Of Political Frogs and Toads

According to Kidzone.ws (just to have some basic information):

“Many people don’t know the difference between frogs and toads. They are quite different animals, although they belong to the same animal group.

Frogs:
Need to live near water;
Have smooth, moist skin that makes them look “slimy”;
Have a narrow body;
Have higher, rounder, bulgier eyes;
Have longer hind legs;
Take long high jumps;
Have many predators;

Toads:
Do not need to live near water to survive;
Have rough, dry, bumpy skin;
Have a wider body;
Have lower, football shaped eyes;
Have shorter, less powerful hind legs;
Will run or take small hops rather than jump;
Do not have many predators. Toad’s skin lets out a bitter taste and smell that burns the eyes and nostrils of its predators, much like a skunk does.”

In politics, we have come across politicians who switched party affiliations being described as 'frogs'. If we described those who jumped from PR to BN as frogs, then how shall we describe those who jumped from BN to PR? Both jumped, so both should be described as frogs. But I wish to differentiate them as frogs and toads, the latter obviously the uglier version.

In our political scenario we have seen many turncoats who were originally members of PKR or DAP. But then again, some may argue that those in PKR are mostly ex-Umno, so how should we classify them?

We have come to a stage in our political development, quite close to achieving a two-coalition system whereby a new coalition, Pakatan Rakyat is viewed by many as capable of ruling the country if given the chance in the next general election. So close yet so far, judging from the unceasing problems created by BN for PR leaders.

Some have described this political fight as 'Good vs Evil' or 'Them vs Us' or whatever descriptions we wish to use, and depending on which side of the political divide we are in. Of course, nobody would claim to be on the Evil side!

But there are some facts which we cannot simply ignore. The ruling party has all the power at its disposal, over the vital institutions like Parliament (could suspend MPs, even the Opposition leader); Judiciary (higher courts tend to ensure BN victory); Attorney General's Chambers (selective prosecution and persecution); Police (bias enforcement of law); Election Commission (members are not from heaven and a minister admitted they are bias towards BN); and others. Furthermore, the Executive in the Prime Minister can make or break a billionaire, for example. So whoever is in his good book stand to gain and those not, stand to lose.

While BN is ruling the country, isn't it obvious that anyone who decides to leave an opposition party for one of BN's was tempted by goodies offered? No one would believe otherwise. The usual reason (read excuse) of 'I have no more confidence in Anwar Ibrahim or whoever, depending on his party affiliation, is usually taken with a large pinch of salt.

Similarly, for anyone who is leaving the BN for one of the PR parties, we can assume that he has had enough of the charade and wish to join the true struggle for the good of the nation. This is quite obvious because though he might have been offered an important position in a party, there is nothing at this stage to show that PR is going to rule after the next general election. There are high risks for that move, and a lot of work, patience, and stamina required. Some are even under severe stress in the course of their work.

I would describe those who jumped from BN to PR as frogs, and those who jumped from PR to BN as toads. Frogs are better looking than toads, jump higher than toads (take bigger risks), and they have more predators (eg. Death and other threats)!

We can notice differences between supporters of BN and PR too.

Ceramahs by BN leaders are often attended by people who are obliged to go (eg. civil servants), people who are cajoled to go, with transport and allowances provided. Those ceramahs by PR leaders are usually attended by people who came on their own, and even donate to the party!

Even during elections, there are basic differences. For example, as election agents, those who worked for MCA were paid Rm50 each while those who worked for DAP were volunteers!

The differences between BN and PR are pretty obvious, as different as frogs and toads! I am sure even kids can tell the difference now.


Link