 |
| Still far from the non-conventional Donald Trump campaign |
Dunno what made us use that as a title.
Perhaps, it was a video sent by a friend on a Mek Kelate talking openly of her sexuality. What was meant is less suicidal or brutal political campaign can be just as focused and effective.
Saw few pro-BN commentators so vehemently against the selection of Datin Mastura as BN candidate because she is in mourning or according to Islamic hukum Iddah, she could not go out of the house, attend any form of festivities and various other restriction. This Iddah restriction is strictly on the wives, but not on husband in the case for death of the wife.
The rather petty religious restriction became an issue since it is a non-conventional political practise in UMNO and conservative interpretation of Quran that has evolved into traditional practise of Islam and culture in Nusantara Melayu.
The issue attracted The Star to highlight the unorthodox campaign tactic by UMNO. Now, UMNO can say they are also giving PAS a walkover thus disputing Tun M claim that PAS giving UMNO a walkover:
Tuesday, 31 May 2016
Unorthodox tactic for BN Kuala Kangsar campaign
TOKYO: Barisan Nasional will adopt the “campaigning without the candidate” strategy for the Kuala Kangsar by-election, as Datin Mastura Mohd Yazid is observing iddah (the waiting period following the death of a Muslim woman’s husband).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the strategy took into consideration the fatwa or edict that was a requirement according to Islamic law.
“We have consulted several Muslim scholars including those who are members of the National Fatwa Council, besides discussing with Perak Mufti (Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria) to clear the air among differing views on the matter,” he told the Malaysian media here.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said several methods had been sought to introduce Mastura to the voters, including broadcasting recordings of her speech at all district polling centres and targeted locations, besides non-verbal communication.
“Rest assured that we have well thought out this strategy to ensure that due respect is given to Islamic law and hope that the voters, comprising almost 60% Muslims, will understand the needs of the situation,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the campaign strategy was also made known to the non-Muslim Barisan component leaders to enable them to explain to the voters.
On the acceptance of Mastura by the voters, Dr Ahmad Zahid said the Barisan candidate had her own advantage as she had great experience in national politics.
“She mixed around with the electorate when her late husband (Datuk Wan Mohammad Khairil Anuar Wan Ahmad) was the Bukit Chandan assemblyman and later the Kuala Kangsar MP in 2013.
“I am confident she will be well-received compared to other candidates,” he said.
Dr Ahmad Zahid stressed that the current controversy over the Private Member’s Bill to amend the Syariah Court Bill (Criminal Jurisdiction) in Kelantan would not affect the support of non-Muslims.
“Before a Bill can be approved and enforced, it must go through seven stages, which includes getting the approval of the Parliament, Senate and the Conference of Rulers.
“All the processes would take a long time. I hope non-Muslims will not worry too much over the Bill,” he said.
In Kuala Kangsar, the Election Commission called upon all parties to “campaign like gentlemen”, reminding them to be respectful towards one another as it was the month of Ramadan.
Its secretary Datuk Abdul Ghani Salleh also warned campaigners, especially outsiders, against resorting to acts that could provoke the locals.
“This seat is vacant because of a tragic event, so please be mindful. Respect the families and the residents here.
“My advice is to not touch on sensitive issues and don’t slander others,” he said.
Voters can check their respective polling centres at www.spr.gov.my, contact 03-8892 7000 or 05-249 4113, or text SPRsemak to 15888.
Good advise though from Election Commission.
If anyone not notice yet, the general public is suffering from political fatigue. Not sure whether it is applicable in Malaya, but the recent Sarawak state election could be sending out signal that the public had enough with politics of hatred and slandering.
Other than the RBA or pro-Tun (including Ratu Naga) or other aggresive cyber groups, the majority of millennial voters are tired of politics selak kain (exposing personal issues). Not to be left unnoticed, the cyber political landscape or more accurately, battlefield have changed. We are not telling but observe it.
For the two by-elections in Malay majority areas, it will be conducted in the month of Ramadhan. Those involved with Kuala Besut by-election should remember how costly disaster it was for the then PAS VP, Dato Husam Musa-led PAS election machinery for sticking to aggressive campaign.
Vehemently disagree
The anonymous but interestingly revealing blog, Gelagat Anwar felt that it is a poor start to a psychological warfare campaign. This is a political campaign ma ...not psychological war for the hearts or mind.
OK fine, any political campaign will involve some level of psychological warfare.
Blogger Jas Salleh was even more critical as he called the political strategist rude and idiot (biadap dan bebal). He is entitled to his opinion and anger.
One pro-Tun blogger called on BN to withdraw. He claimed the choice of candidate shows BN lack any candidates.
Excuse the fella because his posting is representative of the koman (simpleton) grassroot UMNO thinking and seldom borders on shallow logic. However, he was made popular by pro-opposition news portal and believed to be paid by a soon to be former UMNO leader.
Picking up on the sentiment or common (or koman) opinion amongst UMNO grassroot, former UMNO leader, Dato Hamidah Osman felt it was a joke to put a candidate that cannot go around campaigning.
The former Wanita Information Chief and now supporter of an new emerging political faction of Tun M-Azmin seemed stuck in conventional thinking. Actually she is not. She is aware how influential and respectable the late Dato Wan Khairil, thus it is useful to the hard working and helpful widow.
Only reason that was speculated by this blog here is she is considering of taking her chances to run. Hope she does not because it will be the end to the end of her political career. Fight only the right battle, Midah.
Non-issue
It is not a joke for no show by candidates at elections. Manoharan ran for DAP while in prison. A former ADUN for Perupok, Bachok was hospitalise during the 2004 general election. In fact, UMNO used to claim to be able to win by just pasting UMNO posters and putting on songkok and selendang.
There have been many occasion of widows running for election at husband's former seat. In Sarawak recently, Irene Chang and Datin Janet Lau ran at their late husbands' seat at Bukit Assek and Pelawan, Sibu, respectively. PBS's, Dato Linda Tsen ran in Batu Sapi after death of husband in 2010.
And not to forget Datin Wan Azizah in Permatang Pauh and Langkah Kajang move to replace Anwar though he is still alive and well in Sg Buloh.
The difference is Mastura is under Iddah. but in actual fact, it is a non issue.
Iddah does not mean, the should be imprisoned in the house throughout 4 months and 10 days. Otherwise, who is to buy food at the market or send schooling kids to school or lessons and tuitions? More important, the wife has to still go to work to get money to keep the family going.
It reminded us when arwah father (May Allah bless his soul) passed away in 1984. Some smart alec sekolah ugama teacher (may Allah bless her too) tried to be smarter than the Mufti that interpreted the hukum Iddah to us.
Mourning in Islam is not as what was practised in the past. It may have it's own reason and wisdom but different times may warrant different practise. Actually, if one consider Mastura as continuing the good work of the husband or seeking employment from the voting public, personally, we see nothing wrong with her campaigning.
Anyway since it is politics, quite often it is not about right or wrong but what is perceived is being right and wrong. It needs some pandering to popular thinking or the loudest of thoughts. Still need to stick to conventional expectation of voters, specifically the conservative elders.
It's fine, it's political reality but there is always many ways to skin a cat.
Using videos and social media is one way.
If Ahmad Maslan is smart, which we reckon he should since he is a Deputy Minister of Finance and for many years the Information Chief of UMNO, he should explore to rent transponder from KL and use technology to the hilt.
Still finding it strange that it is "orang UMNO" that is making so much noise on the Iddah issue and not PAS. It is really misplaced political correctness.
Sometimes non-conventional ways can bomb out as happened to Sarah Palin. But still, aren't they bored of the same missionary position?