JAN 21 — Pas’s stand on hudud was what I would call perfect timing; I am sure it helped to sway fence sitters among the Malay voters in the Kuala Terengganu by-election. Strategists in the Pakatan Rakyat were really good in stirring the emotions of the people and playing to the gallery. One side would make a stand on hudud, then another would backtrack and mention that it needs the support of other parties followed by getting a prominent DAP leader to bombard Pas and coming out with challenging statements. Subsequently, a Pakatan Rakyat leader goes on record to say that it will study or consider hudud.
As for those who have said that Pas cannot implement hudud unless it controls the federal government, they are clearly ignorant. At the district level, the party can implement and incorporate Islamic values in local regulations through the local councils, thereby influencing many matters. This was carried out previously when Pas held Terengganu.
We should not be fixated on the type of hudud punishment (for example, chopping of hands, legs) or how lopsided the law is for rape victims. The major concerns that I have are the economic development of the country and who will ultimately be involved in running the country. Of all the OIC countries, Malaysia and Turkey are known to be role models in terms of development and economic activities. This is because Malaysia and Turkey are not Islamic states and do not have a religious council that is higher than Parliament and the Prime Minister in terms of authority and decision making.
And for those who are unaware, Kelantan might have a relatively low crime rate but the state has one of the highest number of rape cases in the country. I wonder why? Also, when a journalist wrote something critical of the Pas government he was not allowed to do his duty or attend functions thereafter. But this was not highlighted by the media, both printed and electronic.
Of course, there were also other factors at play which caused the Barisan Nasional to lose in Kuala Terengganu. The voting analysis shows that there was a slight increase in the number of Chinese votes. I am thankful to the Chinese who voted for BN but at the back of mind, I wonder if the result would still be the same if the turnout among the Chinese had increased from less than 70 per cent to 80 per cent and above. The festive season definitely discouraged a lot of voters residing out of town from coming back to vote due to work commitments.
The slight improvement in the Chinese vote serves as an encouragement but we should not fall into a trap and proclaim this as a victory as it is not truly representative of urban voters’ sentiment. The MCA still has much work to do and the leadership can go a long way if unity and teamwork is forge now, working towards the goal of reinforcing, fortifying, rejuvenating and reclaiming the lost ground.
Looking back at the March 2008 general election, the by elections in Permatang Pauh and also KT, it is becoming more obvious that the opposition machinery is increasingly better equipped, more aggressive, resourceful and structured. It is also able to go out in small groups and campaign door-to-door, a strategy which was previously an added advantage for BN. Souvenirs and leaflets are also more widely disbursed and may even match BN. Opposition party members are also “dressed” for “battle” with uniforms, badges, flags, scarves and goodie bags. As for banners, there are now no clear winners as the opposition banners are more colourful and creative.
During the campaign period in the past few by elections including KT, BN held numerous meetings, programmes, functions, gatherings and also concerts. The question is: were the people there to meet their idols or to hear what politicians have to say. In my opinion, we may attract the crowd but we are not able to convert it into votes. In comparison, Pas ceramahs were short, simple, with hardly any protocol, making the rakyat feel at ease and able to relate to the candidate or party. Their efforts have paid off. Gone are the days where the opposition is unable to mobilise its machinery due to the lack of manpower or resources.
With PR having control of five states where 4 states are major economic hubs (Penang, Selangor, Perak and Kedah), the threat of PR as a formidable foe in the next general election cannot be underestimated. Any election would no longer be a walkover for either the BN or PR. Both parties would need to work hard to prove their mettle and there are no more safe seats.
There is no denying that the BN spirit and morale is now low but what is important is how BN rethinks, re-strategises and reinvents itself to prepare for the upcoming Sarawak state election and the 13th general election.
If losing the KT by election serves as a platform to beat the drums of change, then I rather it be now than later. There needs to be a drastic change in campaigning strategy, the rolling out of party machinery and also coordination among BN component parties.
If we do not do what it takes to win back the confidence of the rakyat, then the rakyat will vote us out.
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