Zaid Ibrahim is losing allies in PKR
November 13, 2010
Zaid Ibrahim is losing allies in PKR
by Terence Netto@www.malaysiakini.com
COMMENT Zaid Ibrahim is losing potential allies faster than gaining new ones in his fight for reforms in PKR.
That’s because he cannot sustain a clear line of attack, a necessity whenever a would-be reformer attempts to change the status quo.
Yesterday, a statement of support for the party leadership by Mustaffa Kamil Ayub, the third contestant in the race for the deputy president’s post, clearly disassociated the author from Zaid’s spiraling attacks in the latter’s course of dissidence within PKR.
Not that Mustaffa would ordinarily have made common cause with Zaid in the struggle for reform of PKR; he merely seemed to agree with Zaid that the ongoing election process in the party, particularly the contest for deputy president, is tainted with irregularities. He called for the election’s suspension pending investigations.
But when Zaid expanded his criticisms of the electoral process to include attacks on Anwar Ibrahim and Azmin Ali, describing the PKR supremo and his loyalist, as the root cause of the party’s problems, Mustaffa must have felt the need to pull the brakes.
Mustaffa came out in support of the party leadership, thus drawing a clear line of distinction between his reservations about the election process and Zaid’s expansive criticisms.
Another ally of Zaid’s, N Gobalakrishnan, a contestant in the race for one of four vice-presidential slots, also took the opportunity yesterday to disassociate from Zaid’s scatter-shot approach.
In a meeting with divisional leaders in Johor Baru yesterday, attended by Anwar, Chua Jui Meng and Azmin, Gobalakrishnan, presently running an impressive fifth in the tally of votes for the veep position, said he would not endorse Zaid’s attacks on Anwar.
“I support him in the contest for deputy president but when he expanded his attacks to include Anwar as a target, I had to make clear I support Anwar in his struggle to bring political reform to the country,” Gobalakrishnan told Malaysiakini on the sidelines of the meeting.
Gobala: I’m still with Anwar
Earlier, Gobalakrishnan candidly told assembled divisional leaders, in the presence of Azmin, Zaid’s rival for deputy president, that he supported Zaid in the contest for party No 2 but not in his new-found vein of attacks on Anwar.
“I have been with Anwar since the start of reformasi 12 years ago and I am still with him. He has brought me up in the party and I will not abandon his struggles for reform of the country,” said Gobalakrishnan when invited to speak at the gathering.
Until Zaid announced earlier this week that he was quiting the race for deputy president, Gobalakrishnan was conspicuous in his support for Zaid.
But with Zaid digressing from his frequently expressed criticisms of the ongoing electoral exercise to include attacks on Anwar and Azmin Ali, Gobalakrishnan felt obliged to make a distinction between support for Zaid’s personal and corporate quests. The distinction would not have been made had Zaid been more disciplined in his approach.
Fully agree with you that he’s losing friends. To think that I used to respect and placed much hope in him. But as they say, politicians are all the same. They are all in it for the gravy for themselves. Theer’s simply too much of Umno in him to shed away. What a bloody let down.
Sabahan - November 13, 2010 at 9:05 am
Like I said earlier, Zaid Ibrahim is a good actor with the wrong script. He needs to get on the back of a buffalo asap and ride into the sunset.
Mr Bean - November 13, 2010 at 9:24 am
“Zaid Ibrahim is a good actor”- Mr Bean
So is Ronald Reagan.
Frank - November 13, 2010 at 9:30 am
I do agree that Zaid Ibrahim should have kept his mouth shut instead of criticising Anwar Ibrahim and Azmin and instead keep his criticisms of the election process and those responsible. Let others point the fingers for the problems of PKR or pick another time when the situation warrants.
You lose the punch of your core message by spraying your bullets all over the place.
Question is whether Zaid’s criticism of Anwar out of malice or out of genuine concern for the wellbeing of PKR as a potential party to lead in a govt in waiting. I tend to think to be the latter.
