Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Political Awakening

It is two weeks after the elections and the ripples as a result of it have sometimes turned into a storm. The ruling party lost quite a major portion of its popularity and some in the party are lost in wonder as to what happened. Five states are now in the hands of the opposition coalition, made up of three main parties who have different manifestos, different ideologies and different objectives and direction. Nevertheless they have to work together to form the state government. One can sense the difficulties these parties have to go through to work together or show that they are working together. The people have spoken through the ballot boxes and the politicians, whether from the mainstream coalition or the opposing coalition, have to accept the results and act accordingly. To my mind it was not voting the opposition to replace but more of protesting against the ruling coalition. Presidents of two different parties amongst the ruling coalition were voted out and several heavyweights also lost in the election. One long serving Minister who had become so arrogant during his tenure, as though it was his right to be a Minister, was humiliated by the ballot box. All these are clear messages that the public are not happy and yet, I still read in the news of the uncompromising and unrepentant attitudes taken by some of these ‘heavyweights’. There was a tussle for the position of Mentri Besar (Chief Minister) of one state, and there were uneasiness over appointments of the Mentri Besar of other states. One outgoing Mentri Besra just would not let go. All these reflects badly on the characters of these heavyweights. Let’s see what happens in the next few days.

I thought my post this time will not be about current political situation in the country however, I just can’t help commenting on the farcical political anomaly. But I am sure things will work out in the end (to quote Sita’s caption which she used a short while ago) whichever way it goes…..

We have again been away from home longer than we were in. We were in Terengganu, then in Bintulu and now back in Terengganu. When in Terengganu two weeks ago, the run up week to the election, we had Najla with us in the hotel where I had to perform my commitments to my former place of work, thus taking her away from her mother and allowing Sita free time to pack all her stuff for her and Najla to move to the UK. Her trip to UK was already postponed for a week once and we certainly do not want any more postponement for her if we could help it. So, with Najla out of her way she could pack her stuff and arranged what needed to be arranged before she left for UK which was on Election Day, Saturday, March 8th.

After Sita had taken off for the UK Ram and I took off to Bintulu to spend time with our Bintulu grandchildren. Shaffik had work to attend to in KL that week and it was school break week, thus our presence there was timely. We had a great time…….. I think? Especially little Haadieya, who was ever so playful, showing off her singing and dancing abilities in her own inimitable ways.

We missed the kids birthdays which fell in February and we thought it would be a good idea to take them out into the town and buy them presents. We told them we would take them to the bookstore and they can choose their own books to buy. They were excited at the prospects but Haziq later whispering to me asked whether he could buy a toy as well. I laughed and replied that this year it will only be books, although I had planned for a toy each for them but that was to be a surprise. They bought their books, jigsaw puzzle and play books for Haadieya while behind them we bought toys as well which we handed to them later in the evening. They were excited as usual with Haziq saying Tok Bah have again tricked us……. !! It is always fun raising their expectations and excitement……

Now we are in Terengganu again. The guys in the hotel all asked where little Najla is. She had been with us whenever we checked into the hotel the past five months or so such that the hotel guys have all recognized her. She is settling in comfortably with her parents in Wales now, rightfully where she belongs, and hopefully her ‘tantrums’ will diminish now on. We are beginning to miss her but we are happy that she is , at last, together with her parents. May the Almighty be pleased and guide the family always……..

MKI Ramblings Unlimited,
Petaling Jaya

No comments: