It's Najib who must quit, not Pak Lah
Malaysiakini.com
Aug 28, 2008 

‘The person who led the campaign wasn't Abdullah Badawi -it was Najib. Shouldn't they be calling for Najib to resign instead of Pak Lah, as it was Najib's failure?'

On Umno leaders call PM to quit after defeat

Aaron Leow: I would like to ask these Umno leaders a question. Who was the one charged with the responsibility and the burden of leading BN machinery in Permatang Pauh?

Who was the one who was campaigning for BN's candidate more than the candidate himself?
Who was the one who selected Arif Shah as the BN candidate for Permatang Pauh?

Maybe I'm missing some news here and there, but as far as I can recall, it was not our PM who was at the forefront of all this - it was his deputy.

If anybody should step down because BN lost Permatang Pauh (it was more like a lost cause from the start anyway), it should be the DPM because he is the man in charge of the machinery at this time.

Think before you speak, Umno leaders. Calling your CEO is useless and irrational if your general manager is the one committing all the offences and making the 'company' look bad.

Ionna: Here's something I don't get. The person who led the campaign wasn't Abdullah Badawi -it was Najib. Shouldn't they be calling for Najib to resign instead of Pak Lah, as it was Najib's failure?

Maran: Why must only the PM quit? Who led BN machinery in Permatang Pauh? Not only the PM, but also Mr DPM Najib Razak should quit, since the rakyat have lost confidence in both of them.

RSC: Just a humble piece of advice to our Tengku Razaleigh and Mukhriz - urging Pak Lah to step down is just not the answer.

Maybe Tengku Razaleigh and Mukhriz don't get the picture clearly enough about the political scenario in Malaysia now, or maybe they just can't listen well with their ears.

BN has tainted their own image with corruption and bribery, and Malaysians are sick of it.

Regardless who is going to anchor Umno or BN, he or she can't last long. Even if Tengku Razaleigh was elected to take the hot seat, he can do nothing.

Malaysians have shown strong commitment and willpower towards reforming the country.

Yvonne Loh: Ku Li and Mukhriz should not only blame our PM. They should blame the entire Umno leadership. Even they played a part in all the racial undertones that have divided the nation.

Malaysia has always boasted its multi-cultural, multiethnic society - boasted of the beauty of different races living together in one country in harmony. But they took all these away for their own selfish gains.

While we middle-aged citizens of Malaysia can claim to have experienced close friendships of the difference races since childhood, today our children are sadly left to a future that divides them into Indian, Chinese and Malay groups.

The victory at Permatang Pauh for Anwar is but an indication of the rakyat's rejection of the arrogance of Umno, which represents BN as a whole.

It is hypocritical of Mukriz to talk about the dissatisfaction of the rakyat today towards the government when it all started with his father.

This entire culture of corruption, nepotism and cronyism only snowballed during Abdullah Badawi's time - the weight of 22 years of Mahathir's dictatorial rule has finally taken its toll.

In reflection, Abdullah's faults were his weakness and indecisiveness, but truly he was only inheriting all the rot brought on by Mukhriz's father.

These people should remember that for every finger that is pointed, three are pointing back at the accuser.

Huridin: I'm a strong supporter for Umno and BN, and my message to Pak Lah is ‘Anda sudah tidak mampu menjadi pemimpin yang baik untuk rakyat'.

There are a lot of Umno leaders - such as Najib, Big Mouth Khairy and even Hamid Albar - contributing to the damage of Pak Lah's credibility as a leader.

Taking in Ezam to be an Umno member was a big mistake by Pak Lah. Obviously, Pak Lah does not know the aspirations of Umno members at the grassroots level.

Anwar is a great leader in the eyes of the marhain group of people - attacking Anwar personally is really no longer relevant.

Presenting such a stupid sodomy drama to the people is actually pouring oil onto the fire. Even my grandma, who never went to school, says ‘Masalahnya, kenapa pemimpin kita suka buat fitnah macam ini?'

Umno leaders, please wake up. Most of you are actually just becoming a liability for Umno.

If we want to see Umno alive in a political arena, drastic changes have to be made. If not, we can just say ‘sayonara' to Umno.

