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" A man should learn to detect and watch that gleam of light which flashes across his mind from within, more than the lustre of the firmament of bards and sages. Yet he dismisses without notice his thought, because it is his. In every work of genius we recognize our own rejected thoughts; they come back to us with a certain alienated majesty. Great works of art have no more affecting lesson for us than this. They teach us to abide by our spontaneous impression with good-humoured inflexibility then most when the whole cry of voices is on the other-side. Else to-morrow a stranger will say with masterly good sense precisely what we thought and felt all the time, and we shall be forced to take with shame our own opinion from another"
- Ralph Waldo Emmerson
Election 2008. As the dust begins to settle, Malaysians, including politicians, are searching for explanations on the how and why. The results are there for all to see. Barisan Nasional (BN) lost its two third majority in Parliament and four states in addition to Kelantan. It came as a "great wave" said some and "it spread like wildfire" lamented others.
But what went wrong and what went right? While the respective post-mortem reveal an array of causes, one thing, however, is certain - democracy went right.
I was the BN candidate for the Subang parliamentary seat. In the past, political pundits regarded this constituency as 'safe'. But nothing was safe from the March 8 Tsunami.
Yes, I lost and yes, it hurt. But I take a little consolation knowing that I was defeated by fellow lawyer R Sivarasa, a credible and respectable adversary.
Although I am upset with the results as other party members are, the people have spoken. And they did so in a thundering voice. So its time for us - on the BN bench - to sit up and listen. We thought we were listening but obviously something was lost in transition. Its time to take stock of what went wrong, as an individual, as a party and as a coalition.
Are the results of Election 2008 merely a collective venting of anger by the voters or is it part of the changing landscape of Malaysian politics?
If it is the venting of anger, then the signs have been there.
Alarms have been raised but were either ignored or reasoned away. The saying "beware of the fury of a patient man" resonates yet again. Issues that gave rise to the anger must be looked into with fresh eyes, open mind and resolved at it's fundamental level.
If the election results is part of the evolving Malaysian political landscape, then we as a party and a coalition must change to keep up with and if possible, stay ahead of the trend. Change is easier said than done. Harder still is to be attuned enough to detect it.
Often changes happen in small increment that it is seldom noticed until it stares us right in the face. The need for change stands before us like a mountain now. Change we shall or perish we will. Of course the question is about what needs to be changed and how.
However, what is right within the party must be reinforced.
I, like many other members, joined MIC to work to uplift the community. I am convinced that this is still the spirit and motive of most of its members. That being the case, where did we lose the plot?
I have my own thoughts on most of these issues but right now, as an individual and a member of MIC, I would like to hear the views of the people we represent, painful as it may be in some cases.
The ultimate ownership of MIC rests in the community. We party members are merely the stakeholders who hold it in trust on your behalf.Murugesan Sinnandavar
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Election 2008
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20 comments:
Great...nicely said....
1.We have slowed down on voicing the people greviences,in most cases,we go against ideas immaterial good or bad...just because it came from someone from the opposition....
2.The leaders has to speak up for the general public,if not...of which is the case right now...someone else will..and the general public want these people to represent them,as what we have seen in the last election
3.But when our leaders do speak up...they get rebutted for it...people like nazri..on sothi's case last year may be one of many example's....Puteri UMNO commenting negatively of MIC main body in the media...this is as though like sending my daughter to rebutt my younger brothers...can accept ah!
4.MIC alone may not be able to make correct the current situation alone...other component parties within BN should let MIC to speak up for the indians.....All the component parties should find the right balance amongst them...check and balance will always be good...this what happens if there is no check within the components and within MIC party itself....we loose the people's confidence .
U will have our support always!
Dear Mr. Muru,
First of all congratulation for your effort to create such a blogspot. I am very young to MIC. I am a member for past 2 years.
I agreed with you about people’s decision in last general election. We already achieved 50 years of
freedom but what do have a MIC achieved? Don’t get me wrong, do all of us as a MIC member, know what does MIC had done to the society. I am very sure 80% of us
don’t know.
