Play the game according to the ‘rules’ or else quit the game

Zaid has to be consistent. If he wants to be seen as a man of principles, and if he claims that the party election is fraudulent, then there are no two ways about it. Zaid must walk the talk or else be known as a man who pulls his principles out of his pocket only when it works against him but will leave his principles hidden in his pocket when he can profit from it.

NO HOLDS BARRED

Raja Petra Kamarudin

I remember, eleven years ago, back in 1999, the opposition coalition, Barisan Alternatif, faced one of the most fraudulent general elections in Malaysian history. Nevertheless, they did not do too badly in spite of it -- although they would have done much better if not for the fraud.

Soon after that we had a meeting with the Elections Commission (SPR) to present them with a thick dossier of proposed electoral reforms. Top of the list was of course the postal voting system, which we were of the view, had already outlived its usefulness and therefore should be abolished.

The reply the SPR gave us shocked us into silence. “If we abolish the postal voting system then not a single Cabinet Minister would be able to remain in office,” the SPR replied.

After we had regained our composure, we asked the SPR is not the purpose of the Election Commission to manage clean, free and fair elections in Malaysia? That was when the second shocker was delivered. “The purpose of the SPR is to ensure that the Malays do not lose political power,” we were told.

With that type of opening statement, and with so many issues more to go, we decided it was pointless to proceed. If the SPR can so blatantly reply that way, with no shame or inhibition, was there any point in continuing this meeting on seeking electoral reforms?

We closed the thick book of proposed electoral reforms and left the SPR office.

I then wrote that the opposition should boycott the next general election. We might as well launch a hartal or civil disobedience campaign. If Barisan Nasional wants to win the elections through fraud then let them win through a walk over. We should not participate in a fraudulent general election and give it legitimacy.

No doubt Barisan Nasional can claim it won the election. But it would have won through a no-contest, which means they can’t claim that the voters gave them overwhelming support or the mandate to rule the country. It would, at best, be an illegitimate government in the eyes of the world.

But many were not in favour of a boycott. And in 2004 the opposition got massacred, although there were other reasons other than fraud for this.

I was then asked to sit in a committee that was going to gather tangible and hard evidence of fraud. And we did just that. We gathered tons and tons of evidence. And with this evidence we filed election petitions to try and get the 2004 general election declared null.

But the court threw out our election petitions. In fact, Umno also filed election petitions to instead get the opposition candidates disqualified. And Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the solitary PKR candidate who won with a very narrow margin, almost got disqualified.

Again I called for a boycott and of course this did not happen in the 2008 General Election. And there are some who say it was lucky that the opposition did not boycott the 2008 General Election considering that they managed to win five states plus denied Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in parliament.

Maybe so. If the opposition had boycotted the 2008 General Election then they would have missed out on winning the five states plus they would not have been able to deny Barian Nasional its two-thirds majority in parliament.

That is probably one way of looking at it. But if there had not been any fraud then the opposition would have won more than five sates and with a mere 300,000 more votes it would have been able to form the new federal government. And the fraud exceeded the 300,000 votes that the opposition needed to form the new federal government.

So the opposition won second prize. But in a two-horse race second prize also means last. And if there had not been any fraud then the opposition would have won first prize instead. But the fact that the opposition stayed in the race and accepted second prize means the opposition endorses the general election -- and therefore also endorses the fraud that came with it.

Okay, so the decision was made to not boycott the general election but contest it in spite of the fraud. And to offset the fraud the opposition would need to win with a majority of at least 60% or so of the popular votes.

This, the opposition is prepared to do. It is prepared to play on a non-level playing field where the goal posts are shifted halfway through the game. And the opposition knows it needs to garner more than half the votes. With the gerrymandering, phantom voters, postal votes, and the RM500-RM1,000 cash paid to each voter, the opposition needs to take three steps forward just to stand still.

If this is the decision then well and fine. I can live with that. After all, there are only two choices -- either boycott the game or stay in the game that you know will be stacked against you. If you don’t like the game then get out. Boycott it. But if you choose to stay in the game then live with it. Accept the ‘rules’ that will certainly work against you.

