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Sakmongkol ak 47

ariff.sabri@gmail.com

Sunday 18 April 2010

Living in the Glass House



 
I like it when people like Jocelyn Tan writes about politics. Proximity to politicians and their wives doesn't confer on anyone superior inside knowledge on the life of politicians. More so when such proximity is measured by how many times you run after politicians' wife like the bag carrier that you are, or the near orgasmic rupture you achieved when taken into the inside circle of politicians.
As I have said the internet is a welcome development in the world of media. It has allowed us to break the myth of the omniscience of the written word written by journalists. The boundary between a career journalist and anyone who can write credibly is no longer inseparably demarcated. Many of those who write through their blogs can offer credible reasons which can make conventional journalist appear as charlatans or a shameless apple polisher. That of course isn't a description of Jocelyn Tan. She is accepted as an accomplished journalist (by other journalists).
Unfortunately, the word of the journalist is not that. However extensive Miss J Tan writes on politics, she cannot really fathom the world of politics. Sorry, you have to be one to know how these creatures think. In this instance she wrote about how the PKR candidate has a less than sanguine personal life. Zaid he says has properties in Australia and London.
She of course writes from the point of view of the establishment. This is not to immediately assume that what she writes is an honest description of Zaid. The accounts describing Zaid may be true but her rendition may not be honest in the sense that it's done in the pursuit of higher values. We know that it's done to inflict damage to our opponent. The other apt word for this approach is that it's done with malicious intent.
Zahid is said to have other peculiar hobbies. He is nor partial for instance to intoxicating drinks. And maybe other things. Plus, the DPM when announcing the candidate Kamal, Alan or Nathan insinuated the colorful aspects of Zaid's lifestyle. See how we stretch things to incredulous levels.
Zaid was right when he said; he isn't perturbed by all these personal vindictives. The very same things could be said of UMNO leaders. I was also thinking- this line of attack will only open UMNO leaders' cupboards which are full of similar and perhaps even more bizarre hobbies. People will tell the story and exploits of a braggart of a Malay Minister whose second home is the club at Shangrila. People will tell the story of UMNO ministers with houses in Gold Coast Australia, Perth, and Melbourne and of course in the favorite city of 'arrived' Malaysians- London.
People will also tell the story of Muhyidin who cried at his mother's funeral not because he was expressing filial sadness- but because he was crying for realizing that the plot on the grave is the only land space he hasn't conducted business with. By the way, I am not the only person saying such things about our DPM. Musa Hitam was saying such things about Muhyidin a long time ago as part of cocktail jokes. People will also talk about the rumors of a senior Minsiter buying a male singer a Ferrari car. Seems to me, Anwar Ibrahim's alleged hobby is also practiced by UMNO ministers. Malays call this kind of character- belukang or a person who considers anything with gills, a fish.
So you have the caveat of the old age adage- people living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. So Jocelyn Tan, don't go moral preaching on us. Spare us the agony. I am an UMNO guy- I am tired of this holier than thou teaching.
Because that will expose that UMNO campaigners have no substance to work on other than getting personal. That's the way of the loser. They are going about this election on the wrong footing. People will want to talk about the economic agenda of the PM, his leadership. The 6000 Felda Settlers are not going to enthralled by Mawi any longer- they as much as I want to know of the corporate maneuvers of Felda Plantations Berhad. People are remotely interested in UMNO trying to APCO something out of nothing such as by disingenuously segmenting Kamalanthan's name into kamal( Malay) Alan( Caucasian) and Nathan( Indian). Is this the kind of rubbish we want to sell as an idea to the voters in Hulu Selangor?
Then we have the strange lament by jilted Palanivel that this election in HUlu Selangor is UMNO matter. So what we have actually is a disowned MIC son in the person of Kamalanthan. Are we right to assume then, that MIC will not be pulling its full force behind this election and may even punish UMNO for its obstinacy by going over to the dark side? That seems to be the course of action preferred by some of the MIC operations room boys.
All of which can affect the outcome of this election. You have an Indian ostracized by his own people. We have a candidate who now has to rely increasingly on being UMNOised which means he; the candidate, needs to have lots of money to keep the UMNO election machinery working enthusiastically. He needs to, because UMNO members have to face an electorate who prefers to have someone who could offer the Fatihah supplications when they move on.