Communication and information had been a very big barrier between MIC and the Indian society. We can
always say that we had done this and that but we should show them in facts and figures, which MIC fails to do from my point of view? We should communicate with our society frequently. We only communicate with them when Deepavali, Ponggal, Election time. That’s all. That a lot of way to communicate with them.
Information is another barrier between us. There is a lot of opportunity available of Indian’s in this country, we cant deny that. How much of us know about
this information and do we pass this information to our other members. For example, how many of us know about the courses available in AMIST Collage. As we
always said AMIST are for Indians. Do we pass this information to our fellow brother’s and sister’s?
Youth is the next generation who going to be politicians. If youth’s are not properly educated,
then the next generation of our society will be spoiled.
As you said a lot of us joined MIC to work to uplift the community. I agreed with you. But do all of us
have the same thinking? I think now days MIC had become a business centre. Don’t get me wrong. Although there are genuine people who join MIC to serve people,
like us. But I can conclude there are a lot of people become member because they think they can earn thru MIC. Don’t talk about other parties, just think about MIC. If you genuinely go through MIC membership database and their background before and after joining
MIC, then you will know the truth of MIC has a business centre. MIC should be a Social Service Centre
and not Business Centre.
Regards,
Kanapathy Sivanathan
This is nice to see and hear, but the fact is MIC - irrelevant to the Indians in Malaysia. They have failed, failed and failed to look into the plight of the Indian community in Malaysia.
Talking about getting rebutted for speaking up is non-sense. As a MP you must fight for the cause that you are fighting for without any fear. If the fear is there then there is no point of being there. Don't blame others brother. If you are powerless then what is the point of us (the people) to elect you to sit there. It's a waste. And it has been a waste for the Indian community for the last 28 years to trust only 1 man with the hope that he will speak up for us. But he chose to betray his own kind for the luxury of his family members and his chronies.
If you want to still talk about MIC then you better talk about the MAICA mystery. Where is the money?, who swindled all the money?, when are the investors going to be paid back? I think this should be addressed by MIC immediately rather than talking non-sense.
Sorry if I have hurt your feelings, but you must know the perception that we (the Malaysian Indians) have on MIC and it's effectiveness in protecting us.
Thank You for reading this.
I am sorry to tell you this, but it has been proven that MIC is no longer relevant. In fact race politics itself has been proven irrelevant.
MIC cannot be reformed. Samy Vellu has been shown in many many many ways, that he is not wanted, but he refuses to listen. MIC = obsolete. Case closed.
Dear Jei and Mr. Kanapathy Sivanthan,
Thank you for your comments. Point taken.I agree that MIC and BN should return to basics and be the voice of the people, without fear or favour. The mindset itself should change where dissent is not regarded as betrayal and where criticism is not regarded as a personal affront. We can disagree on policies and yet have a common goal. We can vote differently and yet have the same aspiration.
Murugesan Sinnandavar
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for taking time to read my blog and for caring enough to leave your comments. Although I might not entirely agree with your comments, I certainly respect it.
Yes, the perception now is that MIC has failed to look into the plight of the Indian Community. I agree that there are areas where we might have fallen short of expectations and issues which we should have pushed harder.
However, I disagree that MIC has failed to look into the plight of the community. Sir, we members of MIC are from this community. We have gone through and still do go through the same tribulations faced by the community. Just because we are members of MIC, we are not set apart from the community. How then is it possible for members of MIC to ignore the plight of Malaysian Indians when we suffer the same fate?
Perhaps, being in position of leadership, it is the lack of boldness in setting the priorities right that has brought into question the role of MIC as the Malaysian Indians' representative.
In the balancing act of maintaining working harmony between fellow BN component parties and being the voice of the Indian Community, we have spoken without realizing our voices were muted.
I am not giving excuses nor am I justifying our position but this was the situation we found ourselves in. Neither am I blaming any quarter for it.
In all sincerity, given the geo-political perception at that time, we felt that this was in the best interest of the community. The results of Election 2008 showed us that you thought otherwise. We accept your verdict and are now back to the drawing board.