Since 2008 we have had about a dozen by-elections. And each time, as expected, the fraud gets worse and worse. But still the opposition participates in the elections that they say is fraudulent. And every time the opposition grumbles, complains, bitches, moans and groans. But they still participate in the elections in spite of all that.

Let’s face it. The SPR will never introduce electoral reforms. They have said so ten years ago back in 2000. And they have explained why the fraud has to continue -- to make sure that all the Cabinet Ministers get to retain their seats and to ensure that the Malays do not lose political power. The only way there is going to be electoral reforms would be when we see a change of federal government.

But it is a Catch 22 situation. To see a new federal government we need electoral reforms. But to see electoral reforms we need a new federal government. It is like the chicken and the egg. Which comes first?

I will leave that puzzle for you to solve. Meanwhile, while we ponder on this ‘Gordian Knot’ (which only Alexander the Great can cut) let us look at the ongoing PKR party elections.

Over the last month or so we have been reading tons of stories and articles about the alleged fraud in the party elections. How much is true and how much is exaggerated I don’t really know because I am not on the ground and have to depend on what I read and what I am told by those who phone me.

But the fact that some divisions that voted in favour of Azmin Ali saw an exceptionally high voter turnout that far exceeds the national average of 5%-10% certainly triggers some alarm bells. This is reminiscent of the 2004 General Election where Kuala Selangor and Kuala Terengganu saw a 125% voter turnout against a national average of less than 80%. Exceeding 80% voter turnout already looks suspicious. Exceeding 100% voter turnout is a miracle that only God can perform.

Nevertheless, there are many who are most upset about this whole episode. Top of the list is probably Zaid Ibrahim and his campaign team. I am inclined to believe that some of the allegations are not without merit. If it is one or two complaints then maybe we can question the accuracy of the allegations. But when there is a flood of complaints then certainly some of it must be true.

I do not want to discuss whether the complaints are true and if so how much of it is true. I am not a member of the party elections committee so I am not privy to all the evidence. What I want to talk about is the same thing as what I have been saying since 2000.

If you know there is fraud then get out. Boycott the elections. Raise the complaints if you wish and get them attended to. But if the party denies your allegations then there is nothing more you can do. You can always ask for justice to be done. Whether you do or do not get justice is for the powers-that-be to decide. And in this case the powers-that-be is the party elections committee headed by Dr Molly Cheah.

If Dr Molly believes that there is fraud then, knowing her, she would most certainly do something about it. But if she does nothing then this can only mean that she believes there is no fraud. Dr Molly is probably one of the last persons on earth who would sell her soul to the devil.

I am tired of reading about the grumbling, bitching, complaining, moaning and groaning by Zaid Ibrahim and his campaign team. Dah letih dengar. Meluat!

If the fire is too hot, get out of the kitchen. Elections in Malaysia will never be clean, free and fair -- whether they are general elections, by-elections or party elections. If you want to contest in any election then accept the fact that you will be faced with many incidences of fraud. Even if Pakatan Rakyat gets to form the new federal government it too will, by hook or by crook, do whatever to takes to prevent Barisan Nasional from taking back the government.

If you still want to contest then do so quietly. Walk softly and carry a big stick. If you can’t stomach what is going on then this is not the game for you. Quit now!

Let us say, in spite of all the fraud that Zaid says is going on, he wins the contest and becomes the new Deputy President of the party. Will he then declare that the election was fraudulent and insist that the election be declared null and for a new election to be called? Or will he ‘accept the decision of the members’ and stay on as the new Deputy President of the party?

If Zaid is a man of principles, even if he wins the post of Deputy President he should decline the post because he would have won it against the backdrop of a fraudulent election. How can he accept the post of Deputy President when it was won through a fraudulent election? Zaid should decline the post and ask for the election to be declared null and for a new election to be called.

Since Zaid is going to stand on principles he should not give the election legitimacy even if he wins the post of Deputy President. He should distance himself from what he says is a fraudulent election and not legitimise it by staying in the race.

You should not grumble, bitch, complain, moan and groan only when you lose. If you believe that there is fraud then you should grumble, bitch, complain, moan and groan even if you win. And if you are going grumble, bitch, complain, moan and groan when you win and refuse to accept the post on point of principle, then don’t waste your and everyone else’s time by participating in an election that you consider a farce.

