It has not been the happiest leadership transition for the ruling coalition. In our cover story, Khoo Boo Teik looks at the unusual position the BN is in, having lost four by-elections in the peninsula since the last general election. At the heart of Pakatan Rakyat’s advances is a sea-change at the social level – a phenomenon which has been captured on blogs, websites, and Youtube.
In analysing the last three by-elections, Ong Kian Ming points out that Pakatan has now firmly co-opted the BN’s winning formula, especially in the ethnically mixed seats in the peninsula.
The alliance’s advance could continue all the way to the next general election. But are Malaysian voters ready for a regime change, wonders CY. Are they ready to face new and more frustrating challenges?
Few voters can be more politically frustrated than those in Perak, who have seen their mandate for the Pakatan snatched away barely one year after they voted the alliance to power in the state. Malaysians, writes Rani Rasiah, are intelligent enough to know that the BN has neither the majority nor the moral qualifications to lead Perak, though it may have a formidable array of ‘weapons’.
The Batang Ai by-election showed us that change will not come easily, especially in Sarawak and Sabah. Still, Batang Ai voters had the last laugh when they managed to squeeze out RM70 million from the BN during the campaign there, as DS observes.
Malaysians need to be passionately concerned about saving Malaysian democracy and they must act now, says Andrew Aeria. Vibrant democracy, he reminds us, requires eternal vigilance.
Finally, Prema Deveraj urges Malaysians to try and understand sexual diversity and to work for a more just and humane society.
Stay connected, current and committed to justice. We deliver the truth right to your doorstep every month for only RM30 a year — which is far less than your newspaper bill each month. All you have to do is click here.
Justice was never won without personal sacrifice – whether measured in time volunteered, energy devoted to a cause, or financial support generously given. We need your support in our struggle for justice. Your contribution no matter how small will be like a droplet that builds up into a wave of change. Click here if you would like to contribute financially.
Our voluntary writers work hard to keep these articles free for all to read. But we do need funds to support our struggle for Justice, Freedom and Solidarity. To maintain our editorial independence, we do not carry any advertisements; nor do we accept funding from dubious sources. If everyone reading this was to make a donation, our fundraising target for the year would be achieved within a week. So please consider making a donation to Persatuan Aliran Kesedaran Negara, CIMB Bank account number 8004240948.