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Pakatan 2, BN 1

April 7th, 2009
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Well, after hectic days of campaigning, the resignation of Kalaivanar, and the last minute campaign attempt by Mahathir, BN lost by  a slightly bigger majority in Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang. In both places, the majority increased, but if not for the bigshots turun padang, the results could have been worse. Of course, its worth mentioning that MIC was very confident of winning handsomely in Bukit Selambau, alas, the makkal were smarter (or otherwise, depends on who you ask). The promises (empty or otherwise) did not have the desired effects.

This time, we saw both federal and state governments offering tid-bits to the citizens, so in the end the rakyat got something positive.

Meanwhile in Batang Ai, BN retained its seat with an increased majority of about 800, I think.

As expected, none of the independents got back their deposits.

In Perak, the result puts more pressure on the questionable BN government as the highest turnout in the history of the constituency gave PAS’ Nizar a place in Dewan Rakyat. The Sultan’s previous decision may be viewed less favorably now if the status quo remains. Its time to eat the humble pie and call for elections.

According to Malaysiakini report,  PKR had blazed ahead in almost all the non-Malay areas with the exception of the predominantly Indian area of Bukit Lembu in Bukit Selambau. The presence of Samy Vellu, resignation of Kalaivanar, Kugan issue, release of Hindraf 2 all played a role in the results – but to what extent, hard to say. Whatever it is, its a major setback for MIC’s rebranding program as it was widely proclaimed that the win here would be proof of the rebranding’s success. Looks like its back to the drawing board for those guys.

In Sarawak, Pakatan has much more work to do.  It doesn’t look as if Sarawak can be won over easily by the next elections. And is it Batang Ai or Batang Air? The newscasters in TV3 and Awani seem to pronounce it as “Air”.

The timeline of results are below, taken from Malaysiakini, The Star:

[MK] 10.55pm Bukit Selambau OFFICIAL RESULTS

S Manikumar (PKR) 12,632
S Ganesan (MIC) 10,229
Majority 2,403

PKR has won with a slight increase in its majority – 41 votes. The 13 Independents collectively garnered 1,200 votes. V Arumugan, who ran as an Independent in the 2008 general elections, won by 2,362 votes. PKR could conceivably win by an even bigger majority if the Independents opt out of the contest.

[STAR] (10:45pm) Bkt Selambau: Official final results – PKR’s Manikumar wins with 2,403 vote majority. PKR 12,632 votes vs BN 10,229 votes. Independents 1,326 votes. Spoilt votes 415.

[STAR] (10:35pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 61 out of 64 streams – PKR 11,856 votes vs BN 9,708 votes. Independents 1,245 votes.

[MK] 10.31pm Bukit Gantang Ousted Perak menteri besar Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin said at a press conference that his victory in Bukit Gantang send a very strong message to the federal government that Malaysians want real democracy.

He added that he would now request for the dissolution of the Perak Assembly to enable fresh elections to resolve the political impasse in the state.

According to an early analysis of the results, there has been very little change in the Malay votes but PAS managed to win even more non-Malay votes compared to the last election in 2008.

[MK] 10.20pm Bukit Gantang Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has arrived at SSL Traders Hotel in Taiping to meet with BN-appointed menteri besar Zambry Abd Kadir. The DPM did not show any emotions and looked expressionless.

Meanwhile, after ousted menteri besar Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar was declared winner of the Bukit Gantang by-election, the crowd outside the main tally centre began to disperse. Streets of Taiping are wet due to the slight drizzle.

[STAR] (10.00pm) Bkt Selambau: Unofficial results – PKR wins with 2,096 vote majority.

[STAR] (09:55pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 41 out of 64 streams – PKR 7,398 votes vs BN 6,228 votes. Independents 941 votes.

[MK] 9.36pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial results

S Manikumar (PKR) 12,607
S Ganesan (BN) 10,232
Majority 2,375

[MK] 9.36pm Bukit Gantang Ousted Perak menteri besar and PAS candidate Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar arrives at the main tally centre in Taiping Town Hall accompanied by cheers from thousands of Pakatan supporters.

