 |
Parti Sosialis Malaysia secretary-general A. Sivarajan |
As for PAS which has decided to strike out on its own with Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia in a pact called Gagasan Sejahtera, Sivarajan said it was not possible for PSM to form an electoral pact with the Islamist party.
“For us, PSM, we are not forming any alliance with that particular grouping.
“I would say we are a bit too far from them, because in order to at least have an electoral pact, there must be at least some similarities in the way we think or the way we work. So I think it's a bit too far,” he said, pointing out the ideological gap between PSM as a socialist left-wing party that is committed to secular politics and the religious-based PAS that aspires for an Islamic state.
Sivarajan said that simply forming political alliances out of convenience and for the sake of a “united front” is not the right way to go about for Malaysian politics.
“Just going on a very broad concept that the 'enemy of my enemy is my friend', I think it's too broad, will not solve the people's problem. So that is why when you find that Pakatan Harapan is bringing in [Tun Dr] Mahathir [Mohamad] and all the other parties. So we find the whole thing is so diluted. You don't stand for nothing. What do you stand for?
“So we find in that situation, we cannot be playing the same game. We want to bring in a new way of politics. Now is the politics of defining your principles and policies because we find that is more important,” he said, believing that Malaysians are ready for a new approach that goes beyond merely choosing between the two alternatives of BN and Pakatan.
Reiterating what Sivarajan stated above, to wit, “Just going on a very broad concept that the 'enemy of my enemy is my friend', I think it's too broad, will not solve the people's problem.
So that is why when you find that Pakatan Harapan is bringing in [Tun Dr] Mahathir [Mohamad] and all the other parties. So we find the whole thing is so diluted.
You don't stand for nothing. What do you stand for?
He is absolutely right you know, especially if his question is directed at a certain senior DAP politician. In a bizarre shameless volte-faced political consort with Mahathir, what does that DAP politician stand for?
But PSM is still principled unlike, alas, that senior DAP politician who would have done all of us (DAP supporters) a humongous favour had he retired earlier or just early.
Yes, we should ask again that now-sadly-politically-deformed, deviationist and demented DAP person What does he stand for in politics?
Just for that DAP man to overthrow his political competition at any cost before he retires, as his syiok-sendiri swan song?
Where then are his erstwhile principles, morality and integrity?
Gone due to fair wear & tear?
Anyway, back to PSM - Unfortunately, PSM is not a well known brand even to the non-Malays, but sadly and most unjustly, a political party with a logo that appears detestable to Malays because of that symbol's unfair association with communism.
The 'clenched fist' also concretizes the Malays' already-suspicious impression of a rebellious group of pemberontak (rebels), thus hardly a party to be supported by the pro-monarchy Heartland. Given this, perhaps all it now needs is an AK-47, a bandoleer and a changkol to complete the party's symbol in the minds of the rural marginalised Malays who in reality could have benefited from PSM's political care, oversight and leadership.
That it is a 'socialist' party doesn't in the least serve it well in the eyes of Malays because the conservative Malay Heartland has long since confused 'socialism' with communism when the more correct near-equivalent of socialism should be Islam.
The dictionary defines 'socialism' as (slightly edited by kaytee for easier reading) an economic system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned by the community collectively.
It is characterized by production for use rather than profit, by equality of individual wealth, and, usually, by community determination of investment, prices, and production levels.
That's right, Islam is by far the most socialistic religion there is when compared to other religions like Christianity, Judaism or Hinduism. For example, zakat and empathetic (not emphatic) fasting would be considered as (some) intrinsic features of true compassionate socialism.
Currently, PSM seems to focus only on the poor marginalised Indians when it should seek membership and support from poor marginalised Malays and Chinese, of whom there are plenty in Malaysia. In its narrow political activity it has unfortunately come to be seen as just 'another' Indian party.
While many Malays, by virtue of religious belief cum streams of black propaganda by conservative Malay political parties such as PAS, UMNO and PKR, have come to shun PSM (most unjustly if I may say so), the Chinese populace especially the poorer marginalised segment shouldn't be neglected.
Nor should PSM be daunted by the reality that almost every Chinese and his dog have allied themselves to the DAP. That's only because there has been no suitable alternative for the poorer Chinese other than the DAP after the Socialist Front (Goo T'au Tong) went into voluntary extinction in 1969 (by boycotting that year's general election).
Note: The late Tan Sri Dr Tan Chee Khoon was virtually the last member of the Goo T'au Tong (initially the Labour Party which was one of the Socialist Front), then (as a founding member of the original 1969) Gerakan before he left in disgust over Gerakan joining Razak's BN, to form his own Pekemas (Parti Keadilan Masyarakat Malaysia). A truly great Malaysian and a politician who was respected by both sides of politics.
