Get people's approval first for September 16th

Despite heavy rain across Penang, some 300 people crammed into a hall in Han Chiang College last night to hear four speakers discuss the possible power transfer at federal level on Sept 16 - more fashionably dubbed 916.
Pakatan Rakyat parliamentarians Jeff Ooi (Jelutong, left) and Mujahid Yusuf Rawa (Parit Buntar, right) lined up with ex-Gerakan leader Toh Kin Woon and online columnist Josh Hong.
The forum themed 916: Merdeka Gua Punya’ (Independence is Mine) was organised jointly by human rights watchdog Suaram, Phoenix Friendship Association and Penang Youth Graduates Society.
While those who attended appeared convinced that Pakatan would take over the federal government, they also questioned the ‘hows’ of the intended feat.
Many were keen to know if Pakatan de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim would seek a fresh electorate mandate if he manages to force the collapse of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government.
Malaysian Voters Union’s B K Ong (right) said Anwar should do so, to ensure he has moral authority to rule.
Since parliamentarians are elected by the people, he felt it would only be fair that party hoppers in particular should go back to voters for a new mandate.
"It would be unfair to leave out popular opinion on a major political decision," Ong said
When Ooi and Mujahid were asked if Pakatan would succeed by Sept 16, both were cautious.
"The possibilities are that BN will trigger racial tensions and conflicts, or even dissolve Parliament and call for snap elections. Pakatan and Malaysians should be prepared for any eventualities," Mujahid responded.
Contradictory views
Universiti Sains Malaysia senior lecturer P Sivamurugan was critical of Anwar taking over in an unethical and undemocratic way without the people’s mandate. When contacted by Malaysiakini, he said Anwar and Pakatan should wait for general elections, and not get in via the backdoor. He cautioned that BN will not leave quietly, leading to possible political and social unrest.
He also said the Pakatan governments in Penang, Kedah, Perak and Selangor have yet to prove themselves since their election victory, by producing worthy policies or action plans to inspire optimism amongst Malaysians that ‘the country would be better off under Pakatan".
He said they should use the time available to do govern better and win public support.
Additionally he was sceptical about whether the takeover drive was Pakatan’s or Anwar’s personal agenda.
"He looks to be the one in a hurry to form the government, not other Pakatan leaders," said the academician.
Hindu Action Network coordinator G Mugunthan disagreed, claiming that most people want Pakatan to assume power "by hook or crook" because they desire change.
People have been burdened with the high cost of living, political uncertainty and a tepid economy, and are not willing to wait for general elections, he claimed.
Although polls are the accepted barometer of public support, he argued that it was not the ultimate yardstick in Malaysia where the cleanliness of the electoral process is viewed with suspicion.
"The widespread allegations that national polls are marred by fraud itself demands a change of government," he said.
Anwar’s supposed date with destiny is not a foregone conclusion by merely looking at his thumping win in the Permatang Pauh by-election. It is deemed a home state win, not a victory in Umno strongholds like Johor.
Critics feel he should obtain the consent of all Malaysians across socio-economic background, religious and racial boundaries to justify his intended takeover of federal powers.
Some want Anwar to carry out an opinion poll, while others suggest that he should observe the correct democratic process to become the prime minister.
But they share one sentiment - that "the people should not be the losers".

tunku: when anwar as the leader, there's no such thing as moral.he is willing to do anything to be in power. like the hindu action network coordinator said, by hook and by crook. they don't care about the people as the people has voted on the 8th march and the result is majority still wants bn to govern. it will only be appropriate for them to wait till next election and do it getlemen way not like crooks.