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Sakmongkol ak 47

ariff.sabri@gmail.com

Friday 7 May 2010

A question of character


Allow me to approach the subject of the cabinet composition from a different angle. In the previous article, mention of KJ's name has raised xenophobic responses. Yes he got a 3rd of the support from Pemuda delegates. But that was simply because there were 3 contestants. Each did not command any clear majority support. Hence, among them, the better one with a bigger number won. Can I respond by saying, the other two couldn't even muster a 1/3 support?
I have chosen to ignore many of those bigoted and highly slanted opinions which do not go beyond labeling me as KJ's lackey in one or two sentences. Well, we all know the quality of the grey matter that is capable of only one or two liners. The worst is of course the ones who couldn't get pass his/her expletives exclamations. Opinions stated in one or two sentence are not worth the paper on which they are  printed. The rope is more expensive than the cow. In any case, it's fun to throw these adolescents into uncontrollable tantrums.
But seriously- I think there is a place for both Mukhriz and KJ in PM Najib's team. KJ can collect water, MUkhriz can go find firewood. You need all kinds. Anyway, UMNO people salivate at the idea that after this, another son a former PM takes over and after that, another takes over. That's UMNO for you.
What are we? We are second generation voters and leaders. The issues confronting us are different. Poverty- urban now more pronounced, corruption which is a scourge, inefficient and ineffective government and administration which aggravates the cost of running the country, ignorance and intolerance, ineptitude- these are the 2nd generation issues. How do you tackle them? By placing second generation thinking leaders in responsible positions.
Hence the future of this country depends on the quality of people PM Najib selects to be on his team to drive Malaysia.
What is it that confronts the PM now? My answer is that he needs to create an environment and a system in which succeeding generations can build and improve upon we already have. High up in the list of things to do, is to install a strong leadership, with a shared vision, drive and commitment.
Each generation gets rid of the past and together with that past, people who ruled and ordered our society. It comes back to a basic question- what does the PM want? Does he want to create a self perpetuating or self continuing system? Self perpetuating to me means, you have people who lap up to every word you say, submissively, uncritically accept every word you say, for the purposes of ensuring self survival. Now, what kind of character do such people have? They are just sycophants. Self perpetuating also means you don't get rid of the past. Indeed you try to placate the past as much as possible.
Two things make up leadership. The mental capabilities and this thing called character. Recently the PM appointed some new senators. One of them used to be a very intimate aide to Anwar Ibrahim. That would make anyone think that he knows many secrets about Anwar as Anwar does about him too. That's true. You can't claim only you know the other's secrets- the other guy also knows you inside out. In the end- you end up throwing your dirty laundry in the streets. I think UMNO should cease to be a political Alam Flora.
After going through some difficult period, defending Anwar and standing by that leader, he finally quit the party and abandoned the struggles of the political party/movements whose ideals he once swore upon. What kind of character does he have? To me he has a fluid and ephemeral character, when taken as a whole, should be a cause of concern for the prime minister. If he can do that to a longtime comrade, what's stopping him from doing the same next time around?
A compromisable character is a political liability. A person like Ruslan Kassim earns my respects more than this carbon copy of Anwar. He broke ranks with Anwar but has the class not to take the road to gutter politics.Den pecayo kek ekau Lan.

31 comments:

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 09:40  

Sak,
I love that part on Alam Flora on the description of some umno scums hanging around for survival!

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 10:16  

Your flair for the English Language is supreme!! You have well described the current state of affairs in UMNO.

A person is judged by the company he keeps.
Now what could I say of UMNO which embraces people who screwed around with young girls or smuggled money into Australia or won party position through vote buying or those who had condemned the party like hell and then rejoined it and in turn start condemning the opposition which he was previously a part of?

What can one say of a party that embraces people like Ezam, Ibrahim Ali, Zharain, Zulkifli, and the whole lot of them who quit PKR?

UMNO devalues itself.

