YOURSAY ‘Indeed, this is a good lesson for Pakatan. Don't take voters for granted.’
DAP's strategy missteps cost Teluk Intan
Curious Observer: Ram Anand’s analysis is spot-on. The opposition need to realise that different strategies apply to urban/semi-urban/rural areas.
In my humble opinion, I believe there are a lot of pragmatic voters out there who realised that it makes no difference in terms of national governance, since BN will stay in power.
Ergo, it makes sense to look at the immediate short term (two to three years to the next GE) and vote for the candidate who will bring the most benefit to Teluk Intan.
One has to realise that in the last GE, a lot of voters wanted to see a change in government and thus voted accordingly. But in this by-election, this is not a factor.
Adsertor: I beg to differ. I applaud DAP for fielding a young Malay candidate as a small step towards re-establishing and promoting the grand dream of our founding fathers - ‘One People, One Nation’ and breaking down of the racial divide championed by Umno Baru-BN.
DAP is right to groom the young for leadership. Temporarily losing one seat is a worthy price to pay.
Besides, by-elections will always be to the advantage of BN with the young supporters of Pakatan Rakyat out of town and being in government, the BN can tap our tax money to bribe the constituency with development, etc.
Outraged: It's a long road to freedom. The efforts to make our elections free and fair must continue. Pakatan leaders must continue to go to the rural areas to spread their message.
Urbanites are converts to their ideals already; so there is no need to spend time on them. Move out of your comfort zone and go rural.
Jesse: The message of DAP was right - it’s time to break racial barriers but Teluk Intan was not ready for the idea. It was seduced by promises.
Gerakan will just be a token representative in government, with a ministry that has very little clout. It will take a long time to break down racial prejudice among all races, particularly the Malays as they are constantly reminded that their special privileges are due to Umno.
Hplooi: In my opinion, fielding Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud was a bold masterstroke. However, the on-the-ground action plan to realise this masterplan failed:
1. DAP took the same approach as in previous campaigns, without taking into account the intent and dynamics behind the 'master plan' (breaking racial barriers). Using the same tactics based on the old strategy is a recipe for failure.
2. The battle plan as it unfolded was not dynamic enough to react to conditions on the ground.
3. Not enough strategising to counter what the BN would deploy (which is really predictable).
Aries46: Even though I hoped that DAP would win the contest, at least for the sake of brave Dyana, there was this nagging thought that a loss would be a blessing, hopefully for the long haul of Pakatan.
Due to the current disarray and controversies within Pakatan, Dyana not only had to contend with the mighty BN machinery but also bear the burden of defending the many burning issues that the Pakatan parties were embroiled in.
How can one go to war with a fractured coalition that lacks cohesion, the basic ingredient for it to succeed?
The DAP and PKR seem to have their fair share of internal election tangles that periodically makes the news.
PAS, on the other hand, has one foot in Umno and undermines its partners by playing up its hudud bogey whenever its Islamist fervour wanes.
Nevertheless, Dyana needn’t lose heart as age is on her side and this experience is a valuable stepping stone for her future endeavours.
Myop101: Indeed, this is a good lesson to Pakatan. Don't take voters for granted. Pakatan leaders are beginning to show signs of arrogance with power getting into their heads. If they are not careful, they will be punished in GE14.
James1067: If it is not their political secretaries, it is their children who are nominated to stand.
Stop parachuting outsiders as if there are no capable local candidates. This will create tension among the local workers who have worked hard and waiting in the wings.
It might lead to sabotage and discontent, leading to not giving their full effort. This is the time to look for local talent and start grooming them to stand in their own areas.
Ipohcrite: Everyone has his own opinion as to why BN won or DAP lost. My take is that Mah Siew Keong won because the Teluk Intan voters were impressed by the fact that he would be made a minister as promised by BN. In most countries, this would amount to vote buying.
Poor voter turnout was due to the violence by the you-know-who supporters during campaigning that kept nervy voters away.
But to my mind, although Dyana Sofya lost the by-election, she was a true winner in our hearts and almost single-handedly brought mighty BN to its knees. BN has nothing to be proud of and can thank the number of spoilt votes for its slim victory.
Sleepy: DAP'S strategy is not a misstep but only the beginning of a journey. As I see it, Dyana is more a strategy than a candidate.
Dyana has "pushed" many to cross over, albeit temporarily to the other side, i.e the racial factor which the defeat shows still needs strengthening.
The Malays are the biggest losers in the implemention of any merit system. So, logically, confidence, assurances and strategy from Pakatan are needed to ensure a permanent cross-over.
In GE 2008 and 2013, the fear factor was crossed by many by voting for the opposition. The next cross-over is the racial factor. Hopefully, it has begun with Dyana and will end in GE 2018.
DAP loses a seat but scores a political point
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