31 comments:

Wenger J Khairy 18 April 2010 at 16:35  

Dear Dato',
I always thought that "Nathan" was a universal name. It could be partially Caucasian too, even Jewish perhaps.

:-)

Anyhow - the bigger issue is the "Intellectual Deficit" facing the BN campaign machinery. I think it was the blogger Nobisha who mentioned that there needs to be a political ideology - a something worth fighting for spirit when conducting a successful political campaign. Of course UMNO will be champion "Ketuanan Melayu" - I am saying this as a statement of fact rather than an insinuation of any kind.

The question is whether the other BN parties can push "1Malaysia" as the "other side of the coin" to the non Malays. If they can, BN wins hands down, if they can't back to the situation in mixed race constituencies - i.e. BN winning the Malay vote but still losing the election. ( But then it still seems hypocritical, BN relies on MCA to win Chinese votes, MIC to win Indian votes and UMNO to win Malay votes..er, if thats the case, then what is 1Malaysia all about)

For BN in HS,they still run the risk that the Indians may use this election as a direct vote against Samy Vellu. So "Nathan" can't still count on the Indian vote bank.

The campaign is more or less set in stone as to what will happen. "Nathan" will struggle to make an impact. The crisis bells will ring sometime on Thursday as the personal attacks against Zaid & Co will ring hollow, considering that he is still by all means is a successful guy who is projecting a humble persona.

Now lets add icing on the cake, what happens if "Alan" comes out 3rd in this vote? Malays vote against "Kamal" and for Johan so that the leadership will give the seat to UMNO, Indians vote against "Nathan" to teach Uncle Sam a lesson?

Now that will surely rank as a humiliating defeat. Perhaps then the PM will realize that his Deputy and Joceline really aren't up to this game of real politik.

Till then, i still think its good to read Jaws piece - its a form of negative traffic light signal i.e. "if you subscribe to these views you are dead wrong."

Wenger J Khairy 18 April 2010 at 16:50  

Just an asider
Check out the origin of the name "Nathan" - over here

Who said Wenger says something without without knowing anything or doing proper research.

Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 16:58  

We know that you are one of the most principled Umno guy. You are a breed apart.
There is not many like you in both sides of the political divide.
That is why we are a fan of your blog. You write with honesty and candour and not beholden to anyone. Kudos.
But as you know better, in any elections, both sides have to dig whatver dirt on the candidates contesting.
In this case Zaid, since he has a lot of baggages including a liberal lifetsyle.
Kamal is the sweet, simple home-town boy. PKR can only condemn MIC and Umno.
There is no real difference between Keadilan and Umno people. After all Keadilan leaders are mostly Umno members what.
Which side are you on, Zaid or Umno?
Jocelyn is as clear as day for Umno. Even if she's not, she has to.

Donplaypuks® 18 April 2010 at 17:14  
This comment has been removed by the author.
kuldeep 18 April 2010 at 17:15  

ZI admitted that he was once a "bad" person..but have since reformed when he left UMNO and joined PKR.

Now he gets blessings from Tok Guru Nik and Ustadz Hadi..as well as accolades for his intelligence and vision from Uncle Lim.

It will do good for a lot of the UMNO Ministers to join PKR.They still have time to reform and repent.After all life is short.

Unknown 18 April 2010 at 18:12  

Dato'

Despite what you have to say about Jocelyn, I think you have to give her credit for being able to penetrate the "Household" of UMNO politicians and Malay Royalty (Read her writeup on Kelantan Royal family Squabble) in spite of her Chinese background.

Of Course, in the process, she has manage to upstage all Mainstream Malay Journalists leaving them annoyed with her successes.

Being a Mainstream Lackey is not an easy task. One has to constantly feed the hungry monster to avoid being swiped out. In this case she decided to use the HS election opportunity to score sufficient brownie points as collateral for her future. One might say that she has no qualms in inflicting "Collateral Damage" for her personal benefit. And that includes inflicting damage to UMNO.

Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 18:18  

be realistic dato', u forgotten most Zaid's downfall stories are written in Harakah... perhaps, it can be erased but too late that its already out there..

well, opposition are good at personalities assasination and when its Zaid, they are acting holier than thou...

remember what Najib said, BN will make sure oppositions eat their own words

PANJI HITAM 61 18 April 2010 at 18:47  

Very true, Dato. Both main party have chosen wrong candidates and resorted to childish and dirty tactics. Itu memang modus operandi these stupid politikus but we rakayt are getting smarter and HS will coose the INDEPENDENTS.

Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 19:13  

who gives cares about what happens in the kelantan royal house? if she is good at that, ask her to write for harakah.

Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 19:19  

stupid is what only idiots would do... case in point...

donplaypuks wrote, "...I think DPM Muhy must be careful, even in jest in linking names with Muslim one’s as he could soon have PERKOSONG and the syariah/fatwa council on his back for comparing Hindu/Indian/Jewish names with that of one of the 99 names of Prophet Mohammed p.u.b.h., i.e. Kaamil in Arabic!!..."

firstly, since when were there 99 names for the Prophet?

secondly, it must be p.b.u.h... peace be upon him.

aiyoyo, Aneh... like that oso don't know kah?

Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 19:30  

This Kamalanathan (what a mouthful) need Malay votes to win. He had to praise Perkasa and the Sh&t 3 times Ibrahim Ali to play the tune. What a let down.

Masam Manis,  18 April 2010 at 21:07  

Dato,

Time and time again our politicians fail to demonstrate they are world calibre leaders with their sniping and jabbing over petty issues to gain notice and ultimately hoping for votes.

Don't they know that by humiliating they opponents which formerly from UMNO in this case could backfire them. Have none of BN strategies learn the basic of reverse psychology? Don't they realize that what is being done is exactly what their opponent want and expected?

I think this overused tactic was one of the main reason people distrust the MSM and ultimately the lost of many seats by BN in the last election.

As long the mentality of BN leaders think they are the superior people then that would be the moment they stop being creative and lost sense of humility to win votes.

Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 21:14  

Coming from an Umno Pekan man, i salute you Dato.

Observer

Mr. Smith 18 April 2010 at 21:47  

You are a drop of oil in UMNO waters.
Could you please tell me why a nice guy like you is still in UMNO cesspool.

Donplaypuks® 18 April 2010 at 22:13  

Anon 19.19

Nice gasak! Sorry for slip of the pen!

You are right. It should be pbuh and 99 names of Allah!

dpp
we are all of 1 race, the Human race

Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 22:16  

Dato
You are spot on about the lackey from The Star.Cari Makan Dato.
About the campaign ,Its the normal modus operandi which assumes thaT only" MEREKA SAHAJA YANG CERDIK!" and they assume the rest of us are morons.
Apa Da!

Donplaypuks® 18 April 2010 at 22:22  
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 22:28  

Aku doa semoga moga Zaid menang.

Mampus BN/UMNO.

Tipu orang melayu, guna wang berbilion bilion bela Israel.
Otak lembu gerombolan BN/UMNO.


orang kampung

Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 22:34  

Wenger J Khairy,

What is there to push where 1Malaysia is concerned? 1Malaysia is a dead kepala lembu. UMNO/BN killed it.

Look at how your UMNO/BN killed Teoh Beng Hock , Kugan, the single mother malay woman who was shot 5 times by the trigger-happy policeman!!!!

If you have some conscience, please do something to help the nation. Help Rakyat regardless of race, colour, religion and social status. Then, I would say 1Malaysia comes alive,

Look at those walking excrements in the cabiinet. THey are nothing but dying to kill off 1Malaysia. Spew poison of the mouth at all times. The same goes with your arch enemy Mahathir.

Hope you will do something good for the rakyat. You have a promising future but you need to look after all races!

And stop screaming in front of embassies like a mad cow ...as though you suffered from the mad cow disease.

I will give you my utmost respect if you help Rakyat.

Anak bangsa malaysia

Donplaypuks® 18 April 2010 at 22:34  
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous,  18 April 2010 at 22:40  

Dato,

You are the most respectable guy in UMNO. You could have been an economic adviser to Najib or the Education Minister....Malaysia will transfornm.. I know you will make it happen!!!

You will be a shining example to those UMNO goons in Putrajaya.

You are the only intelligent UMNO guy. The rest has only noodles between their ears and they think with their small head down south.


You are too clean for them. You didn't move with their tide of corruption, thievery and recklessness. You are true to your self and a man with principles. Allah will reward you...look at your beautiful wife + 7 children. You are blessed.

I sincerely hope that you will leave UMNO one day. UMNO doesn't deserve your brains. Give it up ...bear dia mampus!


