POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Posted by Unknown On Saturday, March 6, 2010 40 comments
I was pleasantly surprised to read Malaysian Insider's report on Penang restores local council vote where Neville Spykerman reported that Penang has decided to ask the Election Commission (EC) to conduct local government elections for two municipalities in the state this year, sticking to its campaign promise to restore the third vote just days shy of its electoral victory two years ago.



Excerpt from the article:

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said today the local election will involve two municipal councils: the Municipal Council of Penang Island (MPPP) and Municipal Council of Seberang Perai (MPSP).

If held, the elections will be the first in the country in more than 40 years since the federal government banned them in 1965.

“The executive council decided this week we will go ahead with the local government election,” Lim told The Malaysian Insider, adding the government has sent a letter to the EC on March 4 asking them to conduct the polls.

“We want to restore the democratic power to the people,” he added, pointing out that Penang was the first state government to move in this direction. Click HERE for more.
Before Penangites do a victory jig, another article by Debra Chong of Malaysian Insider at THIS LINK revealed that while Penang’s decision to conduct local government elections for two municipalities after a 45-year hiatus has received good response, the Election Commission (EC) might refuse to comply. Please read that article to understand the statements which throw some light on the challenges ahead.

Personally, I believe that local council elections (abolished in the 1960's) provide more citizen participation in decision-making process thereby giving citizens more local democracy. We must realize that local elections are a fundamental component of the democratic process. At the same time, we must know that UMNO-BN and the EC are not in favor of this process which would make it more difficult to gerrymander constituencies. To a certain extent, local elections could affect the feudal patronage system being used by UMNO-BN for the rakyat would now have a bigger say in decision-making, instead of being at the mercy of a few powerful ones.

It is a long journey to get there but I believe the journey has begun and while many hurdles are ahead, with steadfast perseverance and via the right channels and medium, we will get there. Remember that the process of holding an official election must be decided by the federal government because of the “loophole” in the existing federal laws concerning polls. And the EC has the final say. As such, let's wait for the outcome with bated breath!

Congratulations to the Penang government for keeping to the promise that they made before the March 8 2008 elections. May the Almighty give them the wisdom and understanding to make this local election process a reality!

To understand issues related to Local Government, please visit THIS LINK that discusses many salient points including:
  • Background
  • What You Need To Know
  • Flash points
  • Basic Laws and Policies
  • Procurement Policies
  • Party Manifestos
  • etc


Do leave a comment if you wish to share your views. Thanks! Have a nice day!

40 comments to POWER TO THE PEOPLE

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Saudara Hafiz

    Yes, I agree with you which is why I cited Debra Chong's article and explained why the EC would never agree. Still, there are ways to get round to it...er hopefully!

    Thanks for sharing, saudara Hafiz...and for being a thinking Malaysian (Penangite?).

    Take care and have a lovely weekend with your loved ones.

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Boleh Man Exactly, it is a long journey to get there.

    However, let's listen to what Confucius had to say :

    "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

  1. says:

    Anonymous Darn racist EC and the(pain in the neck)contrived 'Conservatives' will never agree but perhaps a time and point may come when they can no longer resist when the people demands that after a favorable 13GE result - for the people.

    ~wits0~

  1. says:

    LC Teh Then the Feds will get another black eye which we hope will last till the next general elections. The rakyat will definitely remember that. Show them up and shame them for they are the ones moving us farther away from democracy.

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Boleh Man

    Yes! The journey has begun and slowly but surely with steadfast courage and an undaunted spirit, we will get there!

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Penangite Tahniah, Lim Guan Eng!
    Syabas, DAP!
    Hidup Pakatan Rakyat!

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear ~wits0~

    I can foresee that they are in a tricky position. If they resist, it might confirm our suspicions about you-know-what and yet, if they approve, there could be backlash from the powers that be.

    Very interesting scenario indeed!

    Have a lovely day!

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear LC Teh

    Love that black eye haha! :-)Oh yes - I too hope the blow will be a long-lasting one and as they reel in stupor, may they realize the true meaning of democracy like the rest of us.

