Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak dealth rebuke in polls, losing two out of three by-elections to the opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat.
From Malaysian Insider:
KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 — Wounded from losing Perak, Pakatan Rakyat fought back with greater ferocity to retain both Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau with bigger majorities, reinforcing a two-party concept and striking a blow to new Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s “One Malaysia” idea.
Najib’s ruling Barisan Nasional kept the Batang Air state seat in Sarawak with a bigger majority but the results laid bare the lie that its Election 2008 defeat was due to former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s weak leadership.
Ironically, Abdullah’s trenchant critic and predecessor Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad campaigned vigorously yesterday for Barisan Nasional in both Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau and endorsed Najib as a better leader for the country’s future.
The people in Peninsular Malaysia decided otherwise, with Bukit Gantang giving PAS candidate Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin a higher majority of 2,789 votes in what was seen as a referendum of BN’s putsch in Perak when it ousted the popular mentri besar.
Far from being a washed-up has been politician known for defying a state Ruler, the Pasir Panjang state assemblyman will now have a national stage to fight his cause apart from increasing the Pakatan Rakyat numbers to 82 in Parliament.
Read the rest of the report here.
My heartiest congrats to Pakatan Rakyat!
Let’s not play up the significance of this victory by Pakatan Rakayat. It must be noted that nothing has changed. Status quo has prevail. It is exaggerating to term Najib as being dealt a rebuke in the polls. He was officially sworn in just days before the by-elections and he was not an active participant in the campaigning process leading up to the elections. Besides he has a more important task of forming the cabinet to lead the country forward and to bring them out of the recession. Moreover, the 3 by-elections has been shaped by local issues rather than national issues; in particular the appointment of Najib Razak as the 6th Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Perak – The attempted by “coup” Barisan to take over the state government. That has strengthen the hands of the Pakatan in Perak as evident by the increase in the majority votes in favour of Pakatan.
Kedah – The dissatisfaction that boils over from Perak and the general unhappiness and the possibility that Barisan may employ similar tactics to take over the state government. The Kedah government has a thin majority of 5 to 6 seats in favour of the Pakatan. Not forgetting the general dissatisfaction with the Barisan government; in particular; the previous Abdullah administration.
Sarawak has alwasy been a Barisan stronghold. If the Pakatan had wrestle this seat from Barisan, then that would constitute as a major result in favour of Pakatan. But that did not happen. Thus, status quo.
What is evident is that Malaysia is slowly but surely moving towards having a viable alternative waiting in the wings if the Barisan falter. But that again also depends on the unity among the component parties in Pakatan; in particular the fundamental conflict in ideologies between PAS and DAP.
1 cent worth of my opinion.
I see it as a slap on Mahathir’s face. All these problems were created by him. He thought it was Abdullah who made a mess. Actually it is he! He should know that his time has expired and dont interfere anymore. Abdullah had only a short stay and he didnt do much but Mahathir squatted in office for a long time and did a lot of harm to UMNO ..without even knowing it. But the people knows, i think.
Mahatir’s interfering, nonsensical talks and emotional reactions is a good reminder for those once in power and continue to overstay to move out of the way totally and let the elected run the politics.
The worst fears in the ensuing struggles for power will be bloodshed, and in Malaysia – the successful minoraties will be caught in between and may end up battered and bruised as the whips are unleased..
Malaysia is such a natural resources blessed and beautiful country – best wishes ahead.
People votes in democratic country, such as Malaysia where its citizen has decided to turn the boat and give opposition a chance to lead the nation.
But our dear Singapore is a hybrid regime, we do not even have a chance to vote due to bias GRC policy and various dirty tricks to blast out opposition party.
I salute the people of Malaysia, daring and not like Singaporeans kiasu, kiasi. Malaysia Boleh
I salute our malaysian bros and sisters…they have been like an iron shield after numerous shots from the leading party.
it has been a mounting steep especially to the opposition that was forced to climb the hill..
With the ppl lining up infront of the opposition,i wonder can they stay together amidst the storm?
No matter what,,,MALAYSIA BOLEH..
Congratulation to the PKR. Long live the reformasi movement.
#3, your point is very valid. the irony is that M said he criticised for the sake of the party. it is obvious that he is still unwilling to let go and let subsequent govt lead the country, as if he is the only answer to all these woes faced by the people. most of his criticism are very personal.
guess he then TL Mr Abdullah since some of his unnecessary pet projects were scrapped after he handed over thus attacking his successor in all that Abdullah had done..
now we see his smiling face when he rejoined the party. he criticised Najib as also not fit to be the PM and now he said he backed him. we shall see what monkey tricks are up his sleeved this time.
Toroos,
If u read the paper today, Dr M is trying hard to persuade the present PM not to appoint Khairy to any cabinet post.
Dr M has no more influence, he is not in the cabinet, nor in any UMNO post, better for him to keep the mouth shut.
It would be a big big mistake if Najib looks to Mhtir for advice. His utterances and behaviour are no more of a statesman or adviser by any standard. He should retire full- time gracefully. I think the PM should include some younger talent like Khairy and maybe Mhir’s son. But first they must agree to work together and not to listen to daddy. If you do an analysis of Mhtir’s speeches -they are full of contradictions, insults and divisive exhortations that made UMNO weaker. The sooner they realise this man is the trouble-maker the better for the oarty ..and the country.
Do not learn Russian and do not be a model in Malaysia, otherwise the ruling party will take the hits and be on the way out which is sad….
Quite unexpected the by elections outcomes, but the dark clouds are gathering and calling for justice and Najib has to go; the point guy freed in Malaysia has rushed out to London thinking that he may be protected from extradiction because of UK laws and precedences.
Hope Anwar will be the next PM and then justice may prevail.
The future is electing a multi-racial party and not a coalition of backroom power mechanism
In this sense, Singapore is doing better.
But though super GRC with >4 members is a de-merit to electoral system
Najib excluding Khairy in Cabinet is a mistake and nothing new to inspire and introduce new things. If Mahathir’s son is in Khry should be more in, to provide a balance of viewpoints, checks and balances and new thinking. This situation reminds of the last days of the Qing Dynasty…..