A Malaysian “Mexican Stand-Off”
A Malaysian “Mexican Stand-Off”
The present tiff between former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir and his successor could have only three possible outcomes. One or the other could prevail, or the controversy could result in what we in California would call a “Mexican standoff.” This third ending is unlikely considering the personalities of the protagonists. Nonetheless it would be illuminating to speculate what would be the possible consequences of each ending.
Mahathir’s Victory
Consider first if Mahathir were to prevail. The direct impact would be felt not only by Abdullah but also his ministers and senior UMNO leaders, especially those like Rafidah Aziz, Najib Razak, and Nazri Aziz who owe their rise to Mahathir but who are now consumed with vilifying the man in their own uniquely vulgar style. Rafidah especially, for she was the matron, the so-called “iron lady,” who cried uncontrobaly on stage when Mahathir unexpectedly announced his resignation not too long ago.
The consequence to Abdullah would be obvious. He would be an ineffective “lame duck” leader. Many would argue that would make him no different than what he is already now. Well, even the lame could be mortally wounded, and Mahathir’s victory would do that to Abdullah. He would be out, whether voluntarily or through open challenge. Either way it would not be pretty.
UMNO is a big party with a long and distinguished tradition, its recent soiling with money politics and crony capitalism notwithstanding. The fate of any individual regardless of how important never meant much to the party. UMNO successfully withstood the abrupt resignation of its founder leader Datuk Onn and the forced withdrawal of Tunku and Hussein Onn as Prime Ministers and thus UMNO leaders. In the 1980s, it held up to the combined assault of its former leaders Hussein, Tunku, and Tengku Razaleigh. Hussein and Tunku died without ever returning to the fold; Razaleigh saw the wisdom of repenting.
If UMNO could withstand the downfall of those giants, it could easily brush off the stumbling of a dwarf.
Under normal circumstances, if Abdullah were to lose, those ministers who currently are his fervent supporters through their vociferous vilifying of Mahathir would also have to leave. This however, is Malaysia, and those ministers have not exactly demonstrated any class act; hence their chances of doing so would be nil. Watch instead for them to grovel themselves anew to his successor in order to retain their positions. They would, without skipping a beat, be demonizing Abdullah, just as they did to Mahathir. Such are their true being.
If Abdullah’s successor were to retain these characters, it would be a clear indication that he or she lacks something between the ears, much less political sense.
Mahathir Not Prevailing
Mahathir’s not prevailing does not mean an automatic victory for Abdullah. A strong leader becomes stronger upon surviving a challenge; a weak leader continues to be so, and become even more vulnerable. Abdullah would be battered, and a battered lame leader is an easy prey for other would-be leaders, ambitious or otherwise. The world of politics is no different from the world of animals.
Even if Abdullah were to perceive his bout with Mahathir as a momentous victory, that would not necessarily invigorate Abdullah. He would continue to be asleep at meetings, defer tough decisions, and continually plead, “I do not know!”
That sucking hissing sound emanating from Abdullah is not an expression of victory or satisfaction, but a giant sigh of relief at having survived a close call.
As for Mahathir, nothing would have changed for him. Contrary to the “touching” concerns about his dignity by the likes of Rafidah, the Tun would continue conducting himself as he always has, by being direct and frontal. He would become an even more trenchant critic of the Abdullah Administration. He would stay put as advisor to Proton and Petronas, daring Abdullah to remove him.
The media, local and foreign, would continue to attend his press conferences not because he is controversial but because he has something sensible to say and able to articulate it well. Not being elected a delegate would not faze him; UMNO had treated him worse before.
Yes, Mahathir is now much older, but the God Lord has been kind to him; he looks fit. Put Mahathir and Abdullah side by side, and a foreigner would have a hard time telling who succeeded whom!
It is not for the likes of Nazri, Rafidah and other water boys and girls to ascertain Mahathir’s legacy; that is for historians. There will be plenty of time for that.
Abdullah is not without his stubborn streak. If he persists, he risks distracting the nation, and at a time when it could least afford it, what with the Ninth Malaysia Plan barely rolling off.
If Abdullah were to expose his vindictive side and do an “Anwar” on Mahathir on a scale much uglier than the earlier pepper spray episode in Kota Baru, as for example by using the Internal Security Act, that could easily backfire. Besides how would that square with the “Mr. Nice Guy” image he is carefully cultivating, not to mention the Islam Hadhari spirit.
No Joy for Non-Malays (and Malays)
Contrary to the chauvinistic chanting of opportunistic leaders in UMNO ready to exploit any crisis to their own political advantage, there is no particular joy for non-Malays (or even Malays for that matter) to this internal leadership imbroglio. Far from giving non-Malays and the opposition an opportunity to manipulate, as proclaimed by the still green Deputy UMNO Youth leader, they have much to lose with this destructive distraction. Investors local and foreign would not take kindly to any perceived leadership uncertainty. A “Mexican standoff” would do that.
Such insulting assumptions younger UMNO leaders have of their non-Malay fellow citizens reflect the shallowness of their thinking, which in turn is indicative of their thin intellect, despite their having attended august learning institutions.
Resolving this crisis between Mahathir and Abdullah does not mean a simplistic “kiss and make up” meeting between the two, as many UMNO simpletons are urging them to do. It would require addressing the fundamental question of leadership, or lack of one, on the part of Abdullah.
For Abdullah, the central question is (to rephrase Reagan’s famous campaign spiel): Are Malaysians better off under his administration then they were under Mahathir’s. Abdullah has yet to address, let alone answer that plaintive query.
September 10th, 2006 at 9:00 pm
Dear Dr MBM,
Interesting analysis on Mexican Standoff..
AAB denial of him using his influence in his son involvement is an act hard to swallow considering that his ignorance actually amounting to 1.5 billion.Its a bit difficult to comprehend that a PM is not aware that people were riding on his son’s back for that huge piece of pie.He must be asleep again and misappropriated the fund to his son financial gain.
