I refer to the Malaysiakini report Perak assembly to be dissolved today?

If at all the Perak state assembly is dissolved in anticipation that the Pakatan Rakyat state government would collapse after more crossovers from Pakatan Rakyat to Barisan Nasional, it would certainly be thrilling to see this latest episode in the political drama unfolding in ‘Bolehwood’.

The residents and voters of Perak stands to reap a bountiful harvest should state elections be held. As precedents have proven beyond doubt, Barisan Nasional would pour millions of ringgit (taxpayers’ money) into Perak to wrest control of the state from Pakatan Rakyat.

Since there are no real issues for BN to use to campaign against Pakatan Rakyat, what alternative is there for them other than to buy votes?

Perakians should now prepare a shopping list of things they want from Barisan Nasional. As in past by-elections, their wishes would be granted. Every visiting minister would promise more goodies.

But make sure they deliver. Remember, it is taxpayers’ money that would go into the BN campaign for it is the BN government that collects taxes. Here are some suggestions on what they could demand from BN and I am confident they would be granted.

1. Reduce income tax to help the people face the economic crisis

2. Jobs for the jobless

3. Abolish or reduce toll rates

4. Improve roads, street lights, traffic lights, drainage, water supply, electricity and telecommunication connections etc.

5. Scholarship for students

6. Citizenship for those residing in Malaysia for decades without citizenship rights

7. More low-cost houses for the poor

8. Close down the Kamunting detention center, release all the detainees and abolish the ISA

9. Land ownership for the landless and land titles

10. Local council elections to stop cronyism and a nepotism culture

11. Whatever else that could benefit the voters and communities

Remember that the government nor the relevant authorities have ever classified the giving out of such ‘goodies’ during elections as corruption or misuse of power by political parties and the candidates.

I clearly remember what happened for the Ijok, Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu by-elections where millions of ringgit were spent by BN in an attempt to win these elections.

Therefore what is wrong in demanding such ‘goodies’ from the BN government? Some may argue that it is morally wrong to accept such ‘goodies’ during elections whilst others may say that it is ‘corruption’ and a sin to buy or sell votes.

Who cares about such moral values when their greed for power is insurmountable? The Perak state elections will be by far bigger than any by-election and therefore more ‘goodies’ could be expected.

Perakians should not miss this golden opportunity for ‘goodies’ to drop just at their doorsteps.