HiRoBlOg2007

Behold, our glorious Anti Assemblies Act 2011

2011-11-29T05:48:00.000-08:00

BN is very predictable. I just wish the rural folks will finally wake up to the reality that their own skin coloured, same religion types are screwing with the entire Malaysia which includes them.

BN is predictable because they are full of smart people who are not moved by altruisms and higher moral ideals, but by greed and lust. And therefore the Bill has to pass. It has to pass because whatever the PSC finds, it won't be what Bersih 2.0 or Pakatan will like. Even if it did say something that makes wonderful sense, it won't be enacted, implemented or enforced into anything meaningfully called electoral reform. And that is when Bersih 3.0 will rise.

It has to pass because the next general elections will be dirty. Dirtiest. Ever. And BN knows that there will be massive protests. This is a forewarning to disobedient civilians. March at your own risk. We are a government that's about to go bankrupt. Might as well make RM20,000 out of each illegal protestors. Better you go down in bankruptcy rather than us going down in a flame of infamy.

But I wonder if anything will change. We had the Police Act before. There's jail sentence under that Act. But did people fear? Refuse to take the risk? And I wonder why. That's because this coward of a government had never had the guts to take the Police Act provision to court before. And why would they, when there is a 50-50 chance that they will be shot down as unconstitutional? I think they know too that the Peaceful Assemblies Act 2011 will be shot down as unconstitutional, even more so now. But it's new, and untested, and they are banking on the fact that the unknown will scare the disobedient civilians into silence.

But will we be fooled into silence? Apparently, the answer is no. In fact, the passing of the bill has simply made Malaysians even angrier. We didn't know until this afternoon that we could be angrier than what we already are with BN. We thought we've had up to "here" with BN, but apparently, "here" is a constantly up-shifting pressure gauge. Which pressure will need releasing at some point in time.

We disobedient civilians will do the right thing by channelling our anger into outreach, pre-election campaign - in our offices, in our fields, forests and plantations, in our markets, shops and homes. And as a final act of defiance, we will vote for Pakatan because these are serious people, and without vested interest, serious about fixing Malaysia, starting with abolishing or significantly amending the Peaceful Assemblies Act 2011.

In the last month...

2011-07-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick breakdown of the affairs of Malaysia in the last 1 month:

1) Najib ditches his moderate and progressive facade to reveal a typical UMNO/BN dictator, with excuses for suppressing a movement that calls for free and fair elections that holds even less water than when Abdullah Badawi clamped down on Bersih 1.0 on the pretext that it's not our culture to take to the streets in peaceful protest. Why do I say this? Bersih 2.0, devoid of political party leadership, has been labelled at any one time as communist, foreign agent, Christian agent, racist, anti-Islam, Arab Spring copycats. For the first time ever in Malaysia, wearing a t-shirt bearing a cause is reason to be arrested and thrown into a lock-up. How could a government that claims itself to be democratic go against calls for free and fair election is flabbergasting.

2) Rosmah Mansor is the new Imelda Marcos.

3) After the failure of 1Malaysia email that got shot down, Najib hatches a plan to use more taxpayer's money to enrich some crony, and while at it, why not boost its electoral chances? Therefore, rise the evil of biometrics system, where he works hand in glove with the Election Commission to possibly commit the largest electoral fraud in Malaysian history. If this plan gets implemented, and the implementation is fraught with potential for hacking and database corruption and manipulation, it would have been too late for Malaysians because the general elections would have been won by BN, again. Can Malaysia afford another 5 years of BN misrule and misgovernance? If Malaysians are pissed about government treatment on Bersih 2.0, 100 storey tower, 1Malaysia and other embarassing government projects, then you must rise again and express your disgust over the biometrics plan. It may sound technologically advanced, but trust the many commentators on Malaysian politics that this is one thing you don't want BN to waste taxpayers' money on - it will affect the VERY FABRIC of what remains of our flawed democracy.

If the government says it is committed to removing phantom voters, then your ready answer must be this: indelible ink - cheaper, and less prone to abuse. EC seems to suggest that someone might sabotage elections by forcibly paint people BEFORE they poll. Our answer must be - if you treat indelible ink as loads of cash, then you keep them at safe places, and have police escort to bring them to polling stations. If that's not safe enough I don't know what is. If the EC and the police can't offer safety of custody of indelible ink, what more a biometrics system with all the intricacies of linking to the national registry or what not, ensuring the reliability of the system that is surely beyond the technical knowhow of all EC and police officers? With elections so close, it's unlikely EC will be able to carry on an effective trial run. Imagine the screwup - it will be massive, and will likely be open to contentions of fraud and hundreds of law suits that ensue. Imagine a close election - that would no doubt give rise to the very Arab Spring that Najib wants to avoid - you can't stop people from getting mad at a (deliberate or otherwise) screwup in voting process.

So, no to biometrics, yes to indelible ink.

4) Police abuse of Emergency Ordinance. PSM6 linked to communism is hillarious. That they have yet to be charged or released is not. It's in fact grave. It's criminal conduct on the part of the police to abuse their power this way. And for the police to call the shots instead of the Home Ministry is an immoral delegation of authority by the Home Minister. He can't wash his hands clean - we Malaysians should make sure of this.

5) RTM and MCMC under Rais Yatim is truly a disappointment. Balanced news? To BN, that word does not exist in their dictionary. Propaganda is the dish of the day, every day. Demonise Pakatan. Promote BN. Whitewash dirt into diamond. I'm just surprised Rais Yatim's doctorate haven't been pulled back by the University. Where's the integrity in the thesis when Rais calls it a mere intellectual exercise?

6) Utusan runs amok. But what we have learnt is that editors are affected by circulation. So dear Malaysians, it works. Continue to boycott them. They will suffocate, and die a natural death.

7) Perkasa - I like the way everything Ibrahim Ali said is being reported. It gives a chance to the public to condemn him. He's our Pauline Hanson, only 10 times worse. And he's protected by UMNO. Good thing is his time is running out. He will lose his election, if he's even a candidate, and he can retire from politics and rethink his life.

8) Anwar's trial continues. Put him in jail at BN's on peril. Enough said. The good thing is after Bersih 2.0, Pakatan seems to have seized the initiative again. There's nothing like unity of purpose amongst Peninsular Malaysians to regalvanise Pakatan. Kedah almost did something foolish but Pakatan was fast to correct that. Pakatan needs to push hard into Sabah, Sarawak and Johor. Changing 5% of the minds in those states will mean the whole world to Malaysians who want simple justice and fairness and an equal opportunity to make something out of their lives out of sheer hard work - and not asking for any special treatment.

End game draws near for BN. For the first time in 53 years, Malaysians have dispelled several myths: that opposition does not have the ability to rule, that any gathering of people who are not aligned with the government will spark racial riots, that BN is somehow invincible.

I remember as a teenager when I told my friends that Malaysia could be run as corrupt free as Singapore and their reply was "but Malaysia is so big", and everytime I raised an issue about how badly the government is doing, I get an earful that nothing is perfect, that the opposition will do no better. I am glad that I've been vindicated, as my friends have all come around to my way of thinking. It all boils down to willingness to find out, and developing critical thinking. As long as we in the position of knowledge and awareness reach out as far as we can between now and the next general elections to the rural folks, change can happen. It must happen, for the sake of our nation no less.

A must read for those asking what Bersih 2.0 is about (and why it's so important)

2011-06-27T04:28:00.000-07:00

Consensus on unfair polls backs case for Bersih march
Lim Teck Ghee

Many Malaysians may be unaware of the considerable research work by social scientists - both local and foreign - that have unequivocally concluded that the country's record on free and fair elections has been abysmal. Analysis of this remarkable record of trickery, manipulation and gerrymandering by first the Alliance, followed by Barisan Nasional (BN), goes back for more than 50 years - in fact soon after the country received its independence.

Dishonest election conduct takes the following main forms:

1. the manipulation of electoral boundaries or gerrymandering,

2. the vast disparity of voter numbers among the constituencies,

3. the contamination of electoral rolls with phantom voters and other fraud,

4. the grossly unfair use of the governmental machinery and resources in support of ruling party candidates,

5. impersonation, multiple voting, ballot stuffing and other frauds in polling, counting and tabulation,

6. the rigid and opaque postal voting system,

7. the short campaigning period and selective restriction on campaign freedom,

8. the biased and distorted official media coverage ,

9. the inadequate and outdated regulations on election expenses and funding,

10. the ineffectiveness of or limitation in judicial remedy.

Adding to the above is the impotency of the Electoral Commission (EC). Lately, there has been an upsurge of political hooliganism which is increasingly coming from high levels and aimed at suppressing any expression of concern over the fair conduct of elections. Thus, it is not surprising that the leaders of the ruling party are confident BN will remain in power - by hook or by crook - for the next 50 years.

Malaysians interested in how the ruling parties have manipulated the electoral process to their advantage are spoilt for choice in the matter of reading material. Reference to the work of any of the following scholars will provide facts and figures on the truth behind the facade of 'democratic' elections in the country.

Among them are: Sothi Rachagan, Mavis Puthucheary, Noraini Othman, Lim Hong Hai, Wong Chin Huat, Harold Crouch, James Jesudason, John Funston, Rainer Heufers, Bridget Welsh, Ong Kian Meng, Mustafa K. Anuar, James Chin, William Case, Francis Loh Kok Wah, Andrew Aeria, Dan Slater, Simon Barraclough, Gordon P Means and Diane Mauzy.

A selection of excerpts from some recent published work is provided in the annex (see below).

Obliterated from media coverage

Unfortunately such accounts have been deliberately obliterated from national media coverage whilst the antics of Ibrahim Ali as well as diversionary issues are prominently broadcast and splashed in the papers.

The commentaries of media sycophants focusing on the purported economic losses likely from traffic disruption (aren't these columnists capable of finding better reasons to explain why the planned march should not take place!) are merely to hoodwink Malaysians whereas the more belligerent editorials resort to intimidation to discourage Bersih supporters marching.

Reading the independent and scholarly work on Malaysian elections should lead most in the country to conclude that the Bersih march has good reason to go ahead, if only to show to the rest of the world that BN's claim of democratic elections has been one of the oldest - if not the oldest - lie in Malaysian politics.

Annex

Excerpts from recent academic writing on elections

“…Thus, the electoral system contained built-in advantages for the Malay community. There was no realistic possibility of a non-bumiputra party's or coalition's “going it alone” and winning an election. The only way for Chinese and Indian politicians to participate in government was by allying themselves with Malays, inevitably as junior partners. In practice, only two types of government could emerge from elections: an all-Malay government or a Malay dominated coalition…”

Crouch, Harold (1996) 'Government and Society in Malaysia', St Leonards, New South Wales: Allen and Unwin Australia

“…Malaysia has institutionalised a semi-democratic political system. It does engage in elections, which provide for free choices, and the opposition has won seats. Yet the contest is not a fair one, given state dominance of the media, bias in government funding toward the incumbent BN, continuing electoral irregularities, and constituencies that are constructed to favour BN…”

Welsh, Bridget (2007), 'Malaysia at 50: Midlife Crisis Ahead?', Current History pp106, 699

“…We have demonstrated how the Barisan Nasional has managed to perpetuate its rule through various forms of electoral manipulation and administrative repressions. On one hand, its initial electoral strengths have been entrenched through control of franchise, alternation of international and administrative boundaries, malapportionment and gerrymandering of electoral constituencies, controlled electoral campaigns and polling irregularities. On the other hand, political opposition is disempowered with infringement of civil and political liberties, extensive patronage networks and abuse of federal apparatus to suppress intergovernmental competition. The opposition state governments are discriminated against and in some cases overthrown through direct federal intervention, while the local elections which the ruling coalition had largely failed to win were outright terminated since 1965…”

Wong, Chin-Huat, Chin, James and Othman, Norani (2010), 'Malaysia - towards a topology of an electoral one-party state', Democratization, 17: 5, 920- 949

“…In Malaysia, elections are not fair since basic political rights and civil liberties are restricted. Limitations to press freedom and to the right to associate and assemble, malapportionment, gerrymandering, and the financial advantages of the ruling parties are testimony to the systematic violation of fairness principles…”

Ufen, Andreas (2009), 'The transformation of political party opposition in Malaysia and its implications for the electoral authoritarian regime', Democratization, 16:3, 604-627

“..On average in 11 general elections in Malaysia, the opposition wins 45 percent of the votes, but due to the limits on the opposition within the electoral system, through gerrymandering, malapportionment and the impact of a first-past-the post system, and constraints on political organization for the opposition, holds less than 15 percent of the seats in parliament. In the 2004 election the BN won 63.4 percent of the popular vote, but won 91 percent of the overall seats…”

Welsh, Bridget, Suffian, Ibrahim & Aeria, Andrew (2007), 'Malaysia country report.' Asian Barometer

“…All mainstream media are directly controlled by either the government, such as Radio and Television Malaysia (RTM), or by companies that have a close link with the BN's top leadership, such as Utusan Malaysia, Straits Times, TV3, and NTV7. Their relationships with leadership make them favourable to the ruling BN…”

Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani (2009), The Emergence of new politics in Malaysia – from consociational to deliberative democracy', Taiwan Journal of Democracy, Vol. 5, No. 2: 97-125

“The Malaysian electoral system . . . [has been] so heavily loaded in favour of the government that it is hard to imagine that [it] ... could be defeated in an election."

Crouch, Harold (1996), 'Malaysian Government: Authoritarian Repression and Democratic Responsiveness', Ithaca: Cornell University Press

“…Further, these iterative electoral victories have extended some legitimating cover for the government's often sly legislation, habitual amendments to the constitution, manipulation of standing orders and question time, and elevation of loyalists to the largely ceremonial upper house. In sum, while the government can claim that Malaysia holds the longest unbroken record of elections in the region, it has not been established competitively. As Tun Razak noted in 1971: 'So long as the form is preserved, the substance can be changed to suit conditions of a particular country... '”

Case, William (1996), 'Can the 'Halfway House' stand? Semi-democracy and elite theory in three Southeast Asian countries', Comparative Politics, Vol 28, No 4, pp 437-464.

“ …A further package of factors working in Umno's favour included an electoral redistribution, changes to electoral laws, and a 'cleansing' of the electoral roll. An electoral redistribution carried out by the Election Commission (EC) added 26 seats to Parliament, most in areas favourable to Umno in the south (Johor from 20 to 26, Selangor 17 to 22), and Sabah (20 to 25). The northern states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah had no additions. Furthermore, several seats in Kedah won by PAS in 1999 were reorganised with a higher proportion of non-Malay voters, making a repeat PAS victory unlikely.

“…Traditionally, not issues but the 'three Ms' - media, money and machinery - are the key determinants of Malaysian elections. (It used to be the 'four Ms', before Mahathir retired.) The BN controls all television and radio stations, and all major newspapers, either through its control of government or party ownership. It uses this control to sell the virtues of the BN, and denigrate the opposition. An independent voice does exist in the form of the online newspaper Malaysiakini. Some opposition parties and NGOs also have their own publications on the internet and/or in hard copy. But such publications cannot reach a large audience.

“…The most controversial aspect of the 2004 election campaign was its management by the EC. The elections were the most disorganised and contested ever. In some cases this may simply have reflected incompetence, but EC activities frequently provided direct benefits to the BN, as they had in the revisions of electoral boundaries and membership of the electoral roll.

“In the face of very broad concern over EC activities its chairman proposed an independent inquiry into EC conduct. Prime Minister Abdullah quickly rejected this, telling the EC to conduct its own internal inquiry…”

Funston, J. (2006), 'The Malay Electorate in 2004: Reversing the 1999 Result?', in Saw Swee-Hock and K. Kesavapany (ed.), Malaysia: Recent Trends and Challenges, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS), Singapore, p 313

Countdown to Bersih 2.0

2011-06-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't written for a while, and many things have transpired in the meantime, ranging from a RM1.8 million facebook tourism campaign by Ng Yen Yen; rising cost of living, porn show in KL Magistrates Court, and to top the icing on the cake - BN, UMNO, Perkasa, Utusan, and "independent" MP's daily tirades against Bersih 2.0.

I'm not going to say a lot here, just that when the cause is a just and clear one, then there is only one thing left to do.

Join in. It's now or never. Make it count. Do your part for the society.

Your parents, friends or relatives may be concerned if you show up at the gathering points, and you may not want to be in the line of fire of the tear gas, chemical jet water or police baton, but you can still contribute. Be out there. Wear yellow, or if you seek to confuse the police, wear a tone off yellow, light orange perhaps. With logos such as Digi. Raise a yellow flag at home if you want to. Or tie a yellow ribbon on the aerial of your car if that's the only thing you can do. Not only in KL, but throughout the country. And folks overseas - you'll have it better without police intimidation. As long as we all do something. Be seen. Show solidarity for a just cause.

Just do it.

Perkasa full of crap too

2011-05-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

This is another article out in the Malaysian Insider:

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — Vernacular schools cannot be treated equally with national schools, claims Perkasa, as it “contravenes” the Federal Constitution.

The Malay rights group said today that such a demand was seditious, adding that national schools still needed to be given priority as they promoted the national language Bahasa Malaysia, unlike vernacular schools.

“The demand made by Chinese groups that vernacular schools be accorded the same treatment as national schools is against Article 152(2) of the Federal Constitution, and they can be charged with sedition,” said Perkasa Wiranita chief Datin Paduka Norkhaila Jamaludin.

Her remarks were aimed at a Sun daily report today that more than 80 Chinese NGOs turned up for the launch of the “Justice for Lim Lian Geok” campaign on Sunday.

The campaign, held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the revocation of the citizenship of Lim, a revered Chinese educationist, aims to petition the government to restore his citizenship, and give equal and fair treatment to all schools that use different mediums of instruction.

According to a statement issued last week by the LLG (Lim Lian Geok) Cultural Development Centre, vernacular schools should be treated equally along with national schools and that all forms of discriminatory practices against vernacular schools should be stopped.

Perkasa lodged a police report against the campaign today.

“The late Lim Lian Geok was stripped of his citizenship because he betrayed the country and the demands are a threat to national security and against the country’s laws,” said Norkhaila.

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You know, they have pressure groups in the US who is actually able to lobby for change in the Congress and at the White House. The effectiveness comes from a combination of know who and especially know how. The lobbyists tend to be professionals who are very knowledgeable and skillful in their undertaking. In Malaysia, we try to immitate in form, but not in substance, hence cretins like Perkasa are born. With half a brain and some inkling of what history and politics (and the constitution) are all about, they go about bandying half baked ideas of what these complex things could mean, making up things as they go along as long as it suits them and their paymaster, which is none other than powerful forces (and warlords) within UMNO.

In these few last weeks, their enemies have multiplied:
1) there was originally some unnamed bogeyman who is challenging Malay/Muslim position in the constitution (until this date we don't know who they are referring to)
2) since Sarawak state election, DAP is now a Chinese chauvinist party even though the swing to opposition is by urban voters, not just Chinese voters
3) DAP is now also a proponent of Christian state, even if BN's partner MCA has been repeatedly accusing DAP of working hand in glove with PAS to create an Islamic state (both untrue of course)
4) and now the latest twist in their increasing list of grievances, they are accusing certain Chinese groups as seditious for suggesting having a free hand to grow vernacular schools
5) and oh, they are even demanding only bumi contractors (qualified or otherwise) are given the task of building the MRT (heaven help us all)

In this land where pride overides good judgment, and sensitivity sweeps honest discussion under the carpet, Perkasa has obviously missed the whole point about this perplexing education debate. Chinese groups are pragmatic folks. Do you think they care that the entire education system only consist of national schools, if the education system is of top notch quality? Can Perkasa deny that the vernacular Chinese schools teach better math and science? Even President Obama has acknowledged that Asian schools have surpassed US schools in coming up with better maths and science students, and I betcha he ain't referring to national schools in Malaysia.

It's really not a pride issue as far as the Chinese are concerned, and even far less a Chinese chauvinist position. It is purely an education issue - people (and I mean even Malays and Indians) are sending their children to Chinese vernacular schools because it's proven that the system there works better in educating children on these subjects. Perhaps Perkasa can think of it this way - that the Chinese are very serious about their children's education. It's like being a protective parent. Can Perkasa understand this analogy? I hope so, because child protection is a human instinct that even if Perkasa refuses to engage their logic, they should be able to feel that what the educationist groups are requesting is right.

What I cannot fathom is how does asking for vernacular schools seditious or against the constitution? Are the education groups inciting hatred towards anyone else? A call for diversity in schools are equivalent to asking for more democratic space. Since when is asking for more democratic space seditious? It would have been different if the education group says "down with national schools and convert everything to Chinese medium" - now, that would not only piss off the Malays, but probably some Chinese themselves for the undemocratic stupidity that it represents. Likewise, Malaysians having the right mind would probably think the same if Perkasa keeps harping on having ONLY national schools because that's undemocratic.

Seriously, Perkasa should stop shooting from the hip. You really don't have to meet the daily or weekly quota UMNO sets for you to make your million ringgit fees. It's ok (in a commercial sense, illegality notwithstanding) to be an extremist and fundamentalist party bent on racial and religious division (you're just doing your hatchet job), but please do your research and come up with smarter arguments that could actually change people's minds instead of idiotic pronouncements that not only turn the non-Malay/Muslims away, but probably the moderate Malay/Muslims as well. And for goodness sake, stop using the "we Malays will be angry if you do that and you won't like it when we're angry" because firstly, Perkasa are not Malays/Muslims, and then you stop meaningful dialogue and it becomes a purely intimidatory exercise. It's fine for you to intimidate under a BN government (in a machiavellian sense), but you should remember that after the 13th general elections, when the top BN leaders have escaped the country to avoid getting arrested (yes, I mean Pakatan will take over the federal government, in case you don't know how to read between the lines), the rest of you are still here, and you will be arrested for a multitude of criminal offences, and upon conviction, you can rest assured your days in prison will be a long and hardy one.

Perkasa members, bail out while you can, from a sinking vessel. It is inevitable and predestined that such a day will come very soon.

Perkasa full of crap

2011-05-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

This is out in the Malaysian Insider today:

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — Datuk Ibrahim Ali dubbed the Bar Council racist for picking on Utusan Malaysia for inciting racial hatred, saying today the lawyers’ group should also focus on the Chinese media and others that “insult Islam, Malay Rulers and the Malay community”.

The Perkasa chief’s rant came after the Bar Council joined other groups to condemn Utusan Malaysia for its front-page article on Saturday which claimed that the DAP was conspiring with Christian leaders to take over Putrajaya and abolish Islam as the country’s official religion.

“Why did the Bar Council not urge the police to investigate Chinese media, other bloggers, website and portals, tweets that carry news and statements which insult Islam, Malay Rulers and the Malay community.

“The Bar Council is controlled by a certain race and, of course, its actions are anti-Malay and anti-Islam,” Ibrahim (picture) told The Malaysian Insider.

The Bar Council is a professional body under the Legal Profession Act that runs the Malaysian Bar, which groups all lawyers in the Malay peninsula.

The Umno-owned newspaper has been under heavy scrutiny from both sides of the political divide after it carried the report.

The report, based entirely on unsubstantiated blog postings by several pro-Umno bloggers, said the DAP should be hauled up for sedition for allegedly trying to change the country’s laws to allow a Christian prime minister, pointing to a grainy photograph showing what they described as a secret pact between the opposition party and pastors at a hotel in Penang on Wednesday.

Malaysian Bar president Lim Chee Wee accused Putrajaya yesterday of giving free rein to Utusan Malaysia to publish and promote what he called lies dressed up as news reports and continue to stir up religious fear and unrest.

The lawyer joined a growing choir in urging the authorities to get their priorities in order and immediately investigate reporters and editors in the Umno-owned daily for repeatedly pushing provocative religious rhetoric rather than hauling up Christian leaders over unproven claims.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM), which represents over 90 per cent of churches nationwide, has also demanded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak act immediately against Utusan for false reporting and spreading dangerous lies.

“Instead of questioning Utusan Malaysia’s journalistic conduct and ethics, the immediate responses from the ministers in charge of home affairs and communications were to order investigations into the alleged incidents themselves,” Lim said in a statement.

Ibrahim said today that the Bar does not have any more integrity and its decisions are racially biased.

“Their attitude is always one sided and the topics they discuss is always towards anti-Islam and anti-Malay… It is not a professional body with any integrity,” added the Pasir Mas MP, who was once deputy minister in charge of law under the Mahathir administration after the 1999 general election.

While the MCA and Gerakan have urged actions against Utusan, Umno leaders on the contrary have tried to dodge the issue and urged for calm.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Information Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim have jumped to Utusan’s defence and issued a stern warning yesterday to Malaysians to not question Islam’s position as the official religion of Malaysia.

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In a normal democracy, people like Ibrahim Ali would already be investigated for sedition, criminal defamation and even criminal intimidation. Prone to shoot from his hip, putting entire foot in his mouth, or other equivalent analogy, Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali creates a bogeyman that is entirely fictitious, and then blames it on anyone they can think of - Chinese voters, Christians, Chinese press, DAP and now the latest edition, the Bar Council.

Perkasa should check the Malaysian government's position on the Bar Council. At some point in the past, the Bar Council has been known to be controlled by Malays, Indians, then Singhs, then now Chinese. It's a superficial stance of course, because they look at the Council's head, instead of elected council members collectively, which consist of all races and of all religious make-up - and these all happens too not because of some quota system but because Malaysian lawyers choose it so in a free and fair electoral process. So I ask Perkasa - which one is which? The Bar Council cannot be controlled by Indians and Chinese at the same time.

In fact, I'd even go further to ask Perkasa what's its stance on DAP. If DAP is a Chinese chauvinist party, why is there an urban voter swing to the opposition parties, instead of just Chinese voter swing? If a vote for DAP is a vote for Islamic State (as MCA has repeated said in every by-election and even Sarawak state election), then why is it that PAS is alleged to "work for" DAP? And if DAP is a backdoor to Islamic State, how is it possible for DAP to gang up with Christians in this country to turn Malaysia into a Christian state? It is simply amazing that BN/UMNO/MCA/Perkasa/Utusan/Pembela are so full of contradictions that they are tripping all over themselves. For them, making allegations are so cheap because there's no consequence, since they are a protectorate of UMNO government, and are all above the law.

Someone should just sue them. Let them come up with evidence of how these supposed seditionists have raised sensitive issues pertaining to race and religion against the Constitution. Failing which Perkasa should just be dissolved.

Racial and religious bigotry recycled

2011-05-08T03:37:00.000-07:00

This is out in Malaysian Insider today:

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Chinese voters who chose DAP in last month’s Sarawak state election did so because they wanted power for themselves, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said today.

The mainly urban Chinese had dumped SUPP for DAP in the April 16 vote, similar to the party’s success in Election 2008 at the expense of MCA and Gerakan, which has been attributed to voting on policies rather than along racial lines.

“Extremists want everything. Not all Chinese are like that, but you have extremists, same with Malays, even in Umno.

“Not one race in this country will be able to get 100 per cent [of] everything they wish for,” the former prime minister told reporters today.

Dr Mahathir said that while Malays were thankful to Barisan Nasional (BN) for the “benefits” given to them, Chinese voters did not feel the same despite — according to him — getting the most.

“Chinese are different from Malays. Malays support BN because they can see benefits, of which the Chinese get the most benefits.

“Chinese are looking to Penang, they want power; that’s why their judgment is different from Malays,” he said.

Dr Mahathir then insisted BN had already provided the Chinese community abundantly.

“BN has given a lot to the Chinese. Look at Kuala Lumpur; if not for Khazanah, what do Malays have? We are not asking a lot, we just want our small share,” he added.

DAP made considerable headway in the recent Sarawak state elections, when it won 12 out of the 15 state seats contested.

In Election 1969, Dr Mahathir lost the Kota Star seat after he said he did not need Chinese votes to succeed. He later said the remark cost him the seat.

During his 22-year rule, Dr Mahathir had sought to cater to all races, and a host of tycoons from the country’s three major races benefitted from his privatisation policy.

He also thanked the Chinese electorate in for backing him in the 1999 polls when the aftermath of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s sacking cost him Terengganu and several federal seats.

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Without doubt, Tun Dr Mahathir is a master of carving out new perspectives, the above being a new one. Now he's trying to moderate his criticism of the Chinese by saying that there are extremists amongst the Chinese who want to take political control. I suppose he also meant Penang Chinese.

Together with these following lines, we can see a pattern in which TDM is working hand in glove with UMNO/MCA/Utusan/theStar/Perkasa and Pembela to drive serious wedges between Chinese/Malay, and between Muslims/non-Muslims in this country:

1) PAS working for DAP (there's a big difference between taking a similar stand as a member of Pakatan Rakyat vs "working for"... duh)

2) vote DAP is vote for PAS (so which is which? voting DAP = voting Islamic state, or PAS is "working for" DAP?)

3) DAP and Christians want to turn country into Christian state (if a vote for DAP is a vote for PAS, how can this be possible?)

4) DAP is purposely influencing the Chinese to vote for them, we're polarised on a racial/political line (statistics show urban swing to opposition parties - this is purely a BN lie - so which one is which? Extremist Chinese vote for DAP because they want power, or DAP is exercising undue influence over them? Make up your mind lar)

And of course, there are the standard fares like:

5) Pakatan is falling apart (intra-party bickering which also happens, to a lesser extent in BN, is blown up by mainstream media)

6) PKR can't get along with DAP (some truth to it, but does not impact the coalition)

7) DAP can't get along with PAS because they are ideologically different (in that case, how does voting for DAP mean voting for Islamic state, or how could PAS be "working for" DAP?? super duh)

8) Pakatan only knows how to make noise, have no alternative policies (hmm, I wonder what Buku Jingga is, and proposal to redistribute oil royalty, or how about reducing subsidy slowly only after we become more competitive and earning power has increased, or say.. giving MACC prosecutorial powers, setting up police ombudsman, open tender for all government procurement, appointing highly qualified chancellors to local universities instead of choosing from colour of the skin, distribution of wealth on needs basis and not on colour basis etc..)

To top it all, UMNO's personal favourite, sealing their reputation as the orgy party:

9) Anwar patronises prostitutes (based on a sex video where the actor doesn't even look like him)

10)Anwar is an ass connoiseur (already disproved once)

11) Anwar is a Jewish agent

12) Anwar is an Islamic terrorist (and a Jewish agent at the same time??)

We've heard all of these before, and they are stale old falsehoods. Instead of debating Anwar on the economy, Najib is too chicken shit and prefers to use underhanded tactics to win over the rural voters.

Instead of debating policy and accountability issues, BN plays up racial and religious bigotry every week. Last week was Perkasa week, this week Pembela. Next week's probably Anwar week again before they recycle the issues.

UMNO/MCA/Utusan/theStar/Perkasa/Pembela must all think that their message is effective, otherwise why continue doing the same thing that pisses off urbanites more?

The question must then be, are the rural folks really that stupid? Or will they wake up in time for the next general elections?

I hope the rural folks understand that the apparent Chinese vote swing to Pakatan (actually it's urban vote swing) represents an incidental phenomenon of the more knowledgeable electorate waking up to see the corrupt monster that BN has become and that they are taking a big risk to lead the way to a better Malaysian future.

What needs to be done now is for the rural folks to play the kingmaker and make the transition complete so that they can get both:

1) a multi-racial/religious government (which BN isn't one anymore since UMNO is the BOSS and the rest are just poodles) AND

2) more importantly a clean and competent government that serves everyone (which BN isn't, with all the scandals about PKFZ, Tricubes, MRT, Perak government usurpation etc..)

I hope the rural folks do wake up and support this critical change, for Malaysia's future..and more importantly their children's future, rests with this one change in a lifetime.

Utusan race baiting

2011-04-28T04:16:00.000-07:00

This was out in MI:
By Clara Chooi

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 — Utusan Malaysia accused DAP today of harbouring an agenda to incite racial hatred at a time when the Malays were split, even as the paper faces criticisms for propagating the controversial “1 Melayu, 1 Bumi” movement.

