MALAYSIA TODAY...

Things have taken a turn for the interesting in Malaysia following the recent general elections. The following are things that need to be said about the state of this wonderful country of ours.

1. Lim Guan Eng needs to calm himself down before he says anything stupid or does something baselessly drastic.

Yes, Guan Eng rightfully has taken over the pretty much useless Koh Tsu Koon as chief minister of Penang. Tsu Koon has pretty much NOT endeared himself to Penangites. How many times has he made trips to residential areas to talk to the rakyat to find out what their living conditions are like? And by endorsing the PGCC, life is going to be unbearably expensive for the Penangites who are struggling in life as it is. Who cares about the rich -- they can well take care of themselves. But the poor and marginalised MALAYSIANS must be looked after. ALL PENANGITES must be able to earn a decent living, eat safe and healthy food, have affordable housing (NOT SARDINE CANS DISGUISED AS LOW-COST HOUSING!) and have access to good health care and education. These things must be guaranteed. Koh Tsu Koon has not been impressive on these fronts.

As for Guan Eng -- all we can say is: get a grip! Becoming a chief minister is a big job. So, be big enough to accommodate the job. Whatever desire for revenge Guan Eng might harbour due to the unfair and unjust ISA treatment he'd received has to be put behind him. Guan Eng needs a larger perspective to be a good leader. And, Guan Eng not being a Penangite, he has to try extra hard to be successful at his job. We Penangites are very easy going -- but we are not very forgiving of follies.

2. Should the Deputy Prime Minister be priming himself to be the next leader.
This is a valid question as the recent election has shown that UMNO might be ready for a new leader. Of course, in accordance with the Malay culture, everything in its time. But, meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister should be positioning/priming himself for the top position. UMNO party elders are already looking into this, I am sure. And should one candidate fall short for any foreseen or unforeseen reason(s), then there must be others who could be moved up to assume leadership positions via the age-old and trusted process of "political osmosis".

3. Previous Prime Minister must also accept the fault for the Barisan's recent losses
Things in the country came to a head after somethings happened over the past two decades (or more!) through some faulty policies being implemented in the government (like the systematic 'ethnic cleansing' of the civil service etc), the utter neglect of particular communities that were driven to desperation all happened during the previous leadership of this country (which came surging to the surface late last year!). The weakening of the education system also took place at that time.

I see the present prime minister as a steward of the nation as it goes through a stunning transformation. And, to play it safe, stewards too need to be watched so that they fulfil their duties admirably. That is the beauty of the system of checks and balances.

4. The entire DOSH personnel need to be replaced for their neglect of workplace safety in a certain scenario.
Can a printing plant be converted into an office space? The answer to this question will affirm the status of the above statement (4).