Idris

umar,  18 April 2010 at 22:47  

Salam Tuan,
I have faithfully following every Sunday Star column of Jose.Tan.
She is always bias rather portraying politicians of the ruling governments with praises beyond their achevements.
Well, she knows which side of her bread is buttered.

Donplaypuks® 18 April 2010 at 23:24  

“DPM Muhy: Kamalanathan’s name reflects 1 M’sia ….Kamal is a Malay name…sounds like Chinese name Tan and Nathan is Indian name ….meaning leader…Kamal also means ‘perfect’ in Arab and ‘Nathan’
….I’m not so sure….on a more serious note….” Star Sunday 18/04/10.

Actually, Kamal from ancient (at least 4,000 years) Sanskrit/Tamil means ‘lotus eyed’ and ‘Nathan’ a reference to the Hindu god, Vishnu. The Hindu god Lord Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is often referred to as Kamalakrishnan!!

‘Nathan’ could also mean ‘leader’ in Sanskrit/Tamil. Kamala on its own is a fairly common name among Indian ladies! And don’t forget Kamal, a M’sian Indian from Brickfields in KL is also one of Malaysia’s most successful and internationally renown pop singer star (Elephant Song) who lives in Oz.

Also, Nathan has an old (pre-Christian) Jewish origin meaning ‘giver’ or ‘gift from God!’ Many westerners too have this name.

I think DPM Muhy must be careful, as he could soon have PERKOSONG and the syariah/fatwa council on his back for mixing up Hindu/Indian/Jewish names with that of Arabic/Muslim ones, even in jest!!

Unless of course as a commenter posted in Din Merican's blog, he is Kamal bin Nathan!! Lol!

dpp
we are all of 1 race, the Human Race

Greenbottle 19 April 2010 at 00:03  

man; you do have balls!
i have about 3000 books in my personal library ,none of which are by any contemporary Malaysian writers.

if you ever write a book about malaysian politicians (esp BN/umno follies) i'd be honoured to have yours in my library.i detest umno but you're an exceptional breed.
the only wonder is why did they drop you last time??

and about this kamal fellow...
it is not kamal bin nathan but some say it is KAMAL BINATANG.

if i'm an HS voter i'd be an idiot to vote for other than ZI.

Anonymous,  19 April 2010 at 00:11  

From Ibrahim Ali, Muhiddin, Anwar, Samy, Rais, Mukhriz and now Jocelyn..you dont pull your punches. Dato' gua respect lu lah!

loveMyKris

Donplaypuks® 19 April 2010 at 01:27  

Anon 22.33

Are you confusing KJ with Wenger KJ?

dpp
we are all of 1 race, the Human Race

Anonymous,  19 April 2010 at 01:41  

Dato,

Malaysian People are sick and damn tired - really tired of all this shenanigans.

Ordinary Joes & Janes, Urban Folks

Those Kampung Folks, are tired listening to our so called leaders especially Malays Officials etc

When will this end?

UMNO / BN simply has to go there's no sugarcoated and definitely no second chance.

Muhyidin Yasin is too much way too much.

52 years with this elitist running malaysia as clinging to the very last drop of power is too much.

PKR - to move forward they have to step up the ante for a start Anwar has to go!

Enough! We Rakyat want action!

Vote this F******s Out!!!!!

-From Rakyat for Rakyat-

Buttercup,  19 April 2010 at 08:55  

You were too harsh on Muhyiddin and quoting Musa to support your story.
That was in bad taste.
Musa has jokes on everyone except himself who is also a clown.
Give me Muhyiddin anytime rather than Anwar and Zaid put together.

Anonymous,  19 April 2010 at 09:43  

Kesian la kat kawan ni, walaupun dia ini berlagak macam dalam Malaysia ni dialah wartawan politik yang terhebat.
Hakikatnya seperti Tuan Sakmongkol katakan, some good bloggers like yourself and even the news portals have been waaay ahead of her in terms of quality analysis of Malaysian politics.

Anonymous,  20 April 2010 at 01:02  

"Give me Muhyiddin anytime rather than Anwar and Zaid put together."

Aiseh Buttercup, your sense of values are out of whack lah bro/sis!

loveMyKrisSheath

Anonymous,  20 April 2010 at 13:44  

who is the minister who gave the car to the singer? Thank You

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