What is the most unpalatable pie in the world? It is not apple pie, nor it is “Popeye”. It is “humble pie”. This is a lame joke. Once upon a time, the Western elite would finished all the meat they hunt. Meanwhile, the remaining viscera would be made as pie eaten by the servants. Of course, the taste is bad, but they still had to eat it. Therefore, we have the proverb “humble pie”.

The BN has also eaten “humble pie” under the current Terengganu political situation. They have been complacent and overlooked the attitude of the palace. They thought it is such a matter of course for Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh to continue in his position as the state’s Menteri Besar.

The delay of Idris' appointment is already a warning. However, the BN didn't do anything to solve the problem. By the time the palace decided to appoint Datuk Ahmad Said, the BN was caught unprepared.

The BN showed a tough stance and wanted to strip of Ahmad's UMNO membership. At the same time, they claimed that they have received the necessary support from the Terengganu state assemblyperson.

It seems the BN is strong and wanted others to follow them. However, they were actually bluffing and did not have much to go on with. They should have know that they are hopeless. The palace's strategy is comprehensive and foresighted. They moved forward steadily and knew that they will win.

The party membership is no longer important after Ahmad was appointed as the Menteri Besar. Even though he may be expelled from the UMNO, he is still the Menteri Besar.

He has 90 days to rope in PAS and BN state assemblyperson to join the state government under his leadership. With the support from the palace and the position as exco member, surely some people will change their mind and support Ahmad.

Of course, the BN still has the trump card. They can deny Ahmad through their votes during the state council meeting. The question is, are they able to pool enough votes?

Even so, the palace and Ahmad are able to face it readily. Ahmad may request the Sultan to dissolve the Executive Council to hold another state elections.

Does the BN have the courage to face another elections after a great setback? Moreover, Terengganu UMNO has been divided. It is not easy to win the state elections. The BN can't afford to lose the sixth state.

Perhaps they can take the risk. They can declare emergency so that the central government could takeover Terengganu. This practice had been used in Kelantan.

However, a emergency declaration requires the approval from the Sultan or the Regent Advisory Council. I'm afraid that the problem will be more complicated.

There is no way for them to forward or backward. They are helpless and can only eat humble pie. (By TAY TIAN YAN/ Translated by LEE MEI NYEE/ Sin Chew Daily)