[MK] 9.35pm Bukit Gantang Pakatan leaders seen at the main tally centre are PAS deputy president Nasharuddin Mat Isa, PAS chief Ahmad Awang, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang, Perak DAP state chief Ngeh Koo Ham, DAP’s Taiping MP Nga Kor Ming and Perak PKR chief Osman Abdul Rahman. The only BN leader there is PPP president M Kayveas [SESAT?].

Also present is Election Commission chief Abdul Aziz Yusof. All are waiting for the arrival of Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar to be officially declared winner.

[STAR] (09:30pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 33 out of 64 streams – PKR 5,880 votes vs BN 4,708 votes. Independents 836 votes.

[MK] 9.20pm Bukit Gantang OFFICIAL RESULTS

Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar (PAS) 21,860
Ismail Saffian (BN-Umno) 19,071
Kamarul Ramizu Idris (Ind) 62

Majority – 2,789 (In 2008, the majority was 1,566)

[STAR] (09:15pm) Bkt Gantang: Official final results – From MB to MP, ousted Perak MB Nizar (PAS) wins the parliamentary seat with a 2,789 majority. PAS 21,860 votes vs BN 19,071 votes. Independent 62 votes.

[MK] 9.15pm In an immediate reaction, PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim said that the Pakatan victory in the two ‘bukits’ showed that “irrespective of the new PM, Malaysians still want change.”

“They are even stronger in their support for PKR,” he said. Anwar said that he was satisfied with the result as PKR did not expect to win Batang Ai.

He added that with PAS’ thumping victory in Bukit Gantang, Perak should now have fresh elections.

[STAR] (09:00pm) Bkt Selambau: Unofficial results indicate a victory for PKR candidate S. Manikumar.

[MK] 8.58pm Manikumar wins Bukit Selambau

With all 22 polling boxes counted, Manikumar retained the seat for PKR by winning with a 2,396-vote majority, a slightly higher margin than in the 2008 general elections.

BN candidate S Ganesan is not in the hall. Other MIC leaders are also not present.

[STAR] (08:55pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 22 out of 64 streams – PKR 3,591 votes vs BN 2,765 votes. Independents 368 votes.

[MK] 8.50pm UNOFFICIAL PKR retains Bukit Selambau PKR’s Manikumar wins the seat to retain the status quo in the state assembly.

With only one more polling box to be counted, Manikumar is leading with a 2,092-vote majority. He has been leading in this race from the time the first box was counted.

PAS Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin leaves the party’s operation centre in Air Kuning in an open hatch SUV, and waves to supporters as if he has just won the US presidential race.

[STAR] (08:40pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 16 out of 64 streams – PKR 2,621 votes vs BN 2,034 votes. Independents 254 votes.

[MK] 8.37pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 18,881, BN 15,859, Independent 51. Majority 3,022.

PAS appeared to have an almost unassailable lead with 83.46% of the votes counted and is likely to win this by-election with an increased majority. There are still 16 ballot boxes out of 112 boxes to be tallied.

Party supporters have been asked to go to Taiping Town Hall for the official celebrations.

[MK] 8.25pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results Mohd Jamaluddin Nizar (PAS) has increased his majority over Ismail Saffian (Umno) to more than 3,000 votes.

PAS 18,275, BN 15,101, Independent 47. Majority 3,174.

With 8,000 votes yet to be tallied, PAS is heading towards victory.

[STAR] (08:25pm) Bkt Gantang: Official results from 96 out of 112 streams – PAS 18,881 votes vs BN 15,869 votes. Independent 51 votes.

[MK] 8.20pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 17,427, BN 15,001, Independent 46. Majority 2,426.

[MK] 8.15pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 16,316, BN 14,061, Independent 40. Majority 2,255.

So far, 64.61 percent of the 41,626 votes have been tallied.

[MK] 8.10pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial Results PKR’s Manikumar is headed for a big victory. With 17 polling stations counted, he has 2,311 votes. There are only five more centres to go.

[STAR] (08:10pm) Bkt Gantang: Official results from 81 out of 112 streams – PAS 15,770 votes vs BN 13,079 votes. Independent 42 votes.

