If Pakatan Rakyat wants to form the next federal government it needs to talk to the other parties and maybe increase the membership of Pakatan Rakyat from just three parties to six, seven or eight.
THE CORRIDORS OF POWER
Raja Petra Kamarudin
I am not well today, have not been since yesterday, so I am really in no mood to write long articles. I just want to get this one completed and then crawl into bed and sleep off my flu. And I am going to write what I have already written before back when Barisan Alternatif still existed and before there was even a Pakatan Rakyat.
Barisan Nasional verus Pakatan Rakyat (then called Barisan Alternatif) is 14 lawan 3. That is because there are 14 parties in the Barisan Nasional coalition and only three in Pakatan Rakyat.
Once upon a time Barisan Nasional too used to be only three parties when it was called the Alliance Party. The three members were Umno, MCA and MIC.
If Barisan Nasional remained three parties today it could not form the government. Umno, MCA and MIC combined could not even secure 100 seats. Today, Barisan Nasional (or the Alliance Party) would be in the opposition.
Say what you like, without the rest of the 14 members of Barisan Nasional they would not be in government. The figures speak for themselves.
What I wrote a few years ago was that Barisan Alternatif (or now Pakatan Rakyat) needs more than just three parties. Even Umno, never mind how strong it may be, can’t do it with just three parties. If Pakatan Rakyat wants to form the next federal government it needs to talk to the other parties and maybe increase the membership of Pakatan Rakyat from just three parties to six, seven or eight.
And this means not only a power-sharing formula must be ironed out but a seat allocation agreement as well. There are after all about 800 State and Parliament seats so there are enough to go around. And if each party does not bite off more than it can chew it may yet get to form the next federal government.
Comments (32)
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written by MrHot, December 27, 2010 14:00:57
written by MrHot, December 27, 2010 14:00:57
Take care Sir, Malaysian need you, your brain and your heart ! Stay blessed ! Get Well Soon !!
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written by earthman, December 27, 2010 07:38:57
written by earthman, December 27, 2010 07:38:57
How about our very own Obama? Let the west Malaysians humble themselves and welcome the first Prime Minister from the east, an orang asal ? How about our first Iban prime minister. Does this boggle your mind? Want to play politics or humanistic?
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written by doomsday, December 27, 2010 03:41:09
written by doomsday, December 27, 2010 03:41:09
ahya............... put down their greed is all it takes to form the government la.
all PR have to do is offer the PM post to a east malaysian then they can instantly kick BEnd out. but are they willing to do it?
all PR have to do is offer the PM post to a east malaysian then they can instantly kick BEnd out. but are they willing to do it?
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written by budak kampong, December 26, 2010 13:02:42
written by budak kampong, December 26, 2010 13:02:42
RPK: hot teh halia and warm blankets. sure cure! I tanggung. take care and Happy New Year!
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written by Tompios, December 25, 2010 21:27:33
written by Tompios, December 25, 2010 21:27:33
Nevermind....!! Harap semua parti lawan BN dapat bersatu......!! kita buat 24 vs 14.....
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written by ibabonma, December 25, 2010 13:17:32
written by ibabonma, December 25, 2010 13:17:32
written by sahabat, December 24, 2010 18:00:38
written by Blue Blood, December 24, 2010 18:51:54
Blue Blood and sahabat, have you attended the last three public rallies held by PKR in Selangor and Negeri where the main speaker was that naughty boy, Anwar Ibrahim?
If you were Najis or even wear his shoes, your knee bones would have rattle louder than the the tens of thousand crowd yelling Anwar! Anwar! Anwar!
I suggest both of you go down to Najis house and apply for scholarships
written by Blue Blood, December 24, 2010 18:51:54
Blue Blood and sahabat, have you attended the last three public rallies held by PKR in Selangor and Negeri where the main speaker was that naughty boy, Anwar Ibrahim?
If you were Najis or even wear his shoes, your knee bones would have rattle louder than the the tens of thousand crowd yelling Anwar! Anwar! Anwar!
