Saifuddin is too good to swim with the sharks

YOURSAY 'It's Umno's loss. They do not know the difference between politicians who are progressive and regressive, inclusive and divisive.'

For Saifuddin Abdullah, integrity doesn't pay

Appum: Saifuddin Abdullah, from the comments in Malaysiakini and elsewhere it can be noted that you are a recognised moderate, an intelligent and sensible politician who just can't survive in the shark pool -Umno.

You have dignity and respect. But don't despair; don't give up as the nation needs men like you to move forward. Politics are like business endeavours, and an entrepreneur trying to achieve his goals of success.

For now, your ego is bruised. So what? Your goal is bigger than this temporary failure to retain the Umno supreme council seat.

There are two ways to fight this battle. From inside, you develop a following of moderates and with sufficient clout, you go in to get rid of the extremists. Or change ship and fight them from outside.

FairGame: It is Umno's loss, not Saifuddin's when Umno is not represented by him. They do not know the difference between politicians who are progressive and regressive, inclusive and divisive.

Alas, politicians like Saifuddin are far and few in heavily-tainted Umno. This is especially when Umno is filled with those who not only do not walk their talk, but are also opportunistic when it comes to their own interests and political self-preservation.

MissPandora: If Umno wants to change from within, Saifuddin is the man for the job. The total lack of support for Saifuddin as seen here in the elections, simply proves that Umno has no intention of changing. The good and honest are knocked down and kicked out, and the crooks are the ones still standing.

Antibody: After the Umno election that ended last Saturday, it confirmed my earlier conviction that Umno as a whole is yet unable to call for a change since the old hands are comfortable in their 'in the box' approach to current problems, and the members are attuned to that approach.

Newday: Malaysia and Malays will be poorer if Saifuddin throws in the political towel. Perhaps, he has four options he can seriously consider.

1. Remain in Umno and fade away gradually.

2. Join a Pakatan party and contribute to a progressive and vibrant Malaysia.

3. If he still believes that BN is the best vehicle, join Gerakan which is looking to build a multiracial image and is in need of progressive and sincere Malays to join its ranks.

4. If Saifuddin thinks that the current political groupings are not his cup of tea and does not want to attract any labels like 'katak', he could start a liberal political group, say, something like 'Malaysians for Integrity and Progress'.

Initially, he may attract just few supporters. But with younger Malaysians like students and those who have had enough of existing insincere politicians, his movement will take off and grow to become a critical third force to influence the direction of the nation.

Fair Play: In politics, there is no such thing as a permanent friend or an enemy. The key to survival is to use each other for mutual benefit in the face of a bigger threat.

Versey: I hope Saifuddin will give some consideration to this Chinese saying - "A fine fowl perches only on a fine tree, and a virtuous minister serves only a virtuous master. The prudent bird selects its tree and the wise servant chooses his master."

Staying in Umno is a waste for anyone with integrity and intelligence. It is like a drop of detergent that will not be able to do any good in a pool of filthy water.

BTN: It's truly a Malay dilemma. To be accepted into Umno you need to be as racist as possible and Saifuddin is not.

LogicalMalaysian: There is no doubt about his credentials as we have watched him over the years. Saifuddin, if you think you can change Umno from within, you are going to be disappointed.

You will end up being another Umno rubber stamp, but that is entirely up to you. You don't need a CV if you wish to discuss with any of the opposition parties, they know you well and will recognise you for what you are.

Even if they don't, public support will make sure you make the cut - Malaysia wants/needs good, serving and honest politicians, unlike the goons in Umno, MCA and MIC.

Mr KJ John: Methinks Saifuddin Abdullah should start a new movement for Moderate Malaysia and not even look back. All the best my friend; you can count on my support.

Anonymous #19098644: Umno does not value and has no place for people of integrity, rational thought and moderation. The majority are self-serving politicians who place their country and Malaysians last and their petty ambitions first.

They advocate racism, misinterpret the religion to incite hatred and divisions so that they can get the backing of their equally narrow minded and bigoted members.

The only change Umno has shown is that it has become more dogmatic and more bigoted and more anti-Malaysian.

Limau: Mr PM, appoint Saifuddin in one of your think-tanks. It is in your prerogative. You will do well not to lose this man.

Awang Top: From my observation, the people of Temerloh have made a grave mistake. What has Nasharudin Hasan of PAS done so far?

Wanderer: Either Saifuddin is not cut to be a politician or he is simply too decent a bloke to be engaged in the corrupted Umno regime. If he still has not got the message, he is fighting a losing battle in a party that does appreciate his honesty.

He will be forced to wander in the wilderness for many years to come. Saifuddin, it is about time you reflect on your unfruitful political life and ask yourself, is Umno the party for you.

Remember, you do not try to put a square peg into a round hole. Try and try, you will fail. A dead hero is of no use to anyone.

KB Menon: Well, Saifuddin, there you have it. All the comments here indicate what high regard we all have for you as a person of integrity and intellectual standing.

It seems like you were systematically shorn of all your political positions by your own party Umno Baru in order to clip your wings. They do not like your kind in their midst.

Now you owe Umno Baru no loyalty and the well-meaning rakyat will not deem it unseemly if you choose to go where you are most needed. The choice is yours. Malaysia needs you.

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