The Umno-owned daily asked if DAP refused to learn from the bloody racial clashes on May 13, 1969, and was bent on destroying peace and harmony in the country by making “immature and biased” statements.

The paper was referring to Lim’s Easter message recently when the Penang chief minister had called on the people to reject “Hitlerian” ideas.

Claiming that Lim was accusing the government of practising the Nazi doctrine in its administration, Utusan Malaysia demanded that the chief minister retract his statement and issue a public apology immediately.

“We urge Guan Eng to retract his [Easter] speech text and issue an open apology to all peace-loving Malaysians.

“As a leader, he should be responsible for his all his words and actions,” the paper said.

It also called on the home ministry to take lawful action against those attempting to “sow the seeds of racial hatred”, stressing that such irresponsible statements should not be brushed aside.

The entire content of Lim’s Easter message, said the daily, should be carefully studied.

“There were many baseless accusations made against those in power, particularly the Home Ministry, and the Malay-language bibles issue was one of it.

“We should not allow religion to be misused for political gains. Do something so that racial and religious harmony will not be destroyed by leaders like these,” it said.

In his Easter message, Lim had said, “We should move away from the mindtrap of fear based on hate, racism, extremism. We should not be taught to fear diversity. We should not be brainwashed with Hitlerian ideas that one is superior to another merely because of the colour of our skin.”

His statement had immediately caused a stir among his political opponents and Lim was accused of claiming that the Barisan Nasional government practised racial supremacy the way Nazi Germany did under Adolf Hitler in the 1940s.

Lim defended his remark yesterday after Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stepped into the fray, and told The Malaysian Insider that his “Hitler” reference had been aimed at Utusan Malaysia.

Utusan Malaysia has also been under attack recently for suggesting the “1 Melayu, 1 Bumiputera” movement and accused of attempting to incite racial hatred in the country.

The paper had suggested the movement after piling criticism on DAP for using race rhetoric to win in the recent Sarawak state election. DAP, said Utusan Malaysia, was trying to destroy Malay unity.

“It is clear that the secretary-general of that chauvinist Chinese party, Lim Guan Eng, has finished his political model and is now trying to compare our present government to Hitler’s iron-fist regime.

“But he has gone overboard, it is dangerous to make such accusations which are not only baseless but can also create discomfort among the communities,” said the paper.

It reminded Lim that if his accusation were true, the non-Malays in the country would not be enjoying the economic freedom that they do today.

DAP, it added, would not have had the opportunity to rule in Penang and Lim himself would not have filled the chief minister’s seat.

“Making statements like that is easy because it is not based on facts. This was a statement that was completely irresponsible and biased, made by a leader who for the longest time, has enjoyed political freedom in this country,” the daily said.

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Guan Eng may have meant that Utusan is Hitlerian, but it wouldn't be far off the mark to include the ilks of Perkasa and some right wingers in UMNO as sharing the same trait... especially in view that Perkasa is gathering its own brigade within Rela (which is even exclusive to UMNO people!). Doesn't that just remind you of how Hitler's SS first came about?

The analogy is not just appropriate, it is timely. Utusan, Perkasa and UMNO right wingers seem to live in a whole dimension of their own, oblivious to universal human rights, values and decencies. It's very simple. Would Utusan, Perkasa and UMNO right wingers like to be treated just like the rest of Malaysians are treated right now if suddenly they are the minority race in a country? They may blindly insist that they do, but given time, they will be frustrated and despondent to not only be treated like a second class citizen, but to be treated for providing carte blanche approval for abuse of power, corruption and sheer incompetence.

This whole 1Melayu racist overtone started because of urban voters' swing in Sarawak. Yet it's not a racial issue. It's about urban folks standing up against these bunch of people because they want good governance, a concept that is racially and religiously blind, but perhaps the sheer majesty of the concept is so alien to Utusan, Perkasa and UMNO right wingers that it's given them gut wrenching headaches and constant constipation. No wonder Ibrahim Ali always looks like he's going to get a a stroke and seizure at the same time.

Pundit has it wrong

2011-04-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

This came out in MI:
PETALING JAYA, April 27 — PKR’s dismal performance in the Sarawak election is a disturbing omen of how the party will fare in the next general election unless it institutes painful changes, a political analyst said last night.

Political scientist Dr Andrew Aeria said the party organised a respectable pre-election training programme but it ultimately foundered in making use of those preparations during the campaigning period.

“The campaign itself was too Anwar-centric,” said Aeria, referring to PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who criss-crossed Sarawak to campaign for PKR.

“And they did not offer an alternative to the policies the Barisan Nasional was offering. If it was change, then change to what? That’s what people want to know,” Aeria told a forum here last night on the election results and its implications.

He added that if the party hopes to do well, the PKR also needed to replace its “re-recycled leaders” with new ones and have stronger grassroots machinery.

This, however, did not mean that BN could automatically defeat PKR and wrest back lost seats and Selangor, a state where the former is the dominant party in the Pakatan Rakyat government.

Aeria, of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, said BN must also put through meaningful reforms if it wants to recapture the trust of a public weary of sloganeering.

The PKR fielded 49 candidates in the Sarawak election — the most out all PR and BN parties — but only managed to win three seats: Ba Kelalan, Krian and Batu Lintang.

Its PR partner, DAP, on the other hand, won 12 of the 15 seats it contested. Islamist party PAS won none of the five seats it contested.

BN was able to retain the two-thirds majority in the Sarawak state assembly when it won 55 seats. However, it only secured 54.5 per cent of the popular vote.

Aeria described PKR’s Sarawak campaign as “paradoxical” as it was organised and, at the same time, dysfunctional.

The PKR held pre-election training programmes for polling and counting agents, and for potential candidates.

It also had the support of local non-governmental organisations to tap into widespread anger among Dayaks over ancestral land disputes.

Yet when it came time to the actual campaign, the party was torn by factionalism and infighting between local influential figures over who gets to be a candidate, he said.

“Some candidates were even residing in Kuala Lumpur and flew back to stand in their area. In some places, there was not even a grassroots machinery to help them campaign.

At an earlier press conference, PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli admitted the party was stretched thinly across the 49 seats. However, it was forced to do so because it did not want to give BN walkover victories in 24 seats.

Initially, PKR had only wanted to contest in 25 seats where it had established a presence and was confident of gaining support.

But it was forced to contest in these 24 other seats because neither of its partners wanted to step up and “share the burden” of standing against the BN, Rafizi said.

PKR’s final decision to stand in these “unwinnable” areas crimped the party’s ability to pool its resources and focus on the 25 seats which it stood an even chance of winning.

Aeria noted that a weakness in the PR campaign was that each party’s grassroots machinery did not work each other.

“There was a lot of co-operation between the leaders of each party in how they staged ceramah together. But there was no cooperation at the grassroots level”.

“Moving forward, all parties, whether in BN or PR need to reform and renew. The electorate is more interested in substantive issues but the parties seem stuck in the past,” Aeria said.
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Aeria misses the point:

1) first, Pakatan does have an agenda in Buku Jingga. Specific to Sarawak, it was proposed that should Pakatan take over the state government, they will immediately institute land commission to look into land grab cases, fight for bigger share in oil royalty, help the poor inland bumis financially, deal with uprooted communities at dam construction sites etc.. perhaps Aeria should read these things before putting his foot in his mouth

2) second, Aeria conveniently left out the fact that there were electoral offences being committed vide vote buying, vote rigging (in terms of usage of postal votes), voter intimidation, police biasness etc..

Yes, Pakatan can certainly do better. BN can reform for all I care, but most importantly, it is the institutions of governance that are supposed to be fair that needs reforming, starting with the Election Commission and the police if we want a truly free and fair electoral process.

1Melayu definitely racist

2011-04-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

This was out in the Malaysian Insider today:

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — The “1Melayu, 1Bumi” movement is not racist for wanting to unify Malays politically, Dr Khir Toyo has said.

Calling the movement spearheaded by Malay rights group Perkasa as “legitimate and noble”, the former Selangor mentri besar questioned why Malays were seen as racist when speaking of Malay unity while other races could speak of their respective unity without objection from the Malays.

“I always wonder why when Malays speak of their native rights it is seen as racist but not when the Chinese speak of their Chinese schools, Chinese language and Chinese economic power,” he said on his blog yesterday.

Dr Khir said it was not wrong or racist for Malays to propose a concept like “1Melayu, 1Bumi” as a response to Chinese voters who increasingly voted for opposition parties like the DAP.

He pointed out that Malays saw Chinese support for DAP’s “anti-everything to do with Bumiputeras and Islam” policies as a clear indication that the community now want more political power after successfully controlling the economy.

“Many non-Chinese, especially the Bumiputera, see Chinese support for Pakatan (Rakyat) as support for the empowerment of Chinese political power through the Democratic Action Party (DAP) to erode and eventually eliminate Bumiputera privileges provisioned in the Malaysian Constitution,” he said.

Dr Khir, however, warned that “1Melayu, 1Bumi” should be opposed “to the very end” if it was a racist movement that wished to unify Bumiputeras for the purpose of “oppressing and destroying” the Chinese.

“I, myself, will not agree to any concept that oppresses and destroys other races’ standing,” the Selangor opposition leader said.

He added that whether the concept, first mooted in Utusan Malaysia by assistant chief editor Datuk Zaini Hassan, was racist depended on its execution, demands and wants.

Utusan Malaysia had called on its owners Umno to spearhead a “1Melayu, 1Bumi” movement involving all Malay parties, claiming that the DAP was intent on toppling the country’s Malay leadership.

Former prime minister and Perkasa patron Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad spoke out against the idea, saying it would be “disastrous” if it came to fruition.

The elder statesman said such a movement would eventually result in a two-party system dominated by the Malays and the Chinese on opposing sides of the divide.

Despite their patron’s statement, Perkasa has said it would be willing to lead such a “1Melayu, 1 Bumi” movement.

Some government leaders had sought to distance themselves from Utusan Malaysia’s clarion call last week, claiming it was the personal opinion of the newspaper’s editors.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak assured that the Malay-language daily would not deter the government’s commitment to his 1 Malaysia brainchild.

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Khir Toyo is wrong on several counts:

1) when the Chinese educationist talked about Chinese schools, it is done by Chinese education "loyalists" and do not represent all Chinese - but most Chinese would think it is a good idea because Chinese medium schools are ahead in terms of quality of education. If the federal government bucks on the quality of education at nationals schools, the Chinese enthusiasts would not mind going by national school scheme and live with Mandarin as one of the school subjects - it's a "what's good for the children" issue, and not a racial issue.

2) Khir of course is entitled to his (unsupported by evidence) point of view that many Malays see support for DAP as enpowerment of Chinese politically - however, this is quite easily debunked as support for DAP is also support for Pakatan, and Pakatan is not a racial coalition - rather it is a coalition primarily driven by concepts of good governance. It is firstly purely coincidental that a lot of Chinese are supporting Pakatan these days because it so happens that most of them are in urban area and have access to alternative news and are therefore aware of BN's endemic corruption and abuse of power. Secondly, obviously BN is wrong to say only the Chinese support the opposition - as amply demonstrated by vote analysis, it's an urban swing to Pakatan, including Ibans and other bumiputras, in recently concluding Sarawak state elections.

3) DAP has never sought to represent all the Chinese to the exclusion of other races. 1Melayu movement on the other hand is hell bent on doing just that - which is no different from the proposed unity talks between UMNO and PAS - and that's racist.

I'm hopeful that more and more Malaysians will be able to separate the woods for the trees and call these Perkasa/Utusan/UMNO mental gymnastics a bluff for what they really are.

What we the people need to do until the next general elections

2011-04-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

Now that the Sarawak elections are over, with a swing by city folks (mainly Chinese) to Pakatan, it's time to chill and unwind a bit and go back to the slow and steady grassroots foundation building exercise again.

The bad thing about this election is it shows that PKR is a lot more hot air than realism. This must change. PKR needs to get itself grounded in reality like DAP. It needs to get the necessary consultants to provide it with unvarnished, scientifically verified information that it needs to formulate its future strategies. Yes, UMNO led BN knows that PKR is the lynchpin of Pakatan, and has subjected Anwar to many false charges, but perhaps it's time to decouple the man from the party. Anwar should let others in PKR speak up more frequently and take a backseat, like how Kit Siang has taken a back seat and let the younger generation do most of the talking these days. He should focus on running the party. It's about hedging risks, and helps takes pressure off him. It's harder for BN to go after 3-4 eloquent targets as contrasted with just going after him. Anwar is not a sadomasochist, so why let him take all the pain alone?

What's more important is for the Chinese to reach out to our brothers and sisters of all races in the rural areas. The Chinese must convince the rural folks that they are not here to seize power. They must demonstrate that they voted for the opposition to bring about change, because the government is simply too corrupt in its current form. The Chinese has effectively risked reducing/eliminating their representation in the government, but it's a worthy cause. They want good not just for themselves, but for all Malaysians. They may not say it but they have dismantled the old and stale concept of racial representation. The Chinese will vote for Malay, Indian or Dayak if he/she is a good leader. So can other races vote for a Chinese if he/she is a good leader.

The Chinese must also show compassion and empathy about the plight of rural folks, who may have to rely on political connection to get jobs etc. Where possible, Chinese businessman should hire more rural folks to show that the economic pie, however small it is these days, do get shared. In fact, it's far more efficient to share it directly with the rural folks than to share it under some quota scheme on the recommendation by the government - because those you are hiring are probably BN supporters anyway. Instead of paying political donation to BN in the name of "national service", slash your profits by having your own outreach programs. Coordinate your outreach programs with PKR, DAP and PAS because they have a better idea of voter demographics. Carry out outreach programs where it matters most - borderline seats that the opposition can win come the next general elections.

It may be conceptually difficult to understand how money spent on outreach can make for better profits in the near term. Well, it may not, but it is long term investment - for your nation, and therefore for your children and their children. In fact, planning for emigration to another country, unrooting yourself from Malaysia - takes a lot of money. If you could just use a fraction of it in an outreach program, you are diversifying your options, hedging your risks (emigration also has its risks), and you're helping Malaysians. It may take a little longer for you to emigrate, but if change comes sooner, you may not have to emigrate at all.

One thing we must all remember - granted, after all is said and done, we're up against a giant BN behemoth - and change may not come fast and swift in Malaysia. The next GE, we may still not able to unseat BN. That's why it's imperative that the current leaders must accelerate the grooming of the next generation of leaders who have the better idea of governance as opposed to those in BN. That way, Pakatan is assured that it is only a matter of time before it wins the federal government.

My comments on - Religion and politics should be separate - Taib tells church

2011-04-12T03:33:00.000-07:00

This was out in Malaysian Insider:
Religion and politics should be separate, Taib tells church
UPDATED @ 04:36:10 PM 12-04-2011
By Clara Chooi
April 12, 2011

KUCHING, April 12 — Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud moved today to repair the government’s fraying ties with the church but at same time advised its religious leaders to keep politics and religion separate.

The chief minister’s suggestion comes as the ruling Barisan Nasional heads into its toughest battle yet to retain power over Sarawak, long considered its fixed deposit.

Taib sat with representatives from the Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) this afternoon for nearly 90 minutes to discuss the grouses faced by the local Christian community and attempt to assuage growing concerns over the Alkitab row.

When approached later however, Taib would not disclose the details of the discussion but declared that the row was over.

When asked if the Alkitab issue had been raised, the leader shook his head and said: “No”.

“The case has been resolved so it’s okay. No reason (to discuss it) in the first place anyway... Not in the case of Sarawak,” he said.

He said the conversation instead had been centred on the church’s lack of funds to improve and maintain its mission schools.

“I had a dialogue with leaders of Christian churches and they explained some of the problems that they are facing... mainly grants for schools and how to expand their mission schools to cater to the demands of their flock,” he said.

Taib also brushed off reports of chain SMSes being spread among the Christian community urging them to vote against the Barisan Nasional in the coming polls as a vote for the opposition was a vote for Jesus.

“Have they got the authority from Jesus to say that?” he quipped before leaving the Pullman Hotel here.

Bolly speaking to the press after the meeting where he said the Alkitab row was discussed extensively.

When met later, however, ACS chairman Right Reverend Datuk Bolly Lapok admitted to reporters that the Alkitab row was discussed extensively and that Taib had declared the issue resolved.

He also revealed that in explaining the government’s stand on the matter, the chief minister had then said that such issues touching religion should not be handled together with politics.

“The CM was telling us what his government is doing regarding the Alkitab.

“As far as he is concerned, it has been cleared and he expressed that politics and religion should best be handled separately and if they are handled together, it is very easy to get abused and would cause unnecessary upset to Sarawakians,” he said.

When suggested that Taib’s words meant that the chief minister was directing the church not to politicise the Bible row, Bolly neither agreed nor disagreed.

Instead, he said that only the issues of the impounding of the Alkitab and the stamping on books were considered resolved.

“And the letter from (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri) Idris Jala to the churches has been welcomed but the letter also acknowledged that there are other issues which government is prepared to dialogue on with the church,” he said.

Bolly, however, refused to reveal the outstanding issues, but noted that they were grouses affecting the relationship between the church and the state.

“The other issues differ from church to church, from state to state and this is what we do not wish to touch on, given the sensitive time at the moment,” he said, referring to the looming April 16 polls.

He skirted a question on whether the church felt that the Alkitab row had been completely resolved but urged that the matter be put to rest.

“We are reiterating our position as has already been stressed earlier, which is that the Alkitab is just one of issues that affect the government-church relationship.

“So as far as the Alkitab is concerned, that is what we discussed. Let’s leave it behind,” he said.

Bolly acknowledged that the opposition camp had been using the Alkitab issue as campaign fodder but would not say if the church was against such a move.

“The approval of how one conducts one’s self when campaigning, we leave it to their own wisdom.

“You do not want me to become a judge here,” he said.

He stressed that the church would remain non-partisan and would not side with any political party.

“What we seek is to discern what is Christ’s mind on the matter and so we trust that we have been faithful to our calling and have been getting across what the church needs to convey to other parties,” he said.

Bolly also refused to comment on the chain SMSes, pointing out that he had not seen them.

“I cannot comment on what I have not seen... Not until I am ready.

“I do not know why people are so upset about it but before we comment, we need to see the content (of the SMSes),” he said.

Last month, the Home Ministry drew flak from Christians after stamping and serialising 35,000 Malay bibles, valued at about RM140,000, without the importers’ consent.

The Christian Federation of Malaysia, the umbrella body that represents over 90 per cent of churches nationwide, has said Christians only wish for their constitutional rights to worship to be upheld.

Finally relenting to the community’s demands, Putrajaya issued a 10-point solution to end the impasse on April 2, just four days before nomination day for the Sarawak polls.

But the solution raised more furore as it stipulated two separate sets of rules for the community residing in the peninsula and those living across the South China Sea in Sabah and Sarawak.

In his letter, Jala said that Christians in Sarawak and Sabah would be free to bring in and use their bibles in Malay and various indigenous languages and no restriction will be applied.

But at the same time, a slightly different set of rules apply to Christians in Peninsular Malaysia.

According to Jala, this is because Muslims are the majority community on the peninsula unlike in Borneo where they are the minority.

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My comment is actually very simple. It's really rich that separation of state and religion comes from Taib. Why didn't he say anything when Tun Dr Mahathir declared that Malaysia is an Islamic state?

Why didn't he say anything when the BN federal government and state governments implement measures to make our governmental administration more and more Islamic?

How does he explain the Home Ministry's resistance to have Bibles in BM made available to Peninsular Malaysians?

Since he didn't do anything, he is complicit in meshing religion with the state.

My comment over - I would trust HRP over hypocrite politicians from Pakatan anytime

2011-04-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

This came out in Free Malaysia Today:

I would trust HRP over hypocrite politicians of Pakatan anytime
April 12, 2011

FMT LETTER

From Susan David, via e-mail

Enough is Enough! I would rather take chance with Hindraf Makkal Sakthi or Human Rights Party but not the hypocrite politicians of the Pakatan.

Fifty-three years of discrimination and marginalisation of the Indian community, and yet the famous Perak Pakatan leader, former Perak Menteri Besar should be embarrassed to say: “I know that not much was done (for the Indian community) during our 11 months rule of the state,” (FMT April 11, 2011).

How much more time do Pakatan leaders need to resolve the Indian dilemma in this country? The question is what has Pakatan done for Indians in Selangor, Kedah and Penang the past three years other than grabbing their cemetery land, denial of land for Tamil schools and demolishing or closure of Hindu temples in all Pakatan states.

But the Chinese working on vegetable farms were given three acres of land immediately by Perak Pakatan and it was proudly announced by Anuar Ibrahim in his speech at Miri on April 8, 2011. The help for Chinese and Malay was done with lightning speed, in about one month of Pakatan Perak taking the reins of the state government.

Mohd Nizar Jamaluddin must resign as politician for failing the Indians and championing the Chinese and Malays. Pakatan Rakyat are even worse than BN for their double standard.

Utusan Malaysia on Jan 1, 2009 reported that “349 Rancangan Perkampungan Tersusun (RPT and 134 New Villages in Perak with 110,000 and 102,000 (60,000) titles respectively are to be given out irrespective of the national land councils orders involving almost all Malay and Chinese owners and land recipients.

The PKR, DAP and PAS Perak state government also allocated 1,000 hectares (about 2,500 acres) of land to nine Chinese schools for them to generate revenue to pay for their operational expenses, said Nizar Jamaluddin (NST 31/8/2008 pp 38).

The schools were urged to form a company to work the land and share the profits among themselves. Nizar also donated RM30,000 for each of the nine schools. But nothing for the Indians!

DAP, PKR and PAS only gave importance to their Chinese and Malay community. As Opposition leader, Anwar never fought for the Indians, only Hindraf Makkal Sakthi will be the champion of the Indians.

Shameful to say that nothing has been done to champion the cause of the Indian poor in these Pakatan ruled states. The Indians were treated like sucked oranges not only by BN but also by Pakatan leaders. Pakatan came to power by using Hindraf and the Indian support.

It is now really shameful that they have had to organise a Pakatan Rakyat Indian leadership dialogue session in Penang on April 2, 2011.

Pakatan Indian leaders pushed for changes especially in intensifying opposition to ‘Interlok’, the appointment of a special Indian aide to menteris besar in three Pakatan-ruled states, and raising the intake of Indians in municipal councils in opposition-held states.

Athi Sankar’s article “Losing Indian support: Pakatan must blame itself” (Feb 16, 2011 ). Jalan Bagan Luar DAP branch head G Asoghan said Pakatan should get rid of its denial syndrome and stop blaming Barisan Nasional (BN).

Pakatan Rakyat should blame itself for the loss of Indian support and not others. Human Rights Party leaders and grassroots Indians have pointed out that during the same short period, Pakatan governments carried out beneficial programmes for the Malays and Chinese.

Lim Guan Eng is another Pakatan hypocrite in Penang and had never granted land to all the Tamil schools and doesn’t look into the Indian problems. He never stood up for the HRP/Hindraf Makkal Sakthi NGO activists when they were arrested by police in Simpang Ampat temple and Farlim, Penang.

If Lim cannot stand up for the HRP activists who were jailed for campaigning against Interlok, I doubt he will ever stand up for Indians in any other issues affecting them.

I quote LGE’s speech summary on the Dec 12, 2007 Video entitled “Guan Eng: Indians Rich? Please prove it”. Clearly Lim Guan Eng claims that Indians are poor and need state assistance to bring them into mainstream development in Malaysia.

He requested BN to seriously look into the plights of marginalised Indians and Malaysians who are sidelined from mainstream development and to take immediate actions to protect them and share the wealth the country.

He also criticised BN government’s propaganda to use Hindraf to prove that Malaysian Indians are not poor, and that the government needs to prove this. He also said that the government must be sincere to discuss the problems instead of labelling Hindraf as terrorists or that it has links with terrorists. Lim also reminded the government should not also come out with statement to revoke citizenship of Malaysian Indians.

Lim and his fiery speech championing the Indian woes is a first class drama and it can be watched on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLt3QARQ1HA Sunday, March 13, 2011.

What has Pakatan, especially Anwar Ibrahim and DAP’s Lim in Penang, done for the Indians for the past three years: Has he seriously look into the plights of marginalised Indians and made them part of mainstream development, did he help the many Indian families in Seberang Prai and Batu Kawan to obtain citizenship and grant land to Tamil schools in Penang?

Worst still in Kedah and Selangor. I will not trust Pakatan for they have failed in all three states and Anwar is the last person I will ever trust. He is the father of all hypocrites and he would not think twice to wound the hearts of the Indians and Hindus. Once upon a time he had threatened the Hindus by saying “… no temple bells will be sounded in Penang.”

And to make matters worst, as an opposition leader championing the three races in Peninsula Malaysia, he didn’t take a firm stand to defend the Indians struggle towards revoking Interlok. He went on to say “Interlok tiada unsur rasis:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ecG88bK-24 (Uploaded by BHonline1) on Jan 11, 2011.

Anwar says “The Interlok is a good novel and there is no racism in it.

(Tiada unsur-unsur penghinaan dalam Interlok)”. But the other Indian Pakatan leaders especially Kulasegaran are against the novel being used in schools nationwide.

Anwar has been always a pain in the neck for Indians and Wong Mun Chee’s article titled “Who and what Anwar is, is still a mystery” is the best written article ever on Anwar (Jan 31, 2011 FMT LETTER. It clearly shows that this Opposition Leader is truly an untrustworthy person.

Wong Mun Chee stressed that Anwar has his days numbered, either he goes behind bars or strikes a deal for a swing in power and in exchange for these blokes to continue with their billionaire lifestyle and fulfill his own agenda to become the PM.

He further said, amongst the three opposition coalition parties, the one that’s a time- bomb seems to be PKR. Why? Same principle, all proxies to ensure Anwarism, no difference from Umnorism style with their allies. Wong Mun Chee gave an outstanding statement in his conclusion.

“The crux of this letter, said Wong, is politicians are never our saviour, but we the people need to be savvy enough to understand and comprehend, with apprehension, the true objective of a politician.

This can only materialise if they are steadfast in their principles from day one, not swaying and swinging for political need no matter how you see it.”

“A good politician serves society without the typical grandeur that we observe with Anwar as and when it fits his personal agenda. Whether I have my doubts about Anwar is secondary but it is your call as members of society to hold the notion of oneness without the typical 1Malaysian and Malaysian first to flush out artificial politicians.”

It is up to the rakyat of Malaysia whether they want to support artificial politicians either in BN or Pakatan – semua 2 x 5 juga. I would rather trust Human Rights Party to help Indians that trusting the artificial politicians of Pakatan. I would rather spoil my vote but will never vote for Pakatan. To Nizar and other Pakatan leaders, please stop the appealing drama. Let your Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, the number one artificial politician appeal for Indian votes.

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Wow Susan David, you sure have the fire in you. While I applaud you for your courage and conviction, I think the numbers do tell.

At the risk of sounding like an apologist for Pakatan, what is 3 years compared with 53 years? When Pakatan took over the state governments, they no longer receive the kind of lavish grants they use to obtain when they were under BN. What do you do when your state coffers become less? You have to be more efficient, you need to allocate your resources carefully etc. I don't know the full facts, but if Pakatan hasn't done anything for the Indian community, I would put it to scant resources available that needs to be prioritised. However, I do believe that some measures taken are for the good of all people in the state and not just confined to Malays/Chinese etc. Don't those things count as improving the lives of Indians too? Try to look at the glass as half full. Under BN, we are losing more and more of our rights. At least with Pakatan, we stand a chance. If by rejecting Pakatan you expect BN to continue pouring resources into you, well, they might for a very short time just to shore up your support, but guess what happens after? Pakatan may not have gotten around to help the Indian community extensively, but when they do, it is universally implemented for the good of the entire Indian community instead of just where noise is made. Wouldn't that be fairer?

At the same time, I would also urge the Pakatan state governments to meet this criticism head on - let Susan know what exactly you have done, and what you plan to do. Divide it into short term and mid term solution.

We need truth to set us free

2011-04-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

This came out in the Malaysian Insider:
Perkasa leader ‘contradicting’ herself over history books row, says historian
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
April 12, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 — Historian Dr Ranjit Singh Malhi has accused Datin Paduka Professor Dr Ramlah Adam of contradicting herself in asserting that the current history textbooks were “well-balanced” and for belittling the contribution of non-Malays.

Ranjit also charged that Perkasa supreme council member had “erroneously” accused him of being paid to “check the syllabus,” saying he was only appointed as an expert consultant (pakar rujuk) to ascertain factual accuracy of the history textbooks.

“Dr. Ramlah Adam makes a classic contradiction in her statements. On one hand, she says “The history syllabus is well-balanced” and that there is “nothing wrong” with the current history syllabus for secondary schools.

“She subsequently contradicts herself by admitting that the Form 4 syllabus had placed a lot of emphasis on Islamic civilisation and that the government was working to revamp it. The learned professor should make up her mind and not beat around the bush,” Ranjit told The Malaysian Insider.

While Ramlah had said that the current content of the secondary school history textbooks were accurate, she had admitted that the Form 4 history syllabus had placed a lot of emphasis on Islamic civilisation, and that the government was working to revamp the current module.

She had also said that the government only inserted “positive” issues and omitted negative instances of the country’s history, like May 13.

Ranjit stressed today that he was not involved in checking the current history syllabus, and demanded that the Perkasa leader either apologise for making a “false accusation” against him or provide proof that he (Ranjit) had done so.

“I would like to state categorically that in no way was I ever involved in checking the current lopsided and biased History Syllabus.

“I would also like to add further that in my letter dated 3 September 2002 to the Education Ministry, I volunteered to “menyemak buku-buku teks sejarah” without any payment. The Education Ministry did pay me an honorarium,” he said.

Ramlah had said that Ranjit, along with Tan Sri Professor Dr Khoo Kay Kim had gone through the history module and had no objections to it, and were paid by the government.

Elaborating further, Ranjit attacked Ramlah for her disparaging comments on non-Malay contribution in Malaysia’s history, with specific regards to Yap Ah Loy.

Ramlah, who is the current author for the Form 3 history textbooks said yesterday that non-Malays who came to Malaysia had contributed as either “investors or labourers (kuli).”

“Make no mistake about it. Many cities and major towns developed and prospered due to the hard work and sweat of the non-Malays. A classic example is Kuala Lumpur,” said Ranjit.

The historian pointed out that although Yap Ah Loy was not the founder of Kuala Lumpur, he nevertheless was “primarily responsible” for rebuilding Kuala Lumpur after the Selangor Civil War.

“According to J. Kennedy in his book (A History of Malaya), “Until the coming of the British Resident to Kuala Lumpur in 1880, Ah Loy was the real authority in the town.” He further states that Yap Ah Loy “ ... did more than anyone to establish the little township destined to become Malaya’s capital”.

“Kennedy’s views are shared by other historians. According to Margaret Shennan, “Kuala Lumpur was another town created by the enterprise of the Chinese”. In the words of J. M. Gullick, “Down to 1879, Yap Ah Loy was Mr. Kuala Lumpur”. According to B.W. Andaya and L. Y. Andaya, Kuala Lumpur in 1891 had a population of 43, 786 with 79 per cent being Chinese,” said Ranjit, citing academic reference to back up his arguments.

Ranjit said that he had sent a copy of his presentation points made during a discussion organised by the Catholic Teachers’ Association last Saturday to the Director-General of Education’s office.

He also urged “renowned historians” educated Malaysians to speak up to ensure history textbooks are not only accurate but objective and well-balanced as well.

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The worth of a history book is only as valuable as its ability to state facts in an unvarnished manner. For instance, it may well be that there was economic disparity and a lot of Malays were feeling angry, but it would be remiss if the history books do not also state that UMNO Selangor MB provoked the May 13 1969 riots. Even if facts are not certain, for instance, whether Malays are themselves immigrants too, the history books should be factual and say - this is a point of contentious debate and has yet to be settled.