The DAP (other than for one embarrassing nyanyuk old codger) has been quite a good party for the poor marginalised Chinese. But the PSM could be a very good and powerful political alternative, a sort of new Socialist Front, especially today when the DAP seems to be drifting from its hitherto political objectives.
Is it doable for PSM to court the poorer Chinese? Are PSM leadership intimidated that they are mainly Indians with little hope of winning over the Chinese?
Let's take for example of the Seenivasagam brothers (DR and SP) of the PPP in the '60s. Yes, the heydays of the PPP were the late ‘50s till the very early ‘70s.
DR and SP Seenivasagam were the political royalty in the Chinese-dominated Kinta Valley. No one, not even the DAP, could come close to ‘touching’ them.
So that is why when you find that Pakatan Harapan is bringing in [Tun Dr] Mahathir [Mohamad] and all the other parties. So we find the whole thing is so diluted.
You don't stand for nothing. What do you stand for?
He is absolutely right you know, especially if his question is directed at a certain senior DAP politician. In a bizarre shameless volte-faced political consort with Mahathir, what does that DAP politician stand for?
But PSM is still principled unlike, alas, that senior DAP politician who would have done all of us (DAP supporters) a humongous favour had he retired earlier or just early.
Yes, we should ask again that now-sadly-politically-deformed, deviationist and demented DAP person What does he stand for in politics?
 |
a DAP leader said Malaysians were proud to be Malaysians under my PM-ship even though he called me an invertebrate racist and the "greatest enemy of multiracial Malaysia" guess who he is? wakakaka |
Just for that DAP man to overthrow his political competition at any cost before he retires, as his syiok-sendiri swan song?
Where then are his erstwhile principles, morality and integrity?
Gone due to fair wear & tear?
Anyway, back to PSM - Unfortunately, PSM is not a well known brand even to the non-Malays, but sadly and most unjustly, a political party with a logo that appears detestable to Malays because of that symbol's unfair association with communism.
The 'clenched fist' also concretizes the Malays' already-suspicious impression of a rebellious group of pemberontak (rebels), thus hardly a party to be supported by the pro-monarchy Heartland. Given this, perhaps all it now needs is an AK-47, a bandoleer and a changkol to complete the party's symbol in the minds of the rural marginalised Malays who in reality could have benefited from PSM's political care, oversight and leadership.
That it is a 'socialist' party doesn't in the least serve it well in the eyes of Malays because the conservative Malay Heartland has long since confused 'socialism' with communism when the more correct near-equivalent of socialism should be Islam.
The dictionary defines 'socialism' as (slightly edited by kaytee for easier reading) an economic system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned by the community collectively.
It is characterized by production for use rather than profit, by equality of individual wealth, and, usually, by community determination of investment, prices, and production levels.
That's right, Islam is by far the most socialistic religion there is when compared to other religions like Christianity, Judaism or Hinduism. For example, zakat and empathetic (not emphatic) fasting would be considered as (some) intrinsic features of true compassionate socialism.
Currently, PSM seems to focus only on the poor marginalised Indians when it should seek membership and support from poor marginalised Malays and Chinese, of whom there are plenty in Malaysia. In its narrow political activity it has unfortunately come to be seen as just 'another' Indian party.
While many Malays, by virtue of religious belief cum streams of black propaganda by conservative Malay political parties such as PAS, UMNO and PKR, have come to shun PSM (most unjustly if I may say so), the Chinese populace especially the poorer marginalised segment shouldn't be neglected.
Nor should PSM be daunted by the reality that almost every Chinese and his dog have allied themselves to the DAP. That's only because there has been no suitable alternative for the poorer Chinese other than the DAP after the Socialist Front (Goo T'au Tong) went into voluntary extinction in 1969 (by boycotting that year's general election).
Note: The late Tan Sri Dr Tan Chee Khoon was virtually the last member of the Goo T'au Tong (initially the Labour Party which was one of the Socialist Front), then (as a founding member of the original 1969) Gerakan before he left in disgust over Gerakan joining Razak's BN, to form his own Pekemas (Parti Keadilan Masyarakat Malaysia). A truly great Malaysian and a politician who was respected by both sides of politics.
 |
Pekemas |
The DAP (other than for one embarrassing nyanyuk old codger) has been quite a good party for the poor marginalised Chinese. But the PSM could be a very good and powerful political alternative, a sort of new Socialist Front, especially today when the DAP seems to be drifting from its hitherto political objectives.
Is it doable for PSM to court the poorer Chinese? Are PSM leadership intimidated that they are mainly Indians with little hope of winning over the Chinese?
Let's take for example of the Seenivasagam brothers (DR and SP) of the PPP in the '60s. Yes, the heydays of the PPP were the late ‘50s till the very early ‘70s.