Get out and get out now. Then people would say you have principles and are not a cry baby who grumbles, bitches, complains, moans and groans only when you lose but will accept the verdict of the election if you happen to win.

I remember the BBC HARDTALK interview of 2004 when Anwar Ibrahim was asked why he is getting too personal about Dr Mahathir. Anwar replied that he is not being personal but opposes Dr Mahathir on point of principle.

The BBC interviewer then asked Anwar if he is opposed to Dr Mahathir on point of principle then why did he remain in the Cabinet? Why did he not resign if he did not endorse the manner in which Dr Mahathir was running the country?

Anwar did not have an answer.

Zaid resigned from the Cabinet in 2008 on point of principle. He refused to stay in the Cabinet because he does not endorse what the government is doing. That makes him one up on Anwar.

But now he stays in the race although he opposes the principle in how the race is being run. And if he wins the race he will accept the post of Deputy President of the party.

Is what he is doing now, in 2010, a reversal of what he did in 2008?

Like that people will say Zaid may have left Umno but Umno never left Zaid. Umno is still very much in him.

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Comments (24) Add Comment

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written by Neoh, November 09, 2010 21:16:05

There is a huge difference between quitting over policy differences in Cabinet and quitting over abuses of election rules.

E.g., Elwyn Watkins ( Lib Dem) rightly did not quit contesting the by-election for Oldham East (2010) even though he knew that Phil Woolas (Labour - eventual winner) was in breach of the rules governing the campaign.

It was only after the election that Elwyn Watkins issued a legal challenge, under the "Representaion of the People Act", to the result. On 5 Nov 2010, the courts declared that the election win was void. Therefore, could Zaid have resigned prematurely over the PKR election?

Having said all that, it is also not easy for a minister to resign from the Cabinet over policy differences due to the doctrine of Collective responsibilty. However, the fact remains that Zaid did resign over that issue.

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written by antares, November 08, 2010 20:47:02

Just for readers info read Free Malaysia Today Mon, 08 Nove 2010 16:56 ? "P Jenapala is the latest to cry foul over the PKR election process when he alleged that two “blatant” cases of “outright fraud” took place in Sabah last weekend". >>> http://www.freemalaysiatoday.c...y-in-sabah

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written by Semuaok, November 08, 2010 19:11:27

From Zaid:
“Why should I do it? I already made my announcement in my blog. That is good enough. If I do not send the notice, what are they going to do?” he said.

From RPK
I am tired of reading about the grumbling, bitching, complaining, moaning and groaning by Zaid Ibrahim and his campaign team. Dah letih dengar. Meluat!

**************************************

RPK What to do??????. Mati tak apa gaya mau

-6

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written by aryn, November 08, 2010 17:18:15

Zaid, good luck. I am with you.

Anwar Ibrahim and Azmin Ali should be the one who change unfortunately, the Umno in them is still solid.
Where art thou, Azizah? Puppet president?

I read amout Anwar's exploit at http://ureka.asia
He is disgusting!

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written by Wally, November 08, 2010 16:56:38

My Dear Pete, you challenged the man to prove he is a man of principle, and he has done just that. He was already one up on Anwar in your opinion for standing by his principles before. So how do you rank Zaid now, I wonder. A super hero?

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written by rocky, November 08, 2010 16:06:16

he just did...quit!!!

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written by Pakyeh, November 08, 2010 12:27:33

When BN or PR dont want to play by rules, then it is the ripe time for a Revolution.!!!

When P Ramlee and all workers are killed by the Capitalist (refer Monopoli pt5 Ramlee di bunoh kaum Kapitalis @warongpakyeh), then its time for a Revolution.!!!

Common, Lets do the twist(Revolution)!!! at....

http://warongpakyeh.b******t.com

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written by kamwy, November 08, 2010 12:01:32

OMG.

ZAID IBRAHIM DID JUST THAT!

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/8/nation/20101108093041&sec=nation

Did RPK get a heads-up??

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written by ibabonma, November 08, 2010 11:24:14

Speaking of Dr Molly, I feel so nauseating for she is noted for her indecisiveness. I have seen a letter addressed to her and the PKR Secretary General that reads; (partly);

JPP earlier decision

2.What should be of concerned and one that I rightly pointed out was whether the very act made by JPP in asking me ………………. to cast the deciding vote and of which I had acted upon in the presence of JPP representatives in favour of ………. was justifiably legal or not? If it was, the matter should have been put to rest and it would surely stand in any court of law.

3.It would be rather embarrassing for JPP to act otherwise because JPP would be seen as dishonourably admitting, in that its earlier decision was a self-made mistake and ought to be ‘corrected’ at the expense of being damned in the face of contempt. It saddened me if such were to happen because the objections put forth thereto by Sdr Nik and his team were actually non-issues, trivial and grossly lacking credence in the face of the law. However, if JPP wishes to act otherwise, I wish to further argue in the alternative and as follows; ….

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written by fandi, November 08, 2010 10:02:43

RPK,

R U satisfied now that Zaid has resigned himself from all post and withdraw from the election, infect he should resign himself from PKR and be a force within the 3rd Force. The 3rd Force do not need politician in any party. They should be independent from any political party to defend the Rakyat.

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written by Semuaok, November 08, 2010 07:32:36

RPK,

Please do not glorify Zaid resignation as the walk the talk. You know it ain't so. He was given the chance and he blew it. He use others to get what he want and it blew up on his face. We should thank Harris, without him Zaid might go all the way.

Seriously RPK, I think you need to replace couple of MCLM officers. They are up to no good. The writing is on the wall, Zaid need a platform for his nonsense. Act with cautious. I can only help so much and would throw the red flag when I see one.

Zaid be a man

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written by Semuaok, November 08, 2010 07:03:50

“Finally, I hope those adoring fans of Anwar Ibrahim will no longer regard me as a ‘spoiler’ standing in the way of their march to Putrajaya. I wish them well,” he said.

****************************

WE WILL SEE.

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written by Semuaok, November 08, 2010 06:57:49

As expected Zaid finally quit. MCLM next. It feel good to be right

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written by Aria, November 08, 2010 06:32:44

Why are the Indians and Chinese Malaysians still voting for BN? This is such a puzzle until you see how much exposure to media lies that we are all exposed too.

The government media the TV, radio, Newspapers all spew out lies about how good BN is and how bad PKR is. The internet has both government and opposition sites. The only problem is that the government media has got 100% coverage but the internet has only 40% coverage of the population. The bad news is that rural areas do not have much internet therefore the government have got full control of information in rural areas and are able to brain wash these people. The other important point is that more then 50% of the seats are coming form rural areas.

Unless the opposition address this issue PKR can only hope for a miracle of getting into Putra Jaya. PKR must look at getting a radio station to have access to the rest of the public.

Also all of PKR’s weaknesses are fully exposed by the government media as well as all internet sites. This emphasises the weakness of PKR to a point where many get confused and not see all the good thinks PKR have done and how much better PKR still is compared to BN. Unfortunately most people cannot decipher all the information and see the trees from the forest.

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written by Better My, November 08, 2010 06:30:05

written by Mestizo, November 07, 2010 21:56:10 I can live with imperfect system but in the case of Election Commission this is a fraud and those responsible should go to jail. It also means the BN government particularly the cabinet ministers condone this fraudulent. Malaysians must not allow this to go unpunish. This has to stop. "

I think we should say we can live with an imperfect PKT dierect election system or imperfect Pakatan run state governments,as they are so new, mostly tinkering at the edges of new frontiers while accomodating bad old habits which are mcuh perpetuated by the bn Federal government still.

We CANNOT accept an imperfect Electoral Commission as bn, the sole government for the last 5 decades, has EVERY opportunity to clean up this fruad but instead choose deliberately NOT to do do. On the contrary, bn suports it by damging the instiutions that can help to clean it up eg the damage the judicial systems, cops etc. That is a crime beyond doubt against the nation and rakyat. Bn must be condemned and booted out at the ballot box, despite the terrible stacking votes systems.

Yong-sapp
Yong- sap unite with pakatan/Sarawaka dn the Eaat to STOP this electoral rot. Only Pkatans can END this for the beneift of ALL Sabahan. As a stand alone small party, sapp can NEVER deliver the goods in most areas, inclduing this one. We demand to se a UNITED SABAH WITH PAKATAN TODAY.