[STAR] (08:05pm) Bkt Selambau: Official results from 10 out of 64 streams – PKR 1,712 votes vs BN 1,142 votes. Independents 140 votes.

In the last general election, V Arumugam got 2,362-vote majority.

[MK] 7.52pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial Results With 15 polling stations counted, PKR is still leading with a majority of 1,294. Seven more polling stations are uncounted.

Meanwhile, the MIC operations centre in Sungai Petani is deserted with all party supporters gone.

[MK] 7.52pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial Results With 12 of the 22 polling stations counted, PKR is leading with 1,161 votes.

BN’s Malcolm Mussem Lamoh (3,907 votes) has beaten PKR’s Jawah Gerang (2,053). The majority is 1,854.

With this result, BN has increased its majority from the 806-vote margin at the 2006 state election.

[STAR] (07:50pm) Bkt Gantang: Official results from 50 out of 112 streams, including postal votes – PAS 9,761 votes vs BN 7,740 votes. Independent 25 votes.

[STAR] (07:50pm) Bkt Selambau: After nine out of 22 polling streams tallied, PKR candidate S. Manikumar leading by a 1,000-vote majority.

[STAR] (07:45pm) Batang Ai: Returning officer Nelson Mujah declares Malcom Mussem Lamoh of Barisan the official winner, to thunderous cheers.

[MK] 7.40pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 14,720, BN 12,142, Independent 32. Majority 2,577.

More than half of the votes cast have been tallied.

[STAR] (07:40pm) Bkt Gantang: Official results from 30 out of 112 streams, including postal votes – PAS 5,833 votes vs BN 4,828 votes. Independent 14 votes.

[MK] 7.39pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial results PKR is leading by 1,080 votes after 10 polling stations have been counted. There are 12 more polling stations left.

BN 3,450, PKR 1,790. Majority 1,660.

[STAR] (07:35pm) Batang Ai: Official final results – BN wins with 1,854 majority. BN 3,907 votes vs PKR 2,053. BN supporters cheering. Click here for more.

[MK] 7.36pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 13,571, BN 11,191, Independent 31. Majority 2,380.

[MK] 7.27pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial Results With eight polling stations counted, PKR is leading by 1,225 votes. These eight polling areas consist largely of Indian and Chinese voters. There are 14 more polling stations to be counted.

[MK] 7.25pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 11,375, BN 8,998, Independent 29. Majority 2,377.

[MK] 7.20pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 9,423, BN 6,997, Independent 25. Majority 2,426.

About 40 percent of the 41,000 votes have so far been counted.

PAS candidate Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin and wife, Perak speaker V Sivakumar and Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong, Gopeng MP and PKR VP Lee Boon Chai are at the PAS operation centre.

[MK] 7.13pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial results After counting five out of 22 polling centres, PKR’s Manikumar is leading by 990 votes.

[MK] 7.10pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 8,932, BN 6,584, Independent 24. Majority 2,348.

[STAR] (07:05pm) Bkt Gantang: Unofficial results from 10 out of 32 voting stations – PAS 8,932 votes vs BN 6,584 votes.

[MK] 7.01pm Bukit Selambau Unofficial results After counting four streams of out 64, PKR’s S Manikumar is leading by 578 votes.

[MK] 7pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS’ Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin has increased his lead over BN-Umno’s Ismail Saffian. Independent Kamarul Ramizu Idris is trailing far behind.

PAS 7,294, BN 4,670, Independent 17. Majority 2,624.

[STAR] (06:55pm) Batang Ai: Official results from 25 out of 26 stations – BN 3,508 votes vs PKR 1,912 votes.

[MK] 6.55pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 5,568, BN 3,792, Independent 10. Majority 1,776.

[MK] 6.50pm Bukit Selambau It is a tight race here, admits a MIC leader.

[STAR] (06:45pm) Batang Ai: Official results from 20 out of 26 stations – BN 2,605 votes vs PKR 1,281 votes.

[MK] 6.44pm Bukit Gantang Unofficial results PAS 4,929, BN 3,161, Independent 9. Majority 1,768.

