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After V, it's time for D

I sensed euphoria of GE2008 is thinning out in Penang, and that's a good thing for all of us to get down to the serious work of delivery for the promises made.

DAP Penang made a clean sweep of the 7 parliamentary and 19 state seats in GE2008 on March 8. It went on to form a coalition government with PKR, with support from PAS to dictate a 29 vs 11 majority in the state legislative assembly.

Eight months later, on November 28, DAP Penang organised a mammoth "Victory Dinner" (sic) of over 1,000 tables of 10 pax each to attribute it to the Penang people who gave it a strong, not-to-be-questioned mandate to run the state. Earlier, a similar mammoth dinner of over 500 tables, all paid for by the diners, was held in October in Seberang Prai.

It was a sold-out, as Penangites on both sides of the channel put money where the mouth is, and bought the dinner tickets generously.

DAP_Vicotry-Dinner.jpg
Image downloaded from Kwong Wah Yit Poh

As expected, a "Victory Dinner" warrants a victory speech, or victory speeches by key speakers. It was not dissimilar on November 28. In fact, reference was made to Barack Obama in those speeches, that change is possible, and Yes We Can.

It's on this context of a 'victory speech in a victory dinner' that I sensed the euphoria of GE2008 is thinning out in DAP Penang. It is a good thing as this fading euphoria comes early, and the leaders must quickly adjust themselves, this blogger included, to cut the crap on rhetoric and get on to work to make Penang again.

The day after the Victory Dinner, I received an enlightening email from Penangite which I feel pertinent to share with my readers and my leaders. The thoughts are critical but well-intended. If it pricked, it's because as the Chinese saying goes, good medicine normally leaves a bitter taste on the mouth.

The email writer also wanted me to forward the Obama Victory Speech (Transcript here, Video here) to my leaders for them to ponder.

Even on the sideline of the Nov 28, several level-headed DAP supporters walked up to me to forewarn me of the lacklustre rapport our DAP Yang Berhormats have with the people in two of the most hard-fought parliamentary constituencies where several state assemblymen got thought largely due to the pro-Opposition swing.

Generally, I feel after V (for Victory, not vendetta) it's time for D (for Delivery, not Delinquency in good governance).

Penang-based newspaper Kwong Wah Yit Poh has a well-intended leader the day after (Nov 29): 以民为本,鸿基万年.

Read on, the email is published verbatim below.

Dear Mr Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, YB Lim Kit Siang, YB Karpal Singh, YB Teresa Kok,

What do we mean by VICTORY Dinner? My friends and myself were seated at a RM5000-00 table hoping to hear a Victory Speech but sadly it was speeches of complains, sore wounds, etc...etc...from one dap leader to another. Except for Datuk Zaid who spoke about his foundation and his wish to see the bangsa Malaysia. He spoke well, his plans, straight to the point without painting a bad picture and within 15 minutes on his plans moving forward to help young adults to move towards a Bangsa Malaysia. Wonderful.........

None of you spoke about victory but keep on playing the old records and rubbing salt into sore wounds! Maybe a little from our Mr Chief Minister who thank Penangnites for the change. We did not expect him to speak at 10.30pm. The main language was mandarin and hokkien and some English as YB Lim Kit Siang got carried away and spoke as if he was in an Election Cheramah. So was Karpal Singh and Teresa Kok, who talked about ISA. Hey we read the newspapar, we don't contribute and come to a dinner to listen to complains!!!

Finally all of us left even before the CM finished his speech which we would love to stay on. This is the first time all of us were there and we have to think twice to support such function again. Can you all stop being Opposition and complained! When are we going to move forward? We have read all the complaints in the media.

From YB Teresa Kok, to YB Karpal Singh, YB Lim Kit Siang, there seemed to be so much of anger about the BN government. Most of you all spoke on the same subjects: ISA, corruption, what happened in Parliament, Mongolian Beauty....etc...etc... Nothing mention about what was being done 9 months being the state government, what are the problems....suggestions from the people. What is in the pipeline? Would be good to give 30 minutes for questions rather than for us to hear all these old songs.

By December 8, it will be 9 months, let us what have been done, what is in the pipeline? What is the point of raising money to have a DAP building when the basic fundamentals are not addressed? We too contributed to the DAP Building fund and I wonder again whether we should have? Can you let Penangnites know what are the current issues in the state that you are trying to work on?

I wonder you all noticed how many RM5000- tables were empty! people just walked off! We were also disappointed that Pg PKR leaders were not invited to speak to represent the Malays and the Indians? Why not the 2 CMs? Why have someone from KL or Ipoh in Penang? Do remember there are also the other races in this Victory have you forgotten about them? ..........sigh............