I suggest both of you go down to Najis house and apply for scholarships
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written by Wisdom above, December 25, 2010 10:18:58
written by Wisdom above, December 25, 2010 10:18:58
How to get the " Third Force " from Sarawak and Sabah to join MCLM , PR , PSM to form the NEW FEDERAL GOVERNMENT at Putra Jaya ? WE need East Malaysians Brethen 's help to secure VICTORY !
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written by talk3talk4, December 25, 2010 09:52:09
written by talk3talk4, December 25, 2010 09:52:09
To get rid of the flu, try this Orang Putih's remedy
3 spoonfuls of honey and two lemons in a hot glass of water and two shots of English devils water/brandy/whisky. For good measures chuck in a packet of Lemsip. T'row you will wake up with the daisies.
If symptom persist see your doctor or Marina.
Re the camel, I would set it free and then find a shade to rest my weary bones and let the Omnipotent do what it is supposed to do.
Selamat hari Natal.
3 spoonfuls of honey and two lemons in a hot glass of water and two shots of English devils water/brandy/whisky. For good measures chuck in a packet of Lemsip. T'row you will wake up with the daisies.
If symptom persist see your doctor or Marina.
Re the camel, I would set it free and then find a shade to rest my weary bones and let the Omnipotent do what it is supposed to do.
Selamat hari Natal.
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written by talk3talk4, December 25, 2010 09:02:03
written by talk3talk4, December 25, 2010 09:02:03
PAS fighting for God
DAP fighting for the people
PKR fighting for self interest and among themselves
hmmmmm....
Thougt PKR have already courted our East M'sian bros!
No results? Wonder why?
Wonder if PKR analyse the 11th GE results to see why they were whacked so badly by BN notwithstanding the new toilet factor of "Pak Lah". That should be a good yardstick as to how many of the seats they won in the 12th GE were due to "hate of UMNO" and nothing to to with "love for them".
With AI being such a lovable guy it is highly unlikely anyone wants to volunteer to walk into a tiger's lair.
PKR will lose a fair number of their current seats not so much because M'sian hate UMNO less but because of an additional factor, "internal sabotage (a well horned skill from their UMNO days)". A repercussion from all the cheatings that will remain unresolved as AI create more headline grabbers to take away attention from this "boiling sore" on his nose.
If Al love M'sia so much he should not raise a defence in this jubur case since it is afterall a "u know I know'lah". With this event, we will definitely march to Putrajaya and some of us to airports, seaports and every border crossings to nab all these crooks with their guni sacks of ill gotten gains. Ain't that a sight to behold?
DAP fighting for the people
PKR fighting for self interest and among themselves
hmmmmm....
Thougt PKR have already courted our East M'sian bros!
No results? Wonder why?
Wonder if PKR analyse the 11th GE results to see why they were whacked so badly by BN notwithstanding the new toilet factor of "Pak Lah". That should be a good yardstick as to how many of the seats they won in the 12th GE were due to "hate of UMNO" and nothing to to with "love for them".
With AI being such a lovable guy it is highly unlikely anyone wants to volunteer to walk into a tiger's lair.
PKR will lose a fair number of their current seats not so much because M'sian hate UMNO less but because of an additional factor, "internal sabotage (a well horned skill from their UMNO days)". A repercussion from all the cheatings that will remain unresolved as AI create more headline grabbers to take away attention from this "boiling sore" on his nose.
If Al love M'sia so much he should not raise a defence in this jubur case since it is afterall a "u know I know'lah". With this event, we will definitely march to Putrajaya and some of us to airports, seaports and every border crossings to nab all these crooks with their guni sacks of ill gotten gains. Ain't that a sight to behold?
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written by educationist, December 25, 2010 05:15:07
written by educationist, December 25, 2010 05:15:07
I believe RPK's suggestion is crucial if PR is serious about ousting the UMNOputras from Putrajaya.
The dynamics of how to entice those parties already on the UMNOputras gravy train to abandon train over to PR is the tricky part!!
ONe thing is definite, the MCLM should be factored in!!
The dynamics of how to entice those parties already on the UMNOputras gravy train to abandon train over to PR is the tricky part!!
ONe thing is definite, the MCLM should be factored in!!