There must be a nice little guideline book on how to win goverment tender written by the son sent to all SCOMI companies as it seem to win most tenders due to their uncanny abilities the tender and provided for the detailed requirement of the tender and fit it to the T.Who leak out these detailed requirement set up by tender committee to SCOMI ?
Eg. SCOMI bought a Transport Maintanance company leaving everybody dumfounded considering that their main biz is maintainance service for marine support,in a few short week tender open up a major maintainance service for buses.needless top say SCOMI won the contract. SCOMI bought an engineering company that build bridges ,then second Penang Bridge project was announced and SCOMI is bidding for it…Bridges and Buses were never their forte ,but like I said ,SCOMI has a little bird that talk and he listen from the horse’s mouth and wrote a guideline book.
This is an old arguement used by Rafidah to justify the AP given to her son in law by stating her innocence and the ‘fact ‘that she left the meeting room and let the committee (under her ministry) decided the outcome of her son-inlaw application.To cut the story short the APs were given to him,and Rafidah washed her hands.
The same would be said by Hishamudin that his younger brother ,who is a chairman of one of a hurriedly formed RM2 company,being awarded a multimillion contract to supply tax stickers for cigarrete (and probably liquor too) without going thru open tender…..”am not involve in the decision makings”
As you can see ,it is a normal practice amongst leaders to scratch each other back..the problem is they never stop scratching!!
When TDM was denied to be just a mere delegate to UMNO assembly plus multibillion cookies to be distributed with 9th Malaysia plan ,it wouldnt be difficult to understand why TDM were given standing ovation on arrival and yet it did not translate into votes…all had sold their balls to the devils,sorry about the spanish slip.
It would come a day when UMNO would no longer seem to represent the aspirations of malay as it their reps becoming like Roman senators in the fall of Roman empire.The sad thing is , they never even to the level of Roman,far from it, yet they assume everyone owe them a living.”Lets go and fly a kite” is the song dedicated to all these selfish UMNO leaders….and The Chinese believe that the fish start rotting from the head!!
September 10th, 2006 at 9:12 pm
Just like everyone else, I am really fed up with Abdullah. I am working overseas on short term as an expatriate, but will be returning to Malaysia soon.
When I went back recently and caught up with a few relatives and friends, things are really quite bad. One cousin has folded up his small business and is now jobless. A small contractor who provided some renovation for my house is nearly going out of business. One friend who works for a local firm now has to spend a lot of nights chasing debts. Everyone is complaining about the cost of living going up. Only a cousin who works for an American firm is doing well, but then he has been sent overseas. Apart from the hard times, there is now tension building up between the races.
Pak Lah is just incompetent and useless. If he has already done so much damage in his few years while warming up, what is going to happen when he gets on the field.
UNDUR LAH PAK LAH
September 10th, 2006 at 10:02 pm
Ah, but so is politics, is it not? As soon as a new leader takes the stand, the same bootlickers would remain to worship the very floor on which the new man stands on. But what if in the case of a weak leader, where Pak Lah is regularly seen as by a number of members of society? Should he be allowed to remain, would he be able to exert control on those he calls his subordinates.
Let’s take an analogy of a workplace where a manager/boss happens to be gentle, yet unfirm in his actions. The workers beneath him would not be chastised for what mistakes they would make, and as we know, these workers are off everywhere doing all sorts of things, making racist comments and getting away with it, mishandling company finances, et cetera. Instead of punishing those whom he calls his workers, he attacks his other workers and ends up firing the cleaning lady or the office boy. So then, the workers are free to do as they wish, content that they have a weak boss above them.
I mean, seriously, silence and elegance are very good qualities that are sometimes needed in many individuals, but what use are they when the silent one is not strong? If Mahathir wins, Abdullah will have to take the bench for the rest of the game, on the context that he didn’t really committ to a match that means everything. If Abdullah wins, will he continue to play on as he had before, or put his effort in and buck up to score the goals that we, the country are anticipating at every moment? If not a goal, then at least a good display of skills?
Much as Pak Lah is currently ineffective, there may yet be hope for the nation, provided he do something about it. Everybody wants to see the standoff, but no one wants to be there when the consequences arise.
September 10th, 2006 at 11:00 pm
Dr Mahathir’s strategy worked well! His lost in Kubang Pasu is the beginning of it. Now, he’s free than ever and this is want he really wants! He lost in Kubang Pasu has proved that UMNO does not care whatever platform he may choose to air his views in the future. Not his wish, but the wish of UMNO members! He has no more ties with UMNO except for an ordinary membership. He can now freely go to any NGOs, the blogs and even oposition initiated talks to express his views. Who is there from UMNO to stop him? And for what reasons that UMNO will not let him go to these people knowing very well that he is being denied the UMNO platform?
The fact is : He’s not going looking for power any more! His age does not permit that!
I think UMNO has really lost the opportunity to stop this man from criticizing the present leadership a big way. He will not as harsh if he was voted as a candidate to speak in November, knowing that he owed his win to the UMNO Kubang Pasu and UMNO in general and there’s a need to “jaga hati”.
Watch out. He’s going to be more vociferous than ever! Someone might not be able to go for honeymoon in peace!
Hantu Gigi Jarang
September 11th, 2006 at 3:04 am
Hantu Gigi Jarang,
You beat me to it ! Agree with what you said. Infact I was thinking in that direction too. Mahathir is now in war path. As I see it, he will be more intense and ferocious next round.
September 11th, 2006 at 8:04 am
“TDM is fighting cock, AAB is lame duck” - how they can be a team as PM and DPM previously! Strange thing does happen in politics.
September 11th, 2006 at 7:26 pm
A Mexican Stand off, a cool analogy by mbm, Or maybe we can also say the present scenario is a “standoff at OK corral” but the result might not be ok until some time to come.
