Shahrir must do more
Mahindra ChandranPublished: Dec 13, 2000 6:47 PM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
I would like to congratulate Shahrir Samad for having the guts to speak up against his bosses in Umno (Dr M to blame for Lunas defeat: Umno veteran, Nov 30). If only Shahrir spoke up before the election, then he who have contributed to his party much more!
Not only would he have had the satisfaction of being proven right and being able to say "I told you so", his statements would now carry a lot more weight and credibility. As had been discussed by the media, Shahrir's statement is one without apology, straight from the heart and of course, hard-hitting - though it would not score high points on originality.
The issue of Umno revamping and the BN defeat in the Lunas by-election are constantly being debated, but what is most striking is Shahrir's interview. It is much talked about as it came from an Umno Supreme Council member.
Having said what he had said - what does Shahrir expect to achieve? PM to resign? Of course Shahrir knows that would not happen merely from a single statement made. However, it is indeed the first step to garner support and to promote one self.
I should not be accused of misjudgement to conclude that Shahrir is only promoting himself and his interests. Maybe the ghost of the past - Camp A and Camp B still lingers in his mind?
Do you notice what the interview lacks? It lacks "What I would do ... ". It lacks plans and visions. It lacks constructive suggestions. It lacks ideas. Shahrir should know how easy it is to criticize, that's why people have endless sessions at the kedai kopi.
To come out with a plan that is intelligent, workable and acceptable takes more than being able to spell out the wrongs. As a responsible politician, Shahrir should have not made any statements without putting some thoughts on the solutions.
Shahrir should have had a strategy in place to repair the possible damage to Umno, particularly knowing what he said would be widely publicized and worsen the image of the party which is now badly battered.
If he represents the "new" thinking, then maybe he needs to assess what it is all about. Shahrir by no means should stop criticizing - it is something that Umno needs.
However, Umno is at a stage is where criticizing alone is not enough, it needs concrete actions - something deeper and stronger - and Shahrir must prove that he is capable of doing this (particularly if he is eyeing for something bigger in Umno).
Mahindra Chandran
Kuala Lumpur
Not only would he have had the satisfaction of being proven right and being able to say "I told you so", his statements would now carry a lot more weight and credibility. As had been discussed by the media, Shahrir's statement is one without apology, straight from the heart and of course, hard-hitting - though it would not score high points on originality.
The issue of Umno revamping and the BN defeat in the Lunas by-election are constantly being debated, but what is most striking is Shahrir's interview. It is much talked about as it came from an Umno Supreme Council member.
Having said what he had said - what does Shahrir expect to achieve? PM to resign? Of course Shahrir knows that would not happen merely from a single statement made. However, it is indeed the first step to garner support and to promote one self.
I should not be accused of misjudgement to conclude that Shahrir is only promoting himself and his interests. Maybe the ghost of the past - Camp A and Camp B still lingers in his mind?
Do you notice what the interview lacks? It lacks "What I would do ... ". It lacks plans and visions. It lacks constructive suggestions. It lacks ideas. Shahrir should know how easy it is to criticize, that's why people have endless sessions at the kedai kopi.
To come out with a plan that is intelligent, workable and acceptable takes more than being able to spell out the wrongs. As a responsible politician, Shahrir should have not made any statements without putting some thoughts on the solutions.
Shahrir should have had a strategy in place to repair the possible damage to Umno, particularly knowing what he said would be widely publicized and worsen the image of the party which is now badly battered.
If he represents the "new" thinking, then maybe he needs to assess what it is all about. Shahrir by no means should stop criticizing - it is something that Umno needs.
However, Umno is at a stage is where criticizing alone is not enough, it needs concrete actions - something deeper and stronger - and Shahrir must prove that he is capable of doing this (particularly if he is eyeing for something bigger in Umno).
Mahindra Chandran
Kuala Lumpur
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