2008 Elections

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Can we talk about the elections??

Interesting outcome. Not many were expecting this outcome!

What do these changes mean for Penang?  Any views.

Interesting days ahead!!

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Don't see why not. I expected some backlash but not as much as this. As you say very interesting times ahead. Lets hope though it is all kept peaceful not like the last time UMNO got a bloody nose which was followed by the riots. My guess is that Badawi will resign and Najib will take over.

Cheers

Brian

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I'm surprised there has been such little discussion of this issue. My take on the election is that while it is welcome news to see the democratic process successfully at work and the establishment of a reasonably sized opposition it is of some concern (hopefully unfounded) that a substantial section of the opposition is based on parties with strong religious or racial ties. The long term prosperity of Malaysia is strongly linked to the continuation of a secular government albeit a relatively compromised version of the classic secular model. Perhaps we will see some lessening of the advantages presently given to the Malays. I for one would like to see a more equal representation in the Public Service.

I was amazed by the attached press article where the NST in a news as distinct from editorial piece appears to be arguing the case against Dr Mahatir's call for the resignation of the prime minister. Perhaps some balanced press is also well overdue.
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/2182932/Article/index_html
 Cheers

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hi,

I'm out of touch, and using a library internet with a limited time access. And I need to do some airflight bookings.

So what, in brief, happened?

regards, Scott

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Hi Scott,

In Hong Kong but got up to date info before I left. BN lost 5 states and only got 63% of the total vote down from 91% last time worst since independence in 1957. All in all a bit of a disaster for them. Looks like the agreement by the various parties not to contest seats has done for the BN. Anwar looks like he is in the ascendency. Mahatir is now saying he made a balls up in nominating Badawi as his successor ( democracy at work ??!!).Not sure what difference it will make though.As I said above my guess is Najib will take over once everything has settled down and Badawi can move aside with some "honour".

Have to go back to the UK next month myself - first time for 3 years. is it still as miserable as it ever was?

Cheers

Brian

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Hi , everyone.    Wherever you are you can access Malaysia news at
www.geocities.com/rmyu_1

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The information is all freely available;

Check out the Star to see what is really happening:

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/3/11/nation/20600813&sec=nation


or the NST to get a govt view:

http://www.nst.com.my/


or better still subscribe to Malaysiakini.     

http://www.malaysiakini.com/

& equally informative Malaysia Today.

http://mt.m2day.org/2008/
 

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hi,

Many thanks for the links. Have checked-out some of the stories. What a shake-out for the BN.

regards, Scott

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The opposition announced that they (according to them) have the required number of Ministers to take control of the government. The opposition leader has requested a meeting with PM today to dicusss an orderly handover of power. - This is what is being reported

UPDATE
After reading the online papers (Thestar and NST), its too confusing and contradicting for me to get to grips with, beyond my limited mental capacity. Its probably a good idea to stay away discussing or trying to figure out politics in Malaysia