad truth. My daughter was adviced to re-register for the next GE.

I hope this is an honest mistake. Let me appeal to all to contribute financially to the main three opposition parties. Every GE has always been a very lopsided contest in favour of the BN with its enormous war chest filled to the brim by the corporate sector. Remember the occasion when ordinary TV viewers could donate money for a live telecasts of foreign football matches? The GE is more important to our society than a foreign football match.

May I also take this opportunity to urge those former government scholars to enlighten their relatives in the Malay Heartland to cast their votes for the opposition parties. The money spent on their tertiary education overseas and locally came from public funds. There is absolutely nothing to be thankful to the BN who happens to rule us for such a long time. Any new government other than the BN will without doubt also be able to award scholarships with similar public funds

On Report card II: Excellence, glory, distinction

Muhammed Ali: Security - we all know what it means in the BN interpretation. In the name of ‘security’, they round up all the politicians who do not agree with them or are against BN politics. They arrest the Opposition party members under the guise of national security and send them to the Kamunting prison.

The Internal Security Act 1960 is kept alive just for the opposition. The opposition is not carrying any arms - they just differ on BN policies. For that they pay the price in Kamunting.

The ISA should be abolished. The first job of a united opposition in Parliament should be to introduce a Bill (a private Members Bill) to abolished the ISA 1960 and a number of Emergency Regulations that have not been repealed. Actually, we under emergency rule because it has not been repealed.

On Kapar farmers: Return our land before March 8

Maran: This matter was highlighted somewhere in the year 2003 and again in year 2005. If I am not mistaken, it was approved by Selangor Exco on May 25, 2005 that the land be given back to the farmers. It is disgusting to hear the matter is still pending. Business magnates once alienated land under the Revolusi Hijau Scheme. This was approved within 24 hours with the support of state assemblypersons’ recommendation letters. If this is not corruption, what is?

Mr MB (Mohd Khir Toyo), you are responsible for this and you must rectify this. You should not cheat the poor farmers. If you are really genuine, get back their land before the election. As always you say only the BN can do the best for the rakyat. The ball is now in your court, Mr Khir Toyo.

On Kit Siang still pulls in the crowd

Vetrivel: It was a wonderful seeing ' Uncle Lim' at the ceramah the crowd being fully packed and LKS has got arguments that are worth noticing. In times like these, his speeches touch our heart when he says 'people have already packed their bags and are waiting to migrate overseas but are just waiting to see the results of this coming elections’.

It is true. I am afraid many of us will be losing families and friends who silently migrate to other countries as they rather have their children grow up in a more conducive environment which does not have policies of discrimination.

For all the years that we have been complaining, the negative policies implemented by the government of the day have not changed since 50 years ago. It’s time we felt that being Malaysian is more important than being Indian, Chinese or Malay. It’s time for those who were arrogant enough to ask us to leave the country to ask themselves where should we go?

We were born here! Are we not as Malaysian as menteris besar whose parents came from Indonesia? My biggest worry is the police state that we will become with the same government returning to power. Our votes must echo a clear message. We don’t want to be another Myanmar.

On Samy: PKR 'samseng' behind demos

Marion Tharsis: Desperate Samy has said that even the army cannot stop him. Well, such acts of defiance can only come from someone who thinks he is invincible and above the law. That is being more than samseng. Pak Lah watch it, your post is being threatened from someone within who does not even fear the army. His words continue to be arrogant and not once has he offered any assurance to the Indians of any well-formulated plan for the future.

We want assurances, certainly not threats or defiance. He fails to see that he is here to serve and not to be served. So it is very clear that the MIC and its leadership are redundant today and no longer serve their original intended purpose. The MIC, after all these years of hoodwinking the poor and innocent Indians, has finally realised the game is over.

After 50 years of Merdeka, we have come to the crossroads of Malaysian politics. It is high time for change and for Malaysians to decide if they still want to cling to communal representation or pave the way for a single party for all Malaysians. This may take time to achieve but then we need to make a start towards this unifying mission and now is the right time to do it.

On Ka Ting: Kit Siang 'power crazy'

Kevin P: This report tickles me pink. To say that Kit Siang is power crazy is one of the most flagrant lies yet. Mr. Ong Ka Ting, seriously if Kit Siang is really power crazy, he would be a BN member and maybe with his oratorical skills, you, Mr. Ong, may not be where you are today.

I also wonder when I saw your worried face on TV yesterday citing the opposition in their desperation has turned to ‘threatening’ households in Lobak in their house-to-house visit. The first thing that comes to mind is, are you that desperate to make such an accusation?