Quiet Despair,  7 May 2010 at 10:37  

I just would like to concentrate on Khairy, since he invites hatred and love. Nothing so-so when you talk about him. That means he's something else. Someone to reckon with.
I appeal to DS Najib to just appoint him. Initially there may be brouhaha from some insecure Umno people.
But like has been proven before, they will rally round. It has been proven time and again that Umno people are very accepting.
That is the beauty and strength of Umno which no other party possess.
Choice of Kamal in Hulu Selangor is the latest example. Bising-bising skhirnya senyap sunyi. Menjulang tinggi pula si Kamal.
That will happen too with Khairy. They will learn to like him and value him as a person of intellect. Someone useful.
I can see Khairy contesting a state seat in NS and becoming the MB.
Forgive me, KJ haters. I even see KJ as our future PM. provided he play his cards right.
We can see that KJ is re-inventing himself. He's working hard to improve his image.
I like him bcause he's not jumpy. Tak melatah. Our venerated statesman codemn him, he just kept quiet.
The silent treatment is also given to those who accuse him of everything under the sun. Never complain, never explain, that's good boy.
I did not know RPK is championing him to be a Cabinet Minister until I read comments from your previous posting.
Who is RPK? Does it matter what he says? Is he the arbiter of our politics especially Umno affairs?
I have never read his piece or MKini. I only read Sak's and two other political blogs. I read MSM because they dont lie, just censor what is deemed unpleasant.
I like ypur Alam Flora thingy. I call it reject and recycle shop. Well, they come together right. It makes for a sustainable environment! haha.
It's suicidal to put Ezam as a candidate in any parliamentary constituency. His nemesis will tear him to shreds. It will be tough for Umno to defend him.
EZAM IS INDEED A LIABLILITY.
Leave him to his own devices.

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 10:44  

Do you know who is BEN? Well let me tell you how KJ and BEN, when Pak Lah was PM, ran havoc PAU ing people. Just go ask the waste company in Penang.

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 11:07  

If I were DS Najib, I would take on this Sak fellow on board. Well, he is a former Pahang Adun, clear in his thoughts, well read, good with his words and a realist, practically.

His only shortcoming perhaps is that he does not know how to bodek.
Even if so, why should this be considered a liability?

Is there anything else wrong with you Sak?

And oh yes, he has a hilariously down to earth better half.

So, DS what are we waiting for? Make him a Senator now and then include him in your next cabinet line-up.

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 11:36  

Basically, Dato, can you please tell me a bit of all the jobs held by KJ . . . . ect, his WORKING experince?

Or did he work at all, with exception of brief stay as a TV Host and for his fother in law, for which he is collecting top grade pension.

Now, a man with no real working experince, but lives a wealthy life style... and yet not a minister yet . . . . my my, that do sound to me like a recipe for CORRUPTION.

KJ, may be smart, he man be charismatic, but I want for myself leaders who know what it feels like to work daily blah blah blah.

Can you, SakMo, tell me what is the key to KJ's financial planning that he can live so well? And yes, I do know that MPs get paid. And didnt Mr K J take a loan from mr kalimulah, and Mr Kean Onn, a couple of millions to buy some shares .... my my, no job, but berani take loan . . . also a RECIPE for corruption.

Shah Zahrain

d'enricher 7 May 2010 at 11:54  

Dato,

Yes that part about UMNO being the Political Alam Flora is right on.

Like it or not, UMNO and any political party in general should continue to search and develop good quality character. It has to go with the party's struggle as embedded in its constitution.

If in football Arsenal build their team slow with their style, no cup yet for the last 5 years, but Chelsea and now Manchester City buy their way through, so does Real Madrid.

Does it work, well what is success???

Subjective or elementary.

Leadership of an organization depends on how well the leader leads and how well the follower follow. Right or wrong ... does not matter, as long as you win.

I don't agree, but to others it doesn't matter.

Just remember, the people are not as stupid as some people think, if you take them lightly ... it might just be to late.

The countsdown continues ... only 1038 days more.

A.Alshukor

Roland,  7 May 2010 at 11:58  

Solid SArticle Sak, KJ is a moderate voice yet stable in opinion, Im all for KJ to be brought into cabinet. Whats wrong with having both MM and KJ in cabinet, if at all it will be good to have both working together.

Anonymous 7 May 2010 at 12:02  

Najib's character has been known to be flimsy,wishy washy,frivolous and fatally henpecked , so how can you support him blindly ?

For one thing , his mongolian & submarine baggages are already enough for you to stay clear of him. Not blind loyalty or is there something more than meets your Blog ?

Roland,  7 May 2010 at 12:03  

Ben is the Treasurer of Pemuda UMNO/BN. He is alo a bonafide businessman running his tech biz listed on MESDAQ. He is a good man.

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 12:42  

Dato,

Well said.

Character is shaped by the fiery furnace of human endeavour.

Among KJ, Mukhriz and Ezam, I wonder who has passed the test ?

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 12:49  

This was taken from Malaysian Insider. Most is a line with your writings. Pls publish it and see the reactions from your readers. However, if you feel it is not worth it, then just ignore it.

++

The Umno warlords’ quest

In four days, Umno will be 64. One would expect a slew of changes, some maturity and “statesman”-like behaviour from one of the oldest political parties in the land.

Perish the thought.