DR and SP Seenivasagam were the political royalty in the Chinese-dominated Kinta Valley. No one, not even the DAP, could come close to ‘touching’ them.
 |
His Kinta-Valley Maharajah DR -the face of PPP beloved of Kinta Valley Chinese |
 |
SP - more reserve & thus less known |
Virtually every Kinta Valley Chinese admired, adored and supported the two brothers and their PPP.
In the 1969 election, the PPP formed a loose coalition with the Gerakan and DAP not to contest each other, and was just 2 state seats short of forming the Perak State government.
Certainly there were Chinese PPP candidates but the whole party operations were led and managed by the two Indian Malaysians, who were then the Tai-Koh (Abang) of the Kinta Valley political landscape.
Unfortunately following the death of the oratorically powerful, fiery and flamboyant DR, his more quiet and cautious brother SP decided to follow the Gerakan into the Barisan National (BN) in 1973. 'Twas a fatal move for the PPP.
The following year the PPP suffered its worst result, nearly losing all its seats. It has never recovered since. Today the PPP is just a footnote in Malaysian political books, having expired since its final venture in 2013. Its erstwhile kingdom in Kinta Valley is now dominated by the DAP and worse, treacherously makan-ed up by its former partner, the Gerakan Party.
One cannot help but wonder how the PPP would have fared today if SP Seenivasagam had not taken the party into the BN?
Karpal was adored by Chinese Penangites, at least until 1999 (but he regained their trust and affection in 2004). He lost in 1999 because of the DAP 'flirting' with PAS in the so-called Barisan Alternatif (bad fengshui to call itself 'Alternatif'), and not because he was an Indian. The proof in this is that Lim Kit Siang lost in that year as well.
It would be interesting also to look up the performance of the Indian Malayan candidates standing under the Barisan Socialist banner of the ‘50s and ‘60s. But then we have on record as the first mayor of Georgetown City, Penang (a Chinese Heartland) DS Ramanathan (for two annual terms in 1958 and 1959).
But the common denominator appears to be that Indian Malayans/Malaysians standing as Perikatan/BN candidates were at the whims and fancy of the BN, while those standing under the banner of the DAP (or Socialist Front, Labour Party) have been accepted on their own merits or that of their party. Their creed, culture and colour of their skin did not matter.
PSM should capitalise on this and broaden its appeal a la the Socialist Front or with a better known brand-name, as the Labour Party or Goo-T'au-Tong.
In that election year the DAP would not tolerate any 3rd party interfering in its furious unswerving aim, namely, the punishment, pulverisation and purging of the not-so-remarkable Ms Hee Yit Foong, she with the 'special car' and the capsicum spray which she used rather liberally in the state DUN against erstwhile DAP colleague Yew Tian Hoe (ADUN for Aulong).
Thus in a 3-corner fight in 2013 general election, PSM came out last while the DAP (Teh Hock Ke) won 68.9% of the votes and BN 18.9%. Hee wisely disappeared from the face of the earth whilst another BN candidate contested.
Jelapang with 25% Indian votes could be considered a typical reasonable constituency for PSM, but only if the party secures more Malay and Chinese support, say at least 15% from each.
Thus I am not sure how PSM in its present support profile will fare in GE-14, other than to join makan-dedak spoilsport PAS in playing third party spoiler against Pakatan candidates. It has to lose its Indian-ness like the DAP and Labour Party (Socialist Front) or end up as another Indian-centric PPP, Hindraf or even the high-pedigreed and UMNO-protected MIC.
It must, has to be like the Socialist Front (and DAP) and secure more multi-ethnic support, and not just from poor marginalised Indians, or it'll meet the same fate as Sisyphus.
One cannot help but wonder how the PPP would have fared today if SP Seenivasagam had not taken the party into the BN?
The DAP has frequently field great Indian Malaysians who have won with fairly large majority in Chinese dominated areas. Patto, Nair and the well-known Karpal Singh were examples.
 |
the late P Patto & sweet daughter Kasthuroi Patto (now MP for Batu Kawan) |
 |
| CV Devan Nair (Member for Bangsar 18 May 1964 – 20 March 1969) founder of the DAP later President of Singapore born in Kerala but unashamed of his origin |
 |
Tiger of Jelutong, Lion of Gelugor a great and courageous Malaysian deemed 'political spiritual leader' of the DAP |
When the Chinese voted for these gentlemen, they were not looked upon as Indian Malaysians, unlike the experiences of their BN-MIC counterparts. They stood as DAP candidates and were accepted as such.
Karpal was adored by Chinese Penangites, at least until 1999 (but he regained their trust and affection in 2004). He lost in 1999 because of the DAP 'flirting' with PAS in the so-called Barisan Alternatif (bad fengshui to call itself 'Alternatif'), and not because he was an Indian. The proof in this is that Lim Kit Siang lost in that year as well.