Similar to wild west stand off, the result will have its toll on some “country” that these group decided to draw fire.
Just to provide a few note, my assessment of the current situation is that, UMNO does not have an independent and honest committe to overseas the conflict let alone reoslve this conflict. Where is the voice of the rest of the people or members? are UMNO members simply going to leave the bout to the stongest? Either TMM will give a final blow to AAB, while the Malay is just a spectator.
again the issue is for what does umno stand for?
so now it seem they are just a spectator who cheer for the winner
September 11th, 2006 at 11:19 pm
Hi MBM,
Allow me to qoute your phrase that you think AAB should have question “Are Malaysians better off under his administration than they were under Mahathir’s”.
I honestly think that in general, it had turned from bad to worse (anyone care to comment). For ordinary people, every costs in their living have increased. Going around the business people, poor direction with plenty of bureacracies have hold back many investments. These ordinary people rely on Business people to do well and such is the cycle of mutual benefits. If 1 suffers, same goes to hte other.
Perhaps till now AAB does not dare to ask this question to fellow Malaysian (of course UMNO members will say big YES if ask-no need to think!).
September 12th, 2006 at 2:39 am
Hi Hantu Gigi Jarang,
I once read of those many postings of Dr. Bakri (MBM) in this blog of his. Admittedly, what he put before (comparison between TDM and AAB) is somewhat hold true that TDM is a pilot of a jet fighter plane and AAB is a school bus driver. Reality bites, bro!
September 12th, 2006 at 2:43 am
Grass,
In UMNO, criticism from within does not go far, always hidden from the general public, including the lower-ranked and the “gurkhas” in UMNO. Dr M’s open criticism is the best thing to happen to Malaysia. Everyone now gets the opportunity to be knowledgeable about the issues and to make their own analysis, except of course, some UMNO members who just refused to do anything!
The Melayu will suffer from this squabble? No way. The Melayu has been in existence, up and down, for thousands and thousands of years!
September 12th, 2006 at 3:04 am
Pak Lah’s failure will not be his inability to deflect allegations of corruption and nepotism. His failure stems from the root and pervasive belief that he is dim-witted. A man of consensus is also a man without his own ideas. This is the problem. The one who delivers the unkindest cut of all will come from inside UMNO, not elsewhere.
The only question is whether Pak Lah can survive the coming UMNO GE to fight another day. Time is essence to Mahathir. On the contrary, all Pak Lah needs is to buy time, and a Mexican stand-off is actually bad news for the Old Man. So we can expect more charges by Tun to capitalize on the General Assembly.
September 12th, 2006 at 3:20 am
“A man of consensus is also a man without his own ideas. This is the “problem. The one who delivers the unkindest cut of all will come from inside UMNO, not elsewhere.”
I agree with you chez1978,
Margaret Thatcher once said “consensus seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects.
If you just set out to be liked, you would be prepared to compromise on anything at any time, and you would achieve nothing..”
September 12th, 2006 at 3:28 am
The old fox has already begun his war! He’s ferocious, has dragged in Musa Hitam, a possible threat and friend of AAB, to divide and rule.
September 12th, 2006 at 6:16 am
Bakri
We have grown tired by somebody c ommenting Mlaysian state of affairs from abroad.
Why barking from very far places.
Why not write somthing like calling for Bush resignation since it may be more relevant to you pseudo american.
September 12th, 2006 at 9:15 am
Cepela’ - in web blog like this, geographical location is irrelevant. The most important thing is the issue put forward must be relevant!
September 12th, 2006 at 9:41 am
Cepela”
If Bakri wrote about Bush and US you wouldn’t be reading this would you. Residing away from Malaysia has given Malaysians a better insight of what works and what is wrong with the system. You are oblivious to all the shenanigans going on as you are wrapped in the Malaysian media feel good blitz.
Secondly why don’t you write something about improving the lot in Malaysia as you are residing in Malaysia I presume. At least Bakri is doing his share even though from afar. 10-4
September 12th, 2006 at 12:46 pm
There it is , at some point in the commentary we will always have someone trying to run away from the issue, dear capela, grow up. a malaysian should focus on malaysian issue, where else can you change but your own backyard!.
the current political turmoil may be a time where history may change th emind of the malay or the malaysian at large. instead of the tidak apa mentality, or biarkan, it seem a pendekar “or a knight of justice will appear”
but in any case, let look back at the American early game, the white folk sign treaties with the Native American, and the white broke almost all the treaties, and history also documented the long march of the native and their early predicament in the reservation. he starvation and the massacre, that is some of the old mentality and the dishonest white folk, but thru out history i would assume this, the majority of American have change and they are progressing despite the dark past.
wanna hear a joke my dear malaysia? i was in california for ten year and never got mugged (rompak) but the first three week in malaysia , i took th e bus to paar seni and i was asked to pay RM 10.00 buy two indonesian, but as far as a homeless would asked for in the States “sir can you spare me a quater”. The state of the nation of Malaysia is quite sad, from rampant misbehaviour on the street, to “kurang ajar”, and no traffic policeman in site. so who to blame? American have a legend of geranimo “a man who could not die by a bullet” who stood at leas for something.
where is the modern day geranimo?
September 12th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
A modern-day Geranimo? How can we expect a knight in shining armour coming to our rescue when we are still mired in legends and folklores.
Only recently the remains of Ngah Ibrahim and Laksamana Mohd Amin were returned from Singapore and given a hero’s funeral. Facts and figures, unfortunately, have been manipulated and distorted to please our feudal lords.
A Geranimo from the legend of Mat Rempits on the street? Very unlikely.
Our youths today are a pathetic sight. No wonder, Muhammad, you were accosted the very day you landed in KL. Poor you.
September 12th, 2006 at 7:44 pm
Joe Ooi,Ogre and Muhammad
I know that MBM would not have the ball big enough to slight Bush.He know who buttered his bread. And here, in Malaysia let us who eat and shit in Malaysia handle the situations. We dont need farway wolf to do the barking for us.
