Our four good friends meet at Kopitiam Malaysia to discuss the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election result.
Adrian: So gang, here is the result of our election contest:
Biggest winner: Ali
Biggest loser: Anand
Second place: myself
Third place: Ah Beng
Ali: [Laughing] You know, all the high-powered analysts I was reading were predicting an upset or at best a narrow victory for Pakatan Harapan.
Ah Beng: Yah lah. I also read. Luckily I hedged my bet otherwise I have to belanja (treat everyone) today.
I heard the Chinese voters would not go out; that they were pissed off with DAP; that they wanted to teach Harapan a lesson. Boy, these so-called sifu (master) were wrong this time.
Anand: Aiyah! I got caught even worse. So much in the media from not only the cyber troopers and instant experts but also former Indian politicians and analysts. Not only did they say the Indian vote would definitely be against Harapan, some even said the Indians could become the kingmakers.
They also called on Indian voters to show Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the coalition government not to take the Indian vote for granted.
Adrian: I also read that Indians were 20 percent of the registered voters. In fact, not only the Indian analysts were saying that. Malay think tank analysts and even former Chinese politicians also thought so.
One of them claimed that Harapan would win by fewer than 1,000 votes. Others said the Indians have become “emotional” voters and that this was for good reason.
Ali: Frankly, politicians who have left their party for whatever reason don’t need to give their two cents’ worth because everyone knows they have their own agenda and are simply looking for publicity.
You know, within my other chat group, we were wondering how PMX would take up the Kuala Kubu Baharu challenge. Some were expecting him to turun padang (go to the ground) and whack the opposition.
But the one I most respect in the group, Pak Man, said: “PMX has got bigger ikan to goreng (fry). No need for him to be seen as desperate and fighting hard in a by-election. Whatever the result won’t make any difference really either to him or Harapan.” Man is absolutely right.
Adrian: Agree too. You know, there’s a saying: “Money talks, bullshit walks”. That’s mainly why Harapan won.
Everyone else: [Big laugh.]
Ali: You guys need to be reminded that the civil service’s share of voters in the country is the real game-changer, okay?
Ah Beng: Yeah. I was monitoring the early results and it was very clear that the police and army votes were mostly going to Harapan.
Anand: Actually, it is not only police and army staff. If you include teachers, healthcare, and all the ministries, maybe close to two million civil servants and 80 percent at least are bumiputera.
We Indian voters are outnumbered! Two million versus less than a million of us.
Ali: Come on, Anand. PMX has said that he will take care of everyone, okay. Give him a chance and some time.
Anand: Same old, same old line. So Ali, what do you think will happen next?
Ali: Some say that the tide has turned for Harapan. Others say it is too early to say anything. Remember in 2018, the late opposition charge upset BN.
Ah Beng: Yes. The 16th general election is a long way off. I am sure PMX has not only elections on his mind but also much more. I hear that one of his favourite Chinese quotes is that “a tiger dies and leaves behind his skin”.
Adrian: Wow… so what? Snakes also die and leave behind their skin. Some say that PMX is a political chameleon!
Ah Beng: Hey, haven’t finished yet.
Anand: What then?
Ah Beng: The Chinese proverb goes like this: “A tiger dies and leaves behind his skin; a person dies and leaves behind his name”.
Ali: Wow! Wow! That’s a really good one for all of us.
Adrian: Agree. Anand, today you treat us, okay? But better luck next time.
Ali: You know, we are really lucky here. Our problems are nothing compared with what is happening in Gaza.
Ah Beng: Yes, and you know what, Malaysia is going to be sanctioned for the country’s position on the Palestinians and Israel.
Adrian: Okay, guys. The topic of our next meet is where we Malaysians stand on this issue, especially since the Americans are coming after us.
I will belanja everyone for the next round. But we should all in the meantime contribute to any Palestinian fund or effort.
All: Setuju (agree).
- Mkini
LIM TECK GHEE is a former senior official with the United Nations and World Bank.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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