Great civilisations live with facts, no matter how painful they are. You learn from facts, not from sweeping the facts under the carpet because it suits a political agenda. That's for oppressive regime who places no value on truth. Just look at Japan and Germany who were aggressors in World War II. They have painfully accepted the fact that part of their governance went wrong, and they took responsibility for the atrocities that they have committed during that time. Because of this sincere acceptance, they are able to move on, and for that matter, they have moved on with fervour, as if to make up for lost opportunities.

Malaysia will continue to be trapped in a time warp if we fail to get to the facts through dispassionate scientific deliberation and discussion, and we won't be able to move on to the future because of distrust of our history. There is not a chance on earth that this would happen under BN watch.

Najib proposes 15% tax for 5 years for returning experts program

2011-04-11T23:05:00.000-07:00

I was having a good laugh when the proposal was first reported.

First, the proposal is an insult to all experts who chose to remain in Malaysia for one reason or another.

Second, with the tax reduction only for the next 5 years, why would someone who has settled comfortably overseas want to uproot themselves from another country to be back in Malaysia without a permanent solution to why they left in the first place?

And those permanent solutions I alluded to above includes reforming/changing/replacing a crappy education system producing equally crappy unmarketable graduates, thanks no doubt to fraudulent implementation of an education policy with emphasis on quota rather than merits.

And how about glass ceiling for capable Malaysians, again because of emphasis on quota rather than merits.

Not to mention the endemic corruption plaguing the entire nation, biased judiciary and election commission, and enforcement agencies who are prone to abuse their power.

It takes more than a puny monetary gain to make qualified Malaysians return. In fact, it probably ignites the fire for other experts in Malaysia to want to leave the country, because clearly, Najib does not get it - or perhaps he does, but he's not planning to treat the disease itself, merely the symptoms.

My comments on the Sun article - Penang prototype

2011-04-11T20:04:00.000-07:00

This came out in the Sun today:
By Onn Yeoh, The Sun

MALAYSIAN politics reached a crossroads on March 8, 2008. That is when we effectively became a two-party (or two-coalition) state for all intents and purposes. For the first time, the ruling government’s two-thirds majority was denied and five states were under the control of the opposition.

Since then, there has been much bickering between the opposition-controlled states and the federal government. One of them, Perak, was even taken over by Barisan Nasional after a controversial tussle.

This antagonistic culture between opposition-controlled states and the federal government has got to stop if Malaysia is to progress in an increasingly competitive world.

Right now, BN is the federal government. What if some day Pakatan Rakyat becomes the federal government? Would the same kind of antagonism exist between a PR federal government and BN-controlled states? Most likely so if this culture of animosity is not broken soon. A tit for tat is very much a part of human nature. So is the desire for payback. So how do we break this vicious cycle?

What’s happening in Penang is a ray of hope and could be an indication of positive things to come. Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng last week announced that the state government was willing to shelve its development master plan in favour of Putrajaya’s "Greater Penang Transformation Programme".

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has said that under the 10th Malaysia Plan, Penang had been allocated RM17.9 billion for the upgrading of physical infrastructure to enhance access and connectivity. This, he said, was to "prime Penang as the leading urban centre in the Bay of Bengal and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Golden Triangle."

Projects under the plan included the expansion and upgrade of the Penang Bridge, Penang International Airport and Penang Port, and the construction of the second Penang Bridge, electrified double track and Juru-Sungai Dua bypass.

Instead of rebuffing that offer, Lim welcomes it. "In response and to prove our sincerity and commitment to the prime minister’s offer, the state is willing to set aside our completed Penang Blueprint and Industrial Masterplan for 2011-2015 in favour of the Greater Penang Masterplan," he said.

Describing his acceptance of Najib’s offer as a "major effort", Lim added that this was a sign of a stable and mature federal-state relationship. Lim then highlighted another example of successful state-federal government cooperation that resulted in Penang topping the investment charts in Malaysia last year with the highest-ever recorded investment inflow of RM12.2 billion.

"This achievement would not have been possible without the close cooperation of Mida as well as the support of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamad," Lim said.

"We are confident that with this joint collaboration with the federal government, and with efficient planning and targeting of resources, the Greater Penang Masterplan will result in not only a cleaner, greener and safer Penang, but also a viable and competitive international and intelligent city of the future."

In putting aside political differences, Lim’s action has proven that it is indeed possible for an opposition-controlled state to have positive collaborations with the federal government. Of course it requires two hands to clap. A willing state government and an unwilling federal government would not result in any positive cooperation happening.

Penang is a good start. If this positive development can be extended to other opposition-controlled states it can then bring about a virtuous cycle that would ensure Malaysia will continue to grow and prosper regardless of whether the federal government is BN or PR-controlled.
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The tone of the article is that BN and Pakatan could work together instead of having an acrimonious relationship. But this begs the question - why the acrimonious relationship in the first place?

For one, there is severe disparity of state allocations once Pakatan took over the state governments. It was BN playing the politics of division, and punishment - why do we pour developmental funds into areas that have voted against us? BN was nothing short of being the school bully. And Perkasa was its spokesperson.

Penang has demonstrated that if it is in power, people who voted for BN don't have to suffer. Wifi, if practicable, will extend to all of Penang.

Selangor has demonstrated that just because you voted for BN, it does not mean you don't get free water. It has also demonstrated that just because you voted for BN, it does not mean you don't get to write in to get governmental information. In fact, the freedom to obtain information regarding the Selangor state administration is now available to all of Malaysians.

But I wouldn't hold my breath to see if the BN federal government will fully or truly implement the greater Penang plan, for it could just be a political gimmick for the Sarawak election, and perhaps even the general election.

We just need to consider the water tussle in Selangor, when the choice ought to have been clear that consolidation of assets under the state government with a clear mission of bringing down the cost of treated water is pro-rakyat, instead of pro-Syabas (the water treatment company). In fact, the federal government seems to be backing Syabas, giving rise to suspicion of cronyism.

The conclusion is simple. Vote Pakatan into power, and everyone gets a fair treatment whether you are a BN or Pakatan voter. Vote BN for another 5 years, and we will still have abuses of power from the AGC, police and MACC, and partisanship from the judiciary and election commission.

An appeal to Sarawak voters

2011-04-11T16:35:00.001-07:00

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/2011/04/11/why-i-yearn-for-change-to-happen-in-sarawak/

Snap still the spoiler

2011-04-10T04:53:00.001-07:00

This is from Free Malaysia Today:
Snap grasping at straws to regain momentum

KOTA KINABALU: The ‘who’s who’ and ‘who’s backing whom’ mind game is continuing a week before Sarawakians go to the polls.

Sarawak outcast Snap is struggling to re-establish their credentials as an independent non-Barisan Nasional-supporting party in the election after PKR, Movement for Change Sarawak (MoCS) and and the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM) severed ties with them.

The party has snapped up Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian’s words that Snap is “struggling due to limited resources or lack of voter support” as a godsend as an admission that they are not engaged in dubious practices as claimed.

The party is desperate to be taken seriously after being dealt a body blow by MCLM two weeks ago when the independent grouping revealed that Snap candidates and some of their ‘privileged’ leaders had suddenly come into significant funds that were being made available by operatives from Kuala Lumpur acting under the directions of BN.

MCLM president Haris Ibrahim explained then that they were severing all ties or relationship with Snap as the objective of the alliance was to end the plight of marginalised Sarawakians by ending Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud’s 30-year reign, and to establish a pro-rakyat federal government.

A Snap supporter today said that Bian’s words showed that there was no truth in the accusations that Snap is a BN tool and funded by the ruling coalition in the election.

A Snap campaigner who is struggling to get the party’s message across today accused PKR, DAP and MoCS for making the allegations against the state-based Dayak party to deny them the right to be a partner within Pakatan Rakyat.

The same Sabah tactic

He accused PKR and DAP campaigners of emphasising the accusation against Snap especially in areas Snap is contesting and said it was exactly the same tactic PKR and DAP did to Sabah-based party SAPP during the Batu Sapi by-election in November last year in Sabah.

SAPP, he said, was then accused of being untrustworthy and being in cahoots with BN and of harbouring ambitions of rejoining the BN if it won.

"PKR and DAP are now using the same tactics … accusing Snap too would rejoin BN when it wins some seats,” said the Snap campaigner who only wanted to be known as Stanley.

“But now even Baru Bian knows that our candidates are short of fund…God is great. He puts words in Baru’s mouth to vindicate us, for if we are funded by BN as accused, surely our campaign machineries are just as well-oiled like BN’s,” he argued.

“There is no truth whatsoever from the very beginning of Snap receiving aid from BN and being a tool for BN. PKR and MoCS created that accusation just to satisfy their own greed to push away Snap and pave the way for them to put up their own candidates,” he told FMT.

Baru had called on Snap to withdraw its candidates in constituencies where its campaign are ‘not making any headway’ because of lack of fund.

Three-cornered fights witk PKR

Baru had said he heard that many of the Snap candidates were struggling due to limited resources or lack of voter support.

“I heard many of them are not making any headway. If this is the case, I advise them to withdraw and throw their support to Pakatan Rakyat candidates. After all our aim is to topple this government and bring change to Sarawak,” he had told FMT.

Snap is contesting in 27 Dayak-majority seats following failed negotiations with PKR, who ironically insulted the Sarawak’s oldest party by “offering” it to contest in only three out of the 71 seats up for grabs.

In almost all the 27 constituencies, Snap and PKR are facing each other apart from contesting against BN, independents and Parti Cinta Malaysia candidates.

Former PKR vice president Jeffrey Kitingan and his United Borneo Front (UBF) are lending their support to the local Sarawak party which has fallen on hard times.

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It still makes sense for SNAP to be a trojan horse, albeit one that BN is reluctant to associate itself with now.

SNAP's leaders probably received money from KL earlier, but they haven't passed it on to their election campaign. Why? Consider this - originally, the idea is to split the seats between PKR and SNAP. If SNAP has gotten the lion's share, then the leaders could use the money to campaign, and if SNAP wins, and BN loses badly, SNAP is their insurance to still form the government. That means SNAP has value, and BN needs to recognise SNAP's contribution and reward SNAP with governmental positions.

But PKR, MCLM and Sarawak Report saw through the crook that SNAP leaders are (in a way, this demonstrates the political acumen of Azmin Ali), and so the original plan fell apart. SNAP leaders are to be blamed because they could not convince Azmin Ali to contest less seats. Now, SNAP stands to lose everything because they don't have a cause celebre, and they are not in the BN fold. So what's the point of spending money on the campaign?

Except that now BN is desperate - they realise that there is a firestorm sweeping across Sarawak. Therefore they take a calculated risk to (no doubt begrudgingly) fund SNAP so that SNAP can effectively take away some votes from Pakatan, and hopefully, BN will still win. It's a win win situation for SNAP because it's leaders have been enriched, nevermind if the party fails to get a single seat.

All the more reason for Pakatan supporters, workers and voters to double their effort not to leave anything to chances - phantom voters, multiple voting, vote rigging, ballot box switching, obstructing voters from voting, bribes, intimidation, rigged postal votes, abuse of federal governmental machinery, money and mainstream media etc.. Pakatan needs all the help it can get. The winds of change may be blowing, but to topple the BN mast, it has to be the strongest possible hurricane.

EC and MACC attitude reflects much malaise and partisanship

2011-03-31T07:21:00.000-07:00

These two articles appear in the Malaysian Insider

EC passes vote-buying buck to MACC
By G. Manimaran
Bahasa Malaysia Editor

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — The Election Commission (EC) has refuted Transparency International Malaysia’s (TI-M) claim it failed to ensure bribe-free polls as it was the job of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to tackle graft.

EC deputy chairman Datuk Wan Ahmad Wan Omar told The Malaysian Insider it was “unfair” of TI-M to slam the regulator for not enforcing anti-bribery election laws, calling the whole affair “odd”.

“It’s odd because TI-M is aware and understands that the task of monitoring and eradicating any act of bribery, including political bribery and bribery during elections, falls under MACC’s purview,” he said.

TI-M yesterday savaged the EC for failing to ensure free and fair elections in the country despite the autonomy granted to the latter under the Federal Constitution.

“We cannot rely completely on the EC to enforce these rules... they don’t seem to be independent in practice,” he had told reporters.

Low said that there has been no proper enforcement of existing election laws, and suggested that this was the reason many election offences went unpunished.

“The EC today is just managing the elections process, not enforcing it,” he said. “There are not too many do’s and don’ts... things are just not clear, borderline on corruption.”

Low’s stinging rebuke against the EC comes as Sarawak, the country’s largest state, prepares to hold state elections next month.

Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers have repeatedly accused the EC of failing to be neutral during by-elections, resulting in numerous complaints to the commission.

The EC, however, has maintained that it is impartial and independent, denying opposition allegations that it favours Barisan Nasional (BN).

Wan Ahmad stressed today that the EC worked closely with the MACC to monitor election bribery which, he said, was a serious offence in any form.

“It’s true that the Election Offences Act 1954 contains sections about bribery but for any act of bribery or complaints about it, the EC will ask for MACC’s help or hand over responsibility to it,” he said.

“Likewise, all criminal acts and security matters during elections are under the police’s scope of duty.”

According to the Federal Constitution and other laws, the EC is responsible for the management and execution of elections.

Malaysia’s corruption index score dropped to its lowest level ever last year, going from 4.5 to 4.4 out of 10, with 10 being the least corrupt.

The country’s 2010 ranking remained unchanged from the year before at 56 out of 178 countries, putting it on par with Namibia and Turkey.

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MACC’s role not to interpret law, says chief
By Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani

KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 – MACC chief Datuk Seri Abu Kassim Mohamed said today that the role of the anti-graft body was only to investigate corruption cases and not interpret the law.

Abu Kassim refused to entertain a recent statement by Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) and stressed that he can only comment on facts.

The anti-graft watchdog said yesterday that any type of election handouts to voters is a form of corruption.

TI-M also criticised the Election Commission (EC) for failing to ensure free and fair elections in the country.

“We only investigate corruption case. Whoever thinks that there is corruption then they can just refer to us and we will investigate. I do not interpret the law.

“I don’t want to go to the polemic, I go on the facts. For me, I am just an investigator who just investigates any corruption complaints,” he told reporters during a press conference.

Nazri yesterday refuted TI-M’s views on election handouts, citing a legal case to back up his arguments.

The minister had pointed out that a 1981 court case had ruled that it was not an offence but in line with the responsibility of the government to ensure development and allocate funds regardless of whether there was an election.

Nazri was referring to the legal precedent established in the case involving the Pengkalan Kota by-election between Teoh Teik Huat and Lim Kean Siew.

The case revolved around a statement by then-finance minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, who had said he would personally give more money for the improvement of Pengkalan Kota if Barisan Nasional (BN) won.

The minister in the Prime Minister’s Department had also told Parliament that handouts and goodies in the form of financial assistance to voters during elections was not a form of corruption because it was the federal government’s way of “fulfilling its promises” and manifestos.

Nazri also expressed surprise over TI-M’s allegation the Election Commission (EC) had failed to show that they were “independent” in carrying out its duties even though they were guaranteed autonomy under the Federal Constitution.

======================================================

It looks like EC is passing the buck to MACC, and MACC is passing the buck to, err, the AGC?

In the first place, EC is untrusted to carry out elections according with the law. Where there are breaches of law, EC has to lodge a police report, if it does not by itself have enforcement power. Therefore, EC is not as spineless as the EC Chairman makes EC out to be.

The civil society and opposition political parties are complaining not because they want EC to suggest new laws. They are complaining that EC is blind to what practices out there are in conflict with what's in the election statutes, such as electoral bribery.

If the law is not clear, then isn't it in EC's interest to ensure that it is made clear? I would think that EC's raison d'etre is to carry out a free and fair election.

If it finds that a candidate makes promises that only the candidate can make by virtue of incumbency of his party at the state or federal level, which is an unfair practice vis-a-vis another candidate, doesn't the EC see this as being UNFAIR?

What do you do when you see something as being not of level playing field? You come up with guidelines to make it clear. EC is a commission. Certainly it is enpowered to come up with electoral guidelines. Even if it is not enpowered to turn it into regulation or law, it should make suggestions. Instead, EC keeps mum, thereby allowing the unfairness to perpetuate. How could EC then say that it is not an accomplice to the ruling coalition?

I'd extend the same ire against the MACC. You say you are not interpreters of law, yet you are interpreting the law each time a new situation comes up and you have to decide whether you can arrest someone, detain him/her, confiscate his/her items or assets etc.. Why do you think the Selangor MACC ignored a guideline when they dealt with Teoh? In the end, it boils down to interpretation, big or small.

In any event, and this is what irks me enormously - MACC has to seriously ask itself what is its reason for being. If the reason is to prevent, disrupt or counter corruption and the culture of corruption, certainly all its interpretations of law have to be geared towards achieving this end.

Therefore, if the question comes up as to whether an election promise is bribery, and MACC cannot answer that (because it does not interpret law), then is that the end of the story? Certainly not! MACC has all the resources including support from the AGC to interpret the law. Why don't MACC ask for a legal opinion from the AGC? Or if MACC is entitled to obtain legal opinion from other sources, why don't MACC ask for second opinions from the Bar Council (which by the way is a statutory body)?

If everyone says it is not bribery, then at least MACC would have tried to go as far as possible to define the scope of electoral offence, and no one would blame them for turning up less. The public will train their guns on someone else accountable, perhaps the AGC. But if MACC is merely playing silent, isn't that condoning unfair electoral practices, which favours the ruling coalition? MACC should not then complain about public perception that MACC is just another political instrument of BN.

I dare say that thinking Malaysians are sick of (1) fearful (to step of toes) or otherwise lazy attitude of both our EC and MACC when it comes to politically sensitive matter such as electoral bribery (2) tai-chiing from one body to another thinking we are all stupid people, with short memory, and will soon forget the whole "intellectual" exercise.

Malaysians are growing more literate, and this will not soon be forgotten, and we will cast our votes where our conscience is come the next state or general election. If BN loses, part of the blame falls on both EC and MACC's inability to inspire public confidence that they are doing their jobs with proactivity and impartiality.

Middle east philosophy has moved forward, will Malaysia?

2011-03-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

This was in AFP:

AMMAN, Jordan – The cry first rang out from the fed-up people of Lisbon and Madrid: "Basta!"

It echoed across South America, to the banging of pots and pans. It resounded in the old capitals of a new Asia, was taken up in a Polish shipyard, awakened a slumbering Africa. And now, a generation later, it's heard in the city squares of the Arab world: "Kifaya!"

Enough.

From Morocco in the west to Yemen in the east, the sudden rising up of ordinary Arabs against their autocratic rulers looks like a belated postscript to the changes that swept the globe in the final decades of the last century — a period scholars dubbed the "third wave of democracy."

"Now we're witnessing the fourth wave of democracy," a smiling Oraib al-Rantawi, Jordanian political activist, assured a visitor to Amman. "We're lucky to live to see it."

You could see it one brilliant afternoon on Talal Street in this cream-colored city of minarets and hills, where more than 2,000 Jordanians marched along in a river of flags and protest signs, adding their voices to those in almost a dozen other Arab lands demanding greater freedoms, a bigger say in running their societies.

"The people across the region have risen and our leaders are still asleep," protest leader Sufian Tal told these unhappy subjects of Jordan's King Abdullah II.

"Enough is enough!"

In Amman and Cairo, in Sanaa and Benghazi, it's clear: They've had enough. But is the Arab world truly on the threshold of democracy? Why did it take so long? And why in our lifetimes did this idea of "one person, one vote" spread so swiftly over the globe?

___

Twenty-six floors up in a Wall Street office tower, near the spot where George Washington took the oath to lead a newborn American democracy, Arch Puddington and his Freedom House staff meticulously track the idea's planetary progress.

For almost 40 years, this think tank's New York researchers have annually assessed the state of democracy and associated freedoms, classifying nations in three categories — free, partly free or not free. The numbers tell a striking story: Almost half the world's nations were rated not free in 1972, but by last year that proportion had dropped below one-quarter.

"What impresses me is how it's exploded when you had centuries when democracies didn't exist at all, and for quite a few years were restricted to a few places," Puddington said.

Political scientists identify democracy's "first wave" as the revolutionary period of the 18th and 19th centuries, and the second as the post-World War II restoration of traditional democracies.

The third wave, they now see, began in the mid-1970s, when people in Portugal and Spain threw off decades of military dictatorship. That upheaval helped inspire their former Latin American colonies to topple their own authoritarians-in-uniform in the 1980s, when the rhythmic banging of cookware in the Santiago night signaled that Chileans, for one, were fed up.

The wave rolled on to east Asia, to the Philippines' "People Power" revolution, South Korea's embrace of civilian democracy, Taiwan's ending of one-party rule. Then, in 1989, the Berlin Wall came down.

Eastern Europe's post-Communist transition, foreshadowed by Solidarity's rise in a Gdansk shipyard, delivered a dozen nations to Puddington's democratic column. The wave then reached sub-Saharan Africa, where the number of countries with multiparty electoral systems soared from a mere three in 1989 to 18 by 1995.

From about 40 democracies worldwide late in Spain's Franco dictatorship, the number stood at 123 by 2005. Despots by the dozen — the Duvaliers and Marcoses, Stroessners and Ceausescus — were abruptly consigned to a grim past.

Elections in some transformed states proved not always free and fair. Some failed to protect minorities against the "tyranny of the majority," the bane of mass rule. Some did little to better their impoverished people's everyday lives.

But, seemingly overnight, the world's political landscape had unmistakably shifted, to power for the people. What had happened?

A complex of factors is usually cited: the failed economic policies and military misadventures of the generals and strongmen; rising education, expanding middle classes, improved communications widening people's horizons; a liberalizing Catholic Church in Latin America; a well-financed push by the U.S. and the European Union to nurture more democracies through aid and political training programs.

Puddington sees another big driver: the fading of what many once viewed as a non-democratic alternative, the communist promise of economic development with social equality in a one-party state.

"In the `70s, looking back, the communist idea had exhausted itself as an economic force," he said.

When the third wave finally ebbed a decade ago, only Arab societies were left untouched, noted al-Rantawi, director of Amman's Al Quds Center for Political Studies.

"Sometimes we believed we were another kind of human," he said with a laugh. "Practically all the world had become democratic, except us."

Why? Again, a list of reasons is cited: poverty and illiteracy; a postcolonial period, including wars with Israel, that empowered local militaries; oil wealth enriching traditional sheiks and other authoritarians; the U.S. and other oil-importing powers favoring the predictability of friendly autocrats.

Now the shock of Tunis and Cairo, the removal of two seemingly immovable presidents, accompanied by explosions of protest elsewhere, seems to be leapfrogging those obstacles, propelled by the Internet and instant communication.

But where the fed-up Arab millions are headed in Egypt and Tunisia, and possibly soon in other lands, is the unanswered question of the moment.

"Democracy is not the certain outcome," said Vidar Helgesen, head of the Sweden-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, a 27-nation consortium that aids political transitions.

"Mass protests can overthrow a dictatorship but cannot build democracy," Helgesen said. That requires overhauling constitutions, establishing free, fair elections, adopting laws guaranteeing political rights, freedom of expression, independent judiciaries.

The biggest uncertainties hang over the biggest Arab nation, the 80 million people of Egypt.

Will its military commanders, "interim" leaders now that President Hosni Mubarak is gone, fully surrender the control they have exercised directly or indirectly for almost 60 years? Can strong political parties emerge soon enough? Will the well-organized Islamists of the Muslim Brotherhood dominate a new Egypt?

This prospect of Islamist ascendancy has long been another obstacle to Arab democracy.

Arab leaders, U.S. politicians, Israeli voices spoke nervously of "one man, one vote, one time" — imposition of undemocratic, puritanical Quranic rule if open elections put religious parties in power. It's a fear that led Algeria's military to suppress an incipient democracy there as Islamists neared election victory in 1992.

But other voices today insist political Islam doesn't endanger democracy. They point to the "Turkish model," where an elected Islamist party governs without remaking the secular, multiparty state.

"The majority of Muslims in the Middle East today believe there is no incompatibility between Islam and democracy," said Radwan Masmoudi, founder of the U.S.-based Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy.

Mideast scholar Lisa Anderson agrees.

"There have been Christian Democrats and Christian Socialists in Europe for 100 years, and nobody thought that was going to capsize democracy," said Anderson, president of the American University in Cairo.

Elsewhere in Cairo, after group prayers in the Muslim Brotherhood's cramped offices beside the Nile, leading spokesman Mohammed Saad el-Katatney outlined plans for a new Freedom and Justice Party to contest elections expected as early as June. He clearly wanted to allay concerns about a takeover.

"We think it would be unsuitable to be opportunistic and seek a majority in Parliament," he told The Associated Press, saying his party instead intends to vie for only a limited number of parliamentary seats.

Ultimately, said this 58-year-old microbiologist, "our goal is to establish a civil state, not a religious state." But it would be a civil state "in reference to the principles of the laws of Islamic sharia" — something, he noted, already enshrined in Egypt's constitution.

In Cairo's central Tahrir Square, on the edge of a roaring throng of tens of thousands gathered for another Friday demonstration, two very different young women sounded unpersuaded by Brotherhood reassurances.

"Young people, a mixture of people, will dominate the democracy, not Islam," said jeans-clad teenager Amira Esam Shwihi. "We want to separate religion and politics."

Nearby, Samah Amer, 25, black Islamic garb covering all but her eyes, said the Muslim Brotherhood "doesn't represent all of Egypt. I want a changed political system, not turn it into an Islamic system."

Some say the change may occur in the Brotherhood itself.

Tariq Ramadan, grandson of the founder of the Muslim Brothers, sees a "generation gap, generational tension" in which younger members are pressing for acceptance of a Turkish model within the organization.

"Islamism is not a static ideology. People are moving forward," said Ramadan, an Islamic studies professor at Oxford University.

That's what liberal activist Abdallah Helmy said he found in the tumult of Egypt's winter revolution.

"In two weeks of camping in Tahrir Square, we exchanged ideas with young Muslim Brothers," said Helmy, 34. "And we found exactly the same point of view. They would accept having a Christian president, for example. They would accept men and women meeting together."

Ramadan cautioned Islamists and secularists alike, however, against expecting too much too soon. With the army's heavy hand on Egypt's transition, "I think it's going to be very difficult to have an achieved, complete democracy," he said.

It has seldom been easy. It took a civil war and more for Washington's America to evolve into today's democracy. And in just one example from Puddington's latest report, Freedom House downgrades Ukraine's democracy, once viewed as a post-Communist model, to "partly free" because of new authoritarian tendencies.

Stable democracies "will take a very long time in the Middle East," said Carl Gershman, head since 1984 of the non-governmental U.S. National Endowment for Democracy, whose $100 million in annual congressional appropriations help promote democracy worldwide.

"But now it's clear we're entering a new period for democracy," he said. "There's really no large competing idea."

And what of the biggest democracy vacuum of all, the one-party state of China, where a democracy movement was crushed, with hundreds killed, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989?

"I don't think China will be able to avoid this trend," Gershman said. "It all amounts to a question of human dignity. And that's universal."

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I'd like to make two observations here with regards to Malaysia.

First, we are mostly not a democracy. That means we have what looks like a democracy, but it is not. The press is muffled. The election commission is a stooge of the ruling coalition. So is the Attorney General's chambers, and to some extent the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (an impartial influential committee member has asked Malaysians to trust the current chief, saying his hands are tied because he does not have prosecutorial powers - but we shall see). The Parliament is a rubber stamp, with rules meant to stifle meaningful debate, and an absolutely partial Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Institutions have been corrupted, mostly run by people who are incompetent or not visionary. The Cabinet is filled with political appointees with no great forward moving ideas of their own, trapped by racial and religious fault lines of their own convenience and lack of imagination. The police have abused their power. We are in a state of 4 emergencies even when communist threat has ended. We detain and jail people without recourse to a judge. We lose talents to overseas because we don't appreciate meritocracy. The largest race implemented an economic quota system that will never ever be met because of changing goal post. Racial supremacy rears its ugly head all the time - people think they are entitled and don't have to work to earn anything. Religious bigotry, taken in form and substance from the middle east during the 90s, which are outdated in light of the aforesaid article, is practised as if cast in stone. The list goes on. And is nauseating to say the least.

Second - the middle east have moved forward. Islamic understanding and application to the modern society has evolved. Except in Malaysia. A government who does not appreciate this do not deserve to be in power because they live in the past while the rest of us needs to forge ahead for the future. We are still stuck in the quagmire of conversion cases. It's very easy. The child's religion should not ever be decided by a single parent because it's subject to abuse. Conversion paperwork should require the same stringency as a will, because of repercussions in terms of asset distribution. Religious debates should be permitted as long as there is no incitement of violence. Is that so very hard to do? I don't think so. It's all a politics of divide and conquer, politics of fear over enlightenment. What Malaysia needs is a philosophical shift to unshackle us from the dry and dead governance philosophy of yesteryears and to embrace the new century and decade. Between BN and Pakatan, the latter is more pliable to embrace, and effect such change. In the long term, I'd put my money on them.

Japan tragedy reshapes governing philosophy?

2011-03-19T19:19:00.000-07:00

This came out in AFP:

TOKYO – There are events in history that sear themselves into the world's collective imagination, and enter the realm where myth meets heartbreaking reality.

Japan's tragedy is one of those events. Already, it seems reasonable to surmise it could prove one of the most significant calamities of our time — one that shapes policies, economies, even philosophies for decades to come in an increasingly interconnected world.

There is the sheer, surreal force of the images emerging from afflicted zones: cars perched on rooftops, ships sitting in rice paddies, helicopters in a David-and-Goliath battle against radiation-spewing nuclear reactors.

And the way it haunts us with some of our most basic fears: Death by water. Or rubble. Or nuclear fallout.

Add to that, it's a crisis with an impact that will be felt around the planet: Japan is one of the most advanced countries in the world, its third-largest economy, its most successful car-seller and its second-most generous giver of foreign aid.

"This event has the potential to be the most globally disruptive natural hazard in modern times," said Rob Verchick, a disaster expert at Loyola University in New Orleans. "And it may just be, in the context of globalization, of all time."

The Asian tsunami of 2004 killed more people. The fall of the Twin Towers launched two wars. The collapse of the Berlin Wall spelled the end of an empire.

But in this event, psychological, even philosophical, shock over the confluence of human tragedy and nuclear catastrophe yields some fundamental questions. If a technological power like Japan can be so vulnerable, who's safe? Is even minimal risk, as with nuclear power, too much risk? Do we need to rethink the role of government in protecting the public?

Shaking us from modern-day hubris, we're forced to think about whether even the most advanced societies, with almost obsessively meticulous safety backstops, are still pitifully at the mercy of the elements.

But amid tragedy, Francis Fukuyama, the eminent Stanford philosopher and author of "The End of History and the Last Man," sees the possibility for the crisis to become a galvanizing force for political change in the world.

"It does seem to me a natural disaster like this, because it reminds everybody of how commonly vulnerable they are, could be used as an opportunity to reshape the whole tone and character of politics," Fukuyama told The Associated Press.

The unbelievable sight of rich Japan — famous for trains running like clockwork, state-of-the-art gadgets, concern for safety and order — laid low by a freak force of nature beyond human control has been a terrifying wake-up call. On Friday, Japan's government acknowledged that the triple blow of quake, tsunami and nuclear disaster completely overwhelmed even its elaborately laid out, and fastidiously practiced, emergency response systems.

"The unprecedented scale of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, frankly speaking, were among many things that happened that had not been anticipated under our disaster management contingency plans," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano.

There's another great earthquake that changed the world: Lisbon, 1755. The tsunami-churning temblor flattened the Portuguese city, killed tens of thousands of people, and caused Enlightenment thinkers to re-imagine the role of government and community.

Experts say this crisis could become another historical turning point that may alter mankind's perception of its relationship to the world, and societies' relationship with one another in an age of globalization.

"What the Lisbon earthquake experience contributed to Western history (was) this move of government being responsible to its people and protecting them in a community-driven way," said Verchick. "Is there anything like that that might happen as a result of the Japan tsunami and earthquake and nuclear disaster? I think that the answer is yes. It's related to the idea of global community."