[STAR] (06:35pm) Batang Ai: Official results from 15 out of 26 stations – BN 1,698 votes vs PKR 831 votes.

[MK] 6.25pm Batang Ai UNOFFICIAL: BN wins Batang Ai. It is leading with an almost unassailable majority of 1,600 after 21 of 24 boxes have been counted. Boxes from polling stations which closed at 5pm are to be counted soon but it is unlikely that PKR will be able overcome the huge vote deficit.

Official results: For 15 out of 26 polling stations – BN 1,698, PKR 831, majority 867.

[STAR] (06:25pm) Batang Ai: Returning officer Nelson Mujah announces official results after votes counted from 10 polling stations is Barisan 830 votes vs PKR 502 votes.

[STAR] (06:10pm) All three: Official final voter turnout:

Bkt Gantang: 75% or 41,626 voters

Bkt Selambau: 70% or 24,687 voters

Batang Ai: 71% or 5,670 voters.

[MK] 5.50pm Batang Ai Latest count: BN has reportedly increased its lead over PKR to 1,000 votes.

[STAR](05:50pm) Batang Ai: Unofficial results after 14 boxes counted – BN 1,799: PKR 930

[MK] 5.45pm Bukit Selambau The final voter turnout figure is about 70 percent, said Kedah EC chief Zainal Abidin Zakaria.

[MK] 5.25pm Batang Ai More unofficial results from the on-going vote count: Gugu – BN 59, PKR 149, Krang Mong – BN 88, PKR 15. BN is still leading.

[MK] 5.20pm Batang Ai The high water level in the Lemanak river resulted in a lower voter turnout. Of the 448, only 366 registered voters cast their ballots. According to elections watchdog Mafrel, several boats capsized when ferrying voters.

[MK] 5pm POLLING CLOSES in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai. Counting of votes for the two Bukits is expected to commence at 5.30pm. For Batang Ai, counting started at 3pm.

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Waytha Press Statement on Bukit Selambau

April 3rd, 2009
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received via email from Waytha:

HINDRAF – BRIEF PRESS STATEMENT 030409

1) 1. HINDRAF acknowledges that our grass root supporters are disappointed that the Bukit Selambau seat was not offered to any of the 5 short listed candidates (two of whom were HINDRAF coordinators and remaining 3 were reputable KEADILAN local leaders) and urge our supporters to remain focussed and calm.

2) 2. I had spoken to HINDRAF National Coordinator RS Tanendran and he confirms that most of his statements had been taken out of context and manipulated by the government run media to portray that HINDRAF does not support PAKATAN to create confusion and anxiety amongst supporters.

3) 3.The discretion of candidate selection in Bukit Selambau was within the prerogative of Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim along with the other leaders of the PAKATAN coalition. However we hope in future there would be some level of consultation with HINDRAF to avoid any unwarranted confusion.

4) 4.Our mutual “Political Enemy” would be no other than the BN imperialist government. Our goal is to create awareness of the depleted state of her subject, to stay focussed by initiating actions by working together hand in hand in fairness to ensure we successfully get rid of our “common enemy” in the next elections. After 50 years HINDRAF created the awareness that changed the mindset of 80% traditional Indian BN voters who had always been loyal to BN.

5) 5. It is time all Pakatan leaders-Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Mr.Lim Kit Siang and Dato Seri Haji Hadi Awang realise that the current Political climate has to be maximised. If we fail to work and act together to get rid of BN in the next GE (2012) then the hope of opposition ever taking over the reign of the Country will die permanently and I honestly envisage the crack and crumble of PAKATAN from then on.

6) 6. I had the opportunity to discuss pertinent questions raised by grass root supporters of HINDRAF with Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim and we had come to an understanding that matters affecting the Indian community would be further discussed and resolved at a later date with leaders of all 3 PAKATAN coalition.

7) 7.The Indian voters in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau are aware of the predicament of the society and are now politically mature thus they could not be fooled by BN and their “peanuts” often thrown during elections.

8) 8.HINDRAF reiterates its commitment to campaign and support PAKATAN candidates in both Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau.