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written by Angela Ooi, December 25, 2010 05:11:36
written by Angela Ooi, December 25, 2010 05:11:36
Bottomline is this 'MCLM IS PRO-RAKYAT".... this IS what is needed or wanted by us all!
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written by Aduh, December 25, 2010 03:05:01
written by Aduh, December 25, 2010 03:05:01
RPK,
What you suggested may look good on paper. But in the real world , that may not necessarily be the case.
That was proven in last GE Though the total number of members in the 3-party Pakatan , was much less than that of beEND, the loose coalition was still able to wrest an encouraging number of seats, much to the surprise on beEND.
What Pakatan must do is to field quality, capable and untainted candidates who are committed to serve the rakyat, . besides having workable manifestos that appeal the rakyat.
If those needs are fulfilled, many beEND members too may vote for Pakatan,, as had happened in GE 12.
What you suggested may look good on paper. But in the real world , that may not necessarily be the case.
That was proven in last GE Though the total number of members in the 3-party Pakatan , was much less than that of beEND, the loose coalition was still able to wrest an encouraging number of seats, much to the surprise on beEND.
What Pakatan must do is to field quality, capable and untainted candidates who are committed to serve the rakyat, . besides having workable manifestos that appeal the rakyat.
If those needs are fulfilled, many beEND members too may vote for Pakatan,, as had happened in GE 12.
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written by Aria, December 25, 2010 00:35:48
written by Aria, December 25, 2010 00:35:48
Even If other parties like MCLM cannot form an alliance with PR they should as least agree on seats that each party would fight for. These other independent parties must first have an understanding or agreement with Pakatan on forming the next government. Pakatan can endorse these parties as Pakatan friendly and even lend support during an election.
Pakatan friendly parties will be more appealing to the rakyat then having a party that will swing BN or Pakatan way depending on the situation. A third force is a very good idea but not until there is truly free elections where every party can have access to a free media and the election commission is truly impartial. This can only happen once BN is kicked out.
Anwar has to relax his grip on being the boss of all opposition and only have an agreement with the other friendly independent parties that he will be the Prime minister. Absorbing in more political baggage into Pakatan will make the Pakatan machinery even more harder to work.
Pakatan friendly parties will be more appealing to the rakyat then having a party that will swing BN or Pakatan way depending on the situation. A third force is a very good idea but not until there is truly free elections where every party can have access to a free media and the election commission is truly impartial. This can only happen once BN is kicked out.
Anwar has to relax his grip on being the boss of all opposition and only have an agreement with the other friendly independent parties that he will be the Prime minister. Absorbing in more political baggage into Pakatan will make the Pakatan machinery even more harder to work.
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written by earthman, December 25, 2010 00:34:40
written by earthman, December 25, 2010 00:34:40
Yes, this is one strategy to win a battles. But what after the battles? BN won for 50 over years and what the results shows? Wide spread corruptions and mismanagement of the country's resources - its people and wealth. How did they solve the internal conflict? Well you know the story - each of its members are given special rewards for helping Umno to stay in power. Wont this happens if the new PR won the next election?
The solution is not numbers but quality. If only we have righteous and upright men as our servant law makers . To have this , we need a righteous leader which is almost impossible to find. he will ensure that clean and righteous men are selected to serve the nation.
Having said so, my hope is still in the hands of God. Let us pray and seek Him for help. Look down through history and see if you can find a perfect nation? Or are you satisfy with one just better than before. History repeat and man concede.Is this what life is all about? seek and you shall find. the Truth shall set all free.
The solution is not numbers but quality. If only we have righteous and upright men as our servant law makers . To have this , we need a righteous leader which is almost impossible to find. he will ensure that clean and righteous men are selected to serve the nation.
Having said so, my hope is still in the hands of God. Let us pray and seek Him for help. Look down through history and see if you can find a perfect nation? Or are you satisfy with one just better than before. History repeat and man concede.Is this what life is all about? seek and you shall find. the Truth shall set all free.
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written by Saint, December 24, 2010 20:31:20
written by Saint, December 24, 2010 20:31:20
Agreed. More then enough seats to go around. We need everybody to bring down UMNOBN
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written by batsman, December 24, 2010 20:14:12
written by batsman, December 24, 2010 20:14:12
Aisehman RPK - dangerous flu virus going around in the UK. Please take all precautions.
