TENANG - TIME TO DECIDE AND VOTE

Hardly another 6 days left for Tenang polling day and we could see this once 'sleeping and forgotten' town seems to be getting so much attention and wide coverage.

There is speculation that a BN victory will chart the 13th General Elections within anytime now to mid-year.

But whatever said, it is going to be Tenang voters who will decide who they want - PAS's Normala Sudirman or BN's Mohd Azahar Ibrahim.

Just before nomination day, the BN leadership who administer our country had already promised goodies to the Malays, Indians and Chinese in Tenang. The Felda schemes in Malaysia were allocated RM1.6 Billion in aid while the Chinese were given funds for Chinese schools and for their guild's activities. Although most voters feel that this is BN's money, but they fail to realise that these are public funds (rakyat's money) that they should actually use to develop the area or provide for.

The BN administration had ruled Malaysia for more than 53 years and seem to take it for granted that Malaysia belong to them only. There is this notion that Johore is a stronghold of UMNO/BN and the others who contest will fail.

There is a move for CHANGE already in place but the Malaysian public is quite skeptical as to whom they must trust. There is this united opposition front, Pakatan Rakyat which comprises of PAS, DAP and PKR while a new civil liberties organisation, MCLM seems to actively recruiting independent 'capable' candidates to be fielded in the coming general elections.

The MCA seems to be using the failure of PAS candidate Normala using her bare hands to handshake menfolks in Tenang on their campaign trail. Normala is seen using gloves to handshake. Normala is a muslim and muslim women are prohibited from handshaking menfolks who are not family members. There were also claims that Normala would not visit chinese or indian temples.

Tenang public must realise and respect her religious belief. Normala has shown that she will not bow down against her religious obligations just to win votes. These are qualities that voters need to take into account. BN claims to champion Islam but until to-date no BN /UMNO muslim female leaders have stood in support of her (Normala) for uphold the Muslim religion.

The Chinese in the other hand feel that if BN gives them money and goodies and they should return their favour (BN) by voting them. Voters in Tenang need to realise that its public money - your money that they are giving. Its not theirs to demand for favours.

The Indian community which comprise of 12% of voters are mere wage earners and not so bothered about who to vote. They will cast their votes as usual to BN although they are fully aware of their empty promises.

But the sudden issue about the Interlok affair may change this situation. The Indian community on the whole want the Education Ministry to stop using the publications for Form 5 students since it is discriminatory to the Indians.

A point of importance to note would be if the Tenang voters vote for PAS's Normala, she will only be serving them for a very short span, which will give them a reason to evaluate her performance and promises since there is widespread indications that the next general elections would be called anytime now.

Another crucial point that the Chinese and Indian voters must take note is that UMNO had claimed that UMNO DOES NOT NEED CHINESE and INDIAN VOTES to win in any election (Johari Ghani). So, why vote for them (UMNO/BN) when they don't need it.

Tenang voters, its your right to chose your own ADUN of your choice. But do not get played by the tricks and gimmicks of the BN.

Think wisely and place your votes.