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts, LC. Take care and have a lovely weekend.

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Anon @ 3.25pm

    True! But as a Penangite ;-p, I thought I'd blog on this one first :-).

    Will do sth on the MCA pow-wow which has more drama, suspense and all the makings of a soap opera!

    Take care and thanks for swinging by.

    Have a great weekend!

  1. says:

    Village Boy I have a dream today!

    I have a dream that the Election Commission will conduct local government elections in Malaysia!

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Penangite,

    I share your joy too!

    Three cheers for CM Lim Guan Eng, DAP and Pakatan Rakyat.

    Take care and let's hope for the best.

    Have a lovely afternoon.

    Warmest regards

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Village Boy

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful dream.

    I am sure many Malaysians share that dream too, including myself!

    Take care and have a lovely weekend.

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Anonymous It can be remarkably difficult to take that first step.
    Do it anyway!

    God bless

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Anon @ 3.53 pm

    How true! We can be bogged down by self-doubt, fear, lack of confidence and all sorts of excuses but when we resolve to take that first step and just do it, a whole new world of experiences and achievements are awaiting ....Life is for living and for us to savor the many blessings in life.

    Take care and thanks for sharing. Keep in touch, ya?

    God bless you and yours. Enjoy the weekend!

  1. says:

    Justice One simple question :
    Can EC conduct a free and fair election?

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Justice

    An excellent question indeed! Thanks...We know the answer to that one...

    Take care and thanks for reminding us of the harsh realities of life.

    God bless you.

    Kind regards

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear ~wits0~

    *stunned*

    I am completely bowled over by your hard-hitting comment! You have zeroed in on the core problems that we face in a no holds barred style that leaves us reeling at the memory of it all and the prospects of the tragedy that awaits us if things don't change for the better! I for one would not want to shed tears while wading around trying to avoid puddles of poo all around!

    Thanks, ~wits0~! Brilliant comment.

    Have a great day!

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Boleh Man PKR sacks Kulim Bandar Baru MP Zulkifli.

    ~~ Malaysiakini

    Surprised?

    Not the least, haha!

  1. says:

    Justice Given the severe restrictions on political freedom, it is very obvious that opposition parties always face formidable obstacles in their political work. Any political contest is therefore an unequal and unfair contest.

  1. says:

    Anonymous Lim Guan Eng : We'lll conduct local government elections.

    Election Commission : We'll have the final say.

    Penangites : ???

  1. says:

    Anonymous "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

    -- Martin Luther King, Jr

  1. says:

    Penangite Can anyone make sure that EC is impartial and will not help BN's cronies win the local council elections!
    Otherwise, it's like going 'back to square one'.

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Boleh Man

    That came as no surprise to many. Besides, that could have been what he wanted anyway.

    Thanks for the update.

    Take care and enjoy your evening.

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Justice

    That is a very sharp observation that you have shared with us. Thanks! The Opposition are always at an unfair disadvantage and it appears that the situation is likely to persist.

    :-(

    Take care and enjoy the rest of the evening!

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Anon @ 5.53pm

    More Penangites MUST speak up!!!

    Thanks, Anon!

    Take care and God bless you.

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Anon @ 6.12 pm

    Thanks for that inspiring quotation. We must have the faith and confidence that even though things look bleak at the moment, good will always triumph over evil.

    Take care and God bless you!

    Cheers

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Penangite

    The sad truth is there is nothing we can do and we are at their mercy. All we can do is pray and hope that there will be an election watch...

    Take care and God bless you.

    Best wishes

  1. says:

    Anonymous It's a good time to celebrate because PKR has finally got rid of much of its garbage.

    There are unscrupulous individuals who, while appearing to be good, are actually driven by ambition and self-interest to exploit the party. We must never be deceived by such scoundrels.

  1. says:

    ahoo The people of Penang must never forget that good governance comes with integrity, accountability and transparency. It can be any party that is holding the state govt but without those basic elements, corruptions reign and leaders without direction will steer the state to ruins.