Already the crisis is triggering an urgent rethink of nuclear power around the world, from China to Germany, where pressure is building to sharply accelerate a plan to phase out nuclear energy.

"Fukushima, March 12: 15:36: The End of the Nuclear Age," read the cover of the Germany's prestigious Der Spiegel magazine — referring to the exact time an explosion rocked the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant where workers are racing to prevent a meltdown.

While the Asian tsunami and last year's earthquake in Haiti triggered an enormous outpouring of worldwide sympathy and aid, the Japan catastrophe is one where people in industrialized countries can more easily see themselves in the victims' shoes.

"One of the things that make this a unique situation is that it is a catastrophic event with incredible terrifying loss that's occurring in a country that is also wealthy," said Verchick, author of the book Facing Catastrophe: Environmental Action for a Post-Katrina World.

Verchick said that in New Orleans, many people who lived through Hurricane Katrina are watching the scenes in Japan with a sense of gut-wrenching familiarity, with some even experiencing symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Japan tsunami will go down in history as the more significant disaster, according to James Orr, professor of East Asian studies at Bucknell University. Not because of any difference in suffering, but because its effects will be felt around the planet in a more direct way. "Katrina was very much a regional disaster," he said.

And that global punch is given more force from the historic speed with which the images of devastation reached every corner of the planet.

"People all over the world have the ability to almost immediately see the disaster on the ground," said Verchick. "And that actually produces psychological and social changes in people and communities all over the world."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It appears that the Malaysian government has yet to "get it" that the littlest of risk from a radiation fall out is not acceptable anymore. With the tender for assessing feasibility of nuclear power option being as opaque as at the start of the Fukushima crisis, Malaysians are left to wonder whether this government under BN has really what it takes to manage a proper debate about having a nuclear power plant, or whether it is an exercise to benefit some cronies at the expense of long term health of Malaysians.

Secondly, yes - governments after the Lisbon quake moved towards protecting the people. I do not wish for Malaysia to suffer a natural calamity of unimagined proportions. But many a times I feel that we actually need one such event to draw the people together. Instead of constantly snipping over racial superiority, religious supremacy, or economic quota, we would actually do something together for the greater good, for the larger purpose than the sum of all Malaysians.

Malaysia with its splendour of natural resources, incredibly comfortable climate, and hidden from the Pacific ring of fire, should have been the beacon of the world. But so much has been wasted on self serving accumulation of personal wealth of the powers that be that instead of being in the top of many surveys, our name in recent times have come up all for the wrong reasons. Ill conceived infrastructure projects, white elephants, collapsing/leaking buildings, failed education system, providing free human resource for our neighbouring Singapore and elsewhere instead of keeping such gems, brutalisation of peaceful protestors, sham prosecutions, death in custody, selective investigations, partial institutions of governance... the list goes on and on until most Malaysians have grown numb.

Sarawak elections is the single most powerful democratic event post Japan disaster that can critically shape the future of Malaysia in the next 5 years. It is a critical time for Malaysia as we are left behind - out-invested, out-competed, out-exported, out-recognised, and out-democratised by even what was once our less affluent neighbours. This opportunity will not come again for a very long time.

I would suggest the opposition parties to really get their acts together and mount the strongest possible challenge against Sarawak BN. Turn coats and trojan horses should just be recognised as such and no compromise should be reached with them. Throw in everything you've got. Mobilise the tens of thousands of supporters to spread your message. Embrace the change that is about to sweep the planet, as the article above suggested. If you embrace this, and you stimulate the imagination of the Malaysian public, then you are indeed the visionary leaders that Malaysians need, and you can easily leave BN behind to bite dust, as they continue to be intoxicated and eventually drowned by their self serving morality.

It is time to be afraid...

2011-03-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

What has the world come to, when the most powerful economic houses are drowning in deficits. And it becomes apparent that when there are such enormous deficits, that the nations are ill equip to take any other shocks or contingencies in their systems. Japan is now a prime example. Potentially digging into international reserves for rebuilding effort, selling bonds thereby destabilising the US market, slow down in production that may disrupt that little growth it has, inability to adjust interest rates because it is already so very low... with all the brainpower in technology and economics, we are witnessing top economies straight-jacketed about what they can do, their options dwindling. What if another major disaster strikes? What if the middle east flares up in political conflagaration?

Bringing the focus back home to Malaysia, we too have a very significant deficit, but the government keeps spending. Isn't it time Malaysians rise in anger like the tea party in the US? We can't afford indiscriminate spending, made worse not just by bad judgment, but by endemic corruption. It is amazing that majority Malaysians haven't woken up yet to the massive damage that BN is causing to our system - politically, institutionally, economically, education, social..our very future. BN is malignant leukemia in our system. It is a force of malevolence that feeds and grows strong on the complacency of Malaysians.

What's the opposition doing?

You are still making measured criticisms.

We're past measured criticisms. It's about time you get angry. It's about time you paint a real, graphic picture not only for the next few months, but the next decade of the cesspool that Malaysia is sinking into so that the message - the right message - and the correct message - gets through the numbskull of whole generations of unthinking, uncritical Malaysians - no doubt a product of our ineffective education system.

If efficient Japan can sink into the despair of today (but without doubt they will rebuild because they are resilient peoples), think of what a laid back Malaysia with no real innovation can do when a major challenge comes our way. We won't have anymore cash to relieve suffering, much less rebuild.

Isn't that reason enough to PANIC, NOW?

Utusan, Perkasa and Pornography

2011-02-16T04:46:00.000-08:00

Let's be honest. People do get horny, and they watch porn from time to time if they could get their hands on porn. When people see porn, they get sexually high, obviously. I can't help think that Utusan and Perkasa is like porn. Utusan sells racially and religiously charged news to a segment of the society so that that segment will get their daily high. Perkasa's Ibrahim Ali gets high turning racial polarisation into reality, and Perkasa's members get high tuning in his diatribes day after orgasmic day.

Now, a little bit of porn is obviously good. Too much, and it's bad. Right now, Malaysia is having too much Utusan, and Perkasa. Too much racial and religious bigotry is like an erection that just won't die. It becomes a sickness.

It's up to all of us voters to be the doctors that we are meant to be, and to cure Malaysia of this unhealthy addiction.

If Pakatan does not win the next GE, it's both its fault as well as the people's fault

2011-02-16T04:40:00.000-08:00

There are hard-core Pakatan fans. They believe that Pakatan can do no evil. The fact that Pakatan parties are strange bed-fellows don't concern them because ultimately, Pakatan must form the federal government for the good of Malaysians. Politics is the art of possibilities and compromise. Anything is better than what we have now: a federal government that is corrupt, abuses its powers, and tolerates racial and religious polarisation as long as it is perpetrated by UMNO, Perkasa and Biro Tata Negara.

Then there are those smart "independent" voters who voted for Pakatan because things were rapidly deteriorating under Tun Abdullah. They are more cautious in their support for any particular parties. Recent defections in PKR, the occasional show of insensitivity and incompetence by state-level Pakatan officials, influence their view that Pakatan is not going to do any better than BN. That PAS is in the same bed with DAP is disturbing, because PAS never retracted its party goal of turning Malaysia into an Islamic State. And who is to say that once they come into power, they would not be tempted to keep the ISA, Printing Presses and Publications Act etc. just so that they can exact revenge on BN for the years of abuse and then to make some money of their own?

The hard-core fans will continue to support Pakatan. The independent block poses a significant challenge to Pakatan's ability to retain their seats, nevermind winning more.

Independent voters' block comprising many Malays and Indians have swung back to BN in recent times. Why?

The politics of a nascent two-party system is a messy business. Consider the following:

1) Are this block of independent voters easily influenced by mainstream media? Would their views change if they know that the mainstream media is controlled by BN component parties and therefore liable to be biased? The mainstream media, in particular Utusan, has been going on creative opposition bashing since March 2008 watershed in Malaysian politics. They have left no seeds of racial and religious hatred go unplanted whenever the opportunity arises, and blaming it on Pakatan State government every ounce of chance they get. Add oil to fire is Perkasa, champions of a RACE, regardless whether they are championing the same failed policies and (non) solutions - harping on purportedly failed policies of the Pakatan state governments. Would this block of independent voters think any differently if they realise that the Pakatan states may have many solutions and made improvements, but it's gone unheard of? Can they be personally sure that for each diatribe thrown at Pakatan officials for alleged misdeeds which they read or hear from the news, they have given Pakatan a chance to tell their side of the story?

My concern is not so much of Pakatan losing this block of voters. My concern is what if this block of voters are lost because of:
a) Pakatan being up against a cynical use of state media to influence their minds,
b) Pakatan itself not having the right strategy and channel to deliver its message and platform.

I have heard of independent voters who tell me that right up until today, Pakatan does not have a common platform. I was quite aghast to hear that. It could be a case of this message planted by BN media, lack of initiative on the part of that independent voter to find out more, as well as Pakatan's failure to pass on the message.

2) Are the independent voters being fair to Pakatan, wanting solutions that were never forthcoming in 50 odd years of BN rule, yet expecting solutions in just 3 years? Are the independent voters being fair to expect Pakatan states to provide all solutions to their woes, when taxpayers still pay money to federal government and it is the federal government that determines how those monies are used (and invariably they are used less for opposition held states, for obvious reasons)?

Again, we come back to the question of influence of mainstream media in daily bashing of Pakatan Rakyat, to the attention an independent voter spend on good news from Pakatan, to failure of Pakatan to circumvent the media restriction and reach out to this block of important electorate.

3) Have a little bit of success gotten into the heads of Pakatan parties, their leaders and members alike? I have a friend who told me he went to a DAP couple's open house and left with a distinct impression that if he didn't agree with their views, then he is WRONG. Bravo. That was a great way to win over voters - with arrogance, instead of patient understanding and persuasion. I'm not a supporter of any party - but clearly my view is one that WE MUST CHANGE SO THAT WE HAVE A CHANCE. And I am probably guilty of "arrogance" once in a while, perhaps borne out of the sense of frustration that many people still think it is a juggling act to see which are the lesser of two evils, while for me it is clear that I'd rather subject myself to the deep blue sea than vote for the devil. But clearly, if Pakatan is to win, it must win over the hearts and minds of the people, with gentler, not harsher politics. It must start at the grassroots level - instead of imposing, try a little bit of gentle persuasion. And if people still don't agree with you, move on. Politics is like sales, it's not supposed to be coercive. If Pakatan supporters behave coercively, then they are no different than BN imposing their views by imprisoning people under ISA.

In summary, whether Pakatan wins the next GE has very much to do with cleaning its house up in more than one way. It also has to do with new paradigms as to how to reach the voters and their imagination.

In all fairness, I think independent voters should also try to get the full picture by reading both mainstream and alternate media. Political awareness is far more important today even compared with 2008. Consider the following:

1) If Pakatan is beaten, there won't be another chance because BN will have the mandate to ride roughshod over media controls including on the internet - and the only source of independent, objective views will be gone together with it.

2) If BN wins, our resources are not plucked from thin air, and are limited in supply. By the following GE, BN's cronies would have sucked Malaysia dry and we would have already turned into a Pariah state. It is not a question of if, but when.

3) Given this dire background, the question that independent voters must ultimately decide is this: do we want to give a disparate opposition (with all their glaring weaknesses) a chance to reform the country and arrest the slide in every sense of the word be it our education system, our economy, our system of governance, and our overall competitiveness? I suppose I am a hopeless optimist. I say give them a chance. They can't really screw up much further an already screwed up country. For me, only good things can come out of this. At the very least, even if Pakatan leaders become corrupt, at least we are not feeding the same corrupt regime MORE MONEY, we are willing to share it with Pakatan leaders. Most importantly, if Pakatan is corrupt, it will still take time for us to see through that veil. In the meantime, BN in opposition will be forced to clean itself up - and provide real policy competition with Pakatan in power. In any event, just to address the Islamic State issue - as if the conversion cases, recent tirade on Valentine's Day, and especially Dr M's declaration is not enough - we are already sliding into an Islamic State under UMNO. PAS by itself won't be able to do any further damage even if it wanted to - and I do believe that DAP and PKR will be there to keep it in check.

Inspired by Egypt? Don't be..

2011-02-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

Pakatan Rakyat may be inspired by the events of Egypt, where 19 days of peaceful demonstration finally brought down, politically, the alleged richest man of the world, Hosni Mubarak.

Trouble is, it won't happen in Malaysia within this or the next few years. People here are not hungry enough, and are not unemployed enough, yet. If Perkasa wins, and NEM in spirit is flogged dead even before it is formally accepted by the Parliament, we will go down the path of worsening corruption, judicial and police partisanship, abuse of power, cronyism and nepotism. Then one day, perhaps a decade from now, racial issues will no longer divide Malaysians who finally come to their senses that all along, corruption and incompetence is THE PROBLEM. And then people will rise and boot out BN.

That is of course, the worse possible assumption - but it is a sound assumption because Pakatan message is not getting through to the minds that matter. Rural folks. BN with its not so subtle control of the media (but subtle enough for simple minded folks) have managed to divide and conquer.

Pakatan is nascent in this power play - being attacked like never before - because they are as close to Putrajaya as they have ever been. Out-experienced, outgunned perhaps, but I'd rather have amateurs with genuine desire to uplift all Malaysians, than an oligarch of bankrupted ideas who say one thing and do something else (and which is usually something greedy, polarising AND stupid).

I hope this final wall of non-parity of media access can be broken through by Pakatan. For the sake of all Malaysians.

Pakatan's time to retool..

2011-02-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

It may be Chinese New Year celebration today, but a call to action waits for no particular time.

What came out of Tenang was majority Malays stayed with UMNO, and Chinese stayed with Pakatan. Why wasn't PAS/PKR message effective, nevermind the flooding (or how there's uneven military assistance to ferry voters to polling stations)? Do we just accept that rural electorates are ignorant? Perhaps we should just accept that they are ignorant and try to win them over from their stupidity instead of thinking that they are potentially smart.

What will you say to an ignorant electorate? I think if you think along those lines, you'd stop harping on topics that are conceptual, high level, policy oriented, or otherwise ephemereal (such as after life rewards); and you start concentrating on basic needs such as food, shelter and love.

Did PAS talk enough about how looking into the future, UMNO is not feeding them enough because of inflation and removal of subsidy from those in need?

Did PAS talk enough about how UMNO loves the people by raising Ron97 10 sens right after Tenang win? Or how it loves Perakians by usurping elected assembly and state councillors by dubious means?

Did PAS talk about how embezzlement, corruption and cronyism continues to take away precious public funds that could provide more affordable homes?

More importantly, did PAS have a positive message for change, the change that inspires Malaysians of Tenang? What was PAS offering? Moral righteousness? What about the future of economic development, the ability to ensure that the next generation gets better education, and competitive knowledge and skills? Was PAS out of tune with the aspirations of most Malaysians who do not wear their religion on their sleeves, yet remain pious to their God?

What PAS and by extension Pakatan is suffering is failure of effective message. There are so many things that it could say, that could nail UMNO down as a corrupt, unloving, uncaring party of the people.

What has happened? Was it because Zaid left and the common policy platform is unravelling?

Or worse, is it failure of leadership on Anwar's part?

Every bad thing that UMNO has ever done seem to be swept under the carpet, allowing UMNO to retool and rearm. The issues are clearly still out there, but Pakatan has failed to fully harness the same.

All I see in the news is a disparity of criticism that does not link back to a common theme.

Perhaps it's time for Pakatan to give an acronym to the disease that is BN, just like how DAP has retooled an effective message of governance through its CAT principles.

Otherwise, Pakatan will continue to slip.

And I worry, because ineffective message does not only result in rural electorates swinging back to BN, but it also afflicts the white collars. I know of one professional who thinks that the opposition is putting too much blame on the federal government for all the ills in the country.

I do not agree with him, but I can understand what an ordinary, peace loving Malaysian PREFERS to see. Such an individual, and perhaps many like him thinks in terms of solutions and not blame. In their mind, the society has as much to blame as the people in power to make things work.

I do not agree with him not because I think ONLY the federal government is responsible, but I disagree with him because I see the federal government as being extremely powerful and influential in Malaysia, and it can either do a lot of good, or a lot of damage. And that is why I believe that if there is blame, if one wants to find a cause to many of our socio-economic problems, the road always leads back the federal government of the day.

But it does not mean that the rest of Malaysians should just sit back and wait for that fateful day if some other coalition takes over the federal government. Malaysians should be mobilised. Pakatan should encourage Malaysians to mobilise. It should take all the good that the society can offer, to help it win the path to Putrajaya.

It's time not only for Pakatan to retool and rearm (in a completely non-violent sense), but also to reengage the civil society and reconsider some of its values and principles and be more inclusive. Otherwise, Putrajaya remains a distant pipe-dream.

I would only ask Malaysians of one thing. Yes, Sept 16 was a botched job on the part of Anwar. Justice loving Malaysians were euphoric after March 8. I can understand where he's coming from - why he tried to tap into the sentiment of that time. He could even be blamed for Perak takeover and eventually hopping of so many elected representatives. But we Malaysians are living in a nascent REAL democracy and it's all unprecedented, and a cauldron of experimentations. I say we forgive but not forget the lessons learnt, and stay focus on the big picture that is eradication of incompetence, corruption and lack of a common inspiring vision. Pakatan is not a perfect platform. But it is our only hope.

End of internet non-censorship, or worse..

2011-01-28T01:45:00.000-08:00

It appears that the Malaysian government is already looking at ways to extend press censorship to cyberspace. If not for the impending buy-election in Tenang, Johor, there is little doubt that such a move would have already taken place. Thankfully, the people at the ministry, like other imbeciles within the rank and file of the ruling coalition, is used to shooting from their mouths and so the move is leaked, and the uproar follows.

Egypt today apparently unplugged its internet from the rest of the world. Many in the internet industry are shocked that this could actually be done, when it'll actually just require following the authority's instruction and effecting low level programming command into the networking equipment.

The BN government is probably rubbing their hands in glee at the prospect of pulling the plug in times of so called state of emergency, which invariably means take-over of the central government by Pakatan Rakyat. It will be like carpet bombing, and the economy will tank, but who cares, as long as they stay in power.

Will BN leaders please stand up and categorically undertake that there will be no internet censorship, and they will not under any circumstances pull the plug on the internet? Not just the PM. I want the DPM and the rest of the cabinet members to swear on this too.

Remarkable

2010-12-14T05:04:00.000-08:00

As you may already be aware, the latest political buzz has to do with Wikileaks.

Now, my personal opinion of Wikileaks? It's great that they are the watchers. But who watches them? Who is to say Wikileaks are not unlike 2 year old kids who felt different parts of the elephant and think that the elephant could be a snake, a rope or a wall? And be bribed with candies and toys? Yeah. They are not a democratic institution, and they answer to no one. The fact that they attacked Visa for stopping donations to Wikileaks is a demonstration of anarchism. Enough said.

Now, it could only happen to Malaysia that:

1) the government takes Wikileaks words as cast in stone with respect to diplomatic communique between Australia and Singapore that Anwar Ibrahim knew it was a trap and walked into one (because he thought it was fun to be caught again?? duh..)

2) the government rejects the same Wikileaks disclosure of Spore leaders' opinion of Malaysian leaders as being opportunists and incompetent.. as being merely grapevine. Oh actually they haven't quite made up their minds because they've just summoned Spore envoy to Msia to the the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to do some explaining. Spore side will of course say - it's all grapevine, it's not the whole story, and Malaysian leaders will make up with their counterparts.

Yet, they won't think twice that Anwar piece may equally be grapevine, and represents an incomplete picture too.

I want to tie this into the state of journalistic failure in this country.

You'll be amazed at the quality of partisan or otherwise incompetent journalism being practised in Utusan and TV3. Parliamentary committee on privileges today proposed to suspend Anwar over his accusation that 1Malaysia is developed by the same guys who did 1Israel. They conveniently left out the fact that Anwar wasn't called to testify. And he said he had evidence of Apco reproducing that particular template.

Look, I'm not supporting Anwar in a cult-like manner. If it were Nik Aziz, or Lim Kit Siang, or even Azmi (or had Zaid won the DP race in PKR, even him), and they are treated unfairly, that's called failure of natural justice. It ought to be condemned. The mainstream media practising double standards, that too ought to be condemned.

How did the mainstream media become so unruly?

I suspect the government wants to keep the people stupid and that's why the quality of our education system is as such that we are producing more unmarketable individuals. The stupid people who, unfortunately, buy into all these crap journalism. Who does not exercise a faculty that's probably alien to them, called the critical mind.

Many Malaysians, sad to say, will therefore buy into the half truths perpetrated by Utusan and TV3. And that keeps them in circulation.

Malaysians will continue to be screwed unless BN is toppled in the next big E. Personally, I think the chances are slim. Though I take to heart that at the very least, if RPK's prediction bears out, we're headed to a hung parliament. That's good. Any amount of power taken away from BN is always a good thing.

Galas and Batu Sapi afterthought

2010-11-06T01:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't followed local politics for a while except knowing that in PKR elections, politics of division reared its ugly head in the party, BN continues its assault on the independence of governmental institutions, and competent and clean governance remains a pipe dream for Malaysians.

It appears some voters returned to BN fold. Yes there will be attributions to electoral bribes, unfair use of government assets to campaign etc.. But we have all been there before.

There is only one reality that the sooner Pakatan Rakyat leaders and supporters accept, the better it is for them, and it is this. The political battlefield was, and is not fair in Malaysia. To be victorious, the opposition need to work twice as hard. It isn't enough to secure 51% majority. To beat BN, you need those extra votes just to neutralise postal (fraud) votes, phantom voters and other kinds of electoral irregularities. While BN as a very large coalition can afford to splinter and fall from time to time, Pakatan as a much smaller coalition can afford nothing less than an absolutely polished, unified front in Parliament, State Assemblies, State Executives Councils and on campaign trails.

I suppose the only question is how does Pakatan Rakyat energise and inspire the entire rakyat to continue to support its agenda for change. I still believe in Pakatan being the much lesser of two evils even if their agenda remains fuzzy for now. Pakatan does not need original ideas, and they don't need to figure out everything right now. They only need to pick the brains of the best and brightest and bring it all together in a humane way of execution. There are plenty of good brains to pick in and out of the country as to what could turn a propeller driven Malaysia into a sub-orbital jetting Malaysia. What Pakatan needs now is to lead by example, show that they can do better, and to inspire Malaysians to see they have a better future under Pakatan. Penang comes to mind. Perhaps the rest of Pakatan leadership should just swallow the humble pie and learn from what works in Penang. And keep their promises - isn't it time we see a shadow cabinet committee in Parliament?

I still believe that to cleanse the government instutions, BN needs to be in opposition for some time at the federal level. I believe that if you can bring down Goliath who has hijacked the Malaysian Constitution for the past 5 decades, you can just as easily defeat David when they become unruly running the country from Putrajaya. I'm just not sure Pakatan as a whole have the determination and resources to be singularly focused on going all the way to Putrajaya. Pakatan ship seems to be adrift for the moment. May they continue to have the courage and conviction to respark the evolution that almost did BN in back in 2008.

Sibu results please!

2010-05-16T07:01:00.000-07:00

In a typical display of Election Commission incompetence (or is it something else?), the Election Commission predicted a voter turnout of 80% before the close of polling. And the end of it, they mentioned the turnout was around 59% ++. Now, it seems that DAP has clinched victory by a strand of hair, the turnout has suddenly increased in the region of 60% - one wonders if the change of mind have anything to do with some miraculous comeback for BN to win the by-election.

It's been an hour after the time Election Commission has said announcement of results would be made. Yet no news yet. It reinforces the suspicion that something fishy is going on.

Fingers crossed, hope for the best. If BN wins, we know it's not Sibuan's fault, but electoral fraud.

Update:
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Around 11.10pm, EC finally announces DAP won by 398 votes. What a relief!

It's been a while since PKR betrayals and Perkasa have been hogging the limelight for all the bad reasons. Eat this up, Jib! No more fixed deposit for East Malaysia. What are you going to argue now, that while Hulu Selangor affirms your policies, Sibu does not matter? Can't have the cake and eat it too, pal.

And to Wee Cho Keong.. if you have stayed with your Malaysian Democratic Party, no one would have voted you in 2008 General Elections. Nothing you argue about servicing people etc.. is going to change this fact. If you are a man, resign. Pakatan is now raring for another fight with BN, and we want someone trustworthy in Wangsa Maju to represent our interests. You probably also thought your resignation will take away some votes from DAP didn't you... naughty naughty.. well, it just goes to show how little influence you have outside Pakatan.

For the judges who are thinking about your tenure, think twice. The march to Putrajaya continues. Keep denying Anwar his evidence. We are watching you closely.

For the police chief who thinks that his security of tenure and that of his cronies are assured.. we are watching too.

Perkasa and Ibrahim Ali, you're a stunted slime and a pitiful excuse for human existence. Go back to your premordial soup and get a life. We're sick of you on the front pages almost daily reminding us why we don't feel proud being Malaysians because of pests like you. You're not a champion of your race. You insult them, demanding they hold on to their crutches long after they no longer need them.

Lessons from British Elections for Sibuans

2010-05-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

If Sibuans think with either their wallets or are so easily swayed by false sentiments that a vote for DAP is a vote for Islamic State, then I feel that Malaysians truly deserve the corrupt, inefficient, unprofessional, incompetent, abusive and patriachal government that they deserve.

Just take a look at the recently concluded British elections. This is one election we need to keep a close eye from because our democratic system is based on Westminster system. If you cross 50%, you take the seat. Through gerrymandering, the British system has also been skewed towards the parties that have been in power longest i.e. Conservatives or Labour. Meaning, no matter whether the seat has 20,000 voters or 40,000 voters, they get 1 MP each, who is entitled to only 1 vote in Parliament.

In Malaysia, with BN in power for the last 50 years, constituency borders have been rigged to such extent that BN can take 50% popular vote and 2/3 majority of the Parliamentary seats, thanks to gerrymandering.

You can gerrymander if you have 2/3 majority in Parliament.

The Brits are moving towards a referendum to have proportional representation in Parliament. That means nationally, if you win 20% of the votes, you should get 20% representation in Parliament.

In Malaysia, we are stuck with first past the post, and with increasingly disproportionate representation. It will get worse if BN retains power and crosses the 2/3 majority in the next General Election.

As it is, they are nudging close back to 2/3 majority so that they may affect constituency redelineation to increase their electoral chances in the next general election scheduled for 2012 or possibly earlier depending on the outcome of Sarawak State Elections due soon.

There are many commentaries out there which have opined on the conspiracy by BN to regain the 2/3 majority. Frogs, kangaroo courts, criminal investigation harrassment, all works towards reducing the number of federal opposition MPs.

Our Election Commission is not independent.

Consider the British elections. The Queen is above the fray. Leave it to the politicians to sort out the next coalition government. The election commission is beyond reproach. Apart from a minor by-election, it does not appear that the results will be challenged. No one is talking about vote rigging, vote fraud, or anything remotely touching on the credibility of the electoral process. The press was free to take sides.

Most importantly, as a very large economic power, once it was known that Labour was the ultimate loser, the party in power bows out peacefully, paving way for a peaceful transition. No court fights, no rattling swords, no declarations of mayhem or violence. As a result, the market reacts positively, and market stability is preserved.

It is doubtful if Malaysia can do this if there were ever a situation where there is no clear majority.

Now, on paper, we strive to be an advanced economy one day. We try to increase our level of income per capita. We try to make it look like we have a functioning democracy where people vote, there is a result, the result is gazetted, and the winner gets sworn into Parliament.

But it's all illusory. With shambolic prosecutions, compliant judiciary and election commission and mass media, we are nowhere near the Brits in claiming we have the kind of electoral system that commands the confidence of the electorate. If Pakatan were to win the next General Elections by a strand of hair, it will not be able to form the federal government because by bribe or violence, BN will try to take the reigns. We may even never get there no matter what the real vote count is, because of vote rigging.

Now, what does that have to do with you, Sibuans? A lot. If BN wins, they continue with their harrassment of the opposition party leaders. If BN wins, then it looks like the waning of influence of Pakatan, slowing of momentum, and end of appetite of reform in Malaysia. In a vicious cycle, it means rounding up more opposition lawmakers to try to convert them to BN side.

It means UMNO patronage system is intact. Corruption continues to be rife. Abuse of power unabated. Hardworking businessmen with no connection taking in only the crumps while the most successful people in Malaysia are those who dare to scream for violence and blood, or those who kiss up really nice to the powers that be.

We are a country long gone down the wrong side of progress. We Malaysians have a responsibility and duty to reclaim our honour and dignity as a member of this civilisation, by displaying that we can compete and win on a global stage without resorting to bribery and corruption. That we are competitive, innovative and we are hardworking. Hardwork is what gets us to places, not connection and largese.

BN is set in its old ways. It's a juggernaut too big to reform on the inside. It needs to stay out of power for a while to reorganise itself into something relevant for 21st century Malaysia.

Pakatan has through disorganisation failed in Hulu Selangor, and of course BN dirty tactics. Pakatan has another chance in Sibu. For the sake of all Malaysians, Sibuans need to do the right thing, send the right message and pick up the gauntlet to help push for desperately needed institutional reforms in Malaysia. Pakatan is not perfect. But they are clear blue skies compared with BN.

Do you want to be a developed economy like the Brits, with global market having confidence in our economy no matter which coalition takes the government? If so, this is that small window of opportunity that you must undertake the reform. Yes, BN promises largese for educationists in Sibu. Yes, probably many other good things will be pledged and promised. And at the same time DAP will be condemned, falsely. But you - if you look at the large picture and make the right decision, you too can tell the rest of Sarawak that there is first, something wrong with the present status quo, second - you have bucked the trend, and three - you can make the difference. And then hopefully the rest of Sarawak will follow your lead, and the nation will once have hope again.

You are in the driving seat. Please do not disappoint Malaysians.

Buffett lessons and Sibu by-election

2010-05-10T22:29:00.000-07:00

Warren Buffett's son preaches values as wealth
Reuters
By Christine Kearney Christine Kearney – Mon May 10, 8:36 am ET

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The son of billionaire investor Warren Buffett has an old-world spiritual message for today's money-rich parents: teach your children values and do not give them everything they want.

Musician and now author Peter Buffett preaches the message in his new book "Life is What You Make it: Finding Your Own Path to Fulfillment". Recently released in the United States, it describes how he wound up a "normal, happy" person instead of a spoiled child to one of the world's richest people.

Buffett, 52, teaches the rewards of self-respect and pursuing one's own passions and accomplishments rather than buying into society's concepts of material wealth.

"I am my own person and I know what I have accomplished in my life," he said. "This isn't about wealth or fame or money or any of that stuff, it is actually about values and what you enjoy and finding something you love doing."

People who are born with a silver spoon in their mouth can fall victim to what Buffett said his father has called a "silver dagger in your back," which leads to a sense of entitlement and a lack of personal achievement.

"Entitlement is the worst thing ever and I see entitlement coming in many guises," he said. "Anybody who acts like they deserve something 'just because,', is a disaster."

But Buffett wasn't always this wise. His own family gave him $90,000 in stock when he was 19, a small sum from such immense financial wealth. After studying at Stanford University, he moved to San Francisco and lived in a studio apartment with just enough room for his musical instruments.

"I was really searching," he said, adding that he began his musical career by working for free writing music for a local television station.

"I was kind of lost, but trying to find myself. It was definitely this strange period where I didn't really know where I was going," he said.

LOOKING AT THE BIG PICTURE

As well his musical passions, the values taught to him growing up and a sense of a bigger picture in life stayed with him during those trying times, he said.

"I was not only not handed everything as a kid, I was shown that there are lots of other people out there with very different circumstances," he said.

Although many people he encounters assume that his father wanted him to go into finance, he said his father accepted his choice to become a musician beginning with commercials then his own albums and composing for television shows and films.

"It was encouraged for a moment when I was open to the idea," he said about pursuing finance. But he added that as he grew older, it became clear the financial world "was not speaking to my heart."