P.Waytha Moorthy

Hindraf- Chairman

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Explosive interview with Kalaivanar

April 2nd, 2009
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This is a must-watch interview. Kalaivanar (ex-PKR) brings out some pertinent points. I also wonder – how many politicians from either side actually visited the ISA detainees? Can we imagine top politicians dropping by Kamunting to visit Uthaya and co?

2. Kerajaan PAS or Kerajaan Pakatan in Kedah?

3. Manikumar already pre-choosen?

4. Promised deputy speaker, senatorship etc?

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another criteria for potential candidates

April 1st, 2009
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i think that health condition should be made a pre-requisite by SPR. The existing laws should be modified. Why you ask?

Well, let’s look at the number of reps who died of heart attack. Know why Bukit Gantang and Kuala Terengganu had by-elections?

More recently, Thanenthiran of HINDRAF admitted due to heart problem. Imagine if he was selected by PKR as candidate for Bukit Selambau.

Add to this the alarming statistics being revealed by agencies like Health Ministry – high percentage of obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, heart problems, mental disorder, etc. Less people exercising, less people eating proper food. The numbers are alarming indeed. So, chances are high that you may outlive your elected representative!

Now, is that a good thing? Election means goodies and local economic activities are jump-started.

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countdown to Bukit Selambau 1

April 1st, 2009
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I wonder why the Pakatan coalition need to talk about on-going case like the Mongolian lady murder in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections. They need not be reminded that they are/were the ruling government in Kedah and Perak (up to February this year). So, they should produce their “report card” – What work has been done in last 11 months in the areas and state.  List out all the success stories and all the work in progress, and the future plans. The voters can compare the report card of both coalitions and then evaluate the candidates. That would be mature politics for me. Not the name-callings, cheap instant noodle projects, and melodramatic action.

In the last two days, two Tamil schools received their funds as promised in the second stimulus package – one presented by Muhiyiddin (SJKT Sungai Tukang) and the other by Hishamuddin (SJKT Ladang Sungai Getah, RM210,000). While we won’t know if these two schools were “recent” additions to the list, its a good publicity move by BN. Regardless of voters’ choice, two schools have got funds for renovation and repair works. Ganesan knows there’s 7 more Tamil schools left. How nice if these schools (and also all other schools – religious, secondary, missionary – in dire need of repairs) get some funds.

If PR wins, Indians will have an EXCO seat. If BN wins, Indians may get more funding via federal government. Its a win-win situation on paper, because the BN fellow may not be more than a figurehead while the PR fellow will be a lone ranger in PAS-dominated.  So, it may be a lose-lose situation in reality.  So, how about the independents? Can they offer something new? They win – no EXCO post. They may join PPP/MIC/Gerakan and try get some leftovers from federal government.

I’m worried when one of the indepedents – Jayagopal (suspended PKR member?) said the following:

He said he was using his Employees Provident Fund savings and money set aside for his children’s education to finance his campaign.

That’s a big risk. If he loses, big problem. If he wins, would the financial strain impact future decision making? It will be a big temptation to make some side money to compensate the campaign cost. I’m not only referring to Jayagopal, but all the independent candidates. They’ve spent 8K for deposit. Let’s put a modest RM10k for the election campaign. If they lose big, RM18k gone down the drain – in the current economy, its going to be a big blow.

Last 50 years record of BN ruling Bukit Selambau may be used as a yardstick to evaluate current BN promises. Pain of 50 years is more than pain of 11 months of “failures” and “lost promises”. So, on that count, BN has a problem.

To counter that, PKR division leader for Jerai, Kalaivanar, resigned from the party, calling Anwar a “pharaoh”. He has about 500-strong supporters and according to radio news today, it seems he told Nanban reporter that his group will support BN. So, few hundred votes in the bag for BN.  Kalai, who has few court cases related to cheating over his head, claimed that PKR (specifically Anwar) did not take into consideration the local Indians suggestions.

With the change of UMNO’s leadership, and possible the cabinet overhaul, BN is promising change. So do all the candidates. How would the voters judge? Can they throw aside past non-performances?

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