In what is becoming an annual push, Umno politicians — particularly the warlords in their crisp linen shirts, toting iPads (BlackBerries and iPhones are so yesterday) and being driven in Porsche Cayennes — are clamouring to snare top positions in government-linked companies (GLCs).

Most GLCs have been in the hands of professionals from the time state sovereign fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad took an active interest in their management, rather than being passive investors. There have been some hits, and some misses.

This is where the stock standard Umno warlord is coming from. They think they can do a better job and helm such GLCs to greater heights.

Some are using Malay groups as the beachhead for their objective. At the recent Umno retreat, a couple of them asked Prime Minister and party president Datuk Seri Najib Razak to set aside positions in GLCs for politicians.

Their rationale is simple: by securing top positions in GLCs, they can ensure that employees in GLCs like Tenaga Nasional Berhad, Telekom Malaysia Berhad and Pos Malaysia Berhad will support Umno/Barisan Nasional.

Hence the outcry and outrage, plus snide remarks, about the proposed disposal of Pos Malaysia by Khazanah.

But beneath this veneer of party interest are avarice, greed and self-interest at play. The politicians, especially those in Opposition held states, have been “starved” of opportunities to obtain funds. They view top positions in GLCs as nothing more than their entitlement to raid the larder.

They claim that they are supremely qualified to be chairmen or executive directors of GLCs, but fact is many of the state economic corporations which they head/or have headed, are in serious financial difficulties.

This episode really shows that despite the usual bluster of change and reform, the Umno politician of today is not much different from the Umno politician of 2008. Or the ones before that.

The party might be 64 but the warlords remain juvenile with delusions of grandeur. While Umno should change with the times, what needs greater change is the attitude of some warlords who think the country’s wealth is their largesse by privilege and right.

It isn’t. It is for all Malaysians.

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 14:42  

Dato sak
if u say so that kj deserves a place in the cabinet, then i can accept that.Why? cause you make an awesome leader and you are the cream of the crop in UMNO.You are sensible and pragmatic,that counts.
Personally though, would love to see you in the cabinet.Secretly hope you do make it there.

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 16:38  

Dato'

You need to lose (or not contest)to be rewarded a Minister or Deputy Minister, Senator or whatever post. So let this be a lesson to UMNO members on the reward system in UMNO.

So we now have a smattering of losers, GLC Dropouts, UltraMalays and Sons of Who is Who ruling Malaysia...



Joe Black

Dan,  7 May 2010 at 16:47  

PH Chin, of course KJ, he has grassroots support and willing to change UMNO from within and has the right imagination and will to do so. He is also slowly winning over his naysayers, telling things like embracing social media and going to non-political groups like students, social media networks and NGO's prove he is turning the tide. Kudos to KJ.

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 17:18  

Well written with precision kick and punch.Throughly sting like a bee as "Cassius Clay "@ Muhammad Ali.

Donplaypuks® 7 May 2010 at 17:27  

I think the jury is still out on KJ.

While his Oxford degree/pedigree, intellectual abilities, oratorical skills and a certain charismatic leadership qualitie are not in doubt, there are still several 'grey areas' we have to ponder over, viz:

1. His association with those christian and Hindu Kali & Mullah and profiteering attempt charges vis-a-vis ECM Libra.

2. Muzzling the "free press" with Kali & Mullah when Fil was in power.

3. Realtionship with O Ong, Ethos, 4th floor boys and sale of TM and Pantai shares to GLC S'pore. There are also rumours about that disastrous buyout of Indon bank shares from yet again a S'pore party, by MBB.

4. Being labelled "the richest unemployed/unemployable young man" in Parliament!!

4. Found guilty of money politics by UMNO disciplinary council but allowed to contest for UMNO youth chief post, unlike Ali Rustam!!

5. Accusations of improper tete-a- tete with actresses and others.

I don't know, but sometimes a good politician is one who has fallen to some extent and been through a test of fire before he becomes a Mandela or Churchill.

KJ will also have to establish his credentials with non-Malay voters if he wants to realise his ambition of becoming PM before he reaches 45!!

dpp
we are all of 1 race, the Human Race

Kazman,  7 May 2010 at 17:33  

Dato Sak,

Absolutely agree with you. KJ and a few more like Rahman Dahlan, Saifuddin Temerloh should be full ministers. Time for the old guard to move on.

Anonymous,  7 May 2010 at 18:19  

SAK said it himself,



"A compromisable character is a political liability."



KJ and Ezam dll has compromisable character. They are a liability.



Say no to both of them. No to them getting ministership.



SUNDANCE

sniper,  7 May 2010 at 21:07  

Sir

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but to me all that glitters is not gold.