September 12th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
cerpela’
Obviously you are a recent reader to dr Bakri’s blog. If you had been a long term reader you would have noticed that Dr Bakri is “man” enough to write oabout Mr Bush. The US is a free country and practise freedom of the press. It’s you that have no “balls” to write about Dr M or Abdullah Badawi or even UMNO as you know very well who is belachaning your nasi =UMNO. Instead you choose to attack the writer. You can attack the subject matter but do not attack the writer.
You say faraway wolf barking for Malaysians, it has to be done as the no balls wolf in Malaysia all have their balls and tails between their legs and their noses right up the rear end of the leaders. If UMNO leaders stop abruptly you will have shit on your nose. 10-4
September 12th, 2006 at 8:29 pm
Hey Ogre
I could not agree more with Cerpela’. MBM can make his billions in US. We couldnt care less. Just shut up his mouth. Do not rock the boat that weare in from afar. Let Pak Lah with the help of honest Malaysians steer the ship of out of the rough water. We can weather down the stormy season ahead of us without your help.We did not gag that blabber mouth out of respect for his past contributions. But the people had to do something if he and his likes want to sink the ship.
If Pak Lah isnot that good a Nakhoda, we have plenty of able seamen to help him. The only thing important here as in any emergency situations we do not need mutineers. We do not need a distant sea controllers or distant coast guards either. Just stay away, do not confuse the laymen like us and make it more difficult for us to have a decent plate of nasi lemak in the mornings of tommorrow and day afters.
September 12th, 2006 at 8:33 pm
Dera Cerpela,
MBM certainly has a right to comment and compare.We been commented daily by ‘ outsiders’ from the NST group with no one complaining.
I would prefer a Malaysian commenting from afar then any parachuted journalist from international news agency giving his expert views after 3 hours of observation.MBM ,coming from afar and very blunt at that , gave a very good perspective outside the box to the people in the box.Very much reminded me of TDM during his premiership who gave sharp comments which everybody hate ,but forced to accepting once the people realise that he meant well without prejudice and personal interest.
Thats what is lacking in our leadership ,leaders with fresh ideas to challenge the static mindset of populace.Leadership decisions by conseensus only apply to leaders who has a inferiority complex and owed to other for their very own existence.Thus the decision were meant not to hurt anybody(political support can be at risk) even though it would people to disadvantage.A good leader must be willing to come out with radical idea and pursue it doggedly,assertive and determined.
AAB realised this ,thats why Johor Southern Development was explicitly mentioned as his own idea and inspiration that came to him after long period of contemplation(three long years)…he got to prove his worth of salt too.
As a weak leader in a pack of wolves ,other wolves can sense it eg.Khari irritated Chinese, besides to divert the issue of ECM Libra ,he wants to come out a winner in UMNO,Samy Velu and Dr Koh Soo Koon verbal exchange infront of PM,Police Force(thus AAB Decisions)and Transport Minister Transport questioning the decision and eventual rojak compromise.
This is not openness but more like the bammboo shoots fighting for the sunrays.
Do you see any potential wolf for the future leader of the pack? The jungle getting smaller to contain and feed the packs and the wolf leader still sleeping and waiting for inspiration.
As a surgeon MBM is used to snappy decisions that would detemine pt’s survival ,thats why when a nation survival is at risk ,he dare to intervene whether you like it or not.
I know some that some MBM comments are painful but the surgical pain is meant to heal.
September 12th, 2006 at 9:13 pm
Abdul Aziz
Dr Bakri is free to say what he feels is right and he has also graciously allowed you to express your views on his blog. If you ask him to shut up, he can also shut you up by removing your blog entry. But being a gentleman and a caring person he allows your comments. Everyone is entitled to his opinions and should be given the opportunity to express himself.
Bakri is like the old light house shining at night to warn the boat captain of impending or dangerous water. The Capt. AAB and his merry sailors are drunk with the spoilt of their power and success. If Capt AHAB fails to steer in the right direction, the ship will sink. You say there are many capable people to take over. Name me one and we can put his/her name here and see how many skeletons he/she has in his/her cabinets.
Again I challenge both you and Cerpela’ to start your own blog and we can all visit it and share our views. I bet you even Bakri may visit your blog if you start one. I’d like to see your capacity to think and write on Malaysian polotics and development.
I don’t think Bakri is for Dr M. Bakri has always been Dr M harshest critic but Bakri just want AAB to buck uop, wake up from his sleep and start taking action and behave like the Capt. that you wish to see to steer Malaysia into future success. If AAB is firm and is confident he can easily shut up Dr M and other critics. AAB is just not performing and not even making decision and always in the dark. Wonder when will he see the light? 10-4
September 12th, 2006 at 9:27 pm
Ogre & Clark Gable
I think you are not interested in the welfare of the ship. You just want the ship to sink so you can say i say so,over your glasses of brandy.
September 12th, 2006 at 9:36 pm
In any crisis the leader will rise.Off course it would not be Ogre, Clarkgable or MBM. They dont have to be from the ranks of UMNO
Literally in critical situations, opportunists and naymasters and trouble makers like both of you will have to be gagged, prisoned or immobilized to save others.
September 12th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
Dear Cerpela,
Your golden asinine thoughts of having me,ogre and mbm “gagged,prisoned or immobilised ” and labelled us as “opportunist,naymaster and troublemakers” is worth noting.Every generations do have these characters,Hang Jebat and his Kris and Munshi Abdullah with his pen.Certainly i dont belong to this august collection of personalities ,the present group (with MBM and Ogre) included….nevertheless i identify with their ideas and thought provoking comments.
