The 16 Sept Prophecy

The 16 Sept Prophecy

8 Sept, 2008

When Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim first mentioned about the 16 September power seizing plan, many people did not believe him. The time is now closer and BN members are increasingly concerned and worried about the plan because of the tendency of "self-actualisation" in the recent political arena.

Political changes over the past half year have aggravated the people's anxiety. These included the New Economy Policy dispute, University Technology students' demonstrations, the conversion to Islam forum, the penumpang (lodgers) turmoil as well as other political chaoses.

A number of controversial issues have caused a schism in BN. Some of its member party leaders quitted while some criticised Umno, and some even proposed to withdraw from BN, bringing a blow to BN's morale. As BN leaders are weak and the party is unable to carry out the reform agenda, the people's confidence have also been weakened.

"Would it implement the Islamic Law or the welfare state model?"

Most importantly, whether BN member parties and Umno would appear united outwardly but divided at heart? Also, whether Umno would split because of its party election and lead to a crisis of collapse?

At the same time, the worsening global and domestic economic situation, inflation and the national management's failure to cope with the problems has caused some people to expect for the change of regime.

If this negative trend continues, and BN fails to immediately turn the tide and get back the people's support, it may lose its regime after 16 September (if the 16 September prophecy is not actualised) or in the next general elections.

BN must ensure that the people do not hope for the change of regime as once the idea is formed, no one can reverse the situation.

Looking from another prospective, while it is busy persuading BN MPs to switch parties, Pakatan Rakyat must have a careful planning and consideration to ensure that the political situation will not be in a turmoil after the change of regime. Otherwise, it will be considered as irresponsible.

If Pakatan Rakyat persuades BN MPs by offering them interests, the alliance will not be solid. Also, Pakatan Rakyat will have to keep pleasing them in the future, which will eventually lead the party to repeat BN's mistakes.

In addition, what is the role of PAS in the federal government if Pakatan Rakyat manages to gained the power? What would be the new government's guiding principle? Would it implement the Islamic Law or the welfare state model? Pakatan Rakyat should have first think about these issues and must not have an internal dispute after they have gained the power.

The people have the right to request Anwar to propose his governing concept and plans in order to measure whether Pakatan Rakyat is capable to be the alternative government.

Regardless how the situation changes after 16 September, Malaysian politics will still stress on interest instead of ideals. Thus, the political situation will still in an uncertainty for a short period of time. However, BN will sooner or later be replaced if it still refuses to change. (By LIM SUE GOAN/ Translated by SOONG PHUI JEE/ Sin Chew Daily)