I was just finished watching 'Conversation with the PM' with great relieved and assured that Malaysia did have a visionary leader. A leader with brains that could lead Malaysia to a greater height in the future. A future which was tarnished by irresponsible people especially oppositions looking for a cheap political gains. In any democratic country, it is always an advantage for incumbents to share their track record with voters when it comes to elections. Oppositions, left out with a good track record will use other means to garner support either by using 'blame game' or 'telling lies'. Hoping with more demoralising strategy, they will have a better edge in comparison to the ruling party. Having seen the PM in person, what he need most is a team of politicians who could deliver his wish to the mass.
In the 2008 election, one of the reason for losing the support from the voters is the bad perception painted by oppositions to the ruling party. BN candidates were accused of living lavishly, practice corruption, cronyism, poor engagement with voters in their constituency and above all fails to champion their course. Personally BN leaders lack of charm and communicate poorly with their voters. Unfortunately there is some truth in the allegations.
BN, through the transformation approach did acknowledge their shortcomings. PM openly apologize for the weaknesses and promise for a change and ready to transform. A winnable candidate becomes a talk of the town, it cross the heart of all sectors from people in the street, small villagers, townships cities all over the country. People from all walks of life, farmers, teachers, managers, professionals buy the intentions. In politics, ordinary members, branch committees, youth leaders, division leaders believe that changes do and will happen.
It is only when the UMNO HQ start to ask for candidates nomination list, that changes not only impossible but unlikely because certain quarters try to stir up issues of 'untested candidates' in BN and equate it with 'untested government' for oppositions. The truth is, the argument doesn't apply at all because UMNO really needs younger leaders i.e. within their 40s to sustain for another two terms at least to implement the wish and plan of their national leaders. Which means at the age of 50s they will be energetic enough to engage with voters in their constituencies. If veteran leaders were elected again, what will their performance in 10 years down the road. Can they fulfill the wish of younger voters. Even if veterans were elected, can they change the perception of voters? Or is it wise to have new candidates instead. is it not by having young candidates, young voters will come back to BN?
As of opposition, they were really untested lot. Not only untested, they don't have a common goal and destiny. A common goal of denying a two third majority or crushing BN is insufficient. Malaysia is too diverse to be handled. The best party to handle is still BN. Sorry mr oppositions! Prime Minister sir, lets transform the political scenery. Another 'Janji Di Tepati' perhaps?