On Why is IGP in BN manifesto, asks PAS

Nithiyaavaani : Since when have civil servant been allowed to have their pictures in the manifestos of political parties? Civil servants are not allowed to campaign in elections. But how come the IGP is allowed? It shows he is a BN toy. So the police department will or will never be an independent body. It will only be used by the cronies of the BN. The IGP had proved this.

I think action should be taken against the IGP. How could he allow his photo to be published in BN’s manifesto? If the IGP can do it, then so can other civil servants. If no action is taken against the IGP, other civil servants can now campaign for any political party of their choice. I hope BN isn’t acting smart by stating that civil servants are not allowed to campaign but bending the rules for some civil servants who are their strong supporters - like the IGP.

On Opposition can't accept they are losers

Jason Lai Kuan Han: I doubt anyone wants to be losers! I wonder how much different can democracy be in Malaysia? Dr Ahmad has not even elaborated further on this. I do not suppose I should accept it as a fact as I wouldn’t imagine the existence of phantom or dead voters is the democratic system of Malaysia.

And Dr. Ahmad also made a comparison of our elections similar to that of Donald Lim comparing our economy with Burma. Dr. Ahmad should be boo-ed at for making such a poor benchmark for true democracy. Oh, I do not suppose that PAS represents all the opposition parties to the extent that DAP, PKR, etc lost in the last general elections for the same reasons. A very poor analysis done by Dr Ahmad.

On It's now or never, come hold opposition tight ...

Bala Pillai: Malaysians are at crossroads. To cope with globalisation and to stay ahead of societies in the region who want our lower value-added jobs, we have to become a developed society as we once were. Fifty years ago, as we were then constituted, there were less societies in the world that were ahead of us, than now.

Becoming a developed society requires us to re-adopt the developed society values we once had. The kind of values that will value premium human capital accordingly, that will reduce the brain drain drastically, that will encourage the boldest minds to reach for the sky without fear of the ISA.

Remember, ‘some make the world happen, more watch the world happen, most wonder what happened’. The Hindraf 5 are ‘some make the world happen’. Soft skills are the hard skills. I urge readers to consider the articulation of ex-Finance Minister of Chile, Fernando Flores on innovation, values and power of intention rich

The question then is ‘do we vote out of fear or do we vote out of foresight?’

Untuk Mu Malaysia: I noticed that one of the strengths of BN is that it is using one blue color BN flag for 99 percent in all of its campaigns. This gives a strong impression that the BN component parties are very united and stable. On the other hand, the opposition parties are using their respective flags even for seats which are seeing a one-to-one fight.

I think that in a three-corner fight, it is okay for the opposition to use their respective flags.

But in one-to-one fights, the opposition must use a common flag which I think, until now, doea not yet exist.

In summary, to add confidence to the rakyat , the opposition must have one common flag. Please, opposition, quickly design one now before March 8. This will strengthen the opposition very much.

Dato' (Ms) PG Lim: We all have our own dreams as did Martin Luther King in those famous and unforgettable words ‘I have a dream’.

In view of the forthcoming elections, I have a dream that whosoever is elected by the people to represent them in Parliament will, despite the pull of party politics, work for justice and fair play towards all who choose to live in this country where freedom and justice will prevail

I have a dream that we, our women and our children, may walk the streets without fear of being robbed, attacked, kidnapped, mutilated, raped or killed.

I have a dream that we may, in the words of Martin Luther King, ‘one day we all sit down together at a table of brotherhood’ in a spirit of brotherliness, tolerance and respect for the views of others.

I have a dream.

MBP: In the last general election I voted for 'phantom candidates' because throughout the campaign period I did not see anyone coming to my area not convince me that one of them is a better candidate, whom I could trust more, and who could promise me to look after this area.

And as it turned out, throughout their last term as wakil rakyat in parliament and ahli dewan undangan negeri in the Selangor state assembly, none of my representatives were quoted by the media as having spoken in the august houses on anything.

This leads me to wonder if they were truly representing the people here who had voted for them or if they were busy doing other things. As it turned out, when we had problems with the streetlights that went out for weeks, it was not them who got the authorities to fix the problems. I had to do it myself on behalf of everybody who lives here.

I took the trouble to highlight the matter with the media, write letters to the relevant authorities and even threatened to sue the local council if they did not fix the problems with the blackouts that we often faced over the last four years.

That is why there is no need to elect any representatives for may area. We are doing okay here. I can do it myself on behalf of everybody. In this way the federal and state governments will be able to save a bit of money that would otherwise be given to the two representatives as their monthly allowances and the other perks that they get as representatives.

The savings can be used to finance some minor development plans in this area, so that the field and playgrounds are well looked after and the five-foot way is truly five feet wide since it has become narrower each time they widen the road until there is no more five-foot way.