Congratulations to Dato' Seri Nizar

Congratulations to the people of Bkt Gantang and Bkt Selambau. You have won the victory!

The by-election results in these two constituencies clearly show that the people of Malaysia and especially the people of Perak are still unhappy with the Barisan National government.

Despite all their election machinery; their domination of the radio, TV and newspapers; all the money the BN used; their many 'promises' and false accusations - the BN still lost. Worst of all the BN tried in many ways to prevent PR leaders from disseminating information and explaining the truth to the people the truth, such as not allowing certain PR speakers to give ceramah, bannign the mention of a certain Mongolian lady’s name, not allowing DAP and PKR to put up our flags and making police reports against YB Nga Kor Ming alleging that he quoted Quranic verses to belittle Islam. (Shound not one feel proud and thankful to God those of other religious traditions are appreciative of one's religious teachings?) At the end of the day we won anyway and with a bigger majority. God was on our side too in delaying the rain until the end of the polling period at 5.00 pm.

The people of Bukit Gantang have helped Malaysians to send a clear and strong message to the BN that what they are doing are not acceptable and in particular that the power grab in Perak is abhorrent to them. This was manifested by the supporters who were still angry and had come from all over Malaysia to give their support to YAB Mohammad Nizar. I met many supporters, including even elderly people from Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Kuantan etc. Some of them came a few days before nomination day and stayed in Taiping to help with the campaign and paid all their own expenses. I admire the spirit shown by these supporters.

The victory of Bukit Gantang means the people wants democracy, justice and good government as represented by the PR. They are angry over the power grab. They like Dato’ Seri Ir. Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin who is not racist, is a trustworthy person and was fair in implementing policies when he was the Menteri Besar.

While Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said the victory in Batang Ai was a vote of confidence in Datuk Najib as Prime Minister, we can also say the victory in Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau were of no-confidence votes againt Datuk Najib - votes of protest and of anger over the power grab in Perak.

Therefore, the Perak State Legislative Assembly should be dissolved to allow for a fresh by- elections to let the people choose the government they want and not have the government they did not choose imposed on them. This fundamental democratic right should be returned to the people! The referendum of the by-elections has said so, loud and clear, and perhaps even indicated the likely outcome of state-wide elections. We hope that the voices of the people will not fall on the deaf ears and that they will be able to exercise their democratic rights.

posted by Jason ling for Dato’ Ngeh and edited by Bénévole Anonymne.