You might not be familiar with these sort of arguements but your threats certainly had ‘GPRSed’you to be contained within the locality of the group of ‘Inane Personalities’ ,and you came out on top.This blog do have occasional visits from the group and we are greatly honored by their presence.TQ Cerpela
September 13th, 2006 at 12:39 am
ClarkGable
I do think you do not get what Cerpela’ meant. Correct me Cerpela’ if i am wrong. I think he meant what MBM, you and ogre has been airing are just good for file no 13, the basket. It has to be treated as annoying gabbages and have to be disposed fast aspossible otherwise they will disturb the peaceful neighbourhood with their foul smell, right Cerpelai”
In any state of a crisis we have to identify the cowards because they are trouble makers who may jeorpardise the survivals of others. The problems is that if we look back, in any civilizations cowards are a plenty.
And, as always thoughts are just thoughts. Look nice on the table.If they are not well thought and do not pass test of times and the masses
better let the flow to the drain.
September 13th, 2006 at 12:47 am
Clark Gable
Trying to put words into my mouth. He heh heh. What i meant, if the country in crisis, ( to certain extent it is), we do not need people like you, MBM or Ogre. May be its wise for the safety of others, to gag you or to put you in so that you dont endanger others or reduce the chance of survivals of the whole crew in our spaceship.
You will be set free when the mission is over.
September 13th, 2006 at 1:27 am
Dear Cerpelai,
I didnt put any words or anything of mine into your oral cavity ,i quoted what you said ,everybody can see what you have written which you conveniently denied and claimed innocence.That what cowardice is all about En Abd Aziz.The people who cannot stand scrutiny to their characters and it goes without saying that they certainly dare not challenge the status quo…
AAB said in his poem”bukan harta berjuta yang dicari…” but his son’s company obtained 1.5 billion worth of contract ,so he was right in stating the words ,he was aiming for more than just ‘berjuta’.
If he claimed to be Islamic he is certainly not,As Sy Omar AlKhatab turn off the flame when his son asked his opinion on personal matter and he is not using state ‘facility’ or abuse it to be used for personal matter.I certainly dont expect AAB to be of that calibre but 1.5 billion worth of contract certainly not something you dont see unless you are plain stupid.
This stink has gone up to high heaven certainly not fr personality of cabbages like Ogre MBM and me alone,but more from rotting souls who cant see a ‘bangkai gajah di depan mata’.
The losers are not you and me but the poor and disadvantage people who interst and dignity being ignored and trampled.
The blog was meant to induce people to air their ideas whether its good or otherwise ,disagree you may but posing a threat belongs to blog for imbeciles which you can reach by typing http://www.blog4imbecile.com.my .Hurry up membership is free.
September 13th, 2006 at 2:25 am
ClarkGable
We are on unbitumened road. When big vehicles pass thru,the road will be dusty to the extent that we dont see the oncoming vehicles. The advice is to drive slowly otherwise we will collide.
What i meant, these things are not clear as it may seems or as some people want to believe or potray.
Our country is not in economic good shape. This is not the time for us to quarrel.Our focus should be on economy,not on the leadership tussle.
I am not for AAB. But i am scared at the intensity of each one us pulling our daggers ready to fight and kill each other. I have family to feed. We need buoyant economy. That will not happen if our politics is not stable. Come another economic crisis we have no more reserve to fallback to. Wedo not have the stamina either. This wuillnot affect MBM or maybe you too.
Come GE time let them fight. We, the general public on our part have to play our roles honestly and smartly.
Until recently, only KMC in the SCOMI fleet is money making. KMC is the only 100% Malaysian company in Drilling Fluids (Mud and Chemicals) which has no foreign principal. MI and BHI are local agent to the American based company.
We should be proud that KMC not just able to hold its head in our backyard but able to fight it out with big brothers of the business in the international arena.
KMC was already making wave before Kamaluddin and Shah Hakim were there. Now,do we have to kill KMC just because Kamaluddin is there.
Why nobody complain about about Tanjung Offshore, Petra Perdana or Kejuruteraan Samudra Timur!!!!!
September 13th, 2006 at 3:22 am
Abd Aziz and the likes,
Your file no 13, the basket, was dicussed in the Parliment of Malaysia recently. Sure, it’s no ordinary basket huh!
May I repeat this?
The Melayu will suffer from this squabble? No way. The Melayu has been in existence, up and down, for thousands and thousands of years!
September 13th, 2006 at 3:34 am
Dear Cerpelai and fellow new contributors,
The issue in question is economy and it does scare the dimwitted mind of mine too. When the pie is big the largesse belongs to everyone and everyone is happy.The problem arises when the cake shrunken and the public were left with the crumbs to fight over,me included.
When the leadership couldnt care a hoot about us then its only proper that we scream and shout before the cake that they took can be eaten clean…without a care as nobody ,they think so, see and understand what they are doing.Believe me ,they would come for second helping too.
The political power has become absolute and absolute power corrupt absolutely…so the saying goes.
There is no check and balance,The judiciary silenced,UMNO members main what-for-me attitudes ,media contained and opposition crumpled.
The only free to air is blog and no one can censor it including Goverment .There shouldnt be holier-than-thou acceptance of so called yg berhormat as they were elected to serve and not to enrich themselves.
I share your anxiety and worries but to say that the politician are above criticism? Not here in blogging world for sure.Are we childish enough in our inability to discern the right and the wrongs ? To be told what to think and what not to think ?
Yes ,I agree that we are in economic uncertainty,but it all started 3 years ago when the leader just started to warm up to the post .He decided to quiten everything and waited for Godsend inspiration.The giant civilisations and major succesful companies stand tall because they stood on their the shoulders of their forefathers.What shame is to that when we all know it was a successful formula ,it certainly beat reinventing the wheel.AAB took 3 years to reinvent the wheel and it all came out squarish and only able to carry UMNO members and his family. Sorry to Cerpelai if i sounded distant and aloft,it would be more painful if you were to listen to people in kg.and our hearts would all bleed for the them….as their tribulations and suffering are more acute and faintly heard.
