The Permatang Pauh and Chempaka bye-elections.

15.2.2015.

"To study first" and "let's not contest" are two early and  glaring statements coming from the "UMNO corner", to use the boxing jargon. That's a shame.

The two seats were vacated by two very different personalities for two completely  different reasons. Replacements must be immediately found, or the rakyat's representative would be void. It's not about respect or otherwise for  the previous holder.

In the Kelantan case, PAS shouldn't worry about retaining the seat. It held it for nearly three decades. UMNO also shouldn't worry about it. If it loses again no one would be surprised. It cannot be because of a show of respect for the dear departed. There wasn't much shown when the poor fellow was alive.  Or fear of a threat to the much-hoped for UMNO-PAS "reconciliation". Hopes and dreams are ingredients of fantasy.

In the Permatang Pauh case, the only study left would be to find a credible candidate. That wouldn't ensure victory, but it's a good starting point. But fighting for a person is different from fighting for a movement. The one is straight forward. The other monumental.

The legislative system the country has chosen dictates that vacated seats must be filled, and no buts. The political parties have to field their candidates. Otherwise the political missions they claim to have stood for for more than half-a-century  becomes hollow.  

This idea of "looking good" gets carried away. We must look good and sound good. What about being steadfast in sincerity ? We are sincere in our fight for the good of the majority, and we are determined about it. Not everyone will agree to our style. To even think so  is  absurd. We have a good track record  in the "short" 50 - 60 years, comparing well with the international experience of far bigger countries with far longer histories. Even communism is practically dead. The multi-racial mix of Malaysia is like no other. That there has been one black spot of racial rioting is in fact remarkable for such a complex, young  country that still has a lot to learn..

Don't throw aside judgement, sure. But this is past that. UMNO and BN and all the political parties aspiring to provide leadership for Malayasian citizens must offer themselves as choices.  To not contest the bye-election is a betrayal. It's cowardice.

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