It would be interesting also to look up the performance of the Indian Malayan candidates standing under the Barisan Socialist banner of the ‘50s and ‘60s. But then we have on record as the first mayor of Georgetown City, Penang (a Chinese Heartland) DS Ramanathan (for two annual terms in 1958 and 1959).
 |
teacher, unionist, mayor, founder & 1st Chairman of Labour Party Malaya credited for his pioneering efforts to set up a university in Penang |
But the common denominator appears to be that Indian Malayans/Malaysians standing as Perikatan/BN candidates were at the whims and fancy of the BN, while those standing under the banner of the DAP (or Socialist Front, Labour Party) have been accepted on their own merits or that of their party. Their creed, culture and colour of their skin did not matter.
PSM should capitalise on this and broaden its appeal a la the Socialist Front or with a better known brand-name, as the Labour Party or Goo-T'au-Tong.
However, PSM has been known to stubborn at times, only to its great disadvantage.
Take the case of Jelapang in the 2013 state elections in Perak. PSM insisted on standing there when Jelapang was considered a DAP stronghold. The ethnic ratio was 7% Malays: 68% Chinese: 25% Indians.
One could argue that the DAP could have 'given' that seat to compatriot PSM but alas, in the 2013 general election there was for the DAP a singular humongous issue of pride, honour and vengeance to sort out in that constituency.
 |
in 2015 Hee's husband, Quay Chin Teik, was awarded the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (PMW) award that carries the title 'datuk' OTOH, Hee herself won the notoriety of being the MOST hated woman among the Chinese Malaysian community |
Thus in a 3-corner fight in 2013 general election, PSM came out last while the DAP (Teh Hock Ke) won 68.9% of the votes and BN 18.9%. Hee wisely disappeared from the face of the earth whilst another BN candidate contested.
PSM as represented by Sarasvathy Muthu (Saras) managed to secure only 10.4%. For all her party's Indian-ness, Saras couldn't even marshal together a decent proportion of the 25% Indian votes in Jelapang, yet PSM obdurately stood her in a DAP stronghold.
'Twas also both tactically and strategically unwise at a time when the DAP was burning with white hot furious vengeance to demolish, destroy and decimate Mrs Hee for her vile treachery, and thus to hell with everyone and anyone who stood in their way.
'Twas also both tactically and strategically unwise at a time when the DAP was burning with white hot furious vengeance to demolish, destroy and decimate Mrs Hee for her vile treachery, and thus to hell with everyone and anyone who stood in their way.
Jelapang with 25% Indian votes could be considered a typical reasonable constituency for PSM, but only if the party secures more Malay and Chinese support, say at least 15% from each.
M Kayveas President PPP he inherited the PPP but not DR Seenivasagam's political popularity |
Thus I am not sure how PSM in its present support profile will fare in GE-14, other than to join makan-dedak spoilsport PAS in playing third party spoiler against Pakatan candidates. It has to lose its Indian-ness like the DAP and Labour Party (Socialist Front) or end up as another Indian-centric PPP, Hindraf or even the high-pedigreed and UMNO-protected MIC.
It must, has to be like the Socialist Front (and DAP) and secure more multi-ethnic support, and not just from poor marginalised Indians, or it'll meet the same fate as Sisyphus.
I wish PSM all the best.
 |
poor Sisyphus, poor PSM |
Wakakakaka...what have u been inhaling lately?
ReplyDelete"Where then are his erstwhile principles, morality and integrity?"
WHO r u asking?
Jesus? Mohammed? Gandhi?
Ain't u expecting TOO much from politikus all over the world?
Born yesterday ke?
"a bizarre shameless volte-faced political consort with Mahathir, what does that DAP politician stand for?"
Stands as EVERY Machiavellian checkmate in the political history of mankind!
How about that???
In fact, it's possibly the BEST move in removing the current prevailing pestilence!
What say u, ehhhhh?
Being a Capitalist, I disagree with much of PSM's political platform.
ReplyDeleteHowever, at an individual level, I have to say most of the PSM people I have met are far more trustworthy and ethical than DAP-types, especially after 2008 when DAP took up power in Penang and Selangor state governments.
I'm afraid I have to agree with you in parts on PSM being far more ethical than DAP or for that matter PKR. It's a worthy characteristic of small parties yet to come to power.
DeleteBut it's not correct DAP took up power in Selangor, where it's only a member, and a junior member at that notwithstanding its numerical superiority, of a coalition in power. Porbpoem is it's non-Malay. The real power in Selangor is Malay-dominated PKR abetted by Malay PAS
Typo - **Porbpoem should be 'problem'
Delete