I was particularly pissed off when RM200 million ringgit of wang Ehsan ,the Petronas Money given to the state and to be used for the poor of Trg.,were used to stage world sailing event ..so that the world acknowleged our seafaring heritage,so put by people who were going to benefit the most.You know what Duyung people get out of that? Low cost houses and Ferari Chief as their neighbour….oops sorry ,the stall owner made a killing by selling a bottle of coke for RM3 ….and they spent RM200 million for that,dont expect me to applaud their far sighted vision and splendid ideas to skin the public money ..far from it.TQ
September 13th, 2006 at 5:35 am
Abdul Aziz and Cerpela’
First both of you say its not fair for us (MBM and ClarkGable) to comment on the Malaysian political scene, then it’s not right for us to ctiticise the government and now you have switched to “the economy”. Which is which? It all boils down to “leadership” If the current PM exercise leadership and steer the ship SS Malaysia in the right direction and implement sound economic policies, the rakyat will benefit.
We have in the past made comments on the previous PM and the likes of Pantai and Konsortium Perkapalan. What we do not want to see is a repeat of history with SCOMI and ECM Libra. Agreed KMC was already doing well in oil tools so continue and make money in the oil business. But why does SCOMI is now involved in railway coach maintenance, bus design etc, projects that have recently been identified? These are all not SCOMI forte. Petra Perdana should n’t be included in this discussion. They are strictly in oil and gas.
Asking us to shut up and threatening to jail us really reflect your capacity to debate. Is that the best you can do? Let’s debate based on facts and not be childish. If you cannot handle what you dish out then refrain from throwing stones at others. You started it and now when faced with the facts you run out of ideas and start to threaten other contributors. It clearly shows immaturity.
Abdul Aziz being a world traveller has still not answered my question on being a pure breed Malay. I expect this “pure breed Malay” and a world traveller to have a broader outlook in life and an appreciation for exchange of ideas.
September 13th, 2006 at 6:01 am
Ogre
Your capacity (or lackof it) to understand figurative language is pitiful. You see i had help set this blog on fire today by just being the opposites of others on this blog. You made me laugh at you Ogre.
I hope i do not cause the others to dissappear into the background. I am not from the Cawangan Khas.
Clark Gable
Thanks for the good sparring. I hope you are not too serious.
September 13th, 2006 at 6:39 am
Ogre
You got really hurt by the pure bred remark. You sound like “an asperger syndrom kid”.No wonder Cerpela’ said you do not understand figurative language.
Hey son i am sorry. I am not pure bred too. I have african, malay, chinese and maybe japanese blood and i am proud kelantanese. My wife is of Mandailing Batak. I call my kids Keling, being half kelantanese and half mandailing.
Hey come on man, beneath the skin we are all African.
I believe this blog not for mother’s son. Not for those who get hurt easily.
Back to the topic, I do not see any serious candidates fr UMNO who are up to the mark to replace Abdullah. Semuanya dah dikembiri Mahathir. Did you see anybody standup to Mahathir during that Anwar saga. Anybody worth his dick have left the party. (Pls mind my foul language).
I do not see that others other than BN can win the election, oh no not in our lifetime. The people are not ready for change. Let accept the fact. Lets work within the system and improve where we can. Lets not leaked the ship where we all are in. Why waste our positive energy for a battle we cant win. Lets skirt around the system.
September 13th, 2006 at 7:15 am
Abdul Aziz
Aha now we are getting somewhere. No pure breed Malay. We are all hamba Allah and god’s creation. So lineage or heritage is not important. I understand figurative language and can match the best there is.
Not sure if there is much age difference between us for you to call me son (not figuratively speaking are you?) enough of these Pak and Tok and Boss. I don’t get hurt easily otherwise I wouldn’t have survived and be what I am without the crutches.
Yes it would be difficult to find someone with impeccable credentials within UMNO after 22 years of Mahathirism. The hopes of someone on the outside becoming PM is remote due to the system set up by UMNO and BN. So maybe Malaysians will have to settle for second best or some other caretaker PM. Being second best or caretaker PM, the PM must function as PM. After all he has the “saya sokong” of UMNO and BN given at previous UMNO General ssembly and then the mandate from the rakyat during last GE. So what is holding the PM back - warming up (what a joke).
He declares himself as PM so behave and act like a PM. When other Ministers are challenging his decision after it has been decided at Cabinet meeting is pathetic. So why be the PM.
Yes I agree with you the people are not ready for a change. But when will they be ready? We can assist them to make the change through exchange of ideas and putting forth our views and taking the leadership to task for their failures. One question though, how do you work within the system and improve where we can? The system is so corrupted that yopu will get easily swallowed up (DSAI case) We are not wasting positive energy as we can surely win if we educate the public, provide them the information and show them the way where we can all make a difference. Guess we share same goals but different means. 10-4
September 13th, 2006 at 7:31 am
Cerpela’
You didn’t set this blog on fire. Instead you did the unacceptable thing by attacking the writer instead of the views. His residence and income generating capacity has no link to the ideas posed. You should have instead attacked Bakri on his views of the rift or tift between Dr M and AAB. To me by citing his residence and propensity to make money shows the streak of jealousy on your part. You envy Bakri who lives on a ranch and is a successful surgeon.
My advise to you friend is if you are tired of Bakri’s views, why bother visitng this blog. You’d be better off visiting UMNO’s blog where you will be treated like mushroom (kept in the dark, fed shit and then sacrificed for a profit). Just like Abdul Aziz said, Malaysians are not ready for a change and we are all making efforts to educate the Malaysians that change is necessary.