Along with the book, Buffett has embarked on a "Concert & Conversation" tour in which he plays the piano, talks about his life and warns against consumerist culture and damaging the environment.

He said he eventually inherited more money after his mother died in 2004, but by then he had learned his lessons. Now he works on giving back to the world -- another of his life philosophies -- which includes through working for his father's NoVo charitable foundation.

"Economic prosperity may come and go; that's just how it is," he writes in the book. "But values are the steady currency that earn us the all-important rewards."

(editing by Bob Tourtellotte)

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Perkasa and all those phony Malay rightists who are actually more concerned about their pockets, and your sense of entitlement, you're a disaster. Enough said.

Sibuans, in particular Sibuan Chinese, if you think you can't do much by voting for DAP, because that would undercut your business, I want you to think of the larger picture. If DAP loses, then Pakatan loses more momentum in its struggle for reform for the good of all Malaysians. They need that momentum going into Sarawak state elections. You are now the tip of the spear. Don't disappoint the rest of Malaysians with your narrow business interests.

Also think long term. Pakatan stands for comprehensive reform that will help us move up the chain again when it comes to economic competitiveness, education standards and everything that makes our economy and society stronger and peaceful.

You can keep your 10-20% profit now if BN wins, but in the long term, with inflationary pressure of corruption etc.., those puny profits will be wiped out. In contrast, even if you lose your 10-20% profit now, you will be able to recover them in little time when the entire nation prospers.

If you're a smart investor like Warren Buffett, you think of the vision that the management can bring to the company. Would Buffett invest huge sums in a company where management is run by little napoleons, where investor money goes into a sink of corruption? Hell no! So similarly, you need to think like a smart investor and vote for a relatively visionary, reformist and clean set of management i.e. Pakatan. Then your long term profits are assured.

Malaysians lost a precious opportunity to push harder against racism, corruption, incompetence and gross abuse of power in Hulu Selangor. Please don't let yourselves become accomplices to these things by voting BN in Sibu by-election.

Here he goes again in his usual hyperbole..

2010-05-06T21:01:00.000-07:00

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad articulated today a widely held sentiment in Umno — that going after the Chinese vote is risky and unproductive.

Instead, he appears to suggest in a posting on his blog today that Umno should first ensure that Malay interests are taken care of, especially in the face of what he called “attacks by the Chinese.”

“We hear a lot about demands by Chinese extremists questioning the provision of Malay special rights in the constitution, demanding an end to the NEP, [a] reduction of quotas for Malay students. They even say the Malays are also ‘kaum pendatang’ or immigrants. An article even claims that there is no such thing as a Malay race.

“Umno remained silent. In fact when an Umno member said that the Chinese and Indians are descendants of immigrants, he was suspended by Umno. It seems to many Malays that Umno is incapable of countering the attacks by Chinese extremists against Malays,” wrote Dr Mahathir.

His latest remarks are expected to put more pressure on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has been pushing his 1 Malaysia agenda to unite the country.

But while Najib has had mixed results in reaching out to Indian voters, the results of ten by-elections since Election 2008 showed Chinese voters have now become a solid vote bank for Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

Dr Mahathir warned today that Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) risked losing Malay support if they continued to introduce “Chinese-friendly” policies and abolishing affirmative-action measures under the New Economic Policy (NEP).

“The BN must remember that in the 2008 election it lost a lot of seats. Where it won the margins are very small. If a few hundred Malays decide not to vote BN, even the seats that it had won would be lost in the 13th General Election.

“Umno and the Government are facing a dilemma. In trying to win over the Chinese with allocations and abolishing New Economic Policy provisions, the BN will lose Malay support as indeed it did in 2008. On the other hand no matter how the Government try to satisfy Chinese demands, the Chinese have clearly rejected the BN,” said Dr Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir also justified the existence of Perkasa as a reaction by Malays to what he suggests were the increasingly strident demands of Chinese voters.

“Perhaps it is because Perkasa appears to be racist that the Chinese are against BN. But Perkasa is not BN. Also the Chinese parties in BN are facing a crisis.

“What is happening now is that Malays are forming Non-Governmental Organisations because of Chinese attacks against the Malays and Umno seems unable to defend them.

He said that groups like Perkasa feel that they have to rebut “racist” statements by the Chinese.

“And when they do they are labelled as racists.”
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Not surprising this coming from DrM with his usual hyperbole. Who may I ask are these Chinese extremists? Please show proof that they have indeed sought for entrenched constitutional rights of Bumis to be removed. Show us, and I will support you to shout them down. But I bet you can't, because there aren't any. These are merely ghosts in your imagination that you would like uninitiated, uneducated Malaysians to belief, just because you said it. You, the juggernaut of Malaysian politics for the last 30 years. Whose reasons must not be challenged.

That's also why we need media independence. A critical media ensures that the 10 (or whatever number) points that Mahathir said, is matched side by side to a rebuttal - from anyone like Anwar, Guan Eng or Nik Aziz, so that Malaysians can WEIGHT the pros- and cons. But we have independence of the press not, because UMNO's reasons cannot stand this kind of scrutiny. They will never agree to making the media more independent. They will always use national security as a reason why the media needs to be policed and licensed.

Do Malaysians feel it is time for them to make decisions for their own lives? Do Malaysians feel that they are mature and are able to make decisions for themselves? If Malaysians do, then they must also demand that they be provided with both sides of the argument to enable them to make an INFORMED DECISION. So long as UMNO stays in power, things will never change, and a lot of things not known to ordinary folks will be swept under the carpet, ignored, and forgotten by most of us except those are have to suffer the abuse of power. Actually, all of us are affected - everytime hundreds of millions of commission goes into the pocket of cronies, that's taxpayer's money. That's our money. We should be sick by now. Nauseated by the extent of corruption.

No, there is only one way out of this. The opposition winning by-elections. Keeping up the pressure up until the next general elections. Keep informing Malaysians about what's grossly wrong in this country. Expose hypocrites like Dr M who claimed to be a Prime Minister of all Malaysians at one point in time. Drown out Perkasa with louder voices of peace, love, equality, justice and fairness.

We lost that round in Hulu Selangor no thanks to BN tactics coupled with PKR disorganisation. We have another chance in Sibu. Let's make it count.

Taking the wrong leaf from China? Hopefully not

2010-05-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

Time By AUSTIN RAMZY / BEIJING Austin Ramzy / Beijing – Wed May 5, 1:10 pm ET

After reappearing in late March in Beijing, a Chinese human rights lawyer has vanished once again, raising fears that he has returned to a secret detention at the hands of Chinese state security officers. It is the latest twist in the saga of Gao Zhisheng, a leading attorney who fell afoul of Chinese authorities for taking on sensitive cases and has spent much of the past five years in detention or under surveillance.

In mid-April Gao flew to the city of Urumqi in western China, where he met with his father-in-law, according to interviews with his friends and supporters. He was supposed to fly back to the capital on April 20, but he has not been heard from since. "Gao called his father-in-law shortly before his flight was scheduled to take off, telling him that he'd call back as soon as he got to Beijing, but that call was never received," says Li Heping, a lawyer. "No one knows what's happened to him, where he is, or whether he ever boarded that flight to Beijing on April 20. I've been to his Beijing apartment many times since his latest disappearance, but apparently nobody was there." (See more about lawyers in China.)

Bob Fu, a Texas-based minister who helped Gao's family flee China last year, believes Gao has returned to some form of detention. "His father-in-law said he stayed overnight at his home and was accompanied by four to five security agents," says Fu. Gao "said he would stay with them the next day in a hotel, but since then he disappeared. We don't know what has happened to him, but obviously he's in the hands of the security agents."

Gao's disappearance comes at an uncomfortable time for China. The Shanghai Expo kicked off on April 30. China wants to put on its best face for the six-month fair, which organizers hope will be the largest ever. And next week the U.S. and China will resume their bilateral human rights talks; Gao's ongoing case will likely be raised during the May 13-14 meeting in Washington. (See the TIME 100 list of the world's most influential people.)

He has been a leading lawyer and activist in China for a decade, taking on cases of religious repression, injured workers and illegal land confiscation. That work led to the Ministry of Justice naming him one of China's top 10 lawyers in 2001, but once he began pushing for the rights of followers of Falun Gong, a religious movement banned in China, he fell from favor. He was convicted of subversion in 2006 and sentenced to a suspended three-year jail term after he wrote a letter to China's leaders decrying the brutal treatment of Falun Gong practitioners.

Gao was arrested by police in February 2009 and was not heard from for more than a year. The police said they had lost track of his whereabouts, and Foreign Ministry spokespeople gave conflicting accounts of what had happened to him. During a previous detention in 2007 Gao says he was brutally tortured and told he would be killed if he spoke about his treatment, which he did in an open letter. That raised concerns that he may have been abused or even killed. But in late March he spoke with family and colleagues by phone and said he was living at Wutai Mountain in Shanxi province. During an interview with the Associated Press in Beijing he said he wanted to be reunited with his family, who fled to the U.S. last year, and no longer had the strength to continue his legal work. The South China Morning Post reported that in a subsequent interview he was outspoken and seemed to contradict his earlier comments that he intended to abandon his human rights work.

Gao's supporters now fear that his brief reappearance may have been intended to stanch criticism of China's handling of the case. "Under enormous international pressure, the Chinese government was forced to make him resurface to prove that he's alive," says Fu. "The worry for the security forces is the more he is allowed to appear, the more information would be leaked about what happened to him over the last 400 days. That's the only explanation why he has been kept in secret again."

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Heaven forbid that with Najib cozying with China he's taking leaf of some of its repressive measures. UMNO is certainly capable of adopting hit below the waist approach when it comes to containing political competition.

We're already seeing lawyers being arrested and detained for carrying out their jobs, in the hands of recalcitrant police officers who does not know the spirit of the law. While one such action involving Brickfields police station has been condemned by Suhakam, it is by no means certain that whenever it is expeditious for UMNO to do so, they will harrass lawyers again.

Therefore, another reason Malaysians need to fix this. We failed at Hulu Selangor. Let's succeed at Sibu.

Lack of sleep is symptomatic of a bigger problem

2010-05-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

LONDON (AFP) - – People who get less than six hours sleep per night have an increased risk of dying prematurely, researchers said on Wednesday.

Those who slumbered for less than that amount of time were 12 percent more likely to die early, though researchers also found a link between sleeping more than nine hours and premature death.

"If you sleep little, you can develop diabetes, obesity, hypertension and high cholesterol," Francesco Cappuccio, who led research on the subject at Britain's University of Warwick, told AFP.

The study, conducted with the Federico II University in Naples, Italy, aggregated decade-long studies from around the world involving more than 1.3 million people and found "unequivocal evidence of the direct link" between lack of sleep and premature death.

"We think that the relation between little sleep and illness is due to a series of hormonal and metabolical mechanisms," Cappuccio said.

The findings of the study were published in the Sleep journal.

Cappuccio believes the duration of sleep is a public health issue and should be considered as a behavioural risk factor by doctors.

"Society pushes us to sleep less and less," Cappuccio said, adding that about 20 percent of the population in the United States and Britain sleeps less than five hours.

Sleeping less than six hours is "more common amongst full-time workers, suggesting that it may be due to societal pressures for longer working hours and more shift work"

The study also found a link between sleeping more than nine hours per night and premature death, but Cappuccio said oversleeping is more likely to be an effect of illness, rather than a cause.

"Doctors never ask how much one sleeps, but that could be an indicator that something is wrong," said Cappuccio, who heads the Sleep, Health and Society Programme at the University of Warwick.

Research showed no adverse effects for those sleeping between six and eight hours per day.

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Are the 5% of Malaysians who actually pay taxes, and are not their own bosses overworked? I think the answer is a cynical yes. Something should be done about this.

The country is headed the wrong direction with disparity of income between the rich and the poor widening. The reason is obscene profits made by those connected to the powers that be vs the money earned the hard way through smarts, and those who can't lift themselves out of poverty into being properly educated and given a fair chance at business and work.

First, we need to get rid of the middlemen and corruption. We need to put open tender in place, Efficiency means more money to the public, since Malaysia is so filthy rich with natural resources. Equitable distribution means better quality healthcare across the board. People save on insurance premium. Rich coffers means government don't need to much taxes, means we can bring car tariffs down. People don't pay so much in hire purchase instalments. Killing off corruption means cheaper homes. Less loan payment. More money freed up means educational opportunities for more of the downtrodden, even assistance in getting low cost homes. Making the economy more competitive will encourage foreign investment, increase the employment market, get more people hired. Parity of wages compared with the best regional financial centres will keep talents in Malaysia.

But we can't do that with BN. Let the change begin now. We failed in Hulu Selangor. Let's succeed in Sibu.

Faisal Shahzad arraignment vs Reason why Aminulrasyid was shot

2010-05-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

53 hours, 20 minutes: From terror plot to arrest
AP

By COLLEEN LONG and TOM HAYS, Associated Press Writers Colleen Long And Tom Hays, Associated Press Writers – Tue May 4, 8:29 pm ET

NEW YORK – The license plate had been switched and the vehicle identification number stripped from the dashboard of the 1993 Nissan Pathfinder holding a crude bomb in Times Square. Smoke from the faulty firecracker detonators might have ruined evidence.

Then investigators managed to recover the VIN, hidden on the SUV's engine block — and thus began a chase that led to the arrest of the would-be bomber 53 hours and 20 minutes after the smoking vehicle was spotted on one of the busiest streets in America.

A Pakistani-born U.S. citizen, Faisal Shahzad, was hauled off a flight to Dubai and arrested late Monday; federal authorities say he has admitted to plotting the attack. He was charged Tuesday with terrorism and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction.

"Jack Bauer might have caught him in '24'," said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, referring to Fox's popular TV show "24." "But in the real world, 53's not bad."

The investigation's clock started ticking at 6:28 p.m. Saturday when a security camera captured images of the dark-colored Pathfinder with tinted windows parked on West 45th Street, in an area lined with Broadway theaters and restaurants.

Six minutes later, a street vendor pointed out the SUV, which had started belching white smoke and making "popping noises," to a police officer on horseback. The officer, Wayne Rhatigan, called in a report of a car fire, flagged down other officers and started evacuating the area.

At 6:40 p.m., firefighters were on the scene. After breaking the car's side and back windows to try to put out the fire, they discovered its sinister contents: three propane tanks, two gallons of gasoline and a load of fertilizer, with fireworks and some cheap alarm clocks as a trigger.

The New York Police Department bomb squad was called in and went to work dismantling the device, defusing it by 11:30 p.m. Times Square, clogged with tourists on a warm evening, would be shut down for 10 hours.

Meanwhile, the NYPD and FBI were pursuing the license plate attached to the back of the SUV. Investigators tracked it to a used auto parts shop in Stratford, Conn., waking the owner at 3 a.m. Sunday and discovering the plate was connected to a different vehicle.

Investigators also spoke to the owner of an auto shop in nearby Bridgeport because a sticker on the Pathfinder had indicated the SUV was sold by his dealership. That also led nowhere.

Then at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Detective John Wright slid underneath the SUV at a Queens lab and discovered the clue that would crack the case — a VIN number stamped on the bottom of the engine block.

That led authorities to a Bridgeport, Conn., man and his 19-year-old daughter, Peggy Colas, who had posted ads on eBay and other websites to sell a 1993 Nissan Pathfinder, court papers said.

During questioning on Sunday morning and again Monday, the teenager told investigators she met the man who bought her car at a supermarket parking lot on April 24 and he took the vehicle for a test drive. She was asking $1,800; he offered $500 less. She agreed and he paid her in cash — with 13 crisp $100 bills.

No bill of sale was necessary, she said the buyer told her, and he already had plates. She did not know his name — but she did have a cell number.

That led to a prepaid cell phone activated on April 16 and used to call Colas several times, investigators said. A check of phone records showed it was also used to contact a Pennsylvania fireworks shop.

By 11 a.m. Monday, investigators knew the suspect's name.

Agents later showed Colas a photo array with six photos, including one of Shahzad. Authorities say she picked Shahzad.

Meanwhile, there was more evidence.

A set of keys left in the Pathfinder's ignition turned out to belong to a white Isuzu Trooper that Shazhad left parked at New York's Kennedy airport Monday night, as well as to his apartment in Bridgeport, Conn. At a garage at the residence, investigators recovered fireworks and fertilizer, court papers said.

Shahzad was spotted at around 3 p.m. Monday coming out of a store near his home and was tailed by investigators. He was also placed on a no-fly list.

Authorities planned to arrest him at his apartment that evening, but Shahzad may have gotten spooked by news reports that investigators were seeking a Pakistani suspect in Connecticut, two people familiar with the probe said.

He managed to slip federal surveillance, according to those sources and a law enforcement official. All spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about the case.

Shahzad headed for Kennedy airport, calling in a reservation for an Emirates flight to Dubai by cell phone while en route, and paying for the ticket in cash before boarding the plane, authorities said.

Emirates officials were unaware he was on the no-fly list because they did not check a Web forum where the latest updates are posted. So it was only when a customs agent assigned to the case spotted Shahzad's name on the flight manifest 30 minutes before takeoff that authorities knew he was on board.

He was belted in to his seat when FBI investigators and NYPD officers entered the jetliner and took him into custody.

The time was 11:45 p.m. — 53 hours and 20 minutes after the Times Square scare began.

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Teen's fatal shooting: Police overstepped bounds (Malaysiakini)

While police procedures allow them to “use all necessary action to affect an arrest” on a suspect, they have overstepped their bounds in firing the shot that killed 14-year-old Aminulrasyid Amzah in Shah Alam last month, said a legal expert.

Universiti Islam Antarabangsa law professor Raja Badrol Hisham Raja Mohd Ali explained that the Inspector General's Standing Orders (IGSO) allows for the use of firearms in 'extreme situations.'

The IGSO is a set of guidelines on police procedures, including the permissible use of firearms, issued to, and to be complied with, all district police chiefs.

NONE“In Aminulrasyid's case, the pertinent question is, was (the situation) 'extreme' enough to justify the firearm being drawn and fired?” he asked.

The answer, in the academician's expert opinion, is no.

Badrol Hisham (right), who lectures in criminal procedure law, said this to around 120 students, politicians, activists and reporters during last night's forum demanding justice for the fatal shooting of teenager Aminulrasyid.

“Let's revisit the facts without any emotional baggage. Aminulrasyid was driving very fast and he ran a red light. We can say that this exhibits criminal behaviour: he was fleeing from police, he did not stop when allegedly ordered to.”

“The Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) allows the police to overpower suspicious individuals from fleeing and arrest the person or persons. They can also use their firearms, but there are limits.”

He said that under the CPC, shoot to kill is only allowed if the suspects are:

1. Involved in a crime punishable by death

2. Involved in a crime punishable by life imprisonment

By both these standards, Badrol Hisham contends that the police officers have failed to follow proper procedures, because they shot to kill despite the victim not presenting a threat to the police and not suspected of a serious crime.

He also alleged that the police may be attempting to distract the public from this truth, with the 'discovery' of the machete in the car and the questionable story of the deceased 'reversing' the car towards the police.

First of all, said Badrol Hisham, with the machete being in the trunk, it was never a threat to the officers, unless it was being waved around by the victim. Even then the police should have shot to disable and not to kill.

More importantly, the machete was only discovered afterwards, making its use as a justification to shoot irrelevant, as police would not have known about its existence at the point of shooting.

As for the deceased allegedly reversing the car, he said that according to witness Azammuddin Omar, Aminulrasyid was already dead when the car crashed and there were no skid marks to indicate a sudden reverse at the scene of the shooting.

'Police ignorant of guidelines'

“The death of Aminulrasyid could have been avoided if the police understood the IGSO. I don't know why only OCPDs are issued with the document. It should be given to everyone in the police,” he said.

He added that more importantly, police could have shown more prudence before jumping to conclusions.

“They could have checked the number plate of the car to see if it is linked to known criminals. All patrol cars nowadays are in constant communication with their control centres, have radios, and some are even equipped with computers,” he said.

“On a more serious note, almost all the OCPDs are unaware that the CPC has been amended. In 2007, there were substantial revisions to the code. But they mostly don't know about it. I found this out when I sent my students to interview OCPDs,” said the law professor.

Badrol Hisham said that it is disturbing for law enforcers not to know about the law.

“How can we put our lives and safety in their hands?” he asked.

The forum, organised by National Union of Malaysia Muslim Students (PKPIM) at the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Chinese Assembly Hall featured a panel comprising Badrol Hisham, civil activist Wong Chin Huat and lawyer for the late Aminulrasyid's family N Surendran.
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Contrasting the two articles, you can't help observe the level of professionalism from the United States. Arrest made under 54 hours. The man tried to blow up a car, kill many people. It's a serious felony. Yet the arrest was made peacefully. I've read the court papers signed by an FBI special agent. It is 10 pages long, and goes into detail like how the agent spoke to other agents in collating evidence, what evidence they gathered, the investigation trail, how arrest was made, what the suspect revealed to them in the course of investigation - and all that for what? That's just to show probable cause for arraignment before a magistrate! I doubt 95% of Malaysian police officers will be able to produce this type of quality investigation and paper for the magistrate.

While in Malaysia, what we have is the police thrill of going after a speeding car and opening fire on it when it didn't stop, with no imminent danger to anyone including the police. Shoot first, discuss later, or perhaps not at all if you have this kind of IGP at the helm. It could have been anyone in the car - a teenager like Aminulrasyid, or a worried mother rushing home to a sick child at home, or a driver who is deaf and did not hear the police siren, or it could be any number of reasons. Whatever those reasons are, the police had no justification to freakin fire their weapon.

And the folks at RTM wonders why Malaysians prefer to watch foreign tv series? That's because gone are the days where life tries to immitate fiction. Now sometimes, real life is more spectacular than fiction. But only in US. In Malaysia, the politicians in the ruling coalition can dream big dreams, but they never leave the pipeline, except those dreams that are self-serving. That's what's contributing to the malaise in the police force, because so long as they rub the police's back, the police will rub their back. It's an orgy that is symbiotic.

Once again, there's only one way to stop all these madness and prevent the country from heading further south down the road of no redemption. We failed in Hulu Selangor. Let's succeed in Sibu.

Tanks won't be able to stop a mob angry with corruption

2010-05-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

ATHENS, Greece – Deadly riots over harsh new austerity measures engulfed the streets of Athens on Wednesday, killing three bank workers as angry protesters tried to storm parliament, hurled Molotov cocktails at police and torched buildings.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets as part of nationwide strikes to protest new taxes and government spending cuts demanded by the International Monetary Fund and other European nations before heavily indebted Greece gets a euro110 billion ($141 billion) bailout package of loans to keep it from defaulting.

The three bank workers — a man and two women — died after demonstrators set their bank on fire along the main demonstration route in central Athens. As their colleagues sobbed in the street, five other bank workers were rescued from the balcony of the burning building.

"A demonstration is one thing and murder is quite another!" Prime Minister George Papandreou thundered in Parliament during a session to discuss the spending cuts he announced Sunday — measures even the IMF has called draconian. Lawmakers held a minute of silence for the dead — the first deaths during a protest in Greece since 1991.

"We are all concerned by Greece's economic and budgetary situation but at this time our thoughts are with the human victims in Athens," European Union President Herman Van Rompuy said in Brussels.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called the bailout critical for all of Europe.

"Nothing less than the future of Europe, and with that the future of Germany in Europe, is at stake," Merkel told lawmakers in Berlin, urging them to quickly pass the country's share of the bailout — euro22 billion ($28 billion) over three years — by Friday. "We are at a fork in the road."

European Union officials tried to calm market fears that Greece's debt crisis was spreading to the rest of Europe, insisting the debt-ridden country is a "unique case" combining profligacy and tampered accounts. Van Rompuy said the situation in Spain and Portugal has "absolutely nothing to do with the situation in Greece."

"Greece is a unique and particular case in the EU" because of its "precarious debt dynamics" and because it "has cheated with its statistics for years and years," EU Commissioner Olli Rehn said in Brussels.

But Moody's Investor Services, a major ratings agency, put Portugal's bond rating on review for possible downgrade Wednesday. Spanish and Portuguese bonds and stocks slumped further on the news, reflecting fears that they may likewise have trouble repaying their debt and that the eurozone would have to extend even larger bailouts to them.

On the streets of Athens, demonstrators chanted "Thieves, thieves!" as they attempted to break through a riot police cordon guarding Parliament and chased ceremonial guards away from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the building.

Tear gas drifted across the city center as rioters hurled paving stones and fire bombs at police. Firefighters extinguished blazes in at least two buildings — the bank and a branch of the Finance Ministry — while protesters set up burning barricades and torched cars and a fire truck.

Police said 12 people were injured in the riots.

The marches came amid a 24-hour nationwide general strike that grounded all flights to and from Greece, shut down ports, schools and government services, and left hospitals working with emergency medical staff. The Acropolis and all other ancient sites were closed and journalists also walked off the job, suspending television and radio news broadcasts.

But media later broke the strike to report on the deaths and the violent protests.

Violence also broke out in the northern city of Thessaloniki, where another 20,000 people marched through the city center, with youths smashing windows of stores and fast food restaurants.

Union reaction until now had been relatively muted by Greece's volatile standards, despite several previous strikes. But anger mounted after Papandreou announced cuts in salaries and pensions for civil servants, and another round of consumer tax increases.

Papandreou said he has no choice but to implement the measures if Greece was to avoid bankruptcy.

"There was only one other solution. For the country to default, taking the citizenry with it. And that would not have affected the rich, it would have affected workers and pensioners," he told Parliament on Wednesday. "That was a real possibility, however nightmarish."

Under the bailout package, Greece will receive loans over three years from the IMF and the other 15 eurozone countries. The rescue aims to prevent Athens' debt troubles from becoming a wider crisis for the euro by engulfing other financially troubled countries such as Spain and Portugal. Greece faces a May 19 due date on debt it says it can't repay without the help.

But the rioting underlined skepticism that the Greek government could keep up its end of the bargain, helping drive the euro below $1.29 for the first time in over a year.

Even with the bailout, many economists think Greece will eventually default on or restructure its debts because its prospects for economic growth are so poor over the next several years, hurting government revenue. Some fear the austerity measures insisted upon by the EU and IMF could even make the growth situation worse by depriving the economy of stimulus from government spending — even as it helps reduce the deficit.

Greek unions concede that the cash-strapped government was forced to increase consumer taxes and slash spending, including cutting salaries and pensions for civil servants.

But they say low-income Greeks will suffer disproportionately from the measures, which aim to save euro30 billion ($40 billion) — the country's current budget deficit — through 2012.

"These people are losing their rights, they are losing their future," said Yiannis Panagopoulos, head of GSEE, one of the two largest union organizations. "The country cannot surrender without a fight."

IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn warned that the crisis could spread to other countries despite the rescue package's efforts to contain it.

"Everyone must remain extremely vigilant," to this risk, Strauss-Kahn said in an interview published in French newspaper Le Parisien Wednesday.

"I completely understand the Greek populations' anger, its incomprehension at the size of the economic catastrophe," Strauss-Kahn said. But Greeks must also understand that without these measures, "the situation would be infinitely more serious," he said.

The draft bill of the new austerity measures is to be voted on Thursday. Papandreou's Socialists hold a comfortable majority of 160 in the 300-seat Parliament, and with a simple majority of 151 votes needed, the bill is expected to be passed easily.
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Remember how the financial crisis in Indonesia brought down a dictator?

Does profligacy and messing with accounts in Greece remind us of Malaysia?

Malaysia is lucky to have huge reserves. But despite being so rich with natural resources, our economy has not matched that of Singapore. We could have. We really should have by now.

And why is that so but for billions disappearing into thin air, lining pockets of those connected?

Perkasa, and now some Bumiputra business association is asking for NEP to be preserved by another name. It's precisely NEP that's held Malaysia, and Malays back. Why work hard for something when you can get it for free is a very natural human condition. Without competition, there is no innovation. Necessity is the mother of all inventions.

UMNO keeps telling Malays they can't stand on their own and UMNO is their saviour. It's like a drug trafficker feeding drugs to the customer and then say you need the drugs. YOu don't want to go into withdrawal symptoms do you? It'll hurt. Vote for me. I'll continue feeding you drugs even though it'll take you to your grave much faster. But hey, as long as I give you drugs, I get my cash. See the gleaming dollar signs on my eyes? That's thanks to you, Malaysian sucker voters!

If we don't want to go the way of Greece (and the way this country is run, we will, one eventual day), we need open tender for all government procurements now, and we need to curb corruption fast. It is already a way of life for many in civil service and some private industries, but it is not too late to clean up. Above all, we should start with political corruption. When a government can pour tens of millions into a buy-election can get away from prosecuted for vote-buying, the cause of anti-corruption is already lost.

There is only one way to fix this. It failed in Hulu Selangor, and so it must start with Sibu. Let Sibu be the beginning of the end of BN rule.

Hulu Selangor Votes

2010-04-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

Najib says this is a referendum on him.

If BN wins, this is what will happen:

1) Pressure's off on judicial reform - as it is, notice how the two Perak frogs got off hot water when they are acquitted

2) forget about getting to the bottom of Lingam

3) forget about getting to the bottom of PKFZ

4) maybe Najib will drop charges against Anwar because Anwar no longer a threat. But wait a second - why let go a good thing? Since rakyat believes HIM more than Anwar, why not go all the way and get rid of Anwar politically once and for all? Sodomy II trial - full throttle ahead

5) see how Ibrahim Ali is hogging the limelight talking about very prejudicial things all the time and how Utusan and UMNO is giving them untrimmeled coverage and support? Expect more of this since it is the winning formula

6) forget about getting to the bottom of Altantuya, submarine and other defence procurement scandals

7) forget about religious and racial harmony

8) you'll be signing a blank cheque to Najib to intensify his harrassment of opposition parties - you think we actually have a two party system post 8 March 2008? Think again why hundreds of thousands of Malaysians have left Malaysia since then? It is precisely because they realise (well they should have realised long ago, but you never know how people hold out hope against reality) it is almost impossibile to topple BN given its penchant to abuse state machinery - so despite big wins by the opposition parties, they are no longer hopeful of a Malaysian renaissance/reboot

9) Basically, if BN wins, things will stay the same (which is the same as getting worse), i.e. less incentive for reform, giving the conservatives in UMNO the upper hand to tell Najib to shove his reform ideas (real or pretended) up his sorry arse, let's go back to the old and successful business of political patronage. As it is the e-procurement website is nothing but embarrassment - let's just close it down never to be brought online again.

Now, if Pakatan wins, they can't bring you money - but seriously, you think they can and should? Well they can't because most of the expenditures come from Federal coffers i.e. tax monies - yours and mine. It's plain silly to think Selangor fails to deliver because they simply don't have as much money from Federal government - Muhyddin must think voters are stupid to think Selangor expenditure remains the same.

Should Pakatan throw money to bribe you? Heck no - that's vote buying by any other name and only BN can throw money like that. Again, that's yours and my tax money, now gone to some strangers I don't really know in Hulu Selangor. I hope he takes the money because in taking MY money, he becomes MY proxy and I want him to vote Pakatan. You readers out there in Hulu Selangor, TAKE NOTICE!

So Pakatan can't bring you money. What can they bring you? Well, Zaid is articulate, and adds another voice in Parliament. It strenghtens Pakatan, puts fear in BN. Putting fear in BN is good because they become competitive, and forces Najib and UMNO to think twice about pulling wool over our eyes over the purported reforms and all that holy goodness about 1Malaysia.

Vote in Zaid and we're telling Najib that talk is cheap, we want to see results, and not a moment too late.

Apparently not all Malays will vote BN, so that's a good thing. But how will the non-Bumis vote? This is Parliament. Your representative will not and should not be helping you plug potholes (even if he will probably try to help) - you're sending him to Parliament to debate policy matters, not to be a rubber stamp. Stop thinking about local issues and think about national issues. The choice becomes crystal clear who the better representative is.

