YOURSAY ‘Funds’ll be wasted... but consider the bigger amount if Umno controls the state.’

PKR owes everyone an explanation, says Ambiga

OurVotesDecide!: If things in PKR threaten the overall position, grip or rule of Pakatan Rakyat in Selangor, which may allow Umno to take back Selangor just like what have had happened in Perak and Kedah, then all of us who do not like Umno and Perkasa should support this tactical move by PKR to ensure Pakatan's rule in Selangor continues.

Yes, public funds will be wasted in this by-election, but consider the even bigger amount of wastage if Umno controls the state. Please look at the bigger picture and the necessity of such tactical strategy.

Ferdtan: Former Bersih co-chairperson S Ambiga and many others are unhappy with the issue of Kajang state seat vacated to enable a by-election.

Many had expressed similar opinions. Let’s compartmentalise the problem before we can truly comment. Many, even the learnt political observers, let their personal feelings cloud their judgements.

What is main reason causing the unhappiness? Is it Kajang incumbent Lee Chin Cheh’s resignation to cause a by-election? Or is it that Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim is contesting the vacated state seat?

Or, as I believe this is what piqued most people, the possibly replacement of popular Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim? Another by-election?

Wasting money and betraying people of Kajang by stepping down? I would have though going back to the people whatever reason, stupid or not, is the purest form of democracy.

We always hear the purist cry from the defenders of democracy, “let the people decide”. Isn’t this better than the ‘jumping frogs’, who switched allegiance to another party without going back to the people?

Or the second reason - Anwar is contesting. He is seen to bite off more than he can chew by holding another position in the state?

And lastly, which I believe is the reason many objected - the potentially replacement of the likable Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. So let’s just be honest and state the obvious, it is personal.

We all like Khalid Ibrahim. If the MB were to be another person like the late Kedah MB Azizan Razak - with the same political manoeuvre to replace him then would it draw much criticisms?
Yes, I hear you - Khalid is not like the late Kedah MB Azizan. But won’t it be the same principle?

Awakened: If you ask the rakyat whether they like the current situation in Malaysia, many will say no and hope that some changes for the better will happen. Nothing is going to change if the opposition is just sitting and waiting for another four years for the next election.

Although it may appear that Anwar or PKR's latest move is seen to be trying to resolve the internal conflict between PKR deputy president Azmin Ali and Selangor MB Abdul Khalid, I think Anwar has a bigger plan.

Selangor is an important state for Pakatan and it cannot lose this state like how they lost Kedah. PKR needs to have an anchored state to further propagate its vision of capturing Putrajaya.

While DAP has Penang and PAS has Kelantan, PKR needs to make sure Selangor is secured in order to have an important position within Pakatan.

Anwar is learning from chancellor Zhuge Liang of the ‘Romance of Three Kingdoms’ - to "lease" and secure Jinzhou city to further the longer term ambition to capture Putrajaya. Some sacrifices has to be made for the bigger vision.

Ronald: Ambiga, like all new fledgling parties, PKR has its fair share of problems. I am sure there must be a reason for PKR to do what they are doing right now. Let's give them a chance. At least, they are not so bad when compared to Umno.

Onyourtoes: Bersih, I think you are seriously out of your mind to compare Lee's decision to step down with that of former DAP Jelapang representative Hee Yit Foong.

Lee resigned while Hee 'frogged'. Do you think it is easy for Lee to resign and give up the seat? Why does no one talk about his sacrifice for the party and the greater cause for Malaysia.

This nation is already bleeding to death as we speak and yet we have nincompoops here talking about wasting public funds for conducting the by-election. Hello, surely I don’t mind “wasting” another RM100 million if by doing that we can kick out BN for good.

This nation is already a joke and yet we have fellows here talking about Lee for being irresponsible and about Anwar replacing him for fun.

This nation is already in tatters and yet we have stupid people here talking about Anwar’s reputation (at stake) if protracted problems in Selangor are not resolved by him.

I guess there is no cure for “nincompoopism”, they just can’t see the big picture.

CQ Muar: Onyourtoes, seriously, I tend to agree with your views and points. I'm sure PKR's move is more than just "tactical" as stated by Azmin.

Anwar may have his strategic solution and reason for doing so, which at the onset, appeared disturbing and concern to many, especially those Kajang supporters or voters.

However, I have no doubt behind their decisions. Therefore, let's see beyond the forest, render our support and believe in their wisdom. Time will tell.


The above is a selection of comments posted by Malaysiakini subscribers. Only paying subscribers can post comments. Over the past one year, Malaysiakinians have posted over 100,000 comments. Join the Malaysiakini community and help set the news agenda. Subscribe now.