Seeing similarities

Kalau takut dilambung ombak, jangan berumah di tepi pantai.

That's a very sensible advice. Especially for aspiring politicians, or political commentators. I am hesitant to write commentaries on politics in Malaysia, because I don't like crushing waves that we see more and more often now. Having said that, what I'm writing here is about politicians, but not necessarily about politics. I've been seduced very strongly to write through putting UK, Malaysia, and Zimbabwe side by side.

Pak Lah 'inherited' the helm of the Malaysian government from a strong and popular (vote-wise) PM. That's the same case with Gordon Brown, albeit admittedly, Tony Blair, his pre-decessor, did not has the same longevity on the Premiership as Tun Dr Mahathir. I think both Pak Lah and Gordon Brown suffered from being compared to their predecessors. Economic woes does not help them in the popularity rating either. There has been calls and demands from within and without their respective party for them to step down. And both had defiently stayed the course. Their supporters claimed that the PMs are the best that they have for the time being. So, there is no need for a replacement.

Meanwhile, over in Zimbabwe, President Mugabe faced a second round of presidential election after having 'lost' in the first round. The opposition (MDC) claimed that they have won. President Mugabe stayed on course, not conceding a failure. The same pattern was observed after March 8 general election in Malaysia. The oppositions, as well as Tun Dr Mahathis, thumped that BN had suffered a loss. But the PM, and scores of his Ministers said, "What loss? We did not lose!!"

And, in the run-off to the second round of presidential election, which the MDC are expecting to win, like in the first round, a series of intimidation was let loose upon the MDC. The intimidation included police arrests (up to 5 times a week for the MDC leader), violence, rape, and killings. At one time, the MDC leader, fearing his safety, seek refuge at the Dutch embassy, and pulled out from the Presidential election. And, who is it that was reported seeking refuge in Turkish embassy in Kuala Lumpur? Mmm..... if the similarity continues, this means the current Malaysian government will be able to ward off challenges from the oppositions.

Can President Mugabe, now that he has won the election, claim that he has support from his people? How credible would that claim be, considering he was the only candidate in that election? If Spain had won against a German team with only Podolski, Klose and Lehmann on the field, can Spain claim that they are the better team?

Please note that I'm merely drawing attention to the similarities between what is happening in the UK, Malaysia, and Zimbabwe. I'm not insinuating similarities of persons - and the severity of their actions - mentioned above. The similarities of events are interesting enough. Further analysis on similarities of personality and right/wrong-doings are in the realm of political analysts.

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