On the issue of Maika, I agree that the matter must be resolved quickly and satisfactorily. A genuine attempt was made to cut losses by selling off certain assets and to refund the money with modest 'interest'.
I know that this might not be the best outcome of the Maika issue but given its history, it did have its appeal. However, some shareholders have excercised their right in seeking legal redress and have brought the matter to court.
On the issue of the president, he is the elected president of MIC. Just as you have excercised your right to vote for the best man you deem fit to represent you, members of MIC have excercised their right to vote for the best man they deem fit to lead them.
Let each man respect the choice of the other and let each man live by the choice that he has made.
On a personal note, you would be hard pressed to find a man as hardworking and eager to leave a lasting legacy for the community as he is. I do not wish to speak on his behalf but if my reading of him is right, he has heard your collective voice and will bring about changes in MIC.
Sir, you need not apologize for hurting my feelings as this is the path I have chosen to be in public life. We do the best we can and welcome all genuine comments in order to set our direction right.
I know you care deeply about our community and our nation. If nothing else, I know we have at least that in common. Thank you.
Murugesan Sinnandavar
Though you may have lost the elections, I congratulate you for your honesty and bravado especially in putting forth this blog.
However, I don’t envy your position. The dissatisfaction amongst Indians with MIC which had been brewing for a long time, coupled with the recent political transformations puts you and many other like minded MIC members in a precarious position. None the less some issues as unstable as it is must be address.
Firstly, has MIC become Irrelevant? Regardless of the recent political revolution, in Malaysia, politics is still race based. Though MIC could have done ALOT more, it has done more for our community then other organizations. Realize this also, when placed on the other side of the fence, people become better watchdogs then from within. MIC is now in this pole position.
Beware not to dismiss MIC. The nepotism, cronyism, corruption, etc, etc that has long festered in our Government was because those who were once in the position MIC now bears, were similarly rebuffed.
Having said that, there many questions that MIC has to be answerable for. But let us question the right people. Don’t hold to ransom the young bloods of MIC for the sins of their fathers. The MIAKA shares; Samy Velu must be held responsible and so must his then deputies. Leaders do delegate and delegates do benefit from the spills or at least its ripple effect. When more people are held accountable, less lies are possible. Again I accentuate, question the right people!
Finally, conferring the blame solely on MIC dose not mitigate our responsibility. What were we doing when all this was happening, sleeping? Where was the valiance that we are now displaying, in a fear induced coma?
Let’s for once break free from the ‘Crab Syndrome’ and support the right people. And remember by supporting the right people, we are actually helping ourselves.
Adithya
Dear Anonymous,
Yes, we should move away from raced based politics but whether we are already there or otherwise is yet to be seen.
One swallow does not a summer make.
How many times have the opposition have been dealt with severe electoral defeat only to make comeback?
Lets not have blinkered view and be quick to jump into conclusions.
So, please don't be too quick to write anyone off.
Funny, it was the same logic as yours that some have argued that we do not need opposition parties whenever the going was good for the ruling party. Lets have an open mind about things.
Murugesan Sinnandavar
Dear Adithya,
Thank you for your comments. Point taken.
Our destiny is so intertwined that we have to work together as people of one nation.
Murugesan Sinnandavar
Hi to all,
some thoughts of mine...
YES, being racial is wrong if we use it for wrong reason....yes im an indian and i group myself with the people who have the same culture as i do...there is nothing wrong to it...it becomes wrong if by proclaiming we are from such and such a race we are superior or gifted and we oppress the other people whom do not belong to our race...thats wrong.This is the way we have indentified ourselves thus far...we may keep doing this or we may change....whichever way is ok...so long by doing this we do not cause problems to others.
The leaders and the party is in actual a reflection of the general indian publics thought about themselves...why do i say that?...because direct or indirectly we choose them to be there.....BUT as all things....things changes,people change on their views and aspiration...in this recpect it will be reflected on current and future MIC leadership of which its taking place now.
We say MIC failed...we should ask ourselves what was their duty and obligations and where did they fail...we have to deliberate this issue within us without anger and constructively...a lot of us may pick up MAIKA's issue....but let us also ponder on other things as well which MIC have failed ( or is it only MAIKA's issue) ....once we identify this and maybe we may debate about it......
jei
Dear Muru,
Its enough to trust MIC, We as a Indian alert on what the MIC done for us.. So please dont create new drama here... Please dont talk much put some effort to make Samy Velu STEP DOWN remember this. Thisis not my sugeestion its all Malaysia Indian voice.. So you as a new generation dont follow the same thing that Sammy Vellu grandpa's way . Ah ah its not hurt you b'couse i'm talking the reality.
Muru,
Nothing Much to do. First stand up for whom you represent.
A leader is the one who stand by his people ,no matter what it is. Not the one one who dump them when they see power, money & position.
Why was Subra denied a seat? I dont support him , still.
Why didnt MIC raise the voice when the BN people was waving the Keris and making racial statements in Parliment?
And many More . All selfish greed for power & Money. No other politicians are much better either but atleast there will be a check on them..
MIC has done enough(damage). Its enough.Les learn to mix with multiracial parties and learn to live like Malaysians,
Cheers
Hi friends!
I have a question for Vineeth? Why was Subra denied a seat? And why don’t you support him?
I have read this entire blog. Many have criticized. But none of these critics have given any credible suggestions.
We all all looking for answers and solutions, I am sure Murugesan is too. Instead of giving him our support and lending our intellect, we choose to slam him.
To the supportive bro’s , I am one of you.
Wei’ bro yang tak pandai cakap English tu, janganlah kutuk sahaja, cakap juga apa yang perlu di buat! ah,ah, in pun reality juga bro!
To Vineeth, Nothing much to do you say? We have a lot to do, first we start by standing together, behind the right person.
Regards
Kumar
Good day to all!
Anonymous wants Murugesan to change MIC, Settle the Maika issue, get Samy Velu to step down, voice the Indian concern and what else? Perhaps, while he is at it stop global warming and find a cure for cancer too!
Mr. Murugesan has to do all this while people like anonymous gripe and complain and that is all they will do.
So, Mr. Murugesan you have your work cut out for you. Do your really want to represent our people?
In our community there are scores of people like anonymous who will do nothing for themselves but blame everyone else for it.
I am sure you have thought wisely before embarking on this noble crusade but I tell you, yours is an ungratifying task.
Good luck to you!
Lingeshwaran Kandaiah
Taman Tun
Dear all,
We have choices….one to be passive bystander….or stand or raise your hands or voice up for our rights. What is one of our fundamental rights?…..To vote and to choose who gets to lead us.
In the general election…we do not have the direct rights to choose which candidate to contest….(some very brave independent candidate do so from time to time…salute to them…but who cares…it seems nobody votes for them…)…The Parties get to nominate their candidate whom the party thinks is most capable ….This applies to all known political parties in Malaysia…rest of the world, I don’t know.Be it UMNO,PKR,DAP,MCA,MIC…..n the rest of them…to my knowledge, they practice this. The Parties get to nominate our future MP’s and ADUN’s and then from there on we get to choose between those nominated people. If say both of them are video shooter‘s or photographers whom are nominated by the parties as candidates….we got no choice but to choose one of them!.….(be patient, I know most of u readers out there are well versed with these…but I think some of us are a bit ignorant!)…
One step downward…since the Parties gets to choose who gets nominated to stand to contest in the general election…We need to some what to be actively involved in the voting rights in party level,.....as of MIC and maybe the rest of the other parties…the system goes like this,the branch members, elects the branch leaders,…they then will elect division heads and leaders,…those from the division will be sent as delegates to the parties election to choose its leaders, the highest authority in the party….like it or not at the moment all of us has to work thru this political system.
Now to my point….
1. We the people through the current political system are the CHECKERS (checkers in the sense of check and balance)..… let us use the system and change the leadres….but no!, some of us do not understand the system and do not practice our rights at the fundamental level….We are part of the whole problem. Try to take control…bear in mind …to control the parties is the same as controlling who get to contest in the elections.
