July 2006


Many questions the country face today can only be understood by understanding how this country is run, one have to under the parliament, both the lower house and upper house, you’ll have a better idea of the balance of power. You’ll know who’s the boss by comparing the cabinet composition.

The structure of the country was made clear through a comparison of AGUNG, EXECUTIVE and LEGISLATURE.

Starting with the AGUNG, the power of each component could be explained in detail to make known to you all which part of the constitution and laws these components derive their power from, and how far does their power goes. To give you a better perspective on the recent developments and amendments through comparing with the history – a total of 44 times, though its independence of 50 years (till 2007)

The structure of the EXECUTIVE aka federal government need to be discussed to explain where does the balance of power WITHIN the government lies, when identified the real arena for power struggles. On the other hand, one needs to expose the mentality of the civil servants through to be enlightened on structural problem of the government.

The 3rd component of the country discussed was the judicial system i.e. LEGISLATURE. The courts and its powers, and how is the current attempt to build up a parallel syariah court system might stimulate some minds.

Many myths about the government’s problem and political struggle can only be brought to the correct prospective through open discussion. The simple and direct approach was going back to the constitution, where every law, system and government derives its power from.

The country’s only hope is through a real multi-cultural approach, while changes could only be brought about in a step by step manner, every one has to do their part in bringing about the awareness of the country’s development trend.

Quick Summary:

  1. Small players are vulnerable, needs proactive measures.
  2. Qualify finding. Note that Election results can be interpreted at many levels. Yet Local analysis points to different trends.
  3. Ethnic Voting: Not just about Chinese voters. Others possible switch. Beyond ethnicity to underlying factors.
  4. Key recommendations – rejuvenation, higher profile , stronger local representation

The reasons behind SUPP’s lost, is not only cause by the Chinese votes but also other voters. By closely follow the media, both before and after the election to access the mood and view of the voter to contrast it with the election results.

Why the voters swing to the DAP ? What has happened to SUPP in Sarawak is not specific to it. Other parties will also face a very tough battle in the next General Election and are likely to lose ground, especially to the DAP.

Because the general population, especially those earning RM2000 and below, are feeling the pinch of rising prices. The credibility of the government in combating corruption is low. There is still this close association between politics and business. The situation is worsen by the racist practices of the big players are now being implemented with renewed zeal and vigour. All these are likely to anger the urban electorate.

In 1999 and 2004, the resurgence of PAS instilled fear among the urban, largely Chinese voters of the possibility of an Islamic State. The heavy defeats suffered by PAS in the last General Election has put to rest, for now at least, this fear. By then, the Chinese will feel confident enough to let off their frustration by voting the Opposition, without having to worry about the possibility of a PAS victory.

Implications of the results for the future performance of the ruling party must be studied. In the course of this analysis, our leaders ought to look at the issues and challenges ahead and how do respond to it.