If I am a voter in Hulu Selangor, I'd vote Pakatan, because so far I only hear some good changes from BN, but I haven't seen anything. We're far away from being a high income society. Our justice system is a laughing stock on the planet. Our proud and Commonwealth reknowned judiciary is now butt of international joke. Our civil service once working like clockwork is now replete with deadwoods and redundancies. Our education system once amongst the top in Asia now languishes in mediocrity. That's because we've had 50+ years of corrupt and complacent BN rule (and people expect Pakatan to make changes to the states in just 3??).

Anyway, I can write another 10 paragraphs and it won't make a difference, because ultimately, it is really about how enlighted or naive the voters in Hulu Selangor is. I just hope there will be a few thousands who are more enlightened than naive.

Final word - folks working far from Hulu Selangor, it's Sunday. Please go home and vote tomorrow. But before that, please also check to ensure you go to the correct polling station. Go early. If you end up at the wrong place you can still go to the right one later. And don't let any survey influence your choice one way or another, especially those who tells you PKR is going to win - because I'd rather all Hulu Selangor be motivated by fear that their favourite candidate will lose, and go out and vote.

It's been a long while

2010-04-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Wow. So much has happened since a blink of 3 months. Here's a crash course for those who don't regularly follow Malaysian politics.

If there is anything good, it is that the BN government under PM Najib has at least created an appearance that they are serious about being moderate. To the skeptical however, Perkasa is just there not to challenge UMNO but to do their dirty work. To the skeptics, it's either the DPM is working in cohorts with Perkasa to undermine PM's 1Malaysia, or it's actually all wayang kulit engineered by PM with the help of, that's right, Apco, our Israeli pally co. But appearance wise, we're dismantling NEP, we moving forward with meritocracy, and we're being one big happy people again. Especially when PM's wifey takes an active "interest" in Dato' Lee Chong Wei, our reigning All England champion. I just wish our sportsmen would stay out of politics. They are so being used.

While putting up appearances of genuine concern for his internet friends, the PM works hand in glove with the compromised institutions of governance to beat the crap out of the federal opposition. As expected, the Federal Court defies logic and hand a win to Zambry, the now de facto Perak MB. Teoh Beng Hock's inquiry is going nowhere - latest AG and Nazri tries to make nice with Dr Pornthip who said she's not coming because she's not welcomed here. There are hidden diplomatic hands at play, folks. It is not what it seems.

Anwar had a tough time. His applications and appeal for upfront evidence consistently shot down by a compliant judiciary. The good thing is he nailed Apco to UMNO. Now UMNO is an Israeli sympathiser. Not that I care. I say merits first. If Israelis are good with espionage, we should learn from them. If they are good with military tactics, we should learn from them. But well, this is Muslim country. Our collective hearts bleed for Palestinians, and we condemn the Zionist regime in the state of Israel, for their land grabs. And so Apco-UMNO makes bad politics.

Malaysia is a key member state of ASEAN. Yet we sit idly by while Myanmar passes a law that effectively bans Aung Sang Su Kyi from participating in elections. It makes me want to be Rambo and M60 the regime. Come on ASEAN, you've been amassing state of the art weapons - like Malaysia's unsubmergible submarines - don't just leave them there for training and collecting dust - use them. Effect regime change in Myanmar. Reminds me - people hated George Bush Jr when he went after Saddam Hussein on a mistaken premise. Decades from now, history will look more kindly on him.

The ensuing recession will ensure the next generation of highly innovative, industrious and patriotic citizens who will propel us to industrialisation more than any other way that PM Najib can think of vide his New Economic Model, which really is PR's New Economic Agenda plagiarised and repackaged. Just think of Japan, Germany, Korea. War brings progress, if you think about it. Malaysians have it too easy. No pain, no gain, really. Which also explains why Ibrahim Ali is an idiot when he asks Chinese businessmen not to be greedy. Greed connotes limits. There is no limit to the creation of wealth - the limit only exists in that Cro-Magnon head of his. Why shouldn't creation of wealth be encouraged? After all, the businessmen are not just making money from Malaysia, they are making money from other countries.

E-procurement is turning out to be one of the latest jokes. Misfigures, dodgy contracts, all spilling into the open, showing the people the kinds of gross excesses this putried administration is engaged in - day in, day out, the powers that be are swimming in an orgy of embezzlement and incompetence.

Are the streets any safer? The police seems more visible these days, but I still hear colleagues getting their handbags snatched. No where is safe, not even near High Commissions with that little police pondok in front. The IGP is engaged in politics instead of doing his job. Malaysia is such a haven. If the streets were safe, the parks better lit, we could really turn many places into eco-tourist attractions. People want to go out into the open, to enjoy nature. They don't want to be stuck strutting through one mall to another, because it's always almost the same franchises anyway. We want community living. People strolling, jogging, cycling, chatting at the benches at night. We want to walk to a nearby residential centre, do yoga, karate, whatever, walk home, and feel completely safe. We used to be there. What happened? Now a natural appendix to a conversation about residential neighbourhood is whether the residents have come together to hire security guards, and cordoning off roads.

The Parliament is a farce. We don't even have a Public Accounts Committee headed by an opposition member of Parliament. We don't even have committees that shadow each Ministries. And we have double standards of the highest order. Sexual conduct against the order of the nature lands an opposition MP with a criminal charge, and another lands a BN coalition politician in the seat of MCA Presidency, no charge being proferred.

Good thing we have two federal by-elections coming up. I am certain the contituents' voters will vote what's best for them. I'm just not certain if they will vote with the long term in view. Do we want a return to Mahathirism where with an iron fist, Malaysia seems to progress (but hidden from plain sight, things continue to rot); or do we want a genuflect transformation where we value a system that provides checks and balances, where bad people can be easily spotted and replaced? To change, or not to change - that is the question.

Thank you arsonists en al

2010-01-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

Thank you, arsonists, because whether you're some thugs hired, used or otherwise manipulated by UMNO, you've effectively helped clobbered UMNO in the next general elections.

Yes, Malaysiakini reports that most Muslims in facebook appear to be for an Allah ban. Do we know why yet? Is it irrational fear? Amidst the hatred being fanned, did Muslims actually have time to sift through the facts and understand the issues? Or I suppose the skeptical side of us could also speculate in the first place whether this is nothing but UMNO cybertrooper manipulation. Let's assume it is not manipulation for a moment.

Malcolm Gladwell in his book Blink told of amazing human capacity to make correct snap judgements. But even our subconscious mind cannot process things as complicated as the Allah issue that quickly. When met with a tough decision, he proposed that we paused before jumping in.

UMNO is no idiot. They know this. Therefore they did not allow time for rationalisation. If sentiments needed to be fanned, it has to be NOW. And quite consistently too, since 1Malaysia is about "Performance Now". Get it? We may not know who the arsonists are yet, and what their motives may be, but it's apparent that senior UMNO ministers in openly challenging the High Court decision forced an escalation of what might have been still a calm situation.

I applaud the High Court judge for making a courageous stand based on rule of law and constitutionalism. I shudder to think whether the Court of Appeal and the Federal Court will have the same courage, or they too, like UMNO leaders, will prefer the convenient route of substituting principles with "sensitivities". In this case, it may not be Muslim's sensitivities, but only UMNO sensitivities, in what must now already be established as conventional wisdom, as a result of various recent political decisions.

Something else. Except for a few counters, FBM KLCI dropped after rising in the morning. Without doubt, nothing in the tame mass circulation media attributed the drop to the arson on the churches. But we know better. Now, if you were an UMNO crony, and you have inside information about the potential escalation of a sensitive issue, what would you be doing? Selling a day or two earlier? Perhaps waiting and seeing whether the shares will go down a bit more over the weekend before going in, wait and ride up with the profit again? The Securities Commission should find this a fertile ground to investigate stock market manipulation and insider trading.

Nothing changed

2010-01-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

I thought enough was said that I've laid low for a while. Months in and out, and we see the same decrepit manure falling sideways of BN bandwagon, and recalcitrant forces within Pakatan Rakyat.

All an ordinary Malaysian want is to have a federal government and civil service consisting of substantial amounts of conscientious and competent people who raise Malaysia's profile in the world, fix problems comprehensively, have stable policies, and hold to account those who are corrupt and those who incite hatred. Why? So that the ordinary Malaysian can make a living in peace and concentrate on what matters in life - family and recreation after a hard week's toil, with hope and confidence of what the future holds.

This Allah issue for instance. Surely it is understood that the Christian way is to convert as many as possible to Christianity. It's a mission spelt out in the Bible. So if you think you are a Muslim majority country and you have valid concerns about the confusion that will be caused, you are right to want to do something about the issue. But there are finer tools to do so and to achieve a win win situation. Banning is a nuclear bomb. Why not try smart bomb, like making it a condition to define the word "Allah" to mean "Biblical God" somewhere prominent in the text. Soon enough, those folks reading in Malay will have no difficulty distinguishing between the Quranic Allah and the Biblical God.

Those recalcitrants who want to quit a party - I say be my guest. Pakatan isn't winning federal government anytime soon - might as well feret out those losers and make sure they are not nominated ever again for election.

By the way, has anything changed on the side of Barisan within these few short months? Well yeah sure, Anwar's appeal on Sodomy II has been thrown out (not unexpectedly), Dr Porntip has a police report lodged against her (bravo MACC, I hope someone will be jailed for criminal contempt), the ex MACC head turned around from "Teoh is just a small matter" (well yeah, now his family knows what kind of man their father/husband truly is) to "Teoh was his biggest challenge". And mind you his choice of word is lacking remorse of any degree. Challenge? You call death of a WITNESS a challenge and not a, say, what would be a more appropriate word - REGRET?? And where's 1Malaysia getting us? I saw a billboard in Ipoh near the Padang Demokrasi with our PM sticking his pointing finger purporting to show 1. A friend said it would have been more apt if he was showing his middle finger to the public. The continued impunity of abuse of power and raiding the Treasury is unacceptable. And now that we're almost bankcrupt, you impose all these additional taxes. Credit card tax - kapuii! Real property gains tax to increase revenue - double kapuii (why, because the govt created an artificial crisis, resolves it and expects people to thank them for it)!! GST won't be a burden - triple kapuii!!! And he went to Singapore and instead of telling Malaysians in Singapore concrete plans about raising per capita income and attracting them back, he told them to show patriotism to come back to Malaysia. Patriotic to whom? Malaysia or BN hooligans? Come back and pay tax for whose use? Malaysians at large, or BN hooligans?

And where's our open tender?

Where's AG's letter to Karpal to institute criminal proceedings against Lingam?

Why hasn't MACC questioned PI Bala?

Why aren't FDI coming in yet?

Where's the new law on children's religious conversion?

After a month of alarm at the rate of emigration, where's the change in policy?

Why isn't the federal government living up to its contractual obligation with the now defunct Communist Party of Malaya?

Lots and lots of rhetoric as usual - you see the lights flashing, the bells ringing and the barricade is down - but you'll never see the train coming.

About the only good news are there are that at least one or two prominent persons who, having escaped judgement on earth, have presumably met their judgement afterlife.

We're at cross-roads. The path to the left leads to peace and prosperity, but is blocked by fortified barricades calling themselves BN warlords/cronies. The other path right leads to destruction and destitution, and is downhill, without brakes. It's the path of the status quo. Many buses have no choice but to travel this route. At the front, called the "TOP BN/CRONY 1BUS" is the only bus with parachutes. At the end of this route, lies chasm to hell. The 1bus plans to reach the end and extends its parachutes and land elsewhere. The rest, without parachutes, will plunge.

We don't care if all hell breaks lose at Pakatan end. All Malaysians want is to get off the express route to hell. We don't care if we have to crash through fortified barricades and damage our buses in the process.

I'm where I've been - the only solution is a political one. Please please Borneo folks, wake up and see BN for what they really are. The world is bigger and better than what BN can offer you.

Post Isa win and MCA mess...

2009-10-12T00:58:00.001-07:00

Barisan Nasional is beyond redemption. Your choice is clear in 2012.
国阵万劫不复. 你的 2012 选择是明确的.
Guo Zhen Wan Jie Bu Fu. Ni De 2012 Xuan Ze Shi Ming Que De.

DAP shadow budget

2009-10-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

Anyone who says that DAP isn't doing enough to sell their policy, read this and judge for yourself.

http://dapmalaysia.org/newenglish/DAP_Budget_2010_en.pdf

Also, remember that our mainstream media is neither free nor fair, so just because some BN coat-tail tells you PR isn't doing enough, you don't have to take their word for it.

I truly believe that no matter the dissention within PR that's being played up, they remain the lesser of two evils. If you can take down a political empire built over 52 years, there is no reason you can't replace PR. And we HAVE to take our chances with PR in 2012, because staying on the same pot-holed muddy road with BN isn't going to get us anywhere.

Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia - Prawn behind the Rock

2009-07-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

I'm not an economist or a financial analyst, but I have trouble thinking that all is good with the newly launched Amanah unit trust.

It says it will boost Malaysian stock market and economy. My question is how exactly?

The world economy, many think, may be at a hangover phase of a recession, but how long before it picks up is a question. Real economy picks up when there are jobs that pays. Pays that goes towards consumption, and increase in consumer demand. Consumer demand that in turn drives manufacturing, exports, sales etc.

This mother of all funds will invest in other local funds. These local funds will in turn invest in other funds or perhaps closer to real economies in terms of shares of a manufacturing company.

Imagine a big flush of funds going into the stock market. Is it supportable fundamentally? Are the underlying companies actually generating profit because of increase in consumption?

If not, isn't it possible that in the mid term, all these money used to prop up the shares will be burnt when the fundamentals do not support the sustained heightening of ratio of earnings per share?

Who makes the profit? Speculators.

Who loses money? Now, this is the crux of the question. If PNB invests big time, and PNB's funds are burnt, it is essentially investors of Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia's money that's burnt.

But it's not that simple. If there is, say, a fixed return of 5% to investors, then PNB's investments are burnt, are PNB's unit trust guaranteed by the government?

In that case, does it not mean that the taxpayer's money will be burnt?

I have only one suggestion to the public who may be interested to buy into Amanah Saham 1 Malaysia units. Think what you are doing when you prop up a fund which main purpose is to inflate other share prices artificially. Think what will happen when the share prices tank to real market forces eventually. You may not lose your money in the unit trust, but indirectly you will lose a lot of taxes.

And in the meantime, you may have unintentionally profited those speculators, whoever they are, who may well be the engineers behind this major RM10 billion issue. Think of the economic opportunities for the ilks from UMNO. Think of the funds they could set up to take advantage of this flush of cash into the system.

I find it a sad day that the press plays up the uplifting news of boosting the market and purportedly the economy, but not saying exactly how, or throw a precautionary line.

If I were a neutral enforcement agency, I would surely ask questions of why the press is unreservedly supporting the launch of such a big fund. As far as I know, making speculative claims are downright prohibited under our securities law, and the bold words that some press reports, and no less the PM has used, are spectacularly speculative.

The unit trust will further be distributed for free to University Students. With pending by-election in Penang state constituency, will the Election Commission also investigate whether this amounts to vote buying?

And how does the public know whether all students currently registered will receive their units? Is there a complaints channel set up so that we know there is no abuse? And is it only limited to local universities? Why discriminate those in the private colleges?

Teoh survey

2009-07-24T02:47:00.000-07:00

Well, some say we should be cautiously optimistic that truth will come out of the investigation, but it seems that the hope has dimmed once the public understands the parameters of the RCI and the Inquest.

Reasons:
1) the cause of death is falling down a building. But does the inquest find the culprit? No
2) if RCI only investigates into the procedure of interrogation, will they find the culprit? No
3) is investigating the procedure to see whether there is any human rights violation of Teoh sufficient seeing that the overiding issue is that he's dead, as in D-E-A-D? No
4) isn't it important we find the culprit? Apparently not to the BN government

It appears that BN tries to avoid identifying the perpetrators. Perhaps they think Teoh's death is DAP-MACC conspiracy. Perhaps they think it's Act of God.

So since they don't want to ask the really tough question and the only question that matters, let's ask the tough questions here and see what we the readers, the netizens, the blogging community think about Teoh's tragic death.

Please see the survey. Perhaps public perception will give this government the basis to mandate the RCI to find out who-did-it. The survey will also reveal how some of the speculations are so far fetched they are beneath contempt to even consider them.

The survey closes 31 July 2009.

Malaysian burnout

2009-07-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't written for a while.

The reasons are manifold. Busy at work, and more importantly is the sense of burn out. The very kind of burn out that BN hopes many within the blogging community will suffer from. After all, the human psyche can only be angry about so many things before giving up on the rest.

Just take for example this last round of crisis:

1) DAP political secretary found dead at MACC HQ under suspicious circumstances. Who in the right mind would want to bet with me, for instance, that NO foulplay is involved? I hope the government for once will come to its senses and get someone to resign. And that's just a start. There should be prosecution. At the very least, MACC will be sued for negligence. It's called occupier's liability.

2) Excos of Selangor under siege from MACC. And just in case you wonder who's at fault, it nicely ties in with Azmin Ali, no less, from PKR, who alleged connection with the underworld. Is Azmin a mole now for BN? Azmin, if you have a war with Khalid, pls keep it to PKR level, instead of causing mass destructive damage across the board. You are self serving.

3) Switching back to Malay medium for instruction in Maths and Science. You sometimes wonder if these politicians are worth being called our "leaders" because where's the leadership when they display inaptitude in policy making? Lim Kit Siang pointed out the crux of the problem. A student who's being taught the subject in English needs to switch back to Malay medium for two years before flipping again to English in University. It's a simple solution really. Recruit teachers who are proficient to teach Maths and Science well in English, and pay them well. Get them to teach those teachers who can't teach well. Teach the teachers. Double - triple the speed of the training. Spend money on human resource instead of on some million ringgit system that never works or goes obsolete within the year.

4) PAS near defeat in Manek Urai. It's a good thing. Should teach them to shut up about unity government and extremist Islamic positions. Bad - gloating point for Jibby.

5) Asia, starting with Singapore, crawling out of recession. Frankly, I find this a bit too early for Malaysia. We're still far behind on good governance. If funds are indeed coming in, we're not going to net a sizable portion of them.

6) Najib's polls. First impression - it can't be real, the figures are manipulated. Assuming that isn't the case, then I'd say truly, Malaysians are superficial lot. Didn't Badawi promise heaven but delivered hell? Why do you expect, again, that Najib will be any different? It saddens me that at the end of the day, all that Pakatan has done, have made very little dent to the political awareness of Malaysians.

And if you think all these problems confounding Pakatan states are big problems and you think they are not fit to run the country, you better also think about the current damage BN is doing in government, the billions being siphoned away - your money - taxpayer's funds - lost in PKFZ. Pakatan problems are miniscule by comparison, and inevitably all their problems come from BN sabotage be it police or MACC.

I don't even feel like rhetoric anymore because at some point, perhaps it feels hopeless. Or rather, perhaps I think that there's only so much that blogging and spreading message across the internet can do. Those people out there who have already firmed up their minds on who they're going to vote, I thank them. Those who have not, and still remain easily swayed, I don't really know what to say to you. If you vote BN again, you are responsible for the many criminal acts that are to follow be it corruption, abuse of power or as it seems now murder. All perhaps just to line your own little pockets.

If you are guilty of not knowing, it's also past the time for such pitiful excuse. There is no shortage of alternate news media right now, if only you take the initiative. Otherwise, I fear you are unconsciously condemning your future and that of your future generation to a life that could have been but never did, because you live under supposed leaders who are far too unqualified for a great nation like ours.

PM's word apparently means nothing

2009-07-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Court of Appeal has just decided that the PM's assurance that the Attorney General will not be involved in Anwar Ibrahim's matters because of conflict of interest amounts to nothing, claiming that the Attorney General should enjoy independence, and besides when he signed the transfer to High Court, it's just an "administrative exercise". How wrong could they get?

First of all, the fact that the Attorney General has been sued and police report lodged against, meaning he's under investigation, has not be taken into account in the context of the PM taking him off Anwar related cases.

Secondly, the PM is Chief Executive to the government. The AG is not an independent office answerable to Parliament but to the PM. So is the PM saying that AG does not answer to him? Does it mean that the PM can't sack the AG? If so, let this be precedent to be cited one day when the AG acts against the PM, by prosecuting the PM.

Thirdly, with the AG under investigation, even if it is merely an administrative decision, it is already procedurally irregular. The process is tainted by conflict of interest because the administrative decision relates to an accuser. Would, for instance, a neutral AG have signed the cert transferring the matter to the High Court? Administrative decisions are subject to Wednesbury reasonableness. It should not be a reckless exercise of indiscretion. The Courts proclaim numerous times that justice must not only be done but seen to be done. Yeah. Right.

Fourthly, it is irrelevant that the Anwar will not get an unfair trial in the High Court. He's already prejudiced in that the punishment that could be metted out in the High Court may potentially be more severe than that of the Sessions Court, if for instance the prosecution decides to amend the charge to something even more severe.

Fifthly, from a political perspective, everyone knows this is political prosecution, and the reason why the government is so adamant to transfer to High Court is precisely because they want to nail him good. The Court of Appeal is not helping the perception of the Federal Government as an oligarchy, or a mafia.

I'd suggest Anwar appeal to the Federal Court, fat good that'll do for him, but he should try anyway.

Najib's purported big gamble

2009-07-01T06:25:00.000-07:00

This pertains to relaxation of the 30% bumi shareholding requirement for all PLCs.

It's amazing Najib had the balls to quote that RM54 billion worth of shares given to bumiputra have dwindled down to RM2billion. I think he's trying to paint the picture that the shares have been brought back by non-Bumis hence not benefitting the Bumis. But what he does not realise he has let spilled, is RM52billion of real money originally belonging to foreign investors and non-Bumi investors in this country are LOST!

I recall Lim Kit Siang saying that losing RM12 billion of public funds in the PKFZ fiasco is no chicken feed – it could build three Penang Bridges at RM4 billion each, 120 hospitals at RM100 million each, 1,200 schools at RM10 million each or 300,000 low-cost houses at RM40,000 each.

Imagine what RM52 billion could have been used effectively for, and what multiplier effect it would have had on our overall economy, and how that would have:
1) saved hundreds of thousands if not millions of Malaysians from being denied quality education or
2) having to make that heartbreaking decision to migrate away from their loved ones and never come back to stay in Malaysia or
3) already propelled Malaysia to be a developed nation TODAY.

Big gamble? Overdue, and in fact a little too late coz the horses have bolted - it'll take another generation or two for us to dig out of the cesspool we're in. And this is hardly his gamble. He merely plagiarised from Pakatan.

Hadi is a Pakatan liability, and other stupidity the last few days

2009-06-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

1) Madoff sentenced 150 years in jail for fraud amounting to USD13billion losses to the victims. And he's going to cough out USD80mil of his own assets to repay the victims as a plea bargain with prosecutors.

In Malaysia, PKFZ scandal alone potential yields up RM12.5billion losses. Over USD100billion was lost to corruption over the last 2 decades. Not a single imprisonment of big fish.

If any BN minister ever make any stupid remark about how corruption or fraud cannot be beaten citing US cases like this, Enron etc.. just like they say Patriot Act is fashioned after ISA, I suggest they rethink before making a big fool out of themselves.

2) Hindraf's ultimatum and antagonist stance towards Penang State Government. LGE said it will cost a lot of money to compulsorily acquire the land. Waythamoorthy says LGE is hoodwinking - it'll be a lot cheaper. I think Hindraf is very immature. By just quoting some section without any research being done thoroughly, he's certainly very quick to condemn LGE. If he thinks that LGE is wrong, then for goodness sake start quoting precedents that say you can get the land really cheap. Personally, I believe the very idea of having a mechanism for price determination is that government cannot abuse the process and acquire land dirt cheap. Otherwise BN politicians will have a gala of a time acquiring any strategic assets.

Hindraf can't be at two places at once. If you aren't supporting BN, and you're trying to offend Pakatan, your cause is at an end. Better make up your mind and stand down. You have more to lose compared with Pakatan. Perhaps LGE is right. Hindraf has been infiltrated by BN elements.

3) Assault on Karpal at Parliament. Paltry fine of RM1000, but charging opposition MPs with offence to fail to turn up at committee inquiry. Selective prosecution? Victimisation? Najib's democracy? Take your pick. They're all correct.

4) Nazri says IPCMC no go because it makes the commission too powerful.

Hang on, I thought that was the whole idea, since the police are getting too powerful? So what's wrong with arming the IPCMC?

As to whether it's against the constitution, hello, you can AMEND the constitution. And you don't want to because it involves Pakatan - that's just plain stupid. It's in fact the same stupid reason given when they passed the MACC bill.

Simply unacceptable. The glorified complaints commission that they are going to implement, called Siap or something, is a foregone conclusion. Another layer of bureaucracy to stuff with BN compliant folks.

Is this Najib reform? Is it Najib's way of giving us 1 Malaysia? Make a wild guess, you won't go wrong since it's all correct, but not in a good way. This is nothing more than cosmetic, superficial change that will cost even more taxpayer's money without any real gains.

5) At the top of the list of these few days of stupidity must be Hadi Awang again. It's tragedy of huge proportions, if Pakatan, after trying to mend the fence with each other over the Unity Government issue, has PAS trying to sow discord again. And this time the problem has compounded. Instead of just talking on some form of intellectual discussion (presumably over unity), Hadi has also lambasted Najib for dismantling the 30% bumi quota over plcs. WTF?? That's clearly contrarian to the central policy of PKR and DAP- which is - we support those in NEED, not based on RACE.

What's wrong with Hadi? Does he suffer from hallucinations of grandeur? Is he trying to get a bigger pie within Pakatan at a moment of Pakatan weakness? He's no better than a Machiavellian mole, working to destroy an organisation from within.

I think one thing is certain by now. Hadi is aiming for power. He does not really care how he does it, even if it means prostituting himself to UMNO or racism. I fail to appreciate how PAS members have kept him in power for so long. His political ambitions take precedent over his conscience, and it's so obvious it's oozing out of his nostrils.

I say we start a campaign to remove Hadi Awang. I don't really care if he's just be re-elected back to office. If PAS is to flourish within Pakatan, and if Pakatan is to be a truly consistent tour de force and a clear alternative to BN, Hadi is in the way and he must go.

Unless he backs down after another torrid of hail storm, and starts to qualify his objections on some finer basis, like 30% must come from the poor, or something.

MIC's divide and conquer

2009-06-25T02:46:00.000-07:00

I seriously hope it is a case of misreporting, but if anyone ever wanted to know whether MIC is a racist party, here's proof - extract from a report from Malaysia Insider:

"But as far as MIC is concerned, the racial undertone in the unity government idea is not something to be worried about.

Its information chief, Datuk M. Saravanan, said the country is not prepared for national unity given its young age, arguing that unity among the majority race superceded other issues.

“I totally agree with Najib. It is important for the majority to be united and the minority divided as the majority is at the forefront of the country’s development,” he said."

I wonder if it was a slip of tongue if it is not misreporting. I wonder if he even knew what he's saying - it's "Important" that minorities are divided?? Important to who? MIC? BN? UMNO?

My goodness.

One week of stupidity

2009-06-22T01:33:00.000-07:00

These are the few things that irked me the last one week:

First, Muhyddin latches on to Unity government idea like leech to warm blooded mammal.

Second, Hishammuddin said no review of Sedition Act.

Third, Ong Tee Keat says Lim Kit Siang has no intellectual depth, digging up old issues.

1) UMNO's fetish with Malay Unity

Kit Siang is right. UMNO talking with PAS on Malay unity is like saying they want to form a government consisting only of Malay representation. How's that for Malaysian unity?

Again, I put it to Hadi and his lieutenant that they have walked right into UMNO trap, out of which they have just begun to try to peddle back now.

Sorry to say, but damage already done. Now, people's faith in Hadi and his deputy is already diminished. They will be regarded as political opportunists - where their mission is not one of justice, but one of attaining power at any cost.

At least Hadi today has come up with commitment that Pakatan will stay intact for the next general election to wrest power from BN, but with the deputy still in denial, PAS cannot blame Malaysians for thinking that despite the statement being inked, it's just a half-hearted commitment.

Back-peddling, Hadi/deputy now has different variations:
a) talks only if judiciary is independent, corruption cleaned
b) talks only on Islam, not Malay

Try as he may, item (a) looks really foolish - how long has it been since PAS is an opposition party? How long has it been since UMNO said one thing about these issues and doing something real and effective about it?

As for item (b), I guess it sounds more palatable. But is if Islamic issue goes back to who's going to heaven or hell, and that depends on whether the government is clean or not, then again, the question is how long has it been since PAS has criticised UMNO of their corrupt ways and how long has it been since UMNO said one thing about corruption and practised something opposite?

Wake up boys, you've put your foot in your mouths, and you did a great disservice to Pakatan Rakyat - requiring the leaders from PKR and DAP to help douse out the fire. Your vanity, lust for power perhaps, have blinded you. With so little increase in popularity, you are already having visions of grandeur, it's sickening to imagine if you were to HELM a Pakatan federal government.

The more I think about this, the more I am pissed with PAS. There are various critical issues affecting the nation, and for a good two weeks, PAS took our attention away from those issues. I understand the DNA Identification Bill just made it past Dewan Rakyat. If true, this is another nail on the coffin of our criminal justice system. Developed nations are already paddling back on the use of DNA identification - saying it's at best corroborative evidence. We - no - we're roaring ahead to make DNA sampling and idenfication the cornerstone of crime busting. But who's crime are we talking about? Without adequate checks and balances, the DNA bank will be subject to abuse by the IGP, who is already showing partisan interest in the affairs of BN government. There better be an outcry, otherwise, the opposition is in serious trouble, and this includes PAS. If our eye weren't on the DNA bill, we certainly have Hadi Awang and his deputy to thank for.

2) Sedition Act

Of course we don't expect Hishammuddin to volunteer a review, not unless Sarawak is lost in a state election. Even then, despite spoken words of remorse and willingness to review, still nothing will come out of it - that much, Malaysians have resigned to accept in protest.

Anyone in the capacity of the Home Minister is the chief bully of the federal government. Just like the recent curtailing of DAP dinner function. Imagine - FRU trucks no less. What did they expect, that those who attended are going to go berserk and start killing other people will plastic cups and chicken bones?

What's the IGP still doing around? There's enough reason to sack him.

Where's the prosecution on Lingam scandal?

Where's IPCMC?

And he's just successfully sneaked DNA Bill through Dewan Rakyat.

I'm from the private sector. From time to time, we have interns coming to KL to gain Asian business experience. It's all very nice sounding in theory, but when they are here, and they face theft of their laptops from the place they are staying, or sometimes they fall victim to snatch thieves, what impression is Malaysia giving to these youngters? Their perception will be so coloured you can't blame them for having "superiority complex" over Malaysia. If Malaysia has a poor image abroad today, it is because the federal government brought it upon Malaysia.

3) Ong Tee Keat - from rude to belligerence

One of the worse things that a politician can do is to act like self righteous when he's in the wrong party. Malaysians would love to see the fiery retort of Ong Tee Keat if for instance he was in the opposition party. He could even become close friends of LGE and LKS.

But unfortunately circumstances are different, and OTK is the head of a communal political party existing at the fringes of the federal government. His party has been whacked in 8 March 2008 General Election. By default, he is neither in the right, not in the moral high ground. At the crux of it, PKFZ has caused massive losses. Naturally the public is asking - who's responsible. It can't be a ghost is responsible. It has to be a human, or a band of humans. And it has to involve either incompetence or corruption. The least he can do is to be polite to the opposition and to behave like he is accountable.

Lim Kit Siang does not have intellectual depth? That's really low. My only response to that is hahahahahahahahahahah! If it's not a distasteful joke, I don't know what that is. What's wrong with asking old questions, especially when they HAVEN'T been satisfactorily answered?

What we want, Tee Keat, is for you to answer each and every specific questions that LKS, other MPS and journalists posed at you. If you don't, and you brush aside his questions as old and cast aspersions on LKS' intelligence, you are doing all Malaysians a great deal of disservice. And for that, you and mostly MCA will be punished.

