Harold Wilson, a former premier of Great Britain, once said: ‘One week is too long in politics’. The same thing can be said for our local political scene where high drama and squabbling among both sides of the house makes for interesting news as we approach our 12th general elections come March 8

First we had the former DAP member of parliament for Batu Gajah make a tearful farewell saying that she won’t contest in the coming polls due to personal reasons only to make turnaround at a last minute. Such a drama does not reflect well on her political convictions if she can change her mind at her own whim and fancy.

Then we have the long standing menteri besar of tiny Perlis who managed to defy the prime minister and two federal ministers from the same state who wanted him out of office. Through shrewd methods, he somehow managed to retain his seat and will become the menteri besar again if BN wins big in the coming polls.

If a tiny state warlord can defy his chief, how is the Umno president going to control the other chief ministers of the bigger states? Such a weakness of the president of Umno in not being able to control the local warlords does not speak well of his tenure in office.

Well, with nominations done, the die is cast and Malaysians will have to choose which candidates can bring development (BN candidates) or become fearless opposition leaders (opposition candidates).

Somehow, one would think that if the incumbent government is returned to power with a two-thirds majority again, it would be business as usual with practically all the old ministers and chief ministers whose hands back in office with their taint of corruption.

Still, it will be an interesting polls to watch as younger and educated voters may tip the balance in the opposition’s favour with their expectation that elected representatives be of high standards.

The old battle cry of the present regime that they will bring development with new roads and drains and other infrastructure will not win votes nowadays as educated voters want transparency and accountability just as much.

Come what may, the main opposition parties comprising DAP and PAS will still dominate our local political scene while the fledgling PKR under the tutelage of Anwar Ibrahim will have their baptism of fire. If the party does not win substantial seats in the coming polls, it would be a setback for the party.

To those voters who will elect our representative, please be reminded that it is only proper for us to look at the various candidates’ profiles and their track record while they were in office. Do they speak for the common people who are having a hard time making a living in these trying times or were they just’ yes men and women’ who toed the party line when it came to voting in parliament?

Please remember that every vote counts and it would be good if the old and tainted politicians were removed as a favour to our premier who seems powerless to drop them for reasons only known to him. Vote wisely for our country’s future.