So my friend, you are free to choose, don’t visit or write if you feel this blog is useless to you. Just like the TV you can change channel if you don’t like what ta channel is showing but what choice do you have between TV1, TV2 and TV3? 10-4
September 13th, 2006 at 7:53 am
Abdul Aziz Says: “The people are not ready for change”…….”Let skirt around the system”………
Joe Ooi - Actually the people are ready for change, but the “unwanted” leader(s) are not! For fear of losing lucrative projects and other privilege like Approved Permit in auto industry, etc. That why some MP and minister sit there for more than 20 good years! …………
So if skirts around the system, these leaders shall “berundur secara berhormat” when the time come (in fact some overstay for far too long). Do they do it, when MRR II flyover at Kepong cracked, among reason given is due to weather? If this is the case, then how about other flyovers all over Malaysia that are also subject to same weather condition?
BN is a good system, unfortunately there are too many abuse happening, which we need to remove. I don’t think Orgre, Clark Gable, MBM, me, you or even Cerpela or any other are in the position, have intention and/or have the capacity to inflict damage, leaked it and/or cause trouble to this mighty ship. The question here is do the captain and the crews handle and drive the ship in the right direction? Do not blame other when you are unable to face the choppy water! Never adopt “BLAME SHIFTING TACTIC” when facing problems, focus on your shit and clear it on your own…….
September 13th, 2006 at 8:48 am
Cerpela, hope you have this understanding: -
1. Shall respect MBM RIGHTS of opinion/expression (i.e. balance with respect to other) eventhough you may not agree with it - no personal attack but strictly argue on the subject matter under discussion.
2. Acommodate differences of opinion when blogin. E.g. I can say 2 + 2 = 4, but can’t force you to accept it eventhough it is right as you may have your options/choices/methods like 100 - 96 = 4, 1 + 3 = 4, 30 - 26 = 4, etc, etc, …… Some time we speak in “difference frequency” on same topic!
3. Learn how to “agree” on “disagree” when the circumstances is appropriate!
September 13th, 2006 at 9:05 am
Abdul Aziz, you said:
“Did you see anybody standup to Mahathir during that Anwar saga. Anybody worth his dick have left the party. (Pls mind my foul language).”
that’s the only sensible thing you ever uttered here so far! …and pardon you for your foul language.
September 13th, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Dear All,
This is my last posting with the present topic…good lively discussion except a little slip by a few.
My good chinese friend mentioned this,”Melayu ah,bila satu naik semua mahu talik dia turun,mcm ketam dlam bakul ma,Cina bila satu kaya,dia mahu kerja lagi kuat kasi lagi kaya”…..no offence to anyone but a humble observation by my humble friend rings true to some comments towards MBM.
He swam on his own and became successful surgeon(self acclaimed Tan Sri on his vanity plate in USA… tickle me again MBM)and living in the ranch somewhere in California.
Good on you MBM ,wish to do better than that meself…continue contributing and we are all the richer (in perspectives)by that.
See you all on next posting
September 13th, 2006 at 11:47 pm
My observation got me this:
“Samy Velu - satu jari tunjuk orlang, tiga jari tunjuk balik dia ohhh”
hehehee!!!
September 14th, 2006 at 3:00 am
Grass
Come back after you inhaled your last last puff of marijuana. But before that go and clean the yact. See you then.
MBM
Do you still remember all the faces who sent you to the airport the first time you went to US to study. They are proud of you because they treated you as one of their own. They were proud of you then,because you were the best product of their village. Comeback if you want . Give back to society where once you belong. If the your old imam told you that cosmetic plastic surgery is haram …. with your years of international experience you know how to deal with him. Oh please, dont just blast him.
September 14th, 2006 at 3:20 am
Joe Ooi
Understand you. But i wont let myself be castrated or bound by your rule.
I respect MBM points but i am not bound to disagree timidly. I hope you get the point. Joe,go and read ” Shun Tzu-The Art of War”
September 14th, 2006 at 3:21 am
Joe Ooi
Understand you. But i wont let myself be castrated or bound by your rule.
I respect MBM points but i am not bound to disagree timidly. I hope you get the point. Joe,go and read ” Shun Tzu-The Art of War”
September 14th, 2006 at 3:42 am
Goh Chok Tong said (reported in the NST today) that maybe 20 to 30 years down the road, we should actually think of a bridge linking Singapore to Pulau Tekong, and to the east cost of Malaysia. He was commenting on the nice remark by AAB about the state of relationship between both countrie.
Pulau Tekong is the largest of Singapore’s outlying islands with an area of 24.43 km², and the island is still expanding due to land reclamation works on its southern and northwestern coasts which will eventually subsume many of its surrounding small islets, including Pulau Tekong Kechil.
Pulau Tekong is found off Singapore’s northeastern coast, east of Pulau Ubin. Geographically, it is nearer to Johor, Malaysia than the Singapore mainland itself. The Pulau Tekong Reservoir is also on the island.
Now, go figure why the crooked bridge was scrapped! Who benefit more?
September 14th, 2006 at 4:09 am
Joe Ooi
I agreed with Joe Ooi.
September 14th, 2006 at 4:12 am
Hahahahahahahaha……………………………………
September 14th, 2006 at 4:13 am
I am stupid !! You are right all. Hahahahaha.
September 14th, 2006 at 4:16 am
My dad is dead. Wahhahahahahahahaha………………….
And he became the real Hantu and he has Many gigi jarang!!!!!!!!!!!
September 14th, 2006 at 6:58 pm
Anak kepada Hantu Gigi Jarang,
He..he.. you’re a funny young man! I like you. You notice that some human beings in UMNO are worst than hantus?
September 15th, 2006 at 7:58 am
Ooops, suddenly there are Clone/Cetak Rompak on me. This person must have ulterior motive but one thing for sure they can’t copy my thought! Cetak Rompak “cheap-cheap one ……” and admited he himself stupid lol…. the original sure not behave in that manner!
Just to let you know, this kind of posting show that you have the lowest web of mentality and can’t argue subject matter intelectually! Still have a grudge to anyone who post a comment that did not to your “taste”! This is typical “4th world mentality” argument that intend to inflict “collateral damage”……… Good luck but no thank to you.
