A short message to the so-called Australian Kingmakers - the newly elected independent MPs

With a hung parliament resulting from Australia's August 21 federal election the 4 confirmed independent MPs become the key to the formation of the next federal parliament. The election results clearly indicate that there is a trend for voters to shun the mainstream political parties. While democracy has delightfully prevailed in Australia we have also created another unhealthy political situation in which the successful formation of the next federal government will be left to the decision of the 4 independent MPs as to which main party they will support. This is supreme power in their hands. As power corrupts without any exception there could possibly be unreasonable demands from these so-called Kingmakers.

Here is my short message to them. The NATION IS WATCHING closely at your actions and decisions. Remember that the outgoing government owes its downfall to getting out of touch with the citizens' needs and aspirations. Wasteful and rash spending decisions resulting from an obsession to become the only advanced economy to stay out of recession after the 2008 financial tsunami at the nation's expense. The evil and sinister move of the party power brokers to dethrone a prime minister who though has become egocentric Kevin 07 was nevertheless given a people's mandate in the 2007 election. The voters should decide their own prime minister in the then upcoming election and to hell with all power brokers who are nothing but shadowy instigators treating themselves as uncrowned kings of the nation.

While it is understandable that the newly elected independent MPs are obligated to get a better deal for their electorate out of the necessary horse-trading in the process of negotiating with the mainstream parties they must not hold the country at ransom for the purpose of achieving personal glory or selfish ends. The wider interests of the country at large must be equally served.

As most of the so-called Kingmakers represent Australian rural interest issues such as broadband coverage, irrigation and health services could be key issues on the negotiation table. Tough bargaining will be on the cards. Nevertheless, the ultimate Kingmakers are the voters so never attempt to disfranchise the small people by serving narrow group, party or personal interests. Voters have put the so-called Kingmakers where they are now and so can they remove them if the so-called Kingmakers are out of line.

Given the fact that independents usually have very specific reasons be they personal or policy issues to stand as independent candidates it is very easy for them to treat this Kingmaker opportunity as payback time. Mind you don't get intoxicated by your momentary crown of control but rather do the right thing and serve the wider interests of the people and you just might become kings of people's hearts.

I attach herewith a link to the press interview of one so-called Kingmakers as he arrived at the Australian capital city of Canberra. Do we have to worry about them being intoxicated by their momentary power and glory ? Make your own judgment :- http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/08/24/2992392.htm

JKHC ( 25/8/10 )