I have copied YB Jeff Ooi in this email as I always read his blog. I recognized him though he was wearing the same red polo-shirt as the other DAP members. When I said "are you YB Jeff Ooi? " He smiled and humbly said " called me Jeff...." We talked a little, and he gave me his name card to discuss poor mental health of children. Maybe YBJeff Ooi, being chief of staff should help DAP speakers to speak positively forward and not rub on sore wounds. It would not be fun if the wounds turn 'gangrene' as part of the limbs will have to be cut off!!

I wonder whether you all have heard or read about President Obama's victory speech? If you haven't I have got it attached as below. If you have time go online and watched it on video. See how he speaks with conviction, charisma and trust not anger.

All of you mention about the black man being President, what about Malaysia? Do you think we can if politicians continue to play broken records and refused to move forward! Read the President Elect speech and reflect if upon yourself. I hope you will find the answer. I do not have Teresa Kok's and Karpal's email. Kindly forward to them.

PRESIDENT-ELECT BARACK OBAMA: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Its the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

Its the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

Its the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

Its been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and hes fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nations promise in the months ahead. (see how graceful Obama is in recognizing McCain... but Malaysia politicians called one another names!)

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy thats coming with us to the White House. And while shes no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what youve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didnt start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generations apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory. (see how Obama acknowledged the Americans)

I know you didnt do this just to win an election and I know you didnt do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how theyll make the mortgage, or pay their doctors bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there. (how do you feel when u read this?)

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, its that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. (yet in Malaysia, we continues to bad mouth other leaders though we have victory... I wonder why? I suppose only those leaders will know themselves. They need to sort out the baggages within.)

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one thats on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. Shes a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. (acknowledging a voter... how noble of Obama. can malaysian politicians do that?)

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldnt vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that shes seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we cant, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when womens voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we cant, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

best regards,
priscilla ho


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Comments

Letting success get to the head was what sank BN. Repeating your adversary's mistake would be an even bigger mistake because it shows the lesson hasn't been learnt from the rakyat who had placed their trust in the new players.

You need a new masterplan for Penang. The funding of projects within that blueprint has to come from three sources: federal, state and private enterprise. To the extent it contains the federal part, it will be the same as what was originally approved. But there's no reason not to add new things or reshape old ideas to form the other two parts in such a way Penangites can see a new tomorrow for the state.

Paint and articulate a new vision for Penang. Put in some key taglines. The Monaco of Asia, perhaps?

People will also be expecting a program to tackle the impending economic downturn. Sure, there have been some things said. What are they that translate into direct aid to people who will be retrenched shortly? Is there a place they can go to register in person or online? What can they get from it before they leave the place or sign-off that'll be different from registering with the MOHR? Does the state have an employment safe harbor program, something where people out of jobs can park themselves, get some allowances, keep themselves busy doing good things while waiting for better times to return?

Meanwhile think about new industries which the island can attempt in tandem with the mainland connected by the bridge. Upgrade the soft services, such as tourism, to delight new customers, not just welcome them on the steam of our natural friendliness only but add on content, knowledge and perceptiveness. If you want a hub in any industry, those are the people skills needed upfront anyway.

There are undercurrents. Municipal gaps need to be closed. Floods need to be mitigated. The minority need to be helped.

Is enough being SHOWN to be done? If it's a problem of media, why not start a state-run free paper that allows criticisms as much news?

Look at the Klang roadjam. People there are told more money is needed and they will have to bear misery until 2011. How different is what is happening at the Bridge from 6.00pm day in day out from what is happening in Klang? Why not set aside an hour or two to make the Bridge one-way to clear the logjam that is burning fuel, wasting peoples' time and killing health...so that workers can go home earlier to be with their families? If there are compelling reasons based on a study done why this is not feasible, why hasn't that been said?

As people need food, they also need renewal of their faith and trust that a govt is not oblivious to their difficulties and has in fact been proactively doing things to try and alleviate bad situations.

There are all manners of private hospitals for the rich and hypochondriacs. Is there anything for the poor to be able to receive specialist advisory, or to reduce their waiting time to receive state-supported treatment?

What's being done to take the state schools and university to new heights of excellence? Is there a program to give free tuition to whoever needs it, especially the minorities?

Is there a vision for e-Penang that can sit hand-in-hand with her status as a global heritage which can sync with her record as an asian silicon valley which can fit into the catalog catchline of her as a cozy metropolis with a unique flavor?

Has anything been done to make her a world famous gourmet centre? Can to the chingay be added a reality race? Will there be a theme park the children can go to while the parents tee off at a new golf course whose grand prize will be an X6?

You can't sell fish. Why not fish-patties?

If the brain stops thinking, the legs stop moving.