September 15th, 2006 at 8:13 am
Cerpela’ Says: “Joe Ooi. Understand you. But i wont let myself be castrated or bound by your rule.”
Joe Ooi - Yes you have your right not to accept what I said eventhough you understand me. But the message is very clear - respect other people’s right of opinion just like other respect your right of opinion - that is the main point!
Please do not has a self centre view that “ONE-SIZE-FIT-ALL” that you do ONE thing right, ALL other have to follow you! In case of there is differences, then you jump into conclusion that - this person…. that person ….. “unpatriotic, try to rock the bot……. bite the hand that feed you”, etc, etc, as to portray that you are the righteous and saint person……. and “villianize” all those that do not speak a same “frequency” with you. You are the one that have to read ” Shun Tzu-The Art of War”, which among other - “In peace you must prepare for war, and in war you must prepare for peace”. But look at your comments, it is “all out war design to flatten anything and everything on its path”.
September 15th, 2006 at 7:18 pm
Anak kepada Hantu Gigi Jarang Says: “My dad is dead”
Even can’t show respect to other person existence. Luckily this guy don’t have nuclear bombs in his hand, otherwise will turn and fire to Johore’s Endau-Rompin jungle to inflict “total destruction” and flatten everything to eliminate Hantu Gigi Jarang! What a pathetic state of Anak mentality that full of hatred, grudes, vengeant and perhaps behave like one of our minister that utter “go to hell” ……….. utilize MBM weblog as platform to launch “cheap yet inferior propaganda” in the hope that the visitors to this forum can believe him just like the way they cheat kampong folks! Wake up, Anak you are adult but “crying child language” …….
September 16th, 2006 at 7:23 am
Joe Ooi
Ha ha aha. Joe, you are losing your head by youthful pranks.
I am afraid anak hantu gigi jarang is really a kid and this Joe (you) has not outgrow his kiddy shoes.
Hantu Gigi Jarang/mawas/d-bigfoot
Your (hantu gigi jarang) story and the kota batu hitam story are just fakes to buttres or to allay public attention from the then story of jambatan bengkok ……. So change your name because it is no more relevant.
September 16th, 2006 at 8:37 am
Shut up, Old Man (Joe Ooi). A wiser man doesn’t want to fight with a twelve-year-old-boy. You should be more wiser rather than fight with a kid!
If I had a nuclear bomb, I will fire to you first. Actually, I’m not the son to Hantu Gigi Jarang but he doesn’t mind me. He just laugh. You should learn from Hantu Gigi Jarang to be more mature. I admit that some human beings in UMNO are worst than hantus just like you, Joe Ooi. I’m not an adult yet, and I’m still Anak. Now, Malaysian kampung folks is modern already, not easily cheated like you said. I think you should be more mature and wiser…
September 16th, 2006 at 8:17 pm
Look like there are the following indications: -
1. These “Clone and Joker are: -
a) NOT “Pahlawan” and “anak jati” that put out “patriotic” fight for the community/nation, BUT put up “pathetic” yet failed attempted to carried out character assination toward anyone posted comments that “were not to his taste”.
b) Not put up “fantastic and fun” BUT “fake and freak” show.
c) Perhaps having “Emotional Interference and Mental Torturing” that need to be diagnosed by MBM to ascertain the root causes. If can’t cure and certifiy as “heaveny happy”, have to send to “hospital bahagia” so that he can boast to all inmates that he is the “master of universe”……. or “superman” that save the world ……..
2. If me stay and work at Putrajaya, then this kiddy Joker if had nuclear bomb, will fire and flatten Putrajaya just for the sake of fighting with me ………. If this Joker still not adult, then has to put under “juvenile court for commited crime against humanity”……… Anak not an adult but put up senile/detritus talk cock just like 60 year old man!
To communicate with “low mentality pests’ joker/clone” only demonstrate no end to their dubious agenda…………….., and I think I should stop here as if I put more comments also go no where and/or means to invite more unwanted “stinking shit from the pests”!
Can’t keep on responsive to pests but have to focus on topic put forward by MBM! that is the genuine and real agenda I have to pay attention. Good luck but no thank to pests……..
Leave other in peace, even if you can’t removed your hatred ……………..
September 20th, 2006 at 8:38 pm
Kepada semua rakan-rakan cyber,
Abdullah A. Badawi (AAB) is dumb and in a hubristic state of mind. Only a serious crisis will probably shake him up from his sleep. But even then, he does not have the guts, convictions and capacity to lead us, or solve our country’s problems ranging from education and rampant corruption to air pollution and environmental degradation.
Has he read Jared Diamond’s book, “Collapse”? Ah, that is too much for him. Heavy stuff. I am told that he does not even read nursery rhymes!!
He cannot control his Cabinet, yet he says he is “in control” and doing things “my way”. His way is actually doing nothing, and hoping by prayer alone that our national problems will disappear.
What is he doing these days? Travelling abroad. He enjoys being a tourist living 6-star hotels, spending taxpayers money in the process, and shaking hands with world leaders. Fancy AAB telling Bush on behalf of NAM and OIC what the 43rd US President should do when he himself (AAB) cannot control his own family, unable to manage his time (always late for official engagements), and cannot make decisions (he believes in Committees and Royal Commissions, buat kajian dan laporan).
Since UMNO cannot be expected to remove him, how about a coup like in Thailand? Now wonder, Badawi is shocked over what happened to Thaksin. A shokku will help.
Undur lah, Badawi. Don’t waste our time and stop all the con jobs forthwith. By conning, you are only deceiving yourself as the rest of us know that you are plain incompetent.
Terima kasih.
P.S. Please read Ibnu Hakkeem’s article in http://www.malaysia-today.net asap.
September 29th, 2006 at 7:39 am
luckily proton was proposed in the 1980’s. if it was in 2000’s i’m sure we dont have any of the industry including Naza, perodua, good highways, KLIA and many others. all of them will be scraped and supported by cabinet.