PKR Penang : Jo...you did it, you pay for it...

1. This time around, let's just zoom to Malaysiakini's hot topic postdated 3rd July under "More brickbats for CM over Johari".
2. The points raised by Zahrain, Penang PKR chief, first :-
   • Lim GE in contrast of principles advocated by Caliph Umar Aziz, whom Lim GE wants to emulate, which was based on principles of compassion, forgiving, caring, honesty, sincerity, rule of law, justice, fairness and equality;
   • Lim GE did not show any compassion or forgiveness towards Johari;
   • Johari has expressed regrets on his outburst;
   • Johari's objection is actually PKR's stand and not Johari's personal stand;
   • Understanding that MPSP's President's post reserved for PKR nominee and MPPP to be helmed by DAP;
   • Miscommunication for Johari's outburst;
   • To hold dialogue between Lim GE and PKR to clear urgent matters;
   • Since Johari is political appointee, let PKR make the decision;

3. Now, let's go on a point to point basis.Admitted that Lim GE has, on many accounts, expressed that he admire and would like to emulate Caliph Umar Aziz. But Zahrain must first of all feel ashamed of himself who profess to be a Muslim but did not follow the rule of law, which is part of Caliph Umar's virtues.
4. Instead of chiding Lim GE, Zahrain should set a good example of the virtues of Caliph Umar Aziz. Can Zahrain do a quick assessment and see where he stands, as compared to Umar Aziz? And where he stands in terms of emulating Umar Aziz? At least, Lim GE took the pains to study Caliph and he took further steps to try to emulate Caliph. What about Zahrain? Have he ever read the history of Caliph Umar Aziz?
5. Compassion and forgiveness? Zahrain should first study on Johari's outburst. Is this the time to be compassion? If Lim GE were to be compassionate and forgiving, that will be an open door for future outburst. It is better for Lim GE not to tolerate outburst now and show Johari, who is the boss.
6. Regrets? Yes, Johari expressed regrets after he was shown the door. He should show his regrets soon after his outburst and show up for the swearing in ceremony. Then, maybe Lim GE will be compassionate and forgiving. Talking about that, since Johari and Zahrain are both Muslims (by the sound of their names, has Johari took ablution after his outburst and cool down to reflect his actions?) . Frankly, I doubt it, and that's why Johari failed to realise the damage done.
7. Objection is PKR's stand. Wow, this is much better! So, is PKR saying that whatever they do is correct and must not be vetted by the state government. What PKR is indicating is that they are the little warlords who wanted to dominate the local council. Is this in line with Penang's state government stand? Is PKR trying to carve out territorial control? Has PKR forgotten that in PR, every member party has a fair share and there is no "big brother" like UMNO and BN?
8. MPSP's President reserved for PKR. Here, in itself, Zahrain exposed his own vulnerability. Maybe the initial understanding is MPSP's president post is reserved for PKR. However, as Lim GE taken the MPSP's post from PKR, he also take the MPPP's post from DAP. Will Zahrain be claiming that Lim GE is not acting fairly after this? Lim GE took from both PKR and DAP and handed the post to civil servants. Anything wrong there? If it is for the good of the people, why not?
9. Zahrain claimed miscommunication with Johari. This is the age of the techies. It is nearly impossible to accept Zahrain's excuse and thus the "miscommunication" factor cannot be accepted. Mind you that the duration between the outburst and the swearing in ceremony is days and not minutes. So, there is ample time for Zahrain to communicate with Johari, unless Zahrain could not be bothered to contact Johari to "correct" him on PKR's stand.
10. Zahrain's suggestion to hold dialogue with Lim GE is a good proposal. Zahrain should arrange this dialogue fast before the DAP-PKR relationship deteriorates further.
11. On Zahrain's claim that Johari is a political appointee, this should make it more important for PKR to make sure that Johari follow the state government's requirement and stands. Johari may be a PKR seconded political appointee and as such, he must follow the state stand. PKR is part of Penang state government and as such, he should be abiding by the state stand. Enough said.
12. It is not a matter of who do what or who can do what. It is a matter of respect the leader. In this case, for Penang, the leader is Lim GE. PKR must learn to respect Lim GE as the leader before they can expect Lim GE to reciprocate his respect towards PKR Penang.
13. PKR Penang should stop defending Johari and let the issue settle. Johari should be given time to reflect on his actions before he can be considered a local council material again in the future. Is that too much to ask of Penang PKR? Or is Penang PKR going the way of Kg Buah Pala residents?
14. Instead of trying to check Lim GE on his every move, Zahrain should learn to work together with Lim GE and keep his PKR men in check. There are too many loose cannons in PKR Penang and all are trying to get Anwar's attention. For one, Yusmadi Yusoff, Penang PKR's youth chief should learn how to keep his mouth shut instead of blubbering. One of these days he may find himself cornered by his own statements.
15. Penang, Buah pala, Lim GE, Zahrain...all should take things one step a time for the better Penang. Is it too much to ask?
    

Till then...G'nite M'sia...wherever u are...