Frank - November 13, 2010 at 9:35 am
Good actor with the wrong script. What we need is a good actor with the right script.
Mr Bean - November 13, 2010 at 9:43 am
I listened to him. To paraphrase the man, he said that if PKR is be effective, Anwar must go. That is a very strong statement to be making for someone who left UMNO to join PKR.
Mr Bean - November 13, 2010 at 9:48 am
“Question is whether Zaid’s criticism of Anwar out of malice or out of genuine concern for the wellbeing of PKR as a potential party to lead in a govt in waiting. I tend to think to be the latter.” Frank
He keeps saying Anwar is fully aware of the fraud (referring to the electoral process) and that very public statement casts aspersions on the character of Anwar Ibrahim. He wants his supporters to think malice has no role in it. I think malice here is irrelevant. Good actor, wrong script? Or bad actor, right script wrong audience?
Mr Bean - November 13, 2010 at 9:59 am
“He keeps saying Anwar is fully aware of the fraud (referring to the electoral process) and that very public statement casts aspersions on the character of Anwar Ibrahim.”- Mr Bean
It is for Anwar to disprove that allegation. If it is true that Anwar is fully away of the fraud, that cannot constitute as casting aspersions… it will be a statement of fact.
Frank - November 13, 2010 at 10:23 am
correction
…fully AWARE of the fraud….
Frank - November 13, 2010 at 10:24 am
Lonely is a man who chose to stand apart from their fellowmen for the better good of their fellowmen.
It happened to someone some 2,000 years ago and to someone in around 600 AD.
Frank - November 13, 2010 at 10:28 am
Some prefer to take their time, others prefer to let events dictate their pace. Zaid wants it his way and at double quick time. This is the outcome of someone who is impatient and impulsive. He bites more then he could chew. The results can be disastrous. This is his undoing.
I wish for common sense to prevail. Hopefully, he’ll come to his senses soon enough.
Tok Cik - November 13, 2010 at 10:47 am
We need good people to be in the forefront of Malaysian politics. The Umnoputras will take us nowhere but hell. Time is of the essence and time, unfortunately, is running out on many of us here with the exception of the irritating cyberbums who come and go on Din’s blog.
Tok Cik - November 13, 2010 at 10:52 am
“Zaid wants it his way and at double quick time.”
He has the financial clout to be in a hurry. Thus, i wonder at his sincerity. The timing of his actions, not just what he says, is suspicious. Someone used the term “Trojan Horse”. Well, it didn’t succeed, so the point is moot. Maybe a “Greek bearing gifts”.
This angst will all blow over. It now depends very much on what this flur does now. It will be difficult for him to continue as the Pakatan co-ordinator, as the other partners are looking at him with suspicion and trepidation. Hubris (with tantrums) and common sense are immiciscible, Tok Cik.
Menyalak-er - November 13, 2010 at 11:31 am
Money or no money, he decides his own destiny. All we mere mortals can do is to sit by the wayside and watch. I am doing it right now, Menyalak. Cheers.
Tok Cik - November 13, 2010 at 11:49 am
Having cast aspersions on the character of the leader of the party and parliamentary leader of the opposition, and in such a public manner, the right and decent thing for Zaid Ibrahim to do is to resign from all posts and make a quick exit for the door bringing along his followers. It is not about the truth or lack thereof of the allegations he made.
He just doesn’t get it. Which is why he cannot make a good politician. He would make a good cleric or a judge (since he is already a lawyer).
Mr Bean - November 13, 2010 at 11:54 am
Zaid losing allies in PKR and PKR losing support from people. Its like both are losing but PKR is bleeding profusely.
Its in utter gutter in Sabah and Sarawak too.
