Unconventional and Illogical Political Tactics

Hottest political news of late is the sweeping to power by the Mandarin speaking Kevin Rudd led Labour Party of Australia; where we also saw the emergence of woman Deputy Prime Minister and a first Malaysia Sabah-born Peggy as Minister of Environment. Kevin deployed a request for change to fellow Australians and that was enough to topple the 12 years reign of pro-American John Howard; with Australia's economy and GDP all time high. Could complacent Australians geared up, prepared for unprecedented and unconventional changes under Rudd?

Up North, President Chen Sui Bian of Taiwan is still staying alive; edging off mainland China's call for one-China-policy. His political shrewdness of forcing his way through into UN at this crucial timing before the 2008 Beijing Olympic to the utmost frustrations of the Motherland Beijing was indeed a well mastered political maneuvers. Taiwan under Chen would remain or rather like to be US's political chips to destabilize' the East Asia Pacific Region. For every threat is an opportunity to the mighty Americans!

In South America, Venezuela's Hugo Chaves had just conceded defeat in a failed attempt via referendum to further extend his presidency, by the narrowest margins. By far, he had positioned well with his anti-American, pro-Cuba strategy, with OPEC membership as the icing on the cake.

Pakistan's Praves Musharaf is struggling at the seemingly twilight of his political career, before being toppled by another possible traditionalized military coup; although Benazir Butto & Nawaf Sharrif looked prominently joint favorite in the upcoming January election. Musharaf was cheered for his anti-terrorism policies but fell prey to pro-American supports at the same time.

On the other hand, only historians could tell, probably years from now the validity of President George W Bush's tactics of deploying war to end another war! War (Oil from Iraq) to revive the US's economy! Terrorism to end terrorism! This reminds me of Emperor Qing Shi-huang of feudal China, where his majesty ordered the execution of all scholars and burning of all literature documents hence unifying China's Qing Dynasty under one single language; that is today's Mandarin. Looking back, many critics then would probably have taken a 180 degree turnaround, acknowledging modern day China's economic influence to the rest of the world, including Taiwan.

At the same time, are you aware that unofficially, mainland China is now deploying an unconventional warfare to subdue Taiwan? It was alleged that scores of beautiful Chinese ladies gain entry to Taiwan specifically to be married to Taiwan's elderly, wealthy yet lonely men. Gradually, with the ultimate demised of these wealthy senior citizens, these young ladies and their offspring would inherit those fortunes in Taiwan as mainland China's citizens. What a way to subdue the Taiwan's arrogance without a single bullet!

Back home in Malaysia, how silly were Tun Mahathir then that he was actually sleeping with his future political enemy in Datuk Seri Abdullah Amad Badawi. Abdullah left UMNO to be with Tengku Razaleih's Semangat 46 then, only to turn around fast to the discomfort of many; because he could still retained his deputy presidency despite being an once traitor of UMNO; thus signifying his grassroots strength.

Many had also forgotten that Tun Musa Hitam, the current Chairman of the just re-listed conglomerate Sime Darby, did the exact turn around at the invitation of Tengku Razaleigh's Semangat 46 too! Like mentor like decipher, better late than never, bravo Tun Musa.

Abdullah knew too well that only in Tun Musa, once Mahathir 2M comrades in the early 80's could he be re-positioned to be marketed' to the world arena. This was because Mahathir was too well rooted in his 22 years of leaderships that it came a time when Malaysia meant Mahathir and Mahathir meant Malaysia.

By adopting to the principle that my enemy's enemy is indeed my friend; hence Datuk Seri Annuar was released, dramatically. Musa began to make his presence felt and Mahathir was toppled via Kubang Pasu's UMNO's divisional election by who else, but his hand picked successor in Datuk Johari Baharom, current deputy Home Affairs Minister. Mahathir was shown the exist door before he could even voiced his grievances at the UMNO general assembly that was to follow then.

Mahathir's legal affairs adviser, if not mentor, Datuk Dr. Rais Yatim, the non-nonsense legal expert, who was initially tipped to head the Home Ministry was instead sent to the current Cultural, Arts and Heritage Ministry; to the bewildered surprised and disbelieved of many, including prominent opposition guru Lim Kit Siang.

Next, Mahathir's mega projects were halted, compensations rather paid; agro-based industries highlighted for quite some time before new east west north south economic development zones were introduced and the rest, at this point of time is history and bye-bye to Mahathir!

Henceforth, politic is a journey, a progression, a metamorphosis, either you're in control, or you're out! To meet, to know, to love, and then to part is the sad tale of many a political heart! In this respect, we could now see why Lee Kuan Yew from across the crossway Singapore was still meddling with politics at this twilight age where Mahathir once chose to call it a day!

Politically speaking, Abdullah is good and gaining from strength to strength! He knew too well to survive politically; he ought to defy all norms, subdue the opponents with surprises and unorthodox maneuvers. I wonder what's up in his sleeves next!

Politics in Malaysia, as in else where, surprise is never the word to be ignored; traditions were mere formalities & loyalty is but a common yet uncommonly perceived phenomenon.

Successful future world politicians were those who could play gamekeepers to those political crocodiles ¨C who'd remained motionless until you are in his waters.

Any man to watch out in Malaysia? Muhyddin, Zaid Hamidi, or even Rais Yatim?