The victory of Barisan Nasional (BN)* in a mini-election that was held in Pengkalan Pasir was not really surprising. Most commentators and political experts had foreseen that BN would have higher chances to re-possess the area after 15 years which was ruled by Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS)** during that period of time. In 1990, Pengkalan Pasir was under PAS and it has been alleged that no effective development had been done since then. This very moment, the sleepy hamlet of Pengkalan Pasir is awash in a sea of red, blue and green, as political parties, its agents and supporters from both sides of the Malay spectrum try to outdo each other in fishing for their precious votes. The public confessed their disappointment as they were the ones who were designated, therefore they were very keen to "witness" the development of their location (Radzi Ahmad,41)
It has been continuously reported by the "pro-government" media that the citizens want a change in this coming election. The writer himself is unsure about how far the truth and is under a degree of doubt as I dont have the chance to be there and observe the situation as a whole with all my senses. It was alleged,furthermore, by the locals that the previous government had not made any changes particularly in maintaining the social-economic welfare of the citizens (Che Rohani Che Jusoh,36)
A question arises, however, having been given all the legitimate expectations and hope by the public, would it be feasible for BN to fulfill their promises that have been put in advance in their manifesto prior to the election. They promise to upgrage the quality of the citizens; life particularly in two major "projects"
1) to build a new conducive market in Pengkalan Pasir for the benefit of the citizens
2) to run a Kelantan base university allowing more students resuming their studies to a higher
education.
Hence, the tension begins as whether the new elected government will be able to fulfil their promises made in three years time? (considering the next Malaysian General Election will be taking place in 2008).
Berita Harian (Dec 9 2005) reports that the new appointed state MP, Hanafi Mamat has been funded with RM (MYR) 1.5 million for development and maintenance in Pengkalan Pasir. The fund is believed to be provided by Kemubu Agriculture Development Association (KADA) and Federal Development Body (JPP). It is hoped that the fund will be distributed to realise the citizens' wishes and demands. In the eyes of BN however, the fund is a token of appreciation from the public who cast theoor votes to the party.
In my opinion, on the other hand, the election outcome is born from the wave of desperation amongst the locals to witness a sustainable socio-economic development in Pengkalan Pasir and in Kelantan as a whole. The results makes a realisation of change demanded by the locals. Perhaps, winning in an out-reached rural place wouldnt be as crucial as possessing the whole country. It makes me to recall an appreciation greeting made by the BN government upon their victory over Malaya two years ago. Can't find the actual text in English Language, but assuming the Malay version suffices, I have enclosed the pledge of BN in the recent general election for our review and reference.
IKRAR BARISAN NASIONAL
"BAHAWASANYA Barisan Nasional dengan tulus ikhlas, merakamkan penghargaan dan terima kasih kepada rakyat atas sokongan dan mandat yang telah diberikan kepada kami selama ini untuk menerajui negara yang dicintai
Atas kesedaran dan keinsafan ini, Barisan Nasional berikrar dan berjanji bahawa sesungguhnya kami:
1) Berazam mempertahankan kemerdekaan serta kedaulatan negara, menjunjung prinsip2 Rukun Negara, demi menjamin kestabilan negara dan keutuhan perpaduan rakyat, untuk terus hidup dalam suasana harmoni, aman dan damai.
2) Berazam untuk terus membangunkan negara, menerusi perancangan, strategi dan perlaksanaan dasar-dasar yang boleh meningkatkan kesejahteraan rakyat di semua peringkat, sesuai dengan matlamat Wawasan 2020.
3) Berazam untuk memerangi segala bentuk fahaman sempit perkauman, ekstremisme, serta sebarang bentuk keganasan demi menjamin kesejahteraan masa depan agama, bangsa dan negara.
4) Berazam untuk meningkatkan martabat bangsa dan negara, agar sentiasa dihormati dan dicontohi, dipentas dunia menerusi pencapaian kemajuan serta kemampuan menghadapi setiap cabaran di era globalisasi.
Berlandaskan keazaman ini, kami akan meyakinkan rakyat melalui tauladan dan bukti nyata agar rakyat terus bersama Kerajaan Barisan Nasional untuk mencapai hasrat dan aspirasi murni negara."
It would be a lengthy discussion, surely, if we examine the pledge in depth. With God's willing, I'll make an effort to conduct a research on those pledges individually and come out with an independent impartial opinion of my own. The relevant yardsticks would consider:
a) whether those pledges really come to an existence after two years of governing the country
b) even if they do, are there any defects and certain elements lacking, identified in enforcing
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