Brandon Lee - November 13, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Frank,
Nothing wrong being frank & straightaway. Remember Karpal Singh take on Anwar Ibrahim. However, at what capacity. Like it or not, some of his actions especially the current one leaves a very bad impression on him
Din & company,
Since I brought up one great man called S Rajaratnam, perhaps, I should bring up another man…..His name is Ong Eng Guan. Like Zaid, Eng Guan has his ideals. He can speak variety of languages including malay fluently. His ideals demonstrate when he became the First Mayor of Singapore. Extremely populist. I gathered that his name & LKY came up during the deliberation of PAP CEC…..The selection of PAP first PM…..One got to be the Sec gen of PAP before one can take the mantle of Singapore leadership. Just like LGE…..Hehehe, I even know who the next successor of Penang CM is……
Ong & LKY was tied on the votes & it was Toh Chin Chye who come in for the rescue. Just as PKR now, PAP is fractious as ever. Ong Eng Guan was given an extremely important post. Minister of National Development. The one who in charge of Public Works, Housing, Local government. Like Zaid, Ong was impatient the way things run. LKY has abolished loca council whick irked Ong…..Sound familiar…..
After 2 years, Ong has decided enough is enough. Similar…..He & 2 MPs jumped out of PAP & formed United People’s Party. For those who are the lovers of third force especially, UPP is a much potent third force. Ong very populist manner including his action of auctioning of the Mace of Singapore City made him famous.
Hong Lim by election saw the trouncing of PAP candidate by Ong. Hahaha……What happen during the GE in 1963…..And the third force……Aiyaaa…….See, don’t read history laaa…….That’s the problem…..Anyway, by 1968, UPP is gone with the wind.
Guys,
I mentioned before Zaid can be as great as S Rajaratnam of PKR but however, if he’s not careful, he’s ended up like Ong Eng Guan. UPP, THE THIRD FORCE, contested in almost all Singapore contituencies…..End up only Ong himself was re-elected. David Marshall was ecstatic too when he won the by-election in Anson. As compared with Zaid, David Marshall is no good. Not as ideal & commited to struggle…..What happen then?
Zaid must understand where his strength is……Hence, his foray into the DP is a big mess. Now, his outburst made it worst. If you guys say PKR is at its worst……PAP too was at its worst…With defection to BS, UPP or whatever……At one point, holding only 25 out of 51 state seats…..Every legislative sitting was dramatic…..Hahaha…..
PAP still survives……So will PKR if only Anwar Ibrahim has the mantle skill of LKY……Frankly, Anwar has chosen the wrong mentor….Mahathir is nothing as compared to LKY…..
My only hope that Zaid Ibrahim can read the history of Ong Eng Guan……A sad end to a person who has so much potential
looes74 - November 13, 2010 at 1:21 pm
Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, made a big mistake by asking Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Y.B.Azmin Ali to abandon P.K.R., probably Datuk Zaid Ibrahim had relied alot more from his Sabah counterpart to form a new Party.
Am sorry, to say that its only P.K.R. and the Pakatan Rakyat Government can throw light on Sabah and Sarawak. The trek record has proven beyond doubts about Sabah Politicians from the past. Its a never ending GREED and POWER that they would want to have. The so called twenty (20)points, which is suppose to be the priority has never taken off from the day one. The same Actors had been acting in many film titles, and this Actors know that the SABAHANS are very determine people and will do as said.
The earlier formation of new Political Party was orchestrator wil always want to take advantage to brainstorm any Leaders to his requirement. Now its Datuk Zaid Ibrahim whom had been a victim.
Enough is Enough dear Sabahans, lets keep our focus on the Rakyat and not for people running for seat from one corner to another,for people whom would sacrifice anyhting for the personal agenda and finally Leaders should not bow to power crazy Leaders for own benefit.
Fix your mind and action for the Sabahans and Sarawakians first and than only personal.
Anthony Dass Joseph - November 13, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Blind loyalty to stale and ineffective leadership is sure pathway to looose the election and in the process pull down other performing components. Zaid is brave to identify the dyfuntional traits of party leadership based on found circumstances and if the rest of the top leadership does not pay heed and analyse these shortcomings rapid disintergration will be the outcome.
