What now Barisan Nasional?

Well, the dust has settled and the people’s opinion is clear and steady as the results have been convincing. Out of 222 parliamentary seats, BN gained only a simple majority of 140 (less than a 2/3 majority) while DAP 28 seats, PAS 23 & PKR 31. Out of 505 state seats, BN won 307, Independent 2, DAP 73, PAS 83 & PKR 40 seats.

Indeed, a disappointing defeat for the ruling party. They have lost 5 states: Kelantan, Kedah, Perak, Penang & Selangor. Furthermore, a stunning loss to key politicians including MIC Chief Samy Vellu; Gerakan President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon; Minister for Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil & Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin.

Well, from my take on the elections, it shows that there is a democratic freedom to vote unlike being said earlier. Fears of voting fraud and alleged agendas to prevent voting are certainly deemed rubbish. Also, as what Anwar Ibrahim has said, it marks a New Dawn for Malaysia.

So what went wrong for BN?

Actually, there were quite a few critical reasons as to why it was certainly the wrong time to have elections.

1. Elections were rushed without proper preparations. Partly due to wanting to prevent Anwar from standing for elections.

2. Racial Tensions were still not answered & it was as though the government was blind towards the issue.

3. Inflation has caused the rise of many goods, people were still feeling the pinch and a little unrest was present among the people against the government.

4. Minority issues were surfaced again which caused a disturbance among the population.

Indeed, the Government should have solved the inflation and minority issue first before even thinking of entering elections Calm its people and let them settle down to agree once again with the ruling party. What is there to fear of Anwar? If they had solved their issues, Anwar would have lacked ammunition to gain a foothold. Furthermore, their election strategy was simply wrong. Honestly, i would not have cared about Kelantan and would have rather concentrated on the other States to reassure the people that BN is the right choice for you, having a wonderful track record and although we are in rough times, the party is always here for you.

OH well, that’s what I would have done.

What has happened has happened. Congratulations to the Opposition party for playing the cards right. I have to admit, they have played one hell of a battle of wits and have came out victors. Furthermore, there shall be a strong opposition voice that will ensure that the ruling party are kept on it’s toes from now on. I guess its now time for the opposition to deliver what it promises, after years of only condemning the ruling party, they shall now be given a chance to show the ruling party a thing or two. Or else, get ready to be kicked out.

So what now BN?

Hmm, honestly, it is a good thing that they have tasted near defeat. Defeat makes the party hungry, wanting to improve to have greater success in the next elections. As from the movie Batman, the reason we fall is to pick ourselves up. So BN, stop with the regrets and self-pity, its time to pick yourself up and evaluate strategies.

1. Do a post mortem evaluating all the loses; majority, former elective at that state, reasons to loss of state, perform groundwork research.

2. Perform an achievement report outlining each representatives achievements in the past 3 years (this is to ensure to not have sentimental reasons over old issues).

3. Time to refresh the party, ask older members of parliament to step down to make way for new capable fresh blood. Inculcate mentality among members whereby they shall stick to the job only if they are the best.

4. Break down any parliamentary cliques or groups and shuffle the members. The members may have been dull with dealing the same issues.

5. Renew game plan strategy of the nation & tackle the minority and inflation issues.

6. Abdullah Badawi should step down (I can’t stand people that adopt an inaction policy) and allow Najib to take over as PM.

7. Give Dr Mahatir a position as Minister of Mentor (he might be old but his mind is still brilliantly crystal).

8. Aim to dramatically improve relationship with the people; understand their concerns and how to improve the current situation.

Other concerns to improve:

1. Crime rates in the region. This can be solved by giving Police officers better pay or simply outsourcing to companies like Cisco. (True, it will be extra cost to companies but it shall certainly reduce the load of the current police force and also reduce crime and corruption in a region)

2. Improve the courts. Adopt online networks to speed up court cases. Ensure that judges are impartial and have no inclination towards politicians. Clean up it’s image to show that it is a fair & just court that protects only the truth.

3. Get rid of Bumiputera policy and adopt a helping nation view. Form a foundation that only supports and helps the poor; not caring of race or religion. Whether your Dayak, Malay, Indian or Chinese; if your poor and in need of help thus the government will aid you. I have always believed why provide Bumiputera subsidies to a Malay person that has the ability to buy a $500k Bungalow. Doesn’t make any sense.

4. Free up business opportunities. Have a meritocratic view where the best person shall get the job. There have been a growing number of Rich Malays that are constantly getting richer as projects and grants are being granted to them thanks to their close connections. Abolish this and start having public biddings. Contractors or Companies that fail to meet contract terms shall be fined and its directors are banned from any other further contract dealing for the next 2 years with the government. They shall be blacklisted.

These are just a few points that i have brought forth. This post is not to offend anyone and no, i am not biased or have any inclinations to any parties. I am just basing my views as if it was me in this position and how shall i tackle the issue. I know my knowledge is still quite lacking and thus I do wish to hear your views.

Fai @ ilovelookinggood

P.S.: I do hope that Hishamuddin, Khairy Jamaluddin & Mukhriz Mahatir are given more central roles and hope that they can come together to lead the party to a brighter future as following Prophet Muhamad S.A.W; youths are the future of the nation thus listen to them from time to time.