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written by reeperbahn, December 24, 2010 20:12:39
written by reeperbahn, December 24, 2010 20:12:39
..if PR is interested in marching to putra jaya, then they have to think about strategies. flexibility is called for.
drink a lot of sup ayam and get well soon!
drink a lot of sup ayam and get well soon!
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written by SoundMan, December 24, 2010 19:13:18
written by SoundMan, December 24, 2010 19:13:18
Excellent, we all want to be heard and the only way the tribes in Malaysia CAN be heard is to form their respective voting blocks...i.e. political parties...get elected on a common platform, with individual problems addressed.
The Borneo Malaysians got it right. It similar to the proportional representation system practiced elsewhere.
A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year Raja Petra Kamarudin. Get well and soon.
The Borneo Malaysians got it right. It similar to the proportional representation system practiced elsewhere.
A Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year Raja Petra Kamarudin. Get well and soon.
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written by nagappan, December 24, 2010 19:05:20
written by nagappan, December 24, 2010 19:05:20
But please don't bring in HRP and Hindraf. That will be big trouble.
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written by Blue Blood, December 24, 2010 18:51:54
written by Blue Blood, December 24, 2010 18:51:54
Hello Sahabat, absolutely agreeable! Anwar must not be allowed to become the prime minister of this land. If he ever becomes the PM of Malaysia, he will govern this country worse than BN & to top it up, he has some evil personal agenda up his sleeve. His records & deeds speak for itself!
As for Pete, thanks for your thoughtful article but then again, I think this is your Christmas wish! It will never work with Anwar around! Want a bet?
As for Pete, thanks for your thoughtful article but then again, I think this is your Christmas wish! It will never work with Anwar around! Want a bet?
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written by Buayanegara, December 24, 2010 18:43:01
written by Buayanegara, December 24, 2010 18:43:01
WHY NOT MOVE ONE STREP AHEAD - HAVE DIRECT MEMBERSHIP
OF PAKATAN RAKYAAT
OF PAKATAN RAKYAAT
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written by truthbespoken, December 24, 2010 18:13:08
written by truthbespoken, December 24, 2010 18:13:08
If the cake must be shared, then PR should invite those interested parties to the bargaining table without wasting more time. But first thing first, PR must cleverly weed out those who doesn't hate UMNO's BN enough. Otherwise, PR may soon find daggers pointed at their back from these so-called new partners in coalition.
Inspite of the different political ideologies, the current political partners in PR seem to be doing pretty well at solidarity and steadfast in working together to fight the corrupt and arrogant UMNO from further ruling the country.
If PR's invitation do not work out, for some reasons or otherwise, others then would be rendered unqualified to say they weren't given an open chance to contribute working towards a better Malaysia. PR should open up and quickly work out on this since the idea do not seem to be odds with Malaysian interest. It can only be good for PR as it is against UMNO's interest.
Inspite of the different political ideologies, the current political partners in PR seem to be doing pretty well at solidarity and steadfast in working together to fight the corrupt and arrogant UMNO from further ruling the country.
If PR's invitation do not work out, for some reasons or otherwise, others then would be rendered unqualified to say they weren't given an open chance to contribute working towards a better Malaysia. PR should open up and quickly work out on this since the idea do not seem to be odds with Malaysian interest. It can only be good for PR as it is against UMNO's interest.
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written by tom73my, December 24, 2010 18:04:10
written by tom73my, December 24, 2010 18:04:10
If we have truly competent, credible, respectable leaders, then one party is enough. But alas, we need a number more than 1.
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written by sahabat, December 24, 2010 18:00:38
written by sahabat, December 24, 2010 18:00:38
Ooh! Ooh! Anwar and Azmin will certainly oppose the number to be increased as they thought that PKR with Anwar as the de facto leader will win handsomely.
Look at how these 2 behaved. When they were being criticised by their own members they promptly asked those critics to leave the party to join BN. This is how arrogant these 2 leaders are.
Let us see how many PKR can win in Sabah.
Look at how these 2 behaved. When they were being criticised by their own members they promptly asked those critics to leave the party to join BN. This is how arrogant these 2 leaders are.