In politics, leaders have to earn their keeps and not rely on blind loyalty. The weak linnk affects the aspiration of Malaysians in their fight to destroy the evil elite of UNMO Malays and their corrupt behaviour and mind set.
Seemingly Zaid does not accept blind loyalty. He is committed to act on lawful processes.
Robert K Chelliah - November 13, 2010 at 1:57 pm
What is the difference between “loyalty’” and that funny other word “patriotism”, Robert?
Can one be unpatriotic, unfaithful and nondevoted, yet loyal to a cause? Committment to a Cause often comes with baggage, just like a marriage.
This marriage is null and void, due to unwillingness to accept baggage. There was no ‘devotion’ and attempts to make it work. Zaid in effect gave the ‘talaq’ due to premature ejaculation and withdrawal.
Menyalak-er - November 13, 2010 at 2:49 pm
Robert,
The problem is Zaid does not have political instinct required for the job. From the beginning, I felt that Zaid is not suitable for DP. His last action confirms my belief. Frankly, Zaid should just stick to the Polical coordination at the Pakatan Rakyat level.
DP’s role is a person who hold the fort when the chips are down. Even David Marshall never condemn Singapore when he was CHOSEN BY LKY AS AMBASSADOR OF SINGAPORE to FRANCE.
looes74 - November 13, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I must agree with Tok Cik that by action, Zaid is impatient and impulsive. As a leader, he should learn to be patient and less impulsive.
Before he starts spraying his saliva all over the place about Anwar and Azmin, Zaid should take heed this peribahasa and it in his head all the time:
Terlajak perahu bolih diundur, terlajak kata buruk padahnya.
Or else, go to Tumpat and meditate in one of those wat-siam for a few days. Those siamese monks speak excellent bahasa kelate and can teach Zaid a thing or two about meditative patience which he may not get during his Friday prayers at the mosque.
Buddhists don’t believe in the existence of God, so there is no divine conflicts between two imaginary socalled “supreme beings”, if they ever existed.
Frank - November 13, 2010 at 3:42 pm
What is the similarity between Najib and Zaid ??. Answer .Najib gave away RM5million to ICU KL hospital after seeing its bad maintainence first hand, when he reported sick there recently. Zaid gave a similar RM5 million in compensation to Tun Salleh Abas for the wrongs Mahathir did to Salleh and other members of the judiciary ( smaller millions to the others). Mahathir however did not deny them their pensions when they were sacked. Both very generous with tax payers money when it suits them. Same UMNO mould good at looking after their own selfish interests !!!
ken - November 13, 2010 at 5:43 pm
The Jury has reached a verdict.
Verdict: GUILTY as charged.
Sentence: Zaid Ibrahim should stick to law. Two areas he should stay away. Business and politics.
Mr Bean - November 13, 2010 at 7:27 pm
Why do you think I stick to law? Because I know I would make a bad politician — and a bad businessman.
Mr Bean - November 13, 2010 at 7:29 pm
In the case of Zaid Ibrahim, he has burned his bridges with UMNO. So it would be rather dicey. How about trying your hand at farming? Grow jagong?
Mr Bean - November 13, 2010 at 7:44 pm
PKR is a sinking ship…because of its fraud leader Anwar.
Anwar is a failure and a trouble-maker. Even if you disagree with Zaid, at least karpal Singh was damn right about Anwar.
dennis - November 14, 2010 at 1:20 am
PKR is not a sinking ship. It is a ship that was never meant to float.
Mr Bean - November 14, 2010 at 2:30 am
Zaid Ibrahim, I support PKR is not for any post I just want to REFORM, you understand!!!
tourman53 - November 14, 2010 at 6:58 am
He has done us a service. Can you imagine if all this happened after he became a Minister. If he wants to let him go. He left PAS, He left OMNO and now PKR. Like in Form II physics experiement ‘ water will always find it level’
thumblogic - November 14, 2010 at 12:35 pm