Ha! I am writing again. Found something rather noble in an author's article that was published on Lim Kit Siang's blog. Link: http://blog.limkitsiang.com/2013/05/20/10-things-anwar-must-do/#more-24235. Forgive me, if you find these rather rhetoric. But I too, have my own sets of opinions. Here is why not all 10 things proposed by P Gunasegaram can be fulfilled.
1. Accept the election results or challenge it in court soon
Yes. No doubt to this. I have to support this fully. Social democracy must be maintained in a way that does not jeopardize national security. Malaysia practices the rule of law. Although some might argue that this is rather theoretical instead of what is happening in real life. If there is something fishy about the results, challenge it in court. I believe Anwar has faith in the judiciary system. He has been using the courts extensively to sue numerous parties. And of course, he's won a large chunk of the cases. I cannot agree to Adam Adli's actions by taking it to the streets. Demonstration is a way to voice your opinion, but this does not mean everything can be done via demonstration. Overthrow the government via street demonstration? Hell no. Will never say yes to that.
2. Stop the 505 rallies
I do not see a problem with these rallies per se. These rallies is strategical, but I don't think Pakatan Rakyat in anyway believes that this will overthrow the government. Since the elections are over, buckle up, prepare for the next one. The good thing about these rallies though, is that it brings Malaysians together. It's like a big gathering where political leaders address their supporters. And of course, for strategical reasons, Pakatan Rakyat needs to continuously gauge their support and keep the momentum going. So, are these 505 rallies are aimed at overthrowing the government? Bullcrap. I say the hidden agenda is to keep the fire burning.
3. Focus on the next elections
Of course PR has to focus on the 14th GE. They must pick themselves up and set sight on the next quest. The pertinent question remains: What will Pakatan Rakyat do in terms of strategy?
4. Devise a strategy for Sabah and Sarawak
Again, I have to stress the importance of this 2 Borneo states. Anwar needs a strategy. This is PR's battleground. PR lost the previous elections because there weren't extensive preparations in Eastern Malaysia. Yes the urban swing is obvious, but believe me, the political culture in East Malaysia is note the same in East Malaysia. You can rely on ceramahs and rallies but not in Eastern Malaysia. Just compare the swing in seats. Semenanjung seats remained the same compared to GE12. It means the voters are more or less decided. Yes you held your rallies and ceramahs, but they are already decided. Now, focus on East Malaysia.
5. Think about reaching more the rural areas
East Malaysia has strong local sentiments. They are generally defensive as things dubbed as 'Malayan'. This is not good for PR. So if you want to reach out to local Sabahans and Sarawakians, devise something to make the locals feel they are not colonized by West Malaysians.
6. Announce candidates list for the next elections now
I simply think this wont work. Yes it might be a bona fide suggestion. But, the repercussions to this is much greater. This is not a charity programme or school project. This is politics. A strategical reason to hold on till the last minute is two fold. Firstly, you are preventing internal sabotages. Secondly, you are trying to get as much populist support possible. Politics is politics. Pakatan Rakyat may be better than Barisan Nasional, but they are no saints either. There are still people striding on the political tsunami to gain personal interests.
7. Announce a full shadow cabinet at federal and state level
Yes this is important. Because people can judge by the capabilities of the shadow ministers. And it helps different people to focus on different issues, which ultimately gives check and balance its maximum impact. But, there's always a 'but'. The reason I think, this is not done, is because of favoritism to certain parties. For example, I'm the blue eyed boy of a certain leader, I will be given maximum exposure by party machineries and party resources. And of course, you're trying to prevent attacks from BN themselves when you dont announce a shadow cabinet. So this is a huge step to democracy and competition that PR has always been trumpeting. Will Anwar do this in the near future? I strongly doubt so.
8. Spell out in one clear voice how you will be different
I think it has been clear. Pas wants Hudud. DAP wants Malaysian Malaysia. It is nothing uncommon to have a different set of agendas. PR has always said that what is their common goal will only be implemented. If you still say that Pakatan Rakyat's message is not clear, it's either you purposely don't get it, or you're disillusioned by BN's propaganda.
9. Make a clear stance on corruption and education
Couldnt agree that PR has not been clear with the latter bit. What is PR's education framework or policy or plans? Even I dont know. They have criticised a lot, but have npt given a suggestion to solve it; They have said things about corruption, but not too much. Most probably because many in Pkr itself are ex UMNO members, so it might backfire. But if Anwar needs to be firm on this. Lose the war, but win the battle. You might lose the influence of discontented UMNO members, but dont forget that there are much more voters out there.
10. Work with the government where you can
There are times where PR should take a bold move in supporting certain strategies. For example, there are certain economical plans that might benefit Malaysians at large. It is therefore unwise and certainly a selfish move, to oppose for the sake of opposing.
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