Next general election most important in nation's history.

( Speech made at the formation of DAP Selama Branch)

Yesterday, it was announced that telecommunication companies had agreed to defer the 6% service tax for prepaid users, which was to come into effect on September 15.

I believe the government was well aware of the Telcos’ plan earlier but only decided to call for deferment after seeing the massive unfavorable public objection against the planned move.

Hence, the deferment is a victory for the people and the government does not deserve any credit.

Nevertheless, it is noted that the announcement made was that the tax had been shelved, and Minister Datuk Rais Yatim said that the deferment would enable the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to review the matter and determine the best time to implement both the tax and new rates.

So it is a question of timing only.

Politically, now is not the best time. So likely that if BN wins big in the coming general election, the rates will be imposed on the users.

Hence, this is one of the many reasons why DAP and Pakatan Rakyat must ensure that not only BN will not win big in the next general election; we must go all out to ensure that BN will not be able to retain federal power.

There has been recent speculation that the Prime Minister may dissolve Parliament and pave for a November general election.

However, with new public surveys showing a decline of Dato Sri’s Najib’s popularity to 59%, the probability of an election this year has decreased.

Feb/ March next year is now a much speculated new date.

There is no doubt that the coming general election, whenever it is held, is going to be the most important election in the nation’s history.

It will be the first election where there is a real possibility of a change in the federal government.

In all previous elections, no one would seriously believe that BN could fall. Toppling BN was just a pipe dream.

But after the political tsunami of the 308 general election, a new political landscape has emerged.

Now, BN leaders and polls strategists cannot and dare not rule out the possibility of a BN fall from power in the next general election.

The next general election could be the dirtiest election in the Malaysian history. We must expect BN to do all it can to cling on to power. DAP and PR must therefore be fully prepared in all aspects for the grand battle.

We must therefore recruit new members, form more branches and expand our political influence. We need to work hard to ensure that our political messages will effectively reach the people.

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