Intellectual Exercise, again

2009-06-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

Tee Keat said that the challenge for MCA to quit UMNO is laughable, that it's an intellectual exercise.

You have to hand it to BN people to use that phrase again. It was after all the same phrase used by Rais Yatim when he turned his back on a doctorate thesis where he assaulted the abuse of executive power in Malaysia, and embraced Mahathir's anti human rights stance as de facto law minister.

I guess the next time BN asks for a survey to be conducted, we know it won't actually cause the government to review their policy but to do more of the same, since it's only an INTELLECTUAL EXERCISE. Everytime BN says we will listen to you, or we want to listen to you, please give us feedback, we are sensitive to the needs of the people, it is just bullshit.

But don't we already know that. I mean, you can have royal commission of inquiry, offering solutions to problems from policet to Lingam. But what's the outcome? Some casual dismissal as inconsequential, that's what. No further action - get used to this acronym NFA.

It's funny how Tee Keat do not appreciate others are trying to help him. He's thinking that former MCA leaders are too soft, always speaking nicely, pleasantly. So he wants to show a lot more bravado, a tougher side. But guess what, when he talks to UMNO, he sounds like a wimp. It's only when he's talking to others he's sounding brash, loud, rude and condescending. I hope he'd continue this way because it'll cause MCA to lose even more in the long term. Chua Soi Lek may have been caught on DVD, but what he says make a lot more sense than what Tee Keat is saying now. If MCA members truly want to revive their party, they should reconsider where Tee Keat is taking them in the right direction.

Consider this. He's in France, which gives the impression that the visit (and we don't really know the materiality or consequence of the visit - is it going to reap in more than RM12 billion?) means more than the upcoming Parliamentary debate on PKFZ. We Malaysians demand answers when our taxpayer's money is flushed down the drain and no heads are rolling. Now that Tee Keat has said it all, what BN truly means, that sending the report to MACC is merely possibly an intellectual exercise, does he expect Malaysians to just sit pat and express no outrage?

Truly, it's not only failure of MCA leadership. It's that of BN to want to try to sweep this big pile of shit under the proverbial carpet by treating this exercise on accountability casually.

Truly an incredible day of stupidity

2009-06-10T04:42:00.000-07:00

There's so much to write today.

1) Zukifli Nordin, PKR MP, regards SIS as sewerage company, saying they should be domesticated

2) TDM says if by speaking up for Malays he is regarded as racist then can no one speak up for the Malays?

3) Ong Tee Keat appoints Skrine and PWC to recoup loss in PKFZ, and the TI head (Malaysia Chapter) to head it

4) Deputy Finance Minister is confident Malaysia will stay ahead as premier Islamic Finance centre

What's wrong with each of these things?

1) SIS

There's some debate about whether PAS did pass a resolution asking the National Fatwa council to ban SIS

The anger is that SIS is misusing Islam

Zul suggested these are UMNO daughters, single cosmopolitan women who have gotten lost

I'm not sure if he is angry at SIS because SIS is UMNO related, or because they are deviant

I don't know what SIS is deviant for

I can only hope that Zul will put in his blog as to what he thinks those deviations are, and I hope SIS will rise to the challenge by refuting him

If indeed SIS is misusing "Islam" tag, the question is by whose definition, and are those definitions correct in the first place?

I'd dare say anything coming out of federal government I tend to look at with cynism. Therefore for PAS and Zul to rely on the NFC, and coming at the time when PAS is openly begging to become part of the federal government, it reeks of opportunism for PAS and Zul to ingratiate themselves with UMNO

So by default, I must disagree that SIS be banned. If Zul and PAS dare, please have an open debate with SIS - we Malaysians would like to see who makes more sense

As for Zul, I wonder why Anwar wants to keep him around. There is not a chance for Pakatan to form federal government anytime soon. Just discipline him and drive him to UMNO. He is free to speak on what he likes, but if his views are not in consonant with Pakatan views, it's a failed marriage, and the parties should part, just like PAS

All in all, Zul said the most sexist thing of the day. You can disagree with someone, but to denegrade them with references to domestication and sewage... he's asking for trouble. Real stupid

2) Racist TDM

See, what I don't understand is this. If someone has to raise the spirits of Malays (actually by this it should mean UMNOputras) by browbeating the other races into pulp, and those other races are minorities, I think there is no doubt that that's racist. So what's wrong with calling TDM a racist because he treats other races like enemies?

But suppose TDM laments about Malays being backwards, but heaps praises on how the non-Malays have done it on their own without relying to crutches, and how Malays should work harder - that's speaking up for Malays as well, but without that confrontational tone. That's not racist

It's simple to distinguish the two isnt' it? Hence I wonder why TDM is making a big fuss out of it. If he does not want to sound like a racist, he should stop pounding on other races. Maybe if he still wants to create external enemies for Malays to unite against, he should select specific individuals - but don't drag in that entire race

Real stupid, this one

3) PKFZ

First impression - yeah, it's certainly a breath of fresh air to appoint a non-government lackey to oversee PKFZ. But don't think because of that the episode is closed

The reason why these appointments are made is because OTK is DESPERATE for some kind of closure

But can this be so easily closed?

The mandate of TI head, Skrine and PWC probably won't include finding fault - and with that, no heads will roll - all previous problems forgotten - those who have reaped kabillion RM into their collective pockets and now stashed in offshore financial centres are off scott free! And that's what Malaysians must not stand for. We want heads to roll - we demand that heads roll. We don't need another financial scandal without criminals!

Can't OTK simply understand this? If he refuses to acknowledge this, then he is as good as being complicit in the crimes committed against Malaysian taxpayers.

On the TI head, while it is good, the real question must be - yes, we need a clean guy, but we need both a clean and a competent guy. So what if TI can put in place transparent standards to make sure all these nonsense won't repeat, but he can't manage ports jack shit? The first question must be - is the TI head a competent port manager? If not, then this appointing TI head is all but a big show. And trust me Malaysians will see through this charade too

Really stupid.

4) Islamic Finance Centre

The Deputy Finance Minister says his confidence is based on regulations put in place by SC and Bursa, increased appetite for Islamic products, and our network

Sounds good? Hardly. Wake up man. Regulations can be created by any country with certain government servants smart enough to use the internet and download regulatory framework from other jurisdictions. If we have them online, people will soon enough be able to catch up

Network - we're not the only one - other countries even Spore is courting Islamic funds - and it's conceivably more exciting there because of the range of conventional financial products that could be immediate adapted to shariah compliance

Increase in Islamic instruments appetite is just a no brainer - it means the investment won't just come into Malaysia, but elsewhere, and perhaps more elsewhere

Perhaps the DFM has more data, but it's truly amazing that he hasn't taken time to couch a strong response relating to the source of his confidence. Could he say back in 2000, our share is [ ], but now our share is [ ], and we have outperformed any other markets (and please don't compare with Zimbabwe) such as UK, Spore, Hong Kong and other leading financial centres? And we're attracting the best brains to come work in Islamic Finance institutions in this country because we reward meritocracy.

Can he say that with a straight face backed by statistics? If he can, then I say yes, your confidence is well founded, at least from a historic record perspective

And he shouldn't stop there - he should have used the opportunity to further emphasise that the other reason why we're leading is because we have an independent judiciary and people are happy to carry out arbitration or mediation in Malaysia, and the police will act even handedly when dealing with criminal fraud

Can he honestly say those things without blinking and having it backed up by statistics? If he can, then I say his confidence is well founded.

But for now, like anything spouted out of the mouth of a BN minister, I'd handle it with a bag of salt. Such a flimsy justification for his source of confidence, is frankly, does not build much confidence

Really stupid, but granted, some people will lap this up and say - good... good..- I feel sorry for these folks.

What's wrong with Hadi Awang?

2009-06-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

This issue has been festering for some time, but has now come to its head. It's certain dialogue undertaken between UMNO and PAS concerning Unity Government. I just cannot believe that Hadi Awang the President no less of PAS is personally engaged in talking with UMNO on the reason that it's about the good of the people.

Does Hadi Awang know what's the likely outcome of such a dialogue?

1) It's free publicity for UMNO and it's purported fight for rights of Malay/Muslims

2) It's free publicity for Najib - PAS is willing to deal with him, not Badawi

3) BN still controls the majority in Parliament. Why do they need a unity government? It doesn't make sense for BN, and it makes Pakatan look like a fool

4) Seriously, does Hadi think that perhaps in a unity government he could be Deputy Prime Minister? Because no way in hell is BN, with majority, going to give Prime Ministership to him

5) What's this whole crazy idea about Malay/Muslim unity? We should be talking about Malaysian unity! A Malaysia that's united in our principles, which includes the right to think and freely decide for oneself, to have diverse opinions. Freedom of association to join a party of one's choice. Not being forced into choicelessness of one mega Malay group of parties

If there is one thing I really appreciate the democracy in United States and United Kingdom, it is this: they CAN change. They listen to the world, and they CAN correct themselves. But that's them, and that's not us, not under BN. Joining BN in a unity orgy won't help. Pakatan needs to REPLACE BN to effect positive, sweeping changes in this country

Why can't Hadi Awang understand that? What game is he playing? Why's he playing with fire? Is he really a trusted partner of Pakatan? Is power and popularity getting to his head again and he's ready to do another Terengganu Hudud on us Malaysians? Is 4 years really that long to wait and build a finer relationship with Pakatan? Is PAS in the end, a tiger that loses it's stripes, but is nonetheless just as dangerous?

The irony is, Khairy Jamaluddin just said that Pakatan is a marriage of convenience. It is no less than tragic if that were true. Pakatan has not made it to shore yet. Yet the ship is already breaking apart a bit at a time

A lot of Malaysians won't take the Unity government idea sitting down pat. There will be a price to pay. So you think Nizar is popular? Think again. When you moot unity government, we're gonna think - good riddance Nizar - you guys too easily let popularity and power get to your head outside Kelantan. And we're fortunate to get an incontrovertible proof of your warped conservatism now instead of when you ever come into power

An analogy comes to mind. PAS is no different from North Korea. Talk tough about Hudud, talk tough about Muslim Unity - even when they know talking like this makes them unpopular with a lot of people - just like North Korea launching missiles again and again and detonating nuclear bombs underground - perhaps there's internal politics and how it is read by Hadi. Perhaps it's his way of ensuring popularity. Fine - but why is there a need to rock the boat in the first place? Are the conservatives within PAS so jittery with cooperation with PKR and DAP that he needs to pull a stunt like this? In that case, it really does not reflect well on this marriage of convenience - which appear liable to break up anytime soon

DAP and PKR should reach out to PAS conservatives to reassure them. Otherwise this friction will fester into open wound a few months down the line

If only we have an Obama clone..

2009-06-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Copied from AP:

Text of President Barack Obama's speech at Cairo University, as provided by CQ Transcriptions.

Good afternoon. I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has had stood as a beacon of Islamic learning. And for over a century, Cairo University has been a source of Egypt's advancement. Together, you represent the harmony between tradition and progress.

I'm grateful for your hospitality and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I'm also proud to carry with me the good will of the American people and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country: Assalamu-alaikum.

(APPLAUSE)

We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world, tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation but also conflict and religious wars.

More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims and a Cold War in which Muslim majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile not only to America and western countries but also to human rights.

All this has bred more fear and more mistrust. So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace, those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I've come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect, and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap and share common principles, principles of justice and progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.

I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight. I know there's been a lot of publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust nor can I answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to this point.

But I am convinced that in order to move forward, we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors. There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one another, and to seek common ground.

As the Holy Quran tells us, Be conscious of God and speak always the truth.

(APPLAUSE)

That is what I will try to do today, to speak the truth as best I can. Humbled by the task before us and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Now, part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I'm a Christian. But my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and at the fall of dusk.

As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith. As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam at places like Al-Azhar that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's renaissance and enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities...

(APPLAUSE)

It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra, our magnetic compass and tools of navigation, our mastery of pens and printing, our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires, timeless poetry and cherished music, elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality.

(APPLAUSE)

I also know that Islam has always been a part of America's story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796, our second president, John Adams, wrote,

The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims. And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States.

They have fought in our wars. They have served in our government. They have stood for civil rights. They have started businesses. They have taught at our universities. They've excelled in our sports arenas. They've won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building and lit the Olympic torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same holy Quran that one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, kept in his personal library.

(APPLAUSE)

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn't. And I consider it part of my responsibility as president of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear.

(APPLAUSE)

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. Just as...

(APPLAUSE)

Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire. The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire.

We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal. And we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words, within our borders and around the world.

We are shaped by every culture. Drawn from every end of the Earth, and dedicated to a simple concept, E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.

Now much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected president.

(APPLAUSE)

But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores. And that includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the way, enjoy incomes and educational levels that are higher than the American average.

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one's religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state in our union and over 1,200 mosques within our borders. That's why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab, and to punish those who would deny it.

So let there be no doubt...

(APPLAUSE)

... let there be no doubt, Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations: to live in peace and security, to get an education and to work with dignity, to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead. And if we understand that the challenges we face are shared and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations.

When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience.

(APPLAUSE)

That is what it means to share this world in the 21st Century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings. This is a difficult responsibility to embrace, for human history has often been a record of nations and tribes, and, yes, religions subjugating one another in pursuit of their own interests.

Yet in this new age, such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership, our progress must be shared.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, that does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite. We must face these tensions squarely. And so, in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and as plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all its forms. In Ankara, I made clear that America is not and never will be at war with Islam.

(APPLAUSE)

We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject, the killing of innocent men, women, and children. And it is my first duty as president to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America's goals and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued Al Qaida and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice. We went because of necessity. I'm aware that there's still some who would question or even justify the offense of 9/11. But let us be clear. Al Qaida killed nearly 3,000 people on that day.

The victims were innocent men, women, and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet Al Qaida chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack, and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach.

These are not opinions to be debated. These are facts to be dealt with. Make no mistake, we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no military -- we seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict.

We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan and now Pakistan determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can. But that is not yet the case.

And that's why we're partnering with a coalition of 46 countries. And despite the costs involved, America's commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths but, more than any other, they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations, and with Islam.

The Holy Quran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as -- it is as it if has killed all mankind.

(APPLAUSE)

And the Holy Quran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind.

(APPLAUSE)

The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism; it is an important part of promoting peace.

Now, we also know that military power alone is not going solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That's why we plan to invest $1.5 billion each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses, and hundreds of millions to help those who've been displaced.

That's why we are providing more than $2.8 billion to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend on.

Now, let me also address the issue of Iraq. Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible.

(APPLAUSE)

Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said, I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power and teach us that the less we use our power, the greater it will be. Today America has a dual responsibility to help Iraq forge a better future and to leave Iraq to Iraqis.

I have made it clear to the Iraqi people...

(APPLAUSE)

I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no basis and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq's sovereignty is its own. And that's why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq's democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by 2012.

(APPLAUSE)

We will help Iraq train its security forces and develop its economy. But we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner and never as a patron.

And finally, just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists, we must never alter or forget our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable. But in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals.

We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States. And I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year.

(APPLAUSE)

So America will defend itself, respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities, which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

Now, the second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world. America's strong bonds with Israel are well-known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries. And anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented holocaust. Tomorrow I will visit Buchenwald, which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich.

Six million Jews were killed, more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless. It is ignorant, and it is hateful.

It's about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

Now, I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nations should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons. And that's why I strongly reaffirmed America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons.

(APPLAUSE)

And any nation, including Iran, should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power if it complies with its responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the treaty. And it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I am hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy.

(APPLAUSE)

I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years. And much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear. No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other. That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people.

Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election.

But I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed, confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice, government that is transparent and doesn't steal from the people, the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas. They are human rights. And that is why we will support them everywhere.

(APPLAUSE)

Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise. But this much is clear. Governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world, even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments, provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they're out of power. Once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others.

(APPLAUSE)

So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power. You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion. You must respect the rights of minorities and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise. You must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party.

Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

(AUDIENCE MEMBER SHOUTS)

Thank you.

(APPLAUSE)

The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom. Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalusia and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it firsthand as a child in Indonesia where devote Christians worshipped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country.

That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul.

This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive. But it's being challenged in many different ways. Among some Muslims, there's a disturbing tendency to measure one's own faith by the rejection of somebody else's faith.

The richness of religious diversity must be upheld, whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt.

(APPLAUSE)

And if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well as the divisions between Sunni and Shia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which people protect it. For instance, in the United States, rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation.

That's why I'm committed to work with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill zakat. Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit, for instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear.

We can't disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretense of liberalism. In fact, faith should bring us together. And that's why we're forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews.

That's why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations.

Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service so bridges between peoples lead to action, whether it is combating malaria in Africa or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue -- the sixth issue that I want to address is women's rights.

(APPLAUSE)

I know...

(APPLAUSE)

I know, and you can tell from this audience, that there is a healthy debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal. But I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.

(APPLAUSE)

And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well- educated are far more likely to be prosperous.

Now let me be clear, issues of women's equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we've seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead.

Meanwhile, the struggle for women's equality continues in many aspects of American life and in countries around the world. I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.

(APPLAUSE)

Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity, men and women, to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal. And I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice.

That is why the United States will partner with any Muslim- majority country to support expanded literacy for girls and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams.

(APPLAUSE)

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity. I know that for many, the face of globalization is contradictory. The Internet and television can bring knowledge and information but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence into the home.

Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities but also huge disruptions and change in communities. In all nations, including America, this change can bring fear; fear that, because of modernity, we lose control over our economic choices, our politics, and most importantly, our identities, those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith.

But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies enormously while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai.

In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education. And this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work.

Many Gulf States have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil, and some are beginning to focus it on broader development. But all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the 21st century. And in too...

(APPLAUSE)

And in too many Muslim communities, there remains underinvestment in these areas. I am emphasizing such investment within my own country. And while America, in the past, has focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we new seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand change programs and increase scholarships like the one that brought my father to America.

(APPLAUSE)

At the same time, we will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students are internships in America, invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world and create a new, online network so a young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.

On economic development, we will create a new core of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim majority countries. And I will host a summit on entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations, and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim majority country and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more jobs. We will open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, grow new crops.

Today, I'm announcing a new global effort with the organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio. And we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote child and maternal health.

All these things must be done in partnership. Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments, community organizations, religious leaders, and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address, but we have a responsibility to join together to behalf of the world that we seek, a world where extremists no longer threaten our people and American troops have come home; a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes, a world where governments serve their citizens and the rights of all God's children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek.But we can only achieve it together. I know there are many, Muslim and non-Muslim, who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn't worth the effort, that we are fated to disagree and civilizations are doomed to clash.

Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There is so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith in every country. You more than anyone have the ability to reimagine the world, the remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart or whether we commit ourselves to an effort, a sustained effort to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It's easier to start wars than to end them. It's easier to blame others than to look inward. It's easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path. There is one rule that lies at the heart of every religion, that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

(APPLAUSE)

This truth transcends nations and peoples, a belief that isn't new, that isn't black or white or brown, that isn't Christian or Muslim or Jew. It's a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It's a faith in other people. And it's what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning, keeping in mind what has been written. The Holy Quran tells us, Mankind, we have created you male and a female. And we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.

The Talmud tells us, The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.

The Holy Bible tells us, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

(APPLAUSE)

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth.

Thank you. And may God's peace be upon you. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

END
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Two things I want to observe:

1) Apart from Tun Dr M and DSAI, no other leader in Malaysia have quite eloquently referred to Islamic success in the field of science. The information is all there, just that our local politicians are just not bothered to talk about this. These are the kinds of stuff that inspires. It makes non-Muslims in this country think of what a great nation this could be with innovative minds. It makes Muslims want to strive and achieve breakthroughs. No, instead all we have is daily drumming of how inadequate Malay/Muslims are, how lacking they are, and how more crutches they need to go on to compete on equal footing with "others". It makes me mad. No, it makes me sad, that Malay/Muslim progress is actually shackled not by demands to dismantle the NEP, but by UMNO politicians who fear moving forward and losing their lucrative largese on the pretext of Malay/Muslim helplessness. Leadership inspires. And that, we are terribly lacking in Malaysia. Who helped Obama write his speech? A handful of people in his communications office in the West Wing? And yet we have layers upon layers of advisors in Malaysia to advise our Prime Ministers, and apart from TDM, non other have come up to anywhere near this close to what Obama has said, and he is not even a Muslim. It's really an indictment and a crying shame at the failure of our federal political leadership.

2) Obama said it again. When will UMNO ever learn? It's not democracy just because you get to vote. It's giving people the voice. The commitment that you govern through consent, not coercion. If one didn't know, Obama was aiming squarely at UMNO and BN. And to rub salt on the wound, has the federal government in recent times made any mention, at all, about women or equality? It's a resounding, actually defeaning no.

There are many who think that DSAI has too much problems to become PM. Let me say this. He may have personal issues, fictitious or otherwise. But Malaysia cannot move forward with a bland, coercive leader trapped in a compromised system. We need someone who inspires. We need a clean break from the past. DSAI's the man, and will still be come 2013. I don't see any hope of BN changing. That's reason enough to make a calculated decision and go for the lesser of all evils, a PR Federal Government.

We should all go to war

2009-05-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

I'm just venting on this one, coz it's 12.30 midnight, and I can't sleep.

I recall (correct me if it's historically incorrect) that the United States got out of its recession and went on to become the world's only superpower because Japan bombed Pearl Harbour. Industrial might simply took off at that time.

Japan, vanguished by two atomic bombs, but a nation of proud peoples, rose from the ashes to become the second largest economic powerhouse in the world.

Germany, vanquished by the Alliance, is today the largest economy in Europe, and the country stands reputed for it's engineering precision.

Singapore, cut off from Malaysia, is the recognised centre of South East Asia, and has kicked up so much dust in dashing ahead with economic prosperity that it's northern cousin is biting dust.

South Korea, another nation devastated by the Korean war, has far surpassed Malaysia with it's automobile and electronics brands.

Vietnam, possibly the only victor of an arms conflict with the US, is now a rapidly developing South East Asian nation.

Nations who go to war, ending up victorious, or otherwise defeated, seems to be doing better than the rest.

Malaysia - too peaceful, too stable, too sedated for far too long, is trailing behind in every single respect of national development. It may not be able to save itself, because the head is not thinking straight, and the head does not want to be lobotomised.

Seems like the only way is for someone to invade us. It's probably the only way to unite the entire nation.

Or, perhaps we should do something really really crazy like invading another nation, perhaps one with a good cause.

Perhaps Malaysia should moot to invade Myanmar and remove the despotic military regime. Perhaps Malaysia should moot to stand alongside South Koreans and invade North Korea to free the starving peoples from the mafia of a government.

For what's the use of all of our new submarines, fighter jets, unusable marine vessels, if not put to test? What's the use of annual military budget, if it's just to replace units that crash?

It'll be good for the Defence Minister too, coz there will be lots of commissions to be made.

War unites the people. Perhaps that's what Najib needs.

But perhaps while war is good for Malaysia, BN's execution of it is not. We probably don't want Mongolians to be reminded that our soldiers use C4.

There you have it - another reason to remove BN by 2013. War is perhaps the only thing to spur us onwards, together, and break the chain of apathy and malaise under NEP. And we need it as soon as possible.

Tee Keat's self congratulations

2009-05-27T05:22:00.000-07:00

Tee Keat mentioned with pride that he's come a long way to finally get the report published, even going so far as to claim that the new government is transparent and the opposition should be disappointed that it's finally released.

I don't have to be a member of the opposition party to roll my eyes at the absurdity of Tee Keat's arguments.

Firstly, there is nothing for the opposition party to be sad or happy about when it comes to PKFZ report. The anger of DAP is the anger of ordinary citizens who know for a FACT that PKFZ under the watch of a BN government has lost billions of ringgit to fraud and mismanagement, without a single person being implicated. Why does DAP be sad now that the report is finally out? DAP should only be sad if despite the report being out, BN politicians implicated therein should escape unscathed.

Secondly, with Tee Keat claiming so much credit, it is as if there is war within the government whether to release the report or not. Now, why is that something that Malaysians should reward Tee Keat with adoration? It's his job, and in any event it is a poor reflection of Barisan Nasional to have stonewalled the nation on the report for far too long.

I had the misfortune of speaking with prosecutors from the AG's chambers recently. I asked them how they are dealing with perception problem of failed prosecutions. They say evidence is solid when they proferred the charge, but when it comes to hearing, key witnesses are no longer around. And left it at that. I see, personally, a serious issue with accountability. If the AG's chambers have always known, and they ought to being helmed by people with many, many years in practice - that witnesses will tend to grow old, die, move elsewhere etc.., don't they have ANY plans to preserve the evidence? Don't they have any plans to have signed depositions that could be used as best evidence when witnesses go missing? The fact that prosecutors acknowledge a particular shortcoming but do nothing about it, is perhaps a reflection of the AG's (much less of his officers') lack of professionalism, and above all, a condemnation of a political leadership that through delay, such as in Perwaja Steel's case, causes the prosecution to lose their case. And who was recklessly negligent (if not outright intentional) in this instance? It is none other than our former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir.

And now they have stonewalled PKFZ for far too long, I suspect it is only coming out now because they can't contain it anymore, but by no means we are starting to get accountability from the government. Far from it, it will be a long drawn process before we actually get prosecutions, and far longer if we are ever going to secure any convictions. We probably won't secure any convictions, given the standards of excellence displayed by our prosecution in Perwaja Steel, or the fact that VK Lingam case has disappeared completely from mainstream radar.

We Malaysians must not forget this one additional infamy, this project of Kerajaan Barisan Nasional, when the next GE arrives.

BN can have Perak, but Pakatan can have Malaysia

2009-05-08T01:09:00.000-07:00

Now that the road is near the end for Perak Pakatan Assemblymen, it's perhaps a good time to dissect the mess that BN has got not just Perakians, but Malaysians into.

Once upon the time, Pakatan held a slim majority over Perak Assembly. The assemblymen were made to sign undated resignation letters, not under duress. This is to be used in the event they cross over to the other side.

The constitutionality of such letter is a question best answered with much deliberation and by impartial cool heads. On one hand, political ethics may dictate that people voted for a representative not just because of his or her personal gravitas, but the party in which he or she represents. On the other hand, there is such a thing as right of association, and voters should accept the risk of their assemblymen crossing over to another party they never voted for. The remedy is then purely political - punish the same assemblyman the next time round at the polls.

The first mess was created when the Election Commission refuses to call for by-elections over the three state constituencies purportedly vacated by 3 resignations from Pakatan fold. That the Election Commission should have such extra-judicial power is incredible to accept. That the Federal Court decided that they have the power can only mean that the Federal Court is an accomplice in diluting separation of powers in Malaysian body politic. And it is in fact made more inexcusable because of the presence of certain luminary judges praised for their previous pronouncements on justice and fairness.

The effect is to confirm the dangerously partisan nature of the Election Commission and the Courts, which Malaysians have long known, but longed for a change.

The second mess was created by the Sultan of Perak. The State Constitution clearly states that there are only two ways to remove a sitting MB - he loses confidence, or he seeks a dissolution of the assembly. Remember that at the time the Sultan refuses the dissolution and asked Nizar to resign, the Federal Court has yet to make its decision with respect to the resignation of the 3 assembly persons. What the Sultan did, could arguably be sub-judice, and as such contempt of court. That the Sultan pre-empted the court's decision, and assumed that in fact the resignations have not taken place, and therefore Nizar truly has lost confidence of the assembly, points to a collusion between the Perak royal house, the Federal Executive branch of the government and the courts.

The third mess is for the Federal Court to declare illegal any assembly not taking place within the state assembly, and for the Speaker's decision to suspend the BN assemblymen/purported executive councillors from the assembly as void. Now, this is really but a subset of the big issues that I've identified above. The Pakatan speaker will be well within his power to refuse to begin the proceedings on 7 May, if he is still truly the Speaker. But the question is, was he still the true Speaker?

Let's examine the sequence of events right from the start. Suppose the Election Commission behaved professionally, and referred the question of resignation to the Federal Court, and the Federal Court says it is unconstitutional to have such undated resignation letters, then clearly BN has a majority.

Once BN has majority, the Sultan could have thought that it isn't necessary to get a vote of no confidence in the state assembly. For how could you move for such a motion when it is plain for all to see that in the Parliament, the Speaker would not allow for such a motion to be raised by Pakatan MPs? The question is then - how do you resolve an impasse in a situation of this nature? I think there is no choice but to rely on the reverent position of the Royalty and have the Sultan decide that in fact Nizar has lost confidence, without an assembly sitting. Otherwise we will have a deadlock.

Once BN has clear majority, the Pakatan Speaker's position is no longer tenable. For instance, can it be true that in whatsoever circumstances, the Speaker's decision is final and is not justiciable? Surely, in any democracy with a decent system of checks and balances, such power cannot be absolute. Surely, there is some limit to how the Speaker may decide on motions. I would even go so far to say behind the dark clouds, the fact that the speakers' powers are now justiciable, is watershed in Malaysian legal jurisprudence.

I cannot help (and I think I may be lambasted on this), but think that if the parties were switched, it would be the BN side crying injustice and unfairness - which is true with respect to obvious partiality shown by the Election Commission, MACC (who tried to harass the Pakatan Speaker for abuse of power), the police, the state secretary, assembly secretary and the sergeant at arms. But I doubt netizens will cry out loud. In fact, because we hate BN so much we'd say - good riddance, by whatever means necessary - even to the extent of - clever maneuvering. We may lambast the various institutions for not showing their neutrality, but we will let the main effect, which is a successful power grab, to stick.

But I suppose it's all about perception. The perception is BN is a big bully, and has the power of coercion. Perak Pakatan going against BN, Election Commission, the Courts, the Royalties, the police, and the civil service is like David going against Goliath. The net effect must be the utter demolishing of BN's political credibility, and that of the institutions of governance, and the moral victory of Pakatan.

What I think this turns out is, BN might have done everything by the law, but it is so very tainted with lack of neutrality of various players that even the legal has turned illegitimate.

It also means BN should shut up and not put up an ounce of resistance if enough MPs from BN crosses over to Pakatan at the Parliamentary level. Don't complain if your undated resignation letters don't work. Don't complain if the YDA does not ask for a vote of no confidence to be undertaken at the Parliament because enough MPs gathered at the Istana to say they support Pakatan takeover of the Federal Government. And if Pakatan seeks a vote of no confidence in the Parliament, don't say that the Speaker has absolute power to say no. After all, you reap what you sow.

I believe this is the beginning of interesting times of political maneuvering at the federal level, and I hope Pakatan will maximise this newfound source of legal challenge in their arsenal against the might of BN.

Child Porn is anything but normal!

2009-05-05T01:41:00.000-07:00

Do you recall some time back that the current Election Commission Chairman' pilot son was caught having child porn in his handphone? Guess what the Election Commission Chairman said - it's normal, everyone has child porn in their handphone.

Well, many would probably have rolled their eyes and say "satu lagi kebanggaan kerajaan BN". Just to contrast this with the enormity of a child porn related offence, I came across this news item today:

SAN DIEGO – A deputy assistant secretary of the Navy under President Bill Clinton has been sentenced in San Diego to more than three years in federal prison for possessing child pornography.

Wade Sanders was senior adviser for veterans and military affairs to California Lt. Gov. John Garamendi when he was arrested last year. The 68-year-old San Diego man pleaded guilty in December.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Whelan sentenced the decorated Vietnam War veteran Monday to three years and one month in prison. Prosecutors sought more than five years. The maximum was 10 years.

Court records state there were more than 600 images of child pornography on his computers.

It's funny the Royal Malaysian Police haven't swooped down on the son to investigate, or as they say, invite him over to "take a statement". I mean - a pilot compared with a war veteran? That's Malaysia for you.

Speaking of which, WHERE on earth is our IPCMC?

