The Elite Party

This entry is brought forward by Azer Leadership Unfounded.

Adapted (in red) from a press statement (Channel News Asia) by Datuk Mukhriz Tun Dr. Mahathir:
Mukhriz says Dec elections for UMNO "a matter of life and death"

He feels the election outcome will decide whether UMNO will remain relevant in Malaysia's political scene. Mr Mukhriz – a Member of Parliament for Kedah – also thinks that it is important for MPs in Malaysia to have greater connectivity with the voters and electorate.

He said: "Right now, we are seen as an elitist party, which is strange because we used to be a party representing the grassroots, the rural areas, teachers and farmers, but now there seems to be a disconnection between (us and) the people who are supposed to be our main supporters from states which we consider our bastions. We really need to effect this change."
But Mr Mukhriz added that this is not the only area where change is needed. He has been vocal in his calls for change in Malaysia's top leadership since the poor showing of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition in the March 8 elections. He said: "My position is that he (Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi) needs to step down as soon as possible and hand over the reins to his successor, Datuk Seri Najib. If he needs some time, I hope it's not too long and I hope it happens well before we start our branch meetings in July... we don't want to get into UMNO elections with this leadership crisis not resolved."

Firstly, that the Elite Party is an Elite Party is not strange at all. Yes, it used to be the Grassroots Party before something did happen and the party was dissolved. His father however revived the party which from then on turned out to be fully controlled by the Elite rather the grassroots.

How does Elitism occur?

There are too many examples to be listed here. The main reason for Elitism easily taking charge is the systems they have within themselves.

Just take one example - The Taxi Permits.

During the existence of the Grassroots Party, taxi permits were given to those grassroots as this was how the Party tried to help the poor. This served two purposes:

a) Helping the grassroots
b) Maintain loyalty among the grassroots

Although the methodology had raised unfairness issues in giving out the permits (not to please everybody is well understood) but at least, the permits were given to those deserved.

The Elite Party however decided to cut off all the complaints by setting out companies controlled by the Elite. Taxi permits were given only though these companies. Whoever want to operate a taxi, have no choice but to pay the daily fee including own expenses on fuel and maintenance. Though this methodology helped to decrease the complaints in permit ownership, it however yields three situations:

a) The emerge of Elitism
b) Permits are given to those who certainly not deserved.
c) The loss of loyalty among the grassroots as it benefit the Elite (oh yes, the Elite make tons of money by basically doing nothing much).

Funny thing about this Mukhriz is that, he was the one who mocked the previous assembly ... "There is nothing new about Human Capital Development".

Well, if it's nothing new, how come your father failed to recognize who the deserved the permits in the first place?

There are many examples regarding the corporate world systemized by the Elite Party but the concept is about the same.

Secondly, is UMNO relevant in the Malaysian political scene?

There are many questions asked by younger generation these days regarding the relevancy:

a) Is marginalizing other people relevant?
b) Are Malaysians as Malaysians or is there still the need to segmenting people through the color of their skin and religion?
c) Is spoon-feeding certain group of people is the way to help that group of people?
d) Should Elitism which lead into many unhealthy scenarios (corruption, nepotism and cronyism) be allowed?
e) Should a racist-based party be supported?

The younger generation who are now becoming the major force in voting, have the strength to ask these questions. They are more open-minded, more liberal and to under-estimate their way of thinking is a big mistake.

Lastly, is poor leadership has a lot to do with the lost of 2/3 majority for the ruling party in the last election?

I'm not so sure on how this Mukhriz define a good leadership. Overall, the current leaders of the ruling party are those leaders who are with his father during the premiership. Therefore, that the current leaders are having poor leadership does mean that the previous leaders too were having poor leadership. Question on leadership should not arise but the result of the last election does show something - there is a bad leadership, be it currently or previously. Hint: Corruption, Cronyism, Nepotism, Elitism, Marginalization, etc etc etc.

Oh, by the way, the matter of life and death depends on who you are. Some people don't die but do rise after falling. As a scouser, I know this well. After all, at Anfield, we'll never walk alone :-)

.
YouTube

I have posted a new music video titled "Ketika Bulan Mengambang (During The Full Moon)".

.
If I Could Have

I apologize for some sexual explicit displayed in the illustrations.



Song, Music and Lyric by Azer Mantessa
Flash Illustrations by Azer Mantessa
Vocals (Terrible bin Horrible) by Azer Mantessa





If I could have

If I could have known you better and sooner
I could have been more than but not as friend anymore

And took you out
Lots to talk about
And there's no disguise
In your pretty eyes

Call you everyday
A small price to pay
Because you are the one
I've long for quite some time

If I could have known you much sooner

If I could have some of the things I would like to do
Sharing the breath lying next and so close to you

Dreaming a dream
What the future could bring
Tuning to the tune
Where our hearts sing

Making love to you
Make you feel so good
Where my touches are right
Every day and every night

If I could have all these dreams come true