Old Soldier: Even before the Permantang Pauh final results were announced on Aug 26, Pak Lah knew that defeat was certain. So, he packed up and fled to KL.

He is the commander-in-chief of BN. As a general in command he must stay with his troops when they are in retreat, regroup them and raise their morale and prepare for a counter-attack at a later date - maybe 2012.

It shows very clearly that he has no real leadership ability and neither does he care for his troops in total disarray. What a sad case.

On Anwar gets BIGGER majority

Hamid Omar: They threw everything they had at Anwar - Saiful, Ezam, Nala, the American agent, the Jewish Agent, Mr Double-Face, and sellouts to the Malays. He did not waver.

They threw everything they had at the voters of Permatang Pauh - the by-election on a working day, the hyperactive media propaganda machine, goodies, petrol price reductions, etc. They did not waver.

They threw everything they had at the Pakatan Rakyat party workers - roadblocks, intimidation, hostile government department support machinery, phantom voters, uncooperative EC, etc. They did not waver.

They did not waver because they know that the rakyat was with them. They did not waver because the hopes of ordinary Malaysians and the future of Malaysia rested heavy on their shoulders.

They did not waver because they are nationalists and consider themselves patriots. They have won a strong psychological victory over Umno and they are relishing every moment of it.

History was made on August 26, 2008! One man absorbed the entire Umno onslaught and came out victorious.

Not only did neither Anwar nor Pakatan waver, they have come out of this fight even stronger, and the road to Putrajaya is now wide open. For Umno and its BN sidekicks, the writing is on the wall.

As Pakatan Rakyat marches on to Putrajaya, each of BN MPs will have to decide whether to join the victors or face oblivion.

Muncai: A million thanks to the electorate of Permatang Pauh. Though you may not count yourself a hero as an individual, but you are, each and everyone of you are a true hero.

It is through your vote that we made it thus far, it is through your vote that we managed to pave the way for our DSAI to be on the way to Putrajaya to lead and to realise our dream.

For the first time I dare to dream of a beautiful Malaysia with true harmony and true Merdeka to achieve a realistic Wawasan 2020.

For the first time I dare to dream of we can have a true platform to catch up with our neighbour which has left us far behind decades ago.

For the first time, lets make It for our Nation, for our Beautiful Malaysia, for our children and our future generations.

Happy Malaysian: With DSAI winning the PP by-election, all honourable MPs from BN should not think twice to cross over to PR - except those two from Kinabatangan and the other from Rembau.

PR should not accept the membership of these two along with those racist MPs from Umno. DSAI should know who these racists are.

PR will be ruined by these proven undesirable elements if it accepts them.

Marion Tharsis: Anwar, my heartiest congratulations on your stunning victory. You have proved that no amount of intimidation will rattle you or deny you your ultimate desire - to spearhead and lead the country to greater heights in a fair and just manner.

The door is now wide open, the passage is clear, and I believe you will bring about the reformation and changes for a better Malaysia for all, free of racial apprehensions and fear.

Tread carefully, dear DSAI, for there will always be strong forces to overwhelm you, discredit you and slur your good name and intentions.

However, I am sure you know very well how to handle the fireworks that come your way, having gone through and endured the pain and suffering - both physically and mentally - for so long.

Your fellow countrymen have again shown their strong support for you, will stand by you and will not abandon you. We are a team and we know very well that as a united team we are strong, but otherwise we will fall.

It is a long journey ahead, and the cause needs a lot of patience, hard work and perseverance to meet all our aspirations and objectives, both for ourselves and for the country that we love very much.

Guide us by wisdom, lead us by good example and be an architect of a new Malaysia. We have a good cause to celebrate on the 51st Merdeka.

Let us all proudly fly the Jagur Gemilang. It is a Merdeka of joy, not a lack of it as said by Dr M.

Aaron Yap: To the Permatang Pauh voters - thank you, thank you, and another million thank yous to all of you out there for sending our prodigal son DSAI to parliament with a big, big bang! Change we must!

This is a big smack to all the BN top leaders for taking this nation and all 26 million of us for a ride all this while. Once again, to DSAI, my heartfelt congratulations. I hope that this is just the beginning of a new era for Malaysia. At last there is a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel.

Kumalily: Well, the people have spoken, again rejecting the Umno-led BN government for the second time. Pak Mertua and his menantu, together with the DPM, got ‘buried' in Permatang Pauh.

Shame on all of you for the dirty allegations poured on Anwar merely to win this election. It is just a matter of time - BN will be thrown out, together with all their cronies.

Long live Pakatan Rakyat and the new Pakatan government to come.
Toh CK: The result of a majority of 15,671 shows that no matter how you act, cheat, treat etc. you cannot cover up the eyes and minds of the rakyat.

People now believe that what is right is right. Just hoping for a reformation of the government that will bring us a marvelous country.

Logaraj Ramachandran: First of all, we would like to say congratulations to DSAI on the perfect victory. We have waited a long time for this moment. Now that it has happened, it is time to start making changes.

Even though the election was in Permatang Pauh, down south we are feeling the heat. We also hope that PKR will expand and be strong enough to win the next GE, especially in JB.

It's time for a change. So where is this Khairy, the son-in-law of the PM? Why so quiet? Where is your big mouth?

Don't be so rude and arrogant to other people, especially when you know nothing. We are getting sick of your tantrums - your days are numbered, just remember that.

To Pak Lah and Najib - it is now time to step down. Everything has been proven, and you guys are just not up to the standard.

Just quit - we will understand. Let DSAI rule. Let Pakatan Rakyat rule. It is for the best.

Cheam Tat Pang: Let's hope this is a structural change with voters - especially young Malay voters - deciding on issues rather than on race and religion although these factors must be considered as well

Kangaroo Smith: Let's leave Merdeka Day in the historical past and focus on Malaysia Baru.

Though we appreciate the Founding Fathers, you can't keep looking behind when building the future. We need a new rallying point and cry - Malaysia Baru!

Celebrate the new Malaysia on Sept 16. This Malaysia Baru is our new Merdeka - Merdeka from tyrany, corruption, cronyism, nepotism and hypocrisy of the BN masters.

Pakatan Rakyat must now take the broom of reform and sweep this nation clean of all the rot.

On Dr M to Umno: Back Abdullah at your peril

Alan: I refer specifically the quote from Dr M: ‘He (Anwar) may think that he can buy them but other bidders may have more money'.

Whilst it is common knowledge that Malaysia is quite the participant in 'money politics' - to have a former PM quote this officially on the record - I am completely flabbergasted.

He is so nonchalant in implying - by nature of the off-handedness of this remark - that buying parliamentary seats is common practice and second nature to all.

Whilst we have no doubt that this is in all likelihood is the reality of politics in Malaysia - coming from the man who was at the centre of Malaysian government for 22 years, does not bring much confidence in the way the country was, and is being run.

On Time to reform poll process, says int'l watchdog

Kenny: There were finally 47,356 votes, including spoilt votes and unreturned ballots. Anwar Ibrahim got 31,195 votes, Arif Shah Omar Shah, 15,524, Hanafi Hamat, 92. Anwar won with a majority of 15,671. There were 58,459 registered voters.

I wish to congratulate Anwar and give a big pat on the back for the Permatang Pauh voters for not succumbing to BN's scare and racial tactics. Kudos too all who voted for Anwar!

At 6:55 pm, almost two hours after polling had closed for the Permatang Pauh by-election, EC Secretary, Kamaruzaman announced that there was a 65.25% voter turnout, with 38,144 voters going to the ballot-box.

I am surprised that no one seems to be looking into how the EC Secretary can make such a huge mistake, even two hours after polling had closed. Shouldn't this warrant an in-depth investigation?

My gut feeling is that Anwar actually won with a majority exceeding 22,000 votes, if you eliminate these 9,212 ‘voters' who ‘cast' their ballots after 6:30pm.

But its just too bad that here in Malaysia, there is no need for accountability as the powers-that-be are allowed to do whatever they want, and they will be allowed to get away with it.

I just wait for the day when BN adds so many votes to a particular election result that the voter turnout exceeds 100%. That will be justice served.

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