Malaysians Say The Darndest Things!

Stopping Anwar Ibrahim In Permatang Pauh: #3: The BN Goodie Bag

August 22, 2008

In this part, we will take a quick look at the BN practice of ‘bribing’ the voters with promises of development. Personally, I don’t think it’s a bad thing, because the voters win right? But when you’re speaking in terms of an election, it is an unfair practice for it gives the party with more money the upper-hand. Also, the question would be, why only give out these goodies during a by-election, and not before it? So it means that if there was no by-election, the voters wouldn’t get these goodies? Something to ponder yeah.

Also, this would be one way to stop Anwar in Permatang Pauh, because it instantly appeals to ‘pragmatic’ voters who value infrastructural-development over national issues. Are there many of these voters in Permatang Pauh? I guess we’ll only know on polling day.

But, without further a due, here are some of the goodies promised by BN (and my comments where necessary):

1) 6 Chinese schools to get RM1.2 million allocation

This is clearly to buy over Chinese hearts, as normally, these schools will not get such allocations. Would the Chinese people be bought over by such gestures? I think some would be.

2) 2 Tamil schools to get RM100,000, even though they are in Butterworth and not within the Permatang Pauh constituency

Similar to buying Chinese hearts, this is meant to buy Indian hearts. Of cuz, RM50,000 per Tamil school as compared to RM200,000 per Chinese school, I guess Hindraf was right when they say the Indian community is sidelined, eh.

3) Approving scrap metal collector’s licenses for the Indian community in Permatang Pauh

This was announced by DPM Najib Tun Razak as one of the measures that the government would take to help Indian voters. But scrap metal licenses? Sounds like Najib is giving out scraps to the Indian community. Also, I personally don’t think it’s a good idea, because the scrap metal dealing business is unregulated at the moment. When are we going to fix this problem, so that we don’t have to face metal thieves?

There are probably more goodies on the way, but the pattern here is that the BN machinery, which is backed by government funds, has significant advantages in terms of development promises. I won’t underestimate that.

Also, I have also observed a pattern. It seems like BN’s tactics to win the hearts of all races can be seen like this:

1) For Chinese community, just give money to Chinese schools

2) For Indian community, just promise more training and development for poor Indians, and promise more scholarships for their children

3) For Malay community, just play the race card, and tell the Malay voters how BN will defend their special rights, and prevent this country to be taken over by non-Malays

I guess 1) and 2) isn’t that effective these days, as seen by MCA’s and MIC’s losses in the March 8th election, but UMNO seems to be going strong. I guess 3) works huh?

Other parts of the series

Introduction

#1: Elections Commission Inconveniences Voters

#2: The Saiful Bukhari Factor

#3: The BN Goodie Bag (Current)

You Might Find These Interesting

• Stopping Anwar Ibrahim In Permatang Pauh: Introduction
• What’s A Typical Chinese-Educated Malaysian?
• The Changing Faces Before And After Elections
• Being Indian Gives You Low Self-Esteem?
• Stopping Anwar Ibrahim In Permatang Pauh: #2: The Saiful Bukhari Factor

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