Let us see how many PKR can win in Sabah.
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written by panca, December 24, 2010 17:58:24
written by panca, December 24, 2010 17:58:24
Pakatan needs allies, go East and find those that have in common ~ Change. There are many yearning for that, they are very likely to join the same fight! (as what mentioned there are enough seats to go around). Remember they need their own representation too!
"Be water my friend, the water fills the cup, it becomes the cup, fills the tea-pot, it becomes the tea-pot." The source of strength without being rigid!
http://vimeo.com/3191188
"Be water my friend, the water fills the cup, it becomes the cup, fills the tea-pot, it becomes the tea-pot." The source of strength without being rigid!
http://vimeo.com/3191188
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written by malaysianohope, December 24, 2010 17:45:22
written by malaysianohope, December 24, 2010 17:45:22
Pete, I still believe as long a David holds onto the ideal "Thruth sets us Free" in the end he will defeat Goliath. Malaysian will soon wake up to the deceits umno & its lackeys have been doing to the nation & will kick them out eventually. The rot cannot just go on forever & the moment our oil runs out it should interesting, rest assured.
Do take care of your cold.
Merry Christmas to you, Marina & all at home!
Do take care of your cold.
Merry Christmas to you, Marina & all at home!
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written by eloofk, December 24, 2010 17:39:14
written by eloofk, December 24, 2010 17:39:14
Dear Super Admin,
I just wonder if all the cooks in the same kitchen would spoil the broth.
I just wonder if all the cooks in the same kitchen would spoil the broth.
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written by temenggong, December 24, 2010 17:27:47
written by temenggong, December 24, 2010 17:27:47
This is the only solution. Anwar and all the Pakatan leaders have to eat humble pie for this to happen.
Just see how quickly in the last few months Pakatan's chances have been eroding! So many bloggers, writers and activists who were once diehard supporters are now against Anwar and Lim Guan Eng but still rooting for a change in government. Over the next few months Pakatan may lose more support. In DAP, Guan Eng is promoting more factionalism with his policies, and it may come to a head in the months ahead.
Just see how quickly in the last few months Pakatan's chances have been eroding! So many bloggers, writers and activists who were once diehard supporters are now against Anwar and Lim Guan Eng but still rooting for a change in government. Over the next few months Pakatan may lose more support. In DAP, Guan Eng is promoting more factionalism with his policies, and it may come to a head in the months ahead.
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written by Super Admin, December 24, 2010 17:19:43
written by Super Admin, December 24, 2010 17:19:43
eloofk, the devil is in the details. But I like your 'don't confuse me with facts' response. Note: Umno, MCA, MIC, Gerakan and PPP are from West Malaysia. That makes five. Where do you think the balance 9 come from (10 with Umno Sabah)? That is BN"s 'fixed deposit' to ensure they march into Putrajaya. Don't be cocky and think David (PR) can topple Goliath (BN) because this is what was told in the Bible. Prophet Muhammad said first tie your camel and then pray for its well-being.
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written by eloofk, December 24, 2010 17:10:16
written by eloofk, December 24, 2010 17:10:16
Dear Pete,
Rest more and get well soon!!!
We need you to give us more good articles for us to pen our thoughts here!!!
Rest more and get well soon!!!
We need you to give us more good articles for us to pen our thoughts here!!!
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written by eloofk, December 24, 2010 17:03:53
written by eloofk, December 24, 2010 17:03:53
14 and 3 are only numbers.
What matters is not about quantity but the depth of its strength, quality and conviction of its ideological stand by the people behind it.
Once upon a time there was this David having a duel with Goliath. The rest we know about it in story books. No need for me to tell the whole story.
What matters is not about quantity but the depth of its strength, quality and conviction of its ideological stand by the people behind it.
Once upon a time there was this David having a duel with Goliath. The rest we know about it in story books. No need for me to tell the whole story.
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Pakatan has to enlarge its base, bring in the local civil forces like Unions and other bodies in a wider alliance.
And Pakatan should not hesitate to paralyze the states that Ameno hijacks....civil disorder will have to be imposed if they do that again Re: Selangor.