How about you kiss and make up for the Rakyat?

Datuk Wong Chun Wai pointed out a possibility in his Editorial comment yesterday:

(But) federal-state relations will never be the same again.

With the Barisan still in control of the Federal Government, it may even review its numerous projects in states lost to the Opposition.

As the most industrialised state in Malaysia, Selangor will be affected in many ways.

I don't think the Datuk's observation are far from wrong given the fact that politics is factious and petty, but I'm hoping this doesn't happen. In fact, it would be much better for the BN-led Federal Government to keep up the projects, ensure they are completed on time and show the rakyat that its intentions and actions are always their best interests regardless of who controls the state government.

Why? Because (and I'm offering an alternative viewpoint, with no expertise or research other than Mamak stall polls here) the elections showed the issues weren't about race or religion or loyalties to political parties. We've gone past that despite what you may read.

Personally, I'm not a party-voter. Neither are most of my friends. They may support either BN or Opposition, but their reasons for supporting is either because "Chew Mei Fun has really done a lot for our community" or because "Tan Kok Wai was the one who fought to abolish the unnecessary Cheras Toll."

The issue for us was whether the existing governors, councillors and people in power have done their job and if they were honest, forthright and transaparent people with no shady dealings. What we want is a government (whether it's a BN or Opposition government) that's going to be responsible with taxpayer's money, transparent in its administration, and concerned for the Rakyat's needs.

Thus, watch this: it's extremely important how BN treats the four new 'Opposition' states and the rakyat there this next four to five years. It's going to be an interesting dynamic and I'm curious to see if there will be more cooperation between BN and Opposition (wishful thinking?) or outright rejection and skirmishing.

BN, the ball is in your court (given you're forming the Federal Government).

Be nice, gentlemanly and genuinely concerned, then maybe you'll win back some votes and gain some love and respect. Be snarky, mean and petty (withdraw funding) and it'll only harden the rakyat's hearts for the Opposition.

Because at the end of the day, it isn't about whether you're Opposition or BN. It's about getting the job done right for the Rakyat.

Elections Brand Plagiarism

There's a sub-culture in urban states (like the US and even here in Kuala Lumpur) called "Brand Plagiarism or Logo Culture" where you take the logo of a known brand and turn it into your own message.

Some brand-guardians think this is flattery, others are mortified by such butchery of their brands.

I'm just wondering how Celcom is feeling right now:



Was driving past this yesterday night. They even used the bird symbol! LoL!

Worth Surfing: malaysiavotes.com

For all of you interested in following the Malaysian Elections through an independent news site that's not biased to either side, you really should check out www.malaysiavotes.com.



The people running this site were journalists from The Edge and an ex-colleague of mine (who happened to be their colleagues in The Edge) has vouched for them. Personally, I've worked with at least one of them in the past (part of my job) and they are credible, intelligent and decent people so I'd vouch for them too.

Hooray for Online Journalism!