The fall out

The results are in. As expected, BN has been given a good thrashing. Samyvelu is out, as are many of his MIC henchmen. And the so-called multiracial Gerakan party, which fielded an all-Chinese team, was completely wiped out in Penang, the State where it was formed, and which it led since 1969. The BN's 2/3 , which it was using for flimsy reasons such as amending the constitution to allow the Election Commision chief to retire later, was taken away. An unprecedented number of over 80 opposition parliamentarians will grill the incoming BN Government, and keep it on its toes. As expected, Kelantan fell to PAS, with a much enhanced majority - a clear message by the Kelantanese (maybe even those who went by the BN chartered buses voted PAS). And Penang fell to the DAP/PKR/PAS loose alliance. This, many expected would happen. But there was more: BN lost the State Governments in Kedah, Perak and Selangor as well. This was unbelievable at first, but turned out to be true.

Makkal Sakti had triumphed !

Personally I had been hoping that BN's brute majority would be reduced, in Parliament and in all States, but I really wanted BN to be the ruling party everywhere. With sufficient opposition members to question things and keep them in check. I thought that would be best for everyone. But obviously the "makkal" had other ideas.

Now it appears that DAP/PKR will collaborate and form the State Governments in Penang (DAP leading), Perak & Selangor (PKR leading). PAS / PKR wil form the Kedah State Government while of course PAS will take Kelantan.

What I hope for now is that the PKR/DAP/PAS people get theri act together, remember what they were fighting against, and avoid any petty squabbles. These are likely to surface through BN efforts as well as naturally : power tends to corrupt. Do a great job, and show the people that they made the right choice. Dont get into a vindictive situation. Make this the beginnings of a great political grouping, cutting across race, for all Malaysians. Show that you dont have to be Malay to fight against injustice towards Malays, or Chinese to voice out Chinese issues or Indian to scream for Indian rights. You just have to be a Malaysian with a heart, who will fight for rights of all, solve everyone's issues and against all injustice.

Go do it.