7.33pm: Penang appears to be deciding in the Opposition’s favour. Minute by minute updates are available on Malaysiakini, and the news appears positive at the moment. Samy Vellu appears to be fighting for the rest of his meager political life, and DAP has retained Kuching with an increased, massive majority of 11,000 votes. That’s fantastic! Blogger Tony Pua’s leading, and Teresa Kok’s got a massive 10,000 vote headstart to counting.
And guess what? M Manoharan, one of the Hindraf ISA detainees, has gone on to win the Kota Alam Shah seat (appears to be unconfirmed at the moment).
I was just reflecting with a friend who arrived back from KL just to vote (good on him!) in JB. I looked around my area and saw so much waste, so much money spent - some PKR supporters ensconced near a polling station, in contrast to the shiny tents and fancy Dell computers of UMNO and BN, waved flags and carried posters. You could tell: whatever they brought to the table was all they had. UMNO in contrast were not shy about splashing so much cash around - so much excess, and unashamed.
The rich, the privileged, flaunting their wealth and, ironically, at the mercy of those not as privileged. The contrast was sweet - and with each seat that falls to the opposition, that much sweeter.
8.52pm: No, I don’t know what’s happening, either, but I felt a sudden, sudden rush of hope when I read this:
Confirmed: Opposition takes Penang - 8.52pm
Unofficially, the opposition will form the state government in Penang for second time in history. The DAP-PKR-PAS combination has collectively won at least 21 seats out of the 40 seats.
Dear God… Kelantan AND Penang…. God willing, more to come!!
9.01pm Crap, the above is not there anymore.. nail-biting stuff!!
9.10pm Ack, it’s back up - Confirmed!
10.04pm Samy Vellu has LOST according to ASTRO’s AWANI channel (501). LOST!!!!!!