Malaysiakini reports on Anwar Ibrahim's confidence in being able to deny the Barisan Nasional a 2/3 majority in the Federal Parliament. He states that Parti KeADILan Rakyat is aiming to capture up to 30 seats in the upcoming General Elections and with the cooperation of the other major non BN parties contesting the elections to collectively capture the 75 seats needed to deny a 2/3 majority.
I have some concerns about putting the target at merely denying 2/3 majority. Realistically speaking, a 2/3 majority in the Federal Parliament will generally still be less than effective in making any substantial systemic changes due to the unrecognisable mess that our constitutional system is right now although it would mean breaking an important psychological barrier for Malaysians. I do fear that it would unrealistically increase the expectations of Malaysians and provoke a backlash against progressive forces if the non BN parties are forced by circumstances to be unable to deliver.
Nonetheless, it is still a laudable target and perhaps the one that is palatable to most Malaysians. Perhaps it would also be worth giving some thought as to why a victory to the non BN forces may be worth considering.
The video clip below of Anwar's speech during a ceramah in Bandar Tun Razak (a Malay majority area) gives you an idea of why KeADILan is proving such a threat to the current polity that a disproportionate amount of energy is being used to attack a party that its critiques claim is irrelevant and of no import.
No doubt the style of delivery may be different depending on who's speaking and the demographics of the audience but you judge for yourself if the core message and values have remained consistent throughout irregardless of the audience that KeADILan speaks to.
Anwar also shares what the political Opposition's strategy is during the upcoming elections in this interview with Radio Singapore International (RSI). The transcript of the interview can be found here with a link to the interview in MP3 format.
If you liked this post, consider buying me some coffee. Suggested price is $1.00 for a cup and $10.00 for a 1 lbs bag (personally I am a big fan of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe).
Categories: 12th General Elections
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Comments (1)
multidimid said:
MIC has declared its line-up. And there are a lot of new blood in the State line-up. When new blood is mixed with e old it will be tainted. But the Indians community has decided and the 2/3 target is achievable Only one new MP face - S. Murugesan in Subang seat would not make much difference. And it is Samy who refuses to face reality. He is reported to have said “This may be my last term, If the whole Indian Community decided that they don’t want me, I am prepared to go”. Samy Gota Go, Go Now why dilly dally? More details & pics of some of the New faces MIC lineup at]
Go H E R E
and Samy Video Clip of going away but don’t know when & accepting DAP challenge in his Sungai Siput seat
PRESENT POINT POWER
Posted on February 20, 2008 10:30 PM