Where is the communication plan? How will the rakyat know whether or not something has been considered or not? Where is the inclusiveness that comes from saying outright "we have indeed considered this solution but it cannot be done now because of these reasons; one, two,.." and then let the rakyat respond with their ideas?

The only reason why the other fella hasn't scalped Pakatan by now is because it's trying to rebuild its own house. Once that is out of the way, it will turn its guns in endless salvos against the five states.

And one of the ways they will do so is to keep you so busy trying to counter everything they do until you have no time to do the things they know you must.

That has already happened, if it hasn't been noticed.

Right now, their napoleons are harassing people in taman's who had voted for the opposition in various states where they still hold the enforcement function at federal level. What can you expect next if they wrest back power? Real concern for the rakyat?

There are no laurels to rest on. There is no victory from just making speeches in Parliament. No celebration can add new ideas on what to do next.

Even in blogosphere, you must be on your toes. A new wing is emerging. It comprises very suave, very smart, very voluble people who can write exceptional english and argue points drawing comparisons from diverse fields. They even hide their own agenda by pretending to champion the bangsa malaysia notion. Except their definition of bangsa malaysia is based on ketuanan and one culture only. They are mahathirites, compounded. And they will do everything to hide the historical fact that BN would not have been formed without the participation of the other two parties. And they are winning the minds of more bigots than there are maggots in this hot land. From the virulence of their rants, the only thing missing from their keris logo on their blogspot is red paint on it.

Can one be sanguine that there is in blogosphere today a single credible counterpoise to them?

Between now and June, wake up. Stand up on your own, not on obamic symbolism.

I fully agree with the writer of the email. I made the same comment to the diners at my table. That the DAP leaders are still in the celebtaory mode 9 months after Mar 8. Every DAP function I have attended, they celebrate the Mar 8 political tsunami without fail. It is sounding like a broken record now. Some friends from out of state asked me if there are any changes in Penang with this new state Govt. I have a tough time answering as I cannot think of any. I replied that they are still in a celebratory mode, 9 months after. CM Guan Eng is still acting like an Opposition MP digging up past issues and engaging in petty quarrels with the previous administration.

Looking at Youtube videos of Parliamentary sessions, I am deeply disappointed at the level of debates from both sides. Some senior leaders of Opposition have not progressed with time either. Maybe my expectation is too high. I was expecting the level of the Congressional hearings seen on TV.

It's time for DAP to stop talking and start delivering. Penangites are getting restless and impatient.

Dear YB Ooi,

As chief-of-staff, yours is a huge responsibility. Just take the US transition as an example. Amongst the first to be appointed by Obama is his chief-of-staff.

If you need assistance, just say so and I'm pretty sure you will not be lacking but we need you to show the example of leading the way. Stop gallivanting around and deliver what was promised.

I consider you one of the intellectuals within DAP and if not you, who else can we hope for change?

The "silent majority" speaks

http://romerz.blogspot.com/2008/12/silent-majority-speaks.html

Please do not ignore Priscilla Ho and Neil. Do so at your own peril!

Back to the matter of delivery, it's kinda difficult for Pakatan Govt in Penang, Selangor, Perak and Kedah (Kelantan being the exception)... to concentrate on "Good Governance" when they have to spend time to "kau foh"... fight the bushfires ignited by you-know-who...

Another angle is this... Rakyat demands Delivery and Results.. BUT at "some" Rakyat's terms & conditions...

Allow me to relate this KISAH BENAR...

>> In a housing Taman, upon the election of the Pakatan ADUN, he was summarily "flooded" with requests for Lamp-posts at the streets where the Rakyat lives...

The ADUN's PA promptly informed TNB and within the couple of months, the TNB truck paid a visit to the streets concerned...

And just as they were about to drill and fix in the pole... LO & BEHOLD, the Rakyat comes out and retorts, "JANGAN letak sini, nanti tak boleh parking kereta... Letak tempat lain" .... there were even murmurs of "disrupted Feng Shui"...

In view of the scenario, the following questions pop up:
1) Did the ADUN respond to the complaint ?
2) Was action taken ?
3) Was the problem solved ?

Answers:
YES , YES & NO

SADLY... human selfishness dictates our desires, clouding our motives... instead laying the blame on the ADUN & his poor PA...

If Pakatan Rakyat wants to work well... the Rakyat MUST DO THEIR PART... enough finger-pointing at others...

As the cliche goes... "ASK not what your ADUN can do for you... BUT what YOU can do to aid your ADUN to help the Rakyat at large.

BTW, I also have HORROR KISAH BENAR of Rakyat's APATHY with regards to POTHOLES in Penang... coupled with HERO's account too...

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