Animal signs and politicians

IT’S Chinese New Year and a time to celebrate and paint the town red, literally.

But there has been little cheer for me. Instead, I just saw red. A few days ago, as I was driving to pick up my daughter from college, this lady decided to switch lanes suddenly. Try as I did, I could not avoid her and ended up crashing into her car.

Of course, the insurance will pay for repairs, but it was such bad luck before the holidays.

The next day, I happened to take a peek at what Chinese geomancers have to say about the zodiac signs.

The second line of the prediction for the Rat – that’s me – read: “Drive slowly and avoid speeding to avoid financial loss.” It ended: “Be careful while driving.”

That had me hooked. So, I decided to look at what these seers have to say for some of the top newsmakers in the country, and whether any of it could be true. Here goes, and you can be the judge.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak

(July 23, 1953) We have to start with the former prime minister as he is the one who is very much in the news these days. For Najib, who was born in the Year of the Snake, this year not only promises increased wealth, but the seers also say that the support of male benefactors will bring great success in the workplace.

Well, he does have the support of thousands of male benefactors in Umno. With his workplace being the political arena, there could be even better news after the partial pardon. Those male benefactors are already working very hard on a full pardon.

Even without the full pardon, he could be released from what was initially a 12-year prison term by August 2026. In fact, next year, the Year of the Snake, he could be up for parole, which could see him released. The forecast is for a happy year with more social events and opportunities to indulge in delicious food.

I don’t know about delicious food, but the way things are going, it looks like there can only be better news for him despite the strident cries of the critics. It should indeed be a happy year, looking from where he is now.

Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

(Jan 4, 1953) There are two things that I just learnt about Ahmad Zahid. One, he is older than Najib, and second, he shares a birthday with my daughter. He even shares the zodiac sign with her. Having been born on Jan 4, 1953, he is a dragon, but only just.

The Year of the Snake began just a month later, so both he and my daughter are what is popularly known as the “tail of the dragon”.

Apparently, this year promises to bring smooth career development and recognition from superiors. So far, his superior in the country – the Prime Minister – seems quite happy with him. In fact, most people would believe that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would not in any way want to get on the wrong side of Ahmad Zahid.

But the geomancers also say that excessive self-promotion may lead to envy. There could be rivalry and conflicts of interest too. Given Ahmad Zahid’s political position, those do seem probable. The geomancers may be spot on.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad

(July 10, 1925) Dr Mahathir has often been called obstinate and bull-headed. He was, after all, born in the Year of the Ox. You could probably expect these attributes from a man born on July 10 of that year. That date is special, because Julius Caesar was said to have been born around that time too.

Caesar, believed to have been born in the Year of the Monkey, was a ruthless leader who would only have things his way. History.com says he bypassed the Senate, controlled the Treasury and, to earn loyalty, he gave his crony soldiers property from public land. It all sounds rather familiar.

But I digress. Back to Dr Mahathir, the geomancers say those born in the Year of the Ox are likely to come into conflict with old friends or partners. Even if Dr Mahathir does not want it, an “old friend and former partner” may yet turn out to be his nemesis. Chalk another one up for the geomancers.

Tun Daim Zainuddin

(April 29, 1938) Daim would not normally be on a list like this, given his propensity to stay low key. But he stands as conspicuous as the Ilham Tower now, no thanks to the ongoing Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission action against him and members of his family.

And what does this year hold for the man born in the Year of the Tiger in 1938? Well, contrary to what many believe, the geomancers say it will be a good year, but he has to engage in acts of kindness to avoid the adverse effects of inauspicious stars.

Who knows? Some big-time philanthropy may be on the cards. However, the geomancers add, relations could be rocky and result in a gloomy mood. With what’s going on with MACC and the courts, the gloom is probably already here.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

(Aug 10, 1947) The Prime Minister was born in the Year of the Pig in 1947, and it looks like this could be a great year for him. The seers say it is the time when he can turn difficulties into advantages, although he may have to avoid criticising others too much.

As far as his career is concerned, there is much promise, the geomancers say, with opportunities to advance to prominent positions with a status upgrade.

With his position solidly grounded now after a year of fighting off possible coup attempts, the Prime Minister does seem set in his career, and with his stand on the crisis in the Middle East, he may yet establish himself as an international statesman.

But he has to use his wisdom to overcome obstacles, the zodiac says. And we know there are plenty of obstacles; his vision is still unclear, the ringgit remains in free fall and the prices of goods are continuing to go up. And that’s just the shortlist.

But the signs are good for him. Let’s see if they get reflected in what happens to the country he leads.

Meanwhile, whatever the problems – like the damaged fender in my case – let’s all celebrate the Year of the Dragon. Keong Hee Huat Chye everyone, as they say in Penang.

> Check out what the zodiac signs hold for you in Star Lifestyle today.