I see politics as a process, not to annoint anyone with sainthood.

Politics in any society can be progessive, or regressive. If it’s indeed progressive, the arguments will be what is needed to improve Malaysia including what qualities we seek in national leadership positions, not who is most popular or how many cars/wives/houses/bank accounts he has.

Neither RPK nor Anwar has the qualities of real leadership – neither has done any public service. Being an overpaid, overfed and corrupt politician does not qualify. Neither does writing strongly worded blogs, verging on vindictiveness, qualify as good leadership material.

It does not matter to me WHO is the next PM, but WHAT is the content of his/her character. I care whether the next leader is
- COMPETENT
- HONEST
- COMPASSIONATE AND CARING.

Why should anyone care who it is other than whether this person has the charateristics of a leader. Who knew about Obama before his speech in 2004 DNC? Look where he is today. Why? Probably because he has the traits listed above.

To repeat, politics is not about the person, its about the process of improving Malaysia. If Malaysians demand greater scrutiny of actions instead of reacting to rhetoric, we’ll get somewhere some day.

It will be a difficult process because Malaysians need to be competent enough to know it’s bullshit when they see bullshit, instead of kow-towing to titled individuals.

So, my suggestion is to get some education in order that we may discuss the issues, instead of merely characterising them.

I’m around but as I said in my last post, “Anwar Ibrahim’s Style Revisited: Never Stop Asking“, I stopped posting on politics in Malaysia. As Otis would sing, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”.

Anyway, good of you to ask and appreciate your comments. You keep going tho’ and I will read you posts.

Sure we have choices. But many choices are unacceptable, either based on race, religious or whatever other factors. Many are unacceptable because they are not in the loop, so to speak, and will never make it into the loop within their, or their children’s lifetimes. Would a Melanau, Iban, or Kapit – - so-called bumiputras – even be able to make it near the loop? I think no. How about Lim Kit Siang, or Lim Guan Eng who also have been through trial by fire? In the context of present-day racist Malaysia, I think not.

We thought we had a good choice in Badawi. We even welcomed him by giving him a landslide victory in 1994. But we thought wrong. So you can’t say we are too lazy to think.

Zaid Ibrahim now looks a good choice. But is he willing to come forward, offer himself as a choice?

Many bloggers and commenters who had a “love affair” with RPK wrote “RPK for PM, our beloved hero RPK.” When RPK was arrested earlier this year he allowed photos to be taken of him behind bars and at first refused to leave his cell, even though he was allowed. Back then his admirers were praying, nay baying, for him to exercise that option but initially refused, saying that he hoped the authorities was lock him up and throw the key away. But apparently heeding the pleas of his teary wife (sob, sob), he relented. That looked to me like such a sandiwara.

Lock me up and throw the key away? Be careful what you wish for, one often hears said. Did RPK really wished that he be locked up and the key thrown away? I doubt it. RPK for PM? Nah for me.

Yes I, like you, think, Malaysia, like any other country, has capable individuals. But are they a choice for us. Why not name some you think are good – and acceptable – choices and we can discuss them?

OK, but even the decision to be either for or against – doesn’t it require an understanding of issues? Scripted answers (or ‘canned’ replies) does not maketh a thinking person – re Sarah Palin and the many politicians we have.

So, I’m not against a decision per se, I’m against inchoate tendencies disguised as decisions.

As for your second point, I wonder if you would share. Why? Why do you think DAP is the party best suited for Malaysia? Also, why are you against “their association with PAS”?

I agree with you on Anwar, he is unfit to lead Malaysia. He has much more to do before he convinces me otherwise.

Don’t get me wrong Mike, but I am not totally against the opposition, meaning a certain, Chinese party made to appear like a party for all Malaysians. I am just dead set against their association with PAS and obviously I do not want Anwar Ibrahim to be PM of Malaysia.

Thanks. At the risk of sounding insensitive, I am actually writing for those who disagree with me. And willing to challenge my ideas so we can have an open forum / discussion of what we seek in our leaders.

Again, I appreciate Meiyen. But I doubt I can contribute in a climate of ‘love affairs’ in blogs. I just won’t get stimulating discussions and that’s why I’ll stop posting on politics in Malaysia.