    Whether EC will restores the local council vote or note is secondary now. For the govt has shown that they are willing to listen to the people at alrge and be accountable for doing the right thing.

    Have a pleasant day !

  1. says:

    Apa Nama Dear Zul,

    Since you have broken the rules, you have to face the music.
    But, no worry man! BN is playing a different tune, and it can always be customized to your liking!

  1. says:

    Penangite Gerakan wants other Pakatan states to follow Penang government's move to restore local council elections.

    Well, what are these Gerakan creatures croaking about? Why have they no balls to propose to the UmNo states to hold local council elections too?

    1Malaysia = semua samalah!

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear ahoo

    Many thanks for blessing us with your mature and insightful response to my post.

    You have raised many pertinent points for our consideration and have added depth and scope to the subject. Thanks a lot!

    Take care. Keep in touch and God bless you and yours always.

    Shalom

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Apa Nama

    Thanks a lot for that entertaining and witty comment which surely rings true!

    Take care and keep in touch. Here's wishing you a fantastic weekend with your loved ones.

    Salam

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Penangite

    You are in your element tonight, dear Penangite! What a brilliant comment you have shared here. I almost blogged about that but chose to write on MCA as I have never written about this party.

    I agree with your view as expressed here. It is ridiculous that they have taken this stand when they have no guts to do the same in other states.

    What is their motive? Food for thought.

    Thanks for sharing. Take care and God bless you.

    Have a great weekend!

  1. says:

    Apa Nama "I will remain as an Independent for now but I will keep my options open. But joining Umno is a big no-no," Zulkifli told The Malaysian Insider when asked if he planned to join another party.

    What a joke! Do you think Najib is so stupid to adopt this racial bigot to realize his 1Malaysia dream?

    Zul, you are now a Nobody's Child!

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Apa Nama

    I suspect it is all but a window dressing exercise.

    What do you think?

    Take care and thanks for swinging by again.

    Enjoy the weekend.

  1. says:

    Anonymous Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan noted that the current practice of appointing local councillors was already within the state’s powers and that it could still carry out an informal election without the EC’s involvement. Furthermore, Penang activist and Aliran member, Anil Netto also urged the state government not to be disheartened if the EC does not respond positively to the request to conduct the polls.

    “A less than enthusiastic response from the Commission shouldn’t stop the Penang government from pressing ahead creatively.

    “If the Penang government is serious about restoring local election, then there are all kinds of ways and means that some people have already suggested to maximise public participation in the selection of local councillors. These ways should be used as a prelude to the full restoration of local government elections,” Netto added.

    I tend to agree with the above 2 gentlemen's views, though it may take some time for this local government elections to be implemented in Penang. But when this happens, it would be an excellent idea for our beloved MWS to stand for the election and become a Local Councillor or better still, to for election as an MP in Penang State comes the next GE. You will make a fine MP!!!

    Gpeace

  1. says:

    jtba Municipality Elections.
    The most important pertinent point is that DAP/PR has now fulfilled their promise , regardless of what EC might or might not do.

    My faith in them has been restored .

    I hope you will run to be a Councillor in Penang.

    Salam

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear Anon @ 12.58am aka Gpeace

    *stunned*

    Thank you for your passionate reaction about the local council elections and for the quotations from Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan and Anil.

    Most of all, thanks for the vote of confidence re the possibility of my standing for election as a local councillor or MP. I am stunned to say the least and am touched but I dare say it is something I would only do in my dreams :-) for I doubt I have the strength (at my age) or the stamina for such a formidable task.

    Thank you so much for your kind comment. It is very encouraging and even validating.

    Take care and have a blessed week.

    Shalom

  1. says:

    Unknown Dear JTBA

    Lovely to hear from you again. Actually, you are a better candidate than me for local council elections. I am serious...Thanks for the vote of confidence which I appreciate deeply. Take care and have a blessed week.

    Salam

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