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written by Semuaok, November 08, 2010 05:49:54

The only think consistent about Zaid is change. He said he is not interested in position not long ago. And now he is going for the DP excuse Azmin is bad for PKR. Mind you azmin is in there during good time and bad time, and always loyal and always will. Then he offer to withdraw if Khalid compete and re-offer again to Nurul. My question how could I trust you? Cause how do you offer to both person without retracting earlier. You basically tell me do not take it too literally cause I could change at any given time. RPK mention highly about your quiting the Minister portfolio. I do not share the same view. To me it's so what. Quiting an irresponsible, lawless, racist party/UMNO doesn't make you any better. Just like forming PKR doesn't make Anwar pure of good. It show bad judgment and you shouldn't be there in the first place. Zaid seriously if you love Malaysia like I do. Just disappear. We Rakyat despite short of talent and finance would still dream of one day we can be free of UMNO. That's without saying all you UMNO or exUMNO call it a day or Balik Kampung. Give democracy a chance and give your children or grand children a better chance to defend themselves and to archive what we always believe we can and we will for many prosperous years to come.

Zaid we have PKR, DAP and PAS. They all have problems and not perfect but they are also our dream. It 's not about you, Malaysia is far more important than you or me or RPK. This is the best chance we have. Can you see it.

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written by leonardo, November 08, 2010 04:36:38

Zaid lacks decisiveness ! Analyze, calculate, formulate, and go; a 1, 2, 3, go's ability of a leader not seen in this happening. Just my humble opinion, if he has this 123 go's mindset when he quit cabinet, he can build quite a momentum. His habit of : 1, look see, 2, look see look see, 3, look see look see look see, started from the time when he "deciding" to contest.
I want you to win. Turn the tide around. Show us that you can win fighting a TIGER GENERAL, then I believe you stand a chance to lead us to victory against the ALMIGHTY BN.

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written by Mestizo, November 07, 2010 21:56:10

I can live with imperfect system but in the case of Election Commission this is a fraud and those responsible should go to jail. It also means the BN government particularly the cabinet ministers condone this fraudulent. Malaysians must not allow this to go unpunish. This has to stop.

We will not give up. Pakatan must go all out for the next general election. They must also select good candidates.

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written by betasigma, November 07, 2010 21:09:05

i read his book n i support his idealogy n vision but i too think that it is too soon for zaid to go at the deputy chief post of PKR...u jus can't blame that many PKR members are still skeptical about him,zaid should jus stay n play along to prove his worth...

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written by reeperbahn, November 07, 2010 20:48:44

...1984 is happening in malaysia.

what you say is the fundamental of every decision. if an act does'nt tally with your principle then leave it. on the long run one can profit from it. the contrary happens if you commit to something outside your principle; you've no choice but to keep on compromising ever after.

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written by Semuaok, November 07, 2010 20:47:28

RPK do you know why Toyota is the best selling cars and yet have the most complaint including being stolen.

Because Toyota is the best selling car. How many time you want me to say it.

Looser always complain and winner because of their position is alway being told they are stupid, corrupt, cheating and so on.

I have been on the other end and we know gentlemen like El Gore who drop his Presidency, knowing so well he might destroy the judiciary as well as the democratic system, because of the love for their country. But this Zaid/Harris in no time dreaming out lie after lie without substantiate any proof. Forget about whether he win or lost. Is this the leader you want?????

Zaid is not fit to be Malaysian leader and certainly not fit to be a DPM/PM. He will never be happy being just a Minister. His senior Minister post is a mistake and has no intention to stay for long and is just a stepping stone for him to move up the ladder.

Never trust a lawyers. Doesn't matter whether you win or lost. EITHER WAYS YOU PAY.

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written by siewchinteo, November 07, 2010 20:09:35

YM RPK needs to advise a lawyer on principles.... sighhhhhhh...
i'm meluat-ing with you too Chief!

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written by educationist, November 07, 2010 19:34:44

"It is like the chicken and the egg. Which comes first?" - hey! RPK I remember a scientific report in BBC that claims that scientists have proved conclusively that the chicken must come first , some thing about some sort of enzyme found in the eggs that can only be produced by the chicken!!
Yes, back to ur contention, I fully agree that it is time for Zaid to walk the talk in this PKR elections fiasco!!