The Selangor MB Issue: What is to be Done?

Frantz Fanon tells us of a psychological condition found among the oppressed. After liberation, the oppressed assumes the personality of the oppressor. He begins to recall the image of the oppressor in romanticised terms even imagining that the once time oppressor is actually good.

The psychological types are among us. If only, we didn’t let PR rule Selangor, things wouldn’t be like it is today.

If BN were to rule Selangor, then we will have all have to put up with the crooked deals, the corruption, the bullying, and the deprivation.  The thing that is happening today in Selangor is quickly resolved if Khalid Ibrahim acknowledges that he is no longer wanted. That the position of the MB is not directly elected by the people. That those clamouring for retention of Khalid are BN friendly people.

Khalid has already done this. He has submitted his resignation. Whatever message the Sultan told Khalid does not interest us. Khalid can tell all the grandfather stories he wants. It’s the message to PR that interest us. The Sultan accepts that the new MB must come from PR.

So, the melancholic recall of the salad days of Selangor under BN rule- is just that- a romantic recollection of an idealised version of BN rule- something impossible as pushing a camel through the hole of a needle.

Khalid may say anything now to soothe his ego. And to save face. He  says he is still MB until a new MB is found.

The Sultan is doing what is provided for by the constitution. He does not suggest any names as I have written in an earlier article. But he can ask the person before him ( Khalid or later Wan Azizah) to submit a name or names. He has given a clue here. PR has to respond accordingly.

Here we can learn a few lessons in History. Once again, Perak provides a good source of precedents. Soon after the general elections, BN wanted to appoint Ghazali Jawi as the MB. The Perak Sultan refused at that time.

Tun Razak went before the Sultan and told the Sultan. Tuanku, we insist on Ghazali Jawi. If during his tenure, he commits corrupt acts, then you the Sultan may royally request for his removal. In the meantime, we insist he becomes MB. If not, we will do a state elections and when we win, we will still submit Ghazali Jawi as our candidate for MB.

In the end, Ghazali Jawi was accepted as MP under protest. You may all remember that the late Sultan refused to shave his beard during the rime Ghazali Jawi was MB of Perak.

Two lessons here. The person appearing before the Sultan must be of strong constitution. Two, the same name is submitted.

PR can do two things. The person assigned to meet the Sultan must be strong. Submit and resubmit the name of Wan Azizah even if it means going to the polls.

Again, also in Perak, we take a lesson in history. This time, it was in the appointment of Kamaruddin Mat Isa I think as Perak MB. The sultan refused the appointment. And this time, Ghafar Baba was asked to meet up the Sultan to insist on Kamaruddin Mat Isa being made MB.

The sultan even rebuked Ghafar Baba. The Sultan says you are not a lawyer who can argue the case for Mat Isa as MB. Ghafar Baba retorted- indeed he is no lawyer, but he represents the Federal government and the majority government in Perak which wanted that Mat Isa be appointed as MB. Even if we go for state elections, Mat Isa’s name will be proposed as MB. It is the wish of the government in accordance to the constitution. The fact that the wish is transmitted through a person who is not a lawyer is not relevant.

The same principal applies. The person appearing before the Sultan must be resolute. The person proposed the same name as endorsed by the majority in the Selangor DUN.

It’s up to PR then. The Sultan clearly is not in favour of state elections. Submit the same name.

Khalid Ibrahim is history already.

The leader of the majority faction must be strong. Submit a name or names. PR still rules Selangor.That is all that matters. 

**** Thank you to the reader who mentioned the name Kamaruddin Mat Isa

Posted by sakmongkol AK47