Ground Zero; Ijok : With K Pathiban:Hantu and the CIA:Part 2

ENGAGING K PATHIBAN

We sat down at the kopi-tiam where the apek boss called Pathiban Chegu.

At first look, I liked what I saw. I instantly liked Chegu Pathiban. We left it to experienced ex-journo, now turned bloggers Rocky and Noraina to engage Pathiban, whilst we others observed.

Yes, I like the way he handled the questions. I admonished him on the photo evidence we had of MIC youths making derogatory and unbecoming gestures on nomination day. His reply was that he did not see that. I advised he read blogs. He humbly said he would. I liked his clean shaved face, pleasant demeanor, clean shirt, polished pair of shoes. His bearing made a good statement of good breeding despite poor beginnings.

I felt sad though because I fear for him.

If he wins, his handlers will spoil him like they always do to neophytes. I felt sad that he might be in the company of questionable second-liners, since the heavies after much talk, promises ad infinitum would have left and reappear again when...........................................

My fondest wish for him, Pathiban, is that he loses this election.

If he loses, he will remain the gentleman everybody knows him to be. If he loses, he remains the clean person that I know he intrinsically is.

If Pathiban loses he would get out of the clutches of the MIC and Barisan N.

Young man, because I like you I hope that you do not get elected and be used.

Finally from one ex-chegu to another allow me to say this: Politics (in Malaysia) insidiously and imperceptibly corrupts a person. You are too nice to be a politician. So I hope for you own sake, you do not win.

One last parting shot: Beware of those who pat you on the back . It maybe a prelude to a stab there. Be wary of
those who give you the Premium Grade smile, teeth and all. It may be a rehearsal to a bite. Also be aware of the throngs who shake your hands, especially those with greasy palms and there will be hordes of them .
So, Pathiban, I hope you do not win and you can sleep easy. Think about this.

Snippets from Hantu:

Overheard from the next table from one bumi to another: Vote for Pathiban. Our mentri besar says that our religious teachers say it is not haram to vote for another race. Since when has this been an issue. Think about this.

Hantu asked two shoppers at the emporium a few doors away from the kopi-tiam: So how do you feel about the Mentri Besar appointing his personal representative to be in Ijok after the election? The reply: A bit too late....Datuk Siva died waiting for many things.I retorted that they should accept this magnanimous gesture! Reply: okay lah, if the rep makes his service centre on the now-closed landfill. What does that say? Think about that.

Hantu asked a heavy-set chinaman what he thought of all the big guns coming to Ijok. I had to dig deep into my meagre hokkien to deduce this: Come, eat free, talk, talk, talk and then leave us alone. Such stark truths. Think about this.

Hantu whispered to me before we sent off K Pathiban. "Why are you so patronising towards the two Americans. Cant you smell the CIA? Dumb me, I never thought of the possibility. But no fear, I engaged one of them over the NFA...their National Firearms Association.