2. If we think something is not right, don’t wait….. take charge, get involved and select those people that we like….I’m not trying to promote MIC here…which ever party that you think is good, if possible try to get involved actively and be heard in those parties…if you want to be heard!. But it’s easier said than done!.
3.Let s look into the future….leaders, besides doing many-many things…(please don’t ask me what our leaders do…I was not there, I don’t know )….one of the basic responsibility is to ensure that there is proper environment to nurture future leaders,….in this respect, I believe we have failed miserably.
Our future leaders should be able enough to take criticism, to be checked….to have healthy competition among them…..No plan is fool proof….we need to check ourselves and allow others to check on us ….nothing wrong!….whatever ideas and plans which comes out through this process of checking….will always be superior to those ideas and plans which are implemented without it……Of which im sad to say…to my perception our current leaders have ignored of this rule…So lets try to choose good leaders (whichever party that you may want to belong to) who have this values of bringing up future leaders and be allowed to be checked, for a start!.
I quote…..Anonymous said….**….**
**…..And it has been a waste for the Indian community for the last 28 years to trust only 1 man with the hope that he will speak up for us…** ..yes, we can trust…but....for 28 years ah!!!..one person only ka!... Susa la!!…what have we been doing…to my opinion we were and we are still part of the problem which we are facing now…lets try to do something about this!!!!…some constructive comments and ideas will help.
One last comment before I sign off….I know I may get blasted for this but anyhow my thoughts!….. MIC president, he had his successes and also his failure’s, but I have yet to see the point on why some of us are blaming for all the wrong doings to him alone….he did his best….try not to make him the only reason for all our failure’s…we need to take responsibility and then we may learn how rectify our problems and not blame our future leaders as well.
jei
Hi friends!
Well said Jei. Also as Mr. Murugesan said too, it is our collective responsibilities.
Don’t simply write off any one or any party. When I ask my Indian friends who completely rebuff MIC what they think MIC should have done or could have done better, these people have no satisfactory answers.
They want their children to have better opportunities for higher education but the children don’t produce result. The ones who are granted scholarships don’t pay back, diminishing the possibilities of others. Some even out rightly lie about getting any aid. They want good jobs but don’t have the qualifications, or have certificates from unrecognized collages. You cannot begin to count how many Indian applicants I had to turn back because they couldn’t speak proper English. Some even have problems with their Tamil and Malay. Can you believe a few even wanted MIC to provide free ASTRO!
How to help our people, when they themselves don’t take charge and make a change in their lives. For those who blame MIC, blame as much as you want but you people are at fault too if not more!
Regards
Kumar
Hello Mr. Murugesan How a r u? Nice to see you have come-out your own Blog,Well Done.I think it is learning curve for u,base on my observation your idea is good but you enter at wrong timing for the last election,well no point talking the pass,let us work on the present and the future.I will share some idea's with you how we can put things right again @ back to track.Let us focus on Indian Community and also our main body MIC.No doubt the We need This Party but there few things we need to settle or solve to become better party so call, one for all and all for one.Bye.......For now.Tq
Mr. Mugilan,
Thank you for your comments and encouragement. Yes I agree that we have a lot of work to do to put things back on track. I am sure that MIC with more youths of your caliber and dedication can regain people's confidence and trust. Take care.
Murugesan Sinnandavar
http://umnodj.blogspot.com/2008/05/apa-khabar-en-murugesan.html
Hello Mr. Gesan how r u? I just want to find out how serious MIC is, on getting the youth to participate in political or the professional into politics.Pls look all around from north to south,east to west not only at klang valley,Penang,Perak or Johor. There a lot of good quality of Indian Professionals who are willing to help the community if they are given a chance. Pls invite them and let us have discussion,give this people a role to play and we can see the results. The Dead wood in MIC must go in order this to happen. Lets us REVAMP IT NOW RATHER THAN TOO Late. I personally think people like u can do changes with the help from us,we will support you if u do it sincerely for the betterment of our community.Thank YOU.
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