Psy gig a SELF-INFLICTED DISASTER for Najib, Umno-BN

Instead of being a multi-million ringgit coup for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the Barisan Nasional, it has turned out to be a multi-billion ringgit disaster for Najib and BN in the run-up to the 13th General Elections.

Completely forgotten are the millions of ringgit lavished by unknown sponsors with unknown motives who brought Psy and his troupe in a direct 20-hour flight from Brazil to Penang, the thousands of 1Malaysia flags which littered Penang island for Najib's two-day Chinese New Year visit to Penang or Najib's latest "I help you, You help me" offerings.

Worse damage to the BN than Bersih or even HRK rallies

What will forever be remembered about Najib's CNY do in Penang is the one-minute video which has gone viral and an even hotter sensation than Psy and Gangnam Style - when Najib asked the crowd at Han Chiang School grounds whether they are ready for Psy and ready for BN.

In fact, the thunderous three "Yes" to Najib's questions whether the crowd was ready for Psy followed by the equally thunderous and spontaneous three "Noes" when Najib asked thrice whether they were ready for BN have destroyed Najib's elaborate edifice of supreme confidence of winning handsomely in the 13GE , which has collapsed like a house of cards.

It is even more devastating to Umno/BN's electoral prospects in the 13GE than Bersih 2.0, Bersih 3.0 or Himpunan Kebangkitan Rakyat KL112 - especially as it is a completely self-inflicted disaster.

BN shatters own false image of confidence

It has put paid to the glowing picture painted by Umno/BN leaders and propagandists that Umno/BN will win big in 13GE, not only with a two-thirds parliamentary majority but even winning back the presently-held Pakatan Rakyat states including Penang.

In retrospect, when the history of 13 GE is written, the Psy and Gangman Style appearance, with the three "yes" for Psy and the three "Noes" for BN, may mark the watershed of Malaysian political history signifying the beginning of the end for Najib and Umno hegemony in Malaysian politics.

Although Najib and Umno/BN have suffered a major self-inflicted blow in the final lap to the 13GE, Pakatan Rakyat leaders, members and supporters must not be over-confident and regard that the race to Putrajaya as won.

I have always held the view that the outcome of the 13GE is going to be a toss-up, that although Umno/BN have the edge because of the advantages as well as the abuses of incumbency, PR can still win the 13GE to form the Federal Government as the election campaign period will hold the critical and final key as to who will emerge the winner.

Lim Kit Siang is the DAP adviser & MP for Ipoh Timur