Orang lama,  7 May 2010 at 23:09  

Sak 47,

KJ has a lot of value to offer. He is an uncut diamond, if Najib is smart use him. Remember, when Ku Li went up against Mahathir who was Ketua Pemuda? When Anwar went up against Mahathir who was Ketua Pemuda?

Ambik cepat...nanti Pagoh datang sambar.

kuldeep 8 May 2010 at 01:36  

i don't think umno got any credible guys..most are yes men and/or tainted.

will be hard pressed to find quality comparable to some of the pAs/PKR second echelon young leaders.

PANJI HITAM 61 8 May 2010 at 09:18  

Najib must overhaul his cabinet. The public must be educated that the civil service that run the country. Politicians job is to make policy and ensure that civil service serves the public well.
Good example is Brunei, zero politicians yet they got Limbang and the oil fields.

When you have dirty politicians, you will have dirty cvil servants ... that is when the professionals will revolt... surely we do not want any more Bersih and Hindraf rally, do we?

PANJI HITAM 61 8 May 2010 at 09:23  

Oh yes, PERKASA were formed by MALAY professionals... and I can tell you that we are pissed with the politcians!

Anonymous,  8 May 2010 at 09:54  

KJ.....Do not forget how he made himself where he is today.......this is the key to his character........I cannot imagine what he is capable of if given more power...may God forbid.......we simply can't afford another Anwar......he could be worse than him........Malays could lose everything.

Greenbottle 8 May 2010 at 10:33  

kj for a ministerial post?

lest we forget....

1) go back to all the speeches of Dr M about this guy.

2) go back to march 8, 2008...arguably he was one of the biggest factors cited by most people why bn lost so badly

3) he was like a dog with a tail in between his legs after the march 8 2008. he was an absolute pariah for quite a while before he started to rebrand himself and ultimately buy his way as ketua pemuda umno.

4) he was not only rumoured to have an interesting amorous life with some actresses but there was even a forum topic quite a long time ago (in tranungkite) about his university days alledged love life and ditching a chinese girl to get his big catch...pak lah's big daughter.
(completely understandable for such a handsome "gifted" and unscrupulously ambitious guy)

5) the manner of his wheeling and dealing during pak lah's days in office....

all these point to a sure fire disaster. i don't want this guy to be my minister of anything.

but having said that, i prefer him to bastards like ezam. i can swallow a lot of shortcomings, but mercenery turncoats like ezam should be c4 to hell. kj despite his failings is a thousand times more preferable to vermins like ezam and his ilk.

Anonymous,  8 May 2010 at 11:58  

Roland, you mean the going bankrupct Viztel??? I dont know if BEN is a goodmen, or a bad men, but I do know that he has bagged money for KJ when Pak Lah was PM.

mamasita 8 May 2010 at 13:06  

The handsome photo at the header was taken about 2years ago at Seth's Form 5 graduation in MRSM Muadzam Shah..
Our friend found the old photo and loved it so much.
Attention: Please do not be be shocked because you'll now see a pouchy old man..not as handsome as previously..

Happy Mother's Day to all the wives of the commentators who frequent Sakmongkol's blog.
Don't forget to celebrate a bit if not much..thank you all.

vinnan,  9 May 2010 at 12:15  

'What are we? We are second generation voters and leaders. The issues confronting us are different. Poverty- urban now more pronounced, corruption which is a scourge, inefficient and ineffective government and administration which aggravates the cost of running the country, ignorance and intolerance, ineptitude- these are the 2nd generation issues.'

And according to UMNO the nons are pendatangs, beggars, prostitutes and communist. Solve the above issue for the nons and UMNO will never have to fear anyone at the polls. Is UMNO capable of doing so? I don't think so. The struggle in UMNO now is between the Mahathirites and Najib who in reality has his manly parts in a vice operated by Badawi. Many may have forgotten Badawi's short stint at the Defense Ministry prior to stepping. It does not take a genius to see that Badawi aws there to dig up all of Najib's dirt so as to have Najib by the ba;;s. The Chinese in particular are fed up of being the whipping boy each time UMNO has an internal power struggle. They have chosen to make a stand and damn the consequences for they know the UMNOputras have more to lose than anyone else if this country were to be on fire Then again UMNO knows nothing else but its own narrow interest of contracts, fancy cars and multiple wives.

Anonymous,  9 May 2010 at 16:22  

Sak,
There are 2 types of people that we must be careful in this world; young doctor and the old barber...

hahaha salam...

Rakyat biasa,  10 May 2010 at 10:28  

AK47,

KJ is a good choice as Minister of Youth and Sports and maybe Information Minister as he speaks well in English and Malay plus versed in new media.

KJ is a good candidate.

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