Thanks Tee Keat, for giving me something to write about today

2009-04-10T07:05:00.000-07:00

Tis is from Mkini - MCA chief explains why estranged deputy snubbed
Gabrielle Chong | Apr 10, 09 6:10pm
MCA deputy president Chua Soi Lek was not given a ministerial post because he is not a member of parliament, said party president Ong Tee Keat today.

When pressed on the issue by a journalist at a press conference today, Ong snapped, "Old question. I've answered that the day before yesterday."

An irritated Ong however continued, "Have you read the federal constitution? I think you should have done your homework.

"Only members of parliament or senators may be appointed as cabinet ministers, not any Tom, Dick or Harry, my dear, okay?"

He however did not explain why his estranged deputy was not made a senator so that Chua is eligible to be brought into the cabinet.

Ong was also visibly irked when asked for his opinions on the new cabinet line-up.

"You're late. I've already answered that question yesterday. Can you think of anything else?" he told the journalist who had sought for his views on the matter.

"But I can give a brief summary of what I've already spoken yesterday,” he continued.

"First of all, I'm grateful for the trust that Prime Minister Najib Razak has given to MCA, retaining not only four ministers and six deputy ministers, but also introducing a new deputy minister from the party.

"Of course, it's important to have a multiracial cabinet, but what is even more important is how the cabinet will implement Najib's vision of 'One Malaysia'."

Of the 11 MCA leaders who were roped into the cabinet, newly-minted Women, Family and Society Development Minister Chew Mei Fun was appointed senator yesterday.

In becoming a senator, Chew, who lost her Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentary seat in the March 8 elections, could be included in the new cabinet.

Another MCA leader, Wanita wing’s secretary-general Heng Seai Kie, who was appointed senator in 2006, was named deputy minister of information, communication, arts and culture despite being a relative novice in the party.

Chua, however, was overlooked for senatorship despite his vast experience in government and seniority in the party.

Why no Chinese DPM?

Speaking at the launch of China Press' 'Five Hearts Car Team' charity event, Ong was also asked about why there was a minor reduction to the size of the cabinet.

"There are two ways of downsizing the cabinet. The first would be a gradual change in the number of ministries while the second would be a drastic reorganisation of the cabinet.

"The latter would involve sudden mergers or even abolishment of a few ministries, which is a difficult and complicated process to implement," he said in explaining minor changes to Malaysia’s XXL-sized cabinet.

The previous cabinet had 31 members, considered big for a country with 25 million people. This has since been reduced to 29, despite earlier talks that it could be slashed to 20 or 25 ministers.

At today’s press conference, Ong appeared reluctant to answer questions on the cabinet, including why Najib had not heeded MCA's suggestion to appoint a Chinese deputy prime minister.

"Anybody may give their opinions, but it is up to the prime minister to make such decisions," said Ong.

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Just a short comment:
(1) "Only members of parliament or senators may be appointed as cabinet ministers, not any Tom, Dick or Harry, my dear, okay?"
1) arrogance
2) derogatory towards the (presumably female reporter - and infact it would be an even bigger problem if he refers to a male reporter as "my dear")
3) Chew Mei Fun made senator and then deputy minister. Chew Mei Fun is junior to Chua Soi Lek. I mean, come on la, Tee Keat - you are supposedly reputed to tell it as it is - clearly you are not here - your reputation is sliding faster than a hurtling bobsled

(2) "There are two ways of downsizing the cabinet. The first would be a gradual change in the number of ministries while the second would be a drastic reorganisation of the cabinet.

I think it is all about intent. The implementation can come later. If he's intended to fuse two ministries together, just do it la. For now, appoint a single minister to oversee the two ministries if fusing them immediately is "too complicated". It's not like it's the job of the ministers to do the fusing - it's the civil servants

Once ministers settle in, what's the chance of trimming further without disturbing the equilibrium of power? Tee Keat should have just said it's the PM's prerogative instead of using some smart ass answer to make it look like he's being consistent

(3) At today’s press conference, Ong appeared reluctant to answer questions on the cabinet, including why Najib had not heeded MCA's suggestion to appoint a Chinese deputy prime minister.

"Anybody may give their opinions, but it is up to the prime minister to make such decisions," said Ong.

In another words, thank goodness the Chinese were not hoodwinked into believing that there's a chance of having a Chinese DPM and give some votes to BN - indeed, talk in MCA is cheap - ANYONE can give opinion, but PM makes the decisions, and he does not have to listen to you, as usual

Well done, Tee Keat, and thanks for the fuel to fire up this article.

Unrepentant UMNO, MCA and TDM - reasons for us to dig in for the long haul

2009-04-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

Been looking at some news items coming out since BN took a beating in yesterday’s by-elections

TDM
-------

It would appear that the hindsight doctors are out – TDM says people defeated BN candidates in the two Bukits because people still remember the failures of Badawi Administration in the last 6 years.

He conveniently forgot that it was Badawi who cut back on wasteful megaprojects, Badawi who opened up the press so that finally the voices of the frustrated are heard, and Badawi who at least initiated some measure of reform, half baked as they may be.

We would not have seen any of these good things given another 6 years of Mahathirism right after TDM's retirement.

MCA
-------

I only feel disappointed and sorry at the same time for MCA. Before the by-elections, in order to shore up support from the Chinese, MCA asked Najib to have a second DPM who must be a Chinese.

Today, Ong Tee Keat essentially requested Najib to retain all four MCA ministers, fearing the analysis that Najib will trim the bloated cabinet down from 30+ to just over 20.

I can only say that MCA still does not get it. The element of time makes a whole difference of how impactful what MCA says will be. When they were riding high during early Badawi years, if they have stood up to make noise about religious conversion issues, about ISA, about good governance and about the second DPM position, the Chinese would have applauded them. But NO, they did none of those things except happily accepting the crumbs of economic goodies dished out by UMNO to their sycophantic pets.

Now that MCA is down and almost out, and having such a small measure of influence, what makes them think that their voice about bold reforms will carry any weight? Malaysians are not stupid (and I say "Malaysians" because MCA representatives are voted in by not only Chinese but by all races), and not born yesterday to not able to differentiate MCA’s attempts as self preserving populism.

MCA has never delivered on a platform of principled politics – whether it be justice, fairness, equal opportunities, democracy, or the other macro picture that’s necessary for Malaysia to become a fully developed and democratic nation. They’ve always put their heads between UMNO coat tails, parroting what UMNO leaders say. They had a good opportunity to mean reform when the opposition pressed for abolishing the ISA, yet they failed miserably to deliver that one thing that majority Peninsular Malaysians require of them. If they are not prepared to leave BN, then they will never apply any meaningful external pressure to UMNO to change.

And clearly MCA is not getting it, because who cares if the other DPM is a Chinese? Sure, Chinese made contributions. But so did the Indians and other races. There was a reason for Pakatan to have to DPMs, because they are a coalition of 3 big parties. It is not possible to duplicate that for BN because right now, BN’s East Malaysian parties are the treasure of the coalition, not ilks like MCA or Gerakan or MIC or PPP. For Malaysians, MCA asking for DPM position and now asking Najib to retain 4 MCA ministers is nothing short of laughable. So little bargaining position yet want to make so much noise?

Malaysians are realistic and reasonable people. Instead of behaving like racialists, we’re rather think that BN ministers should be appointed along political contribution. Malaysians would gladly accept that within BN (not necessarily accepting BN), there needs to be more representatives from East Malaysia. That would be fair. Besides, it should not matter anyway which party gets ministerialship, because each minister should serve all Malaysians.

It is also very telling of MCA's addiction to power and position when despite having much reduced political power, it wants DPM and retention of all its ministers. It is like saying that MCA cannot work towards the well being of the Chinese community (here I say "Chinese" because MCA is a racial party) without being in power. Now, I wonder aloud, why is that the case, when DAP has been doing exactly the same thing for the past 50 years?

Surely MCA must understand that it is the consistency of principles of justice, fairness and good governance, the personal sacrifices of leaders who stand for their principles no matter the circumstances, that win the hearts and minds of the people, not power and position.

MCA should try to function as a fringe political party for a while and try to use it’s political organization, rather than its governmental organization, to win back the trust of the people they have betrayed over the years. And mind you not just by clever words and rhetoric, but by meaningful actions.

UMNO
----------

Is blaming Chinese votes for opposition wins in the two Bukits. Still on track with playing up “us Malays against them other races/religion” themes. Still refusing to acknowledge the plain fact that substantial Malays no longer buy into their divisive politics.

Still blaming MCA and Gerakan when it is their failed leadership to be fair and just to all races that spelt doom for the two parties. A rotten apple is just that, no matter how MCA and Gerakan dresses it up. Only that the people expected MCA and Gerakan not to sell the apple, but they refused to do so. At the end, the sellers have to be punished for being conniving colluders to cheat the patrons of hard earned money.

Enough said. Yesterday, the federal government tries to brush off Kugan's death as natural, despite evidence of torture in police custody. In tort and in criminal law, there's the egg-shell skull principle - you take the victim as you find him. You should not abuse him in the first place, so if he's especially fragile, it's YOUR bad luck, not his. It looks like Kugan's killers may get away with murder. This is the police under Najib's watch. We're still not getting any commitment on IPCMC. Najib's assurances of serving the people are already sounding like empty rhetoric. Soon enough, there won't be any freedom of the press, and then it will become worse.

Brace yourselves for darkening moments in Malaysia. We must dig in for the long haul. Don't ever let the voices of the frustrated be silenced again.

7 April 2009 - 8 March 2008 Status Quo Preserved

2009-04-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

I guess Malaysians are by now very cynical of anything coming out from the mouths of anyone who wields influence and power in Barisan Nasional, in particular UMNO. Again, it reaffirms and demonstrates that Barisan Nasional and UMNO is in a different bubble universe of their own, with highly skewed perception of what justice, fairness, democracy, separation of powers, professionalism, competence and neutrality means.

While Batang Ai victory is viewed as a rousing welcome to the leadership of Najib, in the same vein the Opposition victories in the two Bukits cannot, must not be seen as a referendum on Najib (or in case of Bukit Gantang, on the Perak Sultan). Do you already see the double standards and the disconnect?

In an early attempt to consolidate their purported hold on Malay votes in Peninsular Malaysia, they are already painting the opposition victories in Peninsular as the Chinese being hoodwinked to vote for the opposition due to "populist" policies of Pakatan state governments, and they the Chinese do not know the whole facts to support BN.

What facts do the Chinese not know? Aren't BN in control of the mainstream media that have, on a daily basis, condemned the legitimate Perak MB as a traitor? What is it about the land issues in Perak that they have not completely told the Chinese? In fact, it's disingenious to paint this as Perak government giving in to Chinese interest when truth be told, benefit is for all races. If this is not inciting hatred towards one race, I don't know what is - and it clearly falls within one of the offences under the Sedition Act.

We are still reminded that Karpal Singh is now being charged for sedition for speaking on a point of law (and correctly so), while Ahmad Said who clearly upsetted all the Chinese, are only dealt with by UMNO discipline, as if they are two sets of comparable laws.

If anything, BN/UMNO is becoming more extremist as it goes along, lodging police report just because a Chinese non-Muslim quoted from the Quran (and in a respectful way). It is like saying that (in an environment where all else being equal) a Buddhist should be charged for some kind of offence for quoting from the Bible, or a Muslim should be charged for an offence for quoting from Bhagavad Gita. Do you see how absurd it is?

For an UMNO leadership who think of themselves as more nuanced, balanced, or level headed, their failure (intended or otherwise) to reign in all these extreme elements of UMNO only shows failure of leadership. And obviously it's not just this, it's the whole long list of failures to reform even after 1 year after 8 March 2008.

Malaysians want real functioning democracy. We want real rule of law. We want a visionary leadership that unites and inspires the people and not tear them apart along racial, religious or economic lines. There is no place for a large portion of UMNO in this environment, nor for that matter the other sycophantic component parties in BN. They do not deserve to be in power for a day longer than what the Constitution permits them, because they continue to drag down the ship called Malaysia with each passing day of dismal leadership.

BN may have managed to preserve the statue quo on 7 April 2009, but the status quo effective assures their eventual demise from federal power. It'll be a nostalgic moment then, but it's the change Malaysia really needs.

UMNO, eat this!

2009-04-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

I continue to appreciate Barack Obama saying the right things that bring people together instead of dividing them.

In ANKARA, Turkey, Obama, making his first visit to a Muslim nation as president, declared Monday the United States "is not and will never be at war with Islam."

Urging a greater partnership with the Islamic world in an address to the Turkish parliament, Obama called the country an important U.S. ally in many areas, including the fight against terrorism. He devoted much of his speech to urging a greater bond between Americans and Muslims, portraying terrorist groups such as al Qaida as extremists who do not represent the vast majority of Muslims.

"Let me say this as clearly as I can," Obama said. "The United States is not and never will be at war with Islam. In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical ... in rolling back a fringe ideology that people of all faiths reject."

"America's relationship with the Muslim world cannot and will not be based on opposition to al Qaida," the president said. "We seek broad engagement based upon mutual interests and mutual respect."

"We will convey our deep appreciation for the Islamic faith, which has done so much over so many centuries to shape the world for the better, including my own country," Obama said.

Obama recognized past tensions in the U.S.-Turkey relationship, but said things were on the right track now because both countries share common interests and are diverse nations. "We don't consider ourselves Christian, Jewish, Muslim. We consider ourselves a nation bound by a set of ideals and values," Obama said of the United States. "Turkey has similar principles."

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I think the same can be said about the Chinese and the Indians and their attitudes towards Muslims. We appreciate that the body faithful of Muslims are generally peace loving, and Islam has certainly played a major role in the development of our civilisation as we know it today.

When a Chinese MP from the opposition party quotes the Quran, it is done out of respect for Islam, not disrespect. Disrespect is if he or she provides a quote and then proceeds to dismantle it for some reason or rather. When someone quotes Quran and it is instructive, and is a good quote to learn from, I say that's going beyond religious tolerance, and moves into the realm of religious respect and acceptance of others' faith, which we should all applaud. Plainly speaking, if the police does investigate into this matter, they are nothing short of being moronic.

Whoever lodged the police report, no doubt has UMNO hand in the dirty, worm festered cookie jar of UMNO dirty tricks department. Shame on UMNO for making an issue out of a perfectly good thing. It may just be as well as saying that since Anwar once, as a DPM wrote "Wo Men Shi Yi Jia Ren" (We're family) using Chinese caligraphy, that he's betrayed the Malay language!!

No one is at war with Islam, not even when they question the good or bad sense in which the law provides for automatic conversion of a child born to an originally non-Muslim family when one of the parents convert to Islam.

No one is at war with Islam, not when they cry for help when their father is taken away by Islamic religious authority without so much as proper proof that he's converted while he's is fully in control of his mental faculties.

No one is at war with Islam, not when they want to convert out of it simply because they love another religion more.

They are MADE to look like they are at war by non other than UMNO and all those who would use religion as a divisive weapon to split the masses along racial/religious lines. UMNO is truly bankrupt of good, clean, ideas. But they can't stop because their political patronage and corruption cash cow DEPENDS on Malaysians divided.

The world is moving ahead. The world is embracing Obama's message. His message is not new, just that he's the one who managed to stay on course of his message of unification, and still get elected to the highest office. In this office, he can make an impact.

4 years, 8 years - that's a short time. If Malaysia wants to change, we only have this time to make the change, with possibly the support of his State Department. Once that's gone, no one will really care anymore if Malaysia sinks or swim. As it is now, nothing is ever mentioned about Malaysia unless it's sensational political news, usually governance going wrong. That's the kind of image we have around the world now.

UMNO may be talking about a lot of change, but I doubt it is the kind of change that we can believe in, or support.

The minorities are finally finding their voice after almost 2 decades of political repression under TDM. Begrudgingly as we do, we should thank Badawi for opening up the space, that will now be closed again by Najib.

The minorities seek to engage in a healthy dialogue about good governance, because the relationship between Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Dayaks, Kadazans and others are not and should not be purely based on economic sharing of the pie. It is about the shared ideal enshrined in our written constitution, shared culture, shared peace and shared prosperity. It is about Rukunegara - the rule of law being one of its most important tenets. It is about a progressive, cultured nation where people work hand in hand to overcome national challenges and create a unique blended culture. It is about a shared destiny in a ship called Uniquely Malaysia.

UMNO and its sychopantic parties try to carve us up along racial and religious lines so that we may never be united. They want us segregated so that we can't have the same dreams except that of sharing the economic pie, dished out no doubt by the respective benefactors in the form of BN parties. The latest is MCA is more concerned about a Chinese DPM to fish for Chinese votes rather than getting proper representation for all minorities in the country.

We the people must put a stop to this. We have to do it now because time is not on our side anymore. And we are the only ones who can do so. Our political representatives can only do so much. But they are mere individuals, susceptible to duress, if not greed. Some have withstood the pressure, but some will no doubt fall. They must be replenished from the rank and file. And as a movement we must march on.

Tuesday tri-by-election is truly a big day for Malaysia, because it's a day where Malaysians show what stuff they are made of - are they the small minded, greedy, short sighted individuals who wants little trouble and make little progress in their lives, or are they awakened, aware of the prospect of a much better Malaysia, and willing to be part of that momentum for change? I fervently hope it will be the latter, because it's nothing less than a Greek tragedy if despite having so much resources, we end up a failed state under the stewardship of the very people who choose to win by division and repression.

If we let BN win any one of the seats tomorrow, it is nothing short of affirming that their policy of dividing Malaysians into Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Dayaks or Kadazans are acceptable and encouraged. No, we must not let this stand. We've had enough tolerating the abusive, wife beating husband that now it's time to press on, instead of giving up, for change.

Buy Election or Bye Election

2009-04-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have a bad feeling about coming Tuesday, for a number of reasons.

Our new PM hasn't shown that he's the one who will play by the book. Only this kind of leader gets the support of UMNO - going by the speeches about wanting UMNO to dominate the government, licences to be given to UMNO members, UMNO not to hesitate to use governmental power to clamp down on civil dissent etc.. This PM is the one UMNO can trust to do what is good for UMNO, the rest of the country be damned.

Did you have a good feeling when the new PM went visiting Petaling Street, Brickfields etc..? Did you have a good feeling when some ISA detainees were released? If so, no one can blame you, for you have be bombarded by mainstream media over days. But you ought to be blamed if you let this good feeling get in the way of rationalising why you should NOT support BN in any of the coming by-elections, and if you shut off the few means in which the opposition could reach you - SMS, internet.

Yes, you're tired of all the policking. It's just like people were tired of UMNO ways, but having lived with UMNO, that like the beaten wife, they decided there's too much to lose, so they gave Mahathir a chance, and then another, and then another, even as he beat back civil dissent in the most despicable manner, and dismantled all of our independent institutions. And then we gave Badawi a big chance just because he decided to say something nice. And now Najib says something nice, and Malaysians would be forgiven for wanting to give him a chance too. But let's be rational and think - should we?

Has anything changed since last Friday apart from the release of a few ISA detainees, which is hardly unprecedented - all new PMs have done this before - it's simply an UMNO culture. Are walkabouts change? Hardly.

On the other hand, plenty of things haven't changed:

1) Lingam matter has virtually died, and with Mahathir back in UMNO - take a wild guess how Lingam case is going to end up.

2) Judicial Appointments Commission will soon be ineffective without independent oversight

3) MACC is ineffective without independent oversight - and has proven itself to be biased

4) Election Commission has proven itself to be biased - and the latest is they won't allow independent observers to follow the ballot boxes, and the ballot won't be counted at the polling station itself - and the election roll is old, and we still have phantoms - and with BN hegemony for the past 1/2 centurey, there's severe gerrymandering that reduces value of minority votes.

5) The mindless forced conversion of children to Islam, the lack of rock solid procedure proving conversion into Islam - still assault our collective common sense, and sense of fairness and decency

6) The police continues to misplace their priorities going after political dissent instead of patroling the streets and catching criminals - and they ensure that every UMNO PM is beholden to them to keep their illegal rice bowl filled to the brim in exchange for preserving UMNO power - just as recent - imposing prohibition on the use of Altantuya's name

7) ISA will be reviewed - every PM said that - and failed to deliver - will this time be any different? What about OSA, Printing Presses and Publications Act, Police Act, University and Colleges Act?

8) If the PM is serious, he would have announced open tender across the board right away - has it happened?

9) Public declaration of officials' asset - they promised as a kneejerk reaction after the last general election - and it's now forgotten - the best way to check on public officials whether they have acquired wealth beyond their capacity - down the drain.

10) Has MCA, Gerakan, MIC really, truly repented? At the most critical moment, MCA chose to support the continuation of ISA. What's the point of calling on UMNO to change, when you don't do anything when they refuse to budge?

11) The unrepentant mainstream media. Just look at the catchy headline - PM walks the talk - when the new PM goes walking in Petaling Street, Brickfields etc.. - big deal! You would think that the kind of heading should be reserved for something meaningful - like coming up with a great solution to the religious problems - now, that's thinking for the people, or another way of thinking for the people - lower tax rates, put more cash into people's hands - anything of that sort happening? No - instead, the government asks us to support Proton by buying a new car in recessionary times like this!

And the list basically goes on and on, and the assault on common sense, fairplay, decency.. continues unabaited on daily basis. There is a serious disjoint between what is said, and what's done. It's like UMNO has this entirely different meaning to the phrases they use - phrases that mean totally opposite to ordinary Malaysians like you and I.

And if you think about it, why should the new PM's term start now? Pak Lah was already going slow - and Najib was the one who orchestrated Perak takeover. He's already in power. He's had months. And he's done little for months. It is not right, and not fair for him, to say that he did not condone what Pak Lah did in the interim, because he's more or less in charge. It would be disingenious for him to put all the blame of recent ills - economy, clampdown in civil dissent etc.. on Pak Lah - and no one would believe Najib.

Are the people in Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang so desperate for peace of mind that they'll vote the abusive husband back? Sort of like - ok, ok, maybe you're trying hard to change - we'll give you a chance if you back off harrassing the opposition and try to take over the opposition states.

Will the people in Batang Ai continue to be disassociated from the rest of Malaysia that they will vote whoever gives them some money, rice, kain pelekat etc..

Will the people in Bukit Selambau and Bukit Gantang stay on another 2 days from their holiday, or travel back to their constituency just to cast that important vote, or are they not bothered?

One thing for sure - these by-elections will have plenty serious repercussions:

a) If BN wins Bukit Selambau, it shows the waning influence of Anwar,

b) If BN wins Bukit Gantang, it shows that the people don't care that BN retook the state by extra-constitutional means,

c) If BN wins Batang Ai, it shows that BN is formidable, kills the chance of sufficient cross over at federal level for Pakatan to seize federal administration, and basically sets Pakatan's goal of winning federal power back by a few notches because chances of winning state assembly becomes highly doubtful,

d) If the results are 2:1 in favour of Pakatan, that's stalemate - BN won't be worried of Pakatan taking over the government anytime soon - and this augurs badly for the state of politics - because then, BN will feel justified to relentlessly beat down Pakatan so that it may once again secure 2/3 majority by the next general election,

e) If the results are 3:0 in favour of Pakatan, BN is going to turn paranoid, and this will spell disaster for civil rights in Malaysia as BN clamps down dictator style almost immediately.

Any which way this goes, opposition reps are increasingly endangered species.

But that's not the biggest question. The biggest issue is whether this is change that Malaysians want and desire. Did the last general election go the way it did because Mahathir asked people to teach BN a lesson? Will those followers now follow Mahathir back to UMNO? Are the masses still emotional that UMNO unity will swing them back to UMNO? Or have they developed a healthy dose of skepticism and cynism that they will wait to see the results before reevaluating their allegiance to UMNO? Will the people in Sarawak finally wake up and realise they have been short-changed for decades and now it's time to demand for accountability?

Will BN manage to strategise successfully as to buy back their electoral prowessness, or will this be the most profound beginning of the slide of their national popularity? In another words, is it a buy- election, or it will turn out to be their bye-election?

In the end, Malaysians get the government we deserve. Somehow, I'm not holding my breath on these 3 by-elections. I hope, but I'm prepared for the worse.

We must remain skeptical from now until 2013

2009-03-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

YB Lim Kit Siang painted an ominous, but realistic picture of darkness descending Malaysia as Najib takes office as the next Prime Minister. It is obvious now that he has got his target fixed on bloggers and opposition party representatives to turn them over or otherwise silence them and their witnesses by whatever means necessary and expedient to the survival of UMNO and his position in particular. It is clear that he will want as many opposition representatives removed from Parliament as possible so that it will be difficult to mount a vote of no confidence against him.His wife said his destiny is written, thinking he is Jamal of Slumdog Millionaire. While that may be true given the current circumstances, it is by no means necessary he has to STAY there for a protracted period of time because we can do something about it.

But why do we need to do something about it?

For starters, our Judiciary, MACC, police, Election Commission, Civil Service and AG's Chambers have all been compromised. Certain members of the royalty appear to have been compromised too. An ordinary citizen can avoid all the misfortune of being entangled with any one of these entities by shutting up and towing the line, or else.

Just take one example. The Muslims in this country don't really care if Allah is used in Christian publications. They don't really care if one out of millions of them convert out of Islam. Yet UMNO provokes anger and division over this issue. They are so afraid of losing power that they hang on to outdated ideas in the name of religion and race knowing full well how absurd they sound. If Malays in Malaysia find it so tempting to convert out of Islam, there's something wrong with the way it's practised here no? It makes it look as if believing in Islam is a chore rather than something joyous - i.e. having a relationship with god. If it is an inspiring relationship, then Islam would be addictive, and Malays in general won't want to convert out of Islam. By coercing participation, the Malaysian government may well be driving more Muslims away from what may well be a beautiful religion naturally.

Now, they are only able to compromise on one thing - a non- Malay who converted into Islam, and then when the marriage with a Muslim is terminated, wants to convert out. The significance is if you were born Muslim, you can't convert out. If you converted, and you are seen to follow its ways, then you have truly converted, and you probably can't quit. Is this freedom of religion that we want to have going forward to be an Advanced country?

We need change to bring in foreign investors who are otherwise avoiding us because of unfair playing field. We need change so that the world may look upon us again not as a pariah nation of deceit, coercion and injustice, but a shining light in a region scattered with dictatorial governments and oppressive regimes. We need change so that we do not continue as an economy of the 20th century but that of the 21st century. We need change so that when the world reports on Malaysia, it is about our shared heritage, rich culture, perhaps even fused/crossed culture, our scientific breakthroughs, or democratisation of our institutions of governance that enpowers the people and inspires us to give our all to make this nation a better place to work, live, play and raise families in.

The question is whether the rakyat has had enough of the incompetence, lack of professionalism, lack of sensitivity, lack of vision, crass conduct, bullying tactics, outright abuse of power, corruption, nepotism, cronyism, wastage and malaise that has generally afflicted the nation for decades now, and want something more like what I've suggested in the preceding paragraph.

It is inevitable that the press will once be clamped again, and Najib is not shy to use all powers at his disposal. He's not committed to any reforms. And he is not even committed to the MSC Bill of Guarantees, which makes many worry that there will be severe clampdown in cyberspace as well - including continued deliberate crawl on expansion of internet connection to all of the country. I doubt he's even looking at long term. He just wants to make sure that as much dough as possible will be "wasted" into the wrong pockets. Come 2013, when Malaysia is sucked dry, it won't matter anymore who takes the helm of the country.

What we must do is to get as many people into the DEFAULT MODE as soon as possible. This default mode means skepticism towards the federal administration. If they deny something, it means what they deny is likely to be true. If they say something and you're wondering what prompted them to say that, it probably originated from the criticism of the opposition. If they give you warm and fuzzy statistics, assume something is wrong with it. Even if they say nice things like reform, never take it as face value - the reforms will likely be half-hearted, and calculated only to win over sufficient votes for a by-election or a state election, if not the general election. We must constantly observe the ground and see whether lives have improved. If the press reports that people have committed treason, or they are disrupting peace by marching on the streets, don't assume that's true - ask why. Ask why people would take the risk of being pelted with gas canisters, or sprayed with chemical laced water - when they could have spent their weekend at the comfort of their homes. Are they just trouble-makers, or they passionately believe that something is wrong with the country?

And we must finally never forget our civic duty to vote. Some may doubt who to vote for, but at least to me, the answer is clear. When majority in Peninsular Malaysia voted against BN, that got them to start TALKING about reform - which after a year there's absolutely ZERO real reform. There may be a little bit of gain along the way, a judge deciding that ISA detention is illegal, or a Chinese being able to convert out of Islam because she never got into it in the first place - but those good news are far and few in between. We still have a lot of injustice - we still don't know what happened to the PI called Bala, or whether anyone will be charged over Kugan's death. And we have travesty of justice in the Parliament in respect of Gobind Singh, and we have a ridiculous situation of someone being slapped with Sedition charge over his legal opinion. And there's the corruption and kidnapping, and constitutional rape in Perak. BN needs no less than a sound defeat for there to be real, significant and effective change.

So please remember to stay skeptical, and to be passionate about your votes, and to encourage as many as possible to vote. The score is already loaded in favour of BN with phantoms, rigging, postal votes and gerrymandering. We can't just vote half-heartedly. Entire families must come out and vote full force. Every vote we encourage must count - because next time, it really does matter, no less than life and death of Malaysia.

At the cusp of ultimate power - but can Malaysian lives improve?

2009-03-12T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here he is, at the cusp of ultimate power in Malaysia. The decider of fates, the final, de facto arbiter of disputes. Almost is god's representative on Malaysian soil.

We're going back to Mahathirian times, that much we're certain. The real question is - how bad is it going to be?

Look, during Mahathir's time, there was order. Yes, he was very tough on dissent, but his opponents could almost see his single minded determination to move the country forward by sheer willpower alone. And progressed we did. Yes he had cronies, and he practised nepotism, but the gang was always small and manageable. Yes, there was corruption, but I suppose it was manageable as far as he was concerned because he could control it since it all boils down to whether he permits it or not. The good thing was - work could still get done. Things could still move forward, albeit at an increased cost. But when the cost is predictable, businesses can do costing and pass the cost down to consumers.

Came Badawi. Many will appreciate him for loosening the knot around the neck of democracy. But he brought chaos to relative order. Little napoleons sprouted. Corruption spiked. Everything spins out of control. Good for democracy, bad for stability, bad for the economy.

I can imagine UMNOputras welcoming with open arms the relative stability that Najib is about to bring. But I'm not sure if they know the cost. There is always a price to pay for change. Heads will roll even on Barisan Nasional side. You may be in BN, but you may not stand with Najib. In fact, it may even look fair to the ordinary folks - the opposition can't say BN is unfair because it's always the opposition that's getting caught and prosecuted. The only heads intact will be cronies of Najib.

Yes, we will have relative stability, and hopefully with decisive leadership our economy will turn around.

But hang on a minute - this economic problem is not the same with that which TDM faced a decade ago. We can't export out of our problems. So yes we're gonna stimulate the economy with a huge injection. Yes we encourage the banks to lend, with government's guarantee. But lend to what business? Exports will still remain weak. Are we throwing good money (guarantee money - i.e. taxpayer's money) after bad money? Could this be nothing more than a grand orgy of rescuring crony organisations?
Most importantly, is Najib anywhere as insightful, analytical or smart as TDM?

I think this calls for self awareness by Najib. He can be brutal towards his political enemies. But Malaysians have a benchmark. If he fails in turning around the economy, then it confirms that he's nowhere near Mahathir statesmanship. And the voters will show him the way out of PM's Department.

Most importantly, the question for Malaysians is - even assuming Najib is as good as TDM if not better, and he turns our economy around at the price of scuttling all of our governmental institutions beyond repair and redemption, are Malaysians satisfied? Or do we want more? Can we actually return to days before March 8 2008?

Personally, I hope not. Malaysia is a relatively blessed nation. We deserve more, a great deal more than what our moronic leaders could ever offer us. If we did not have NEP but something more equitable, we would have surpassed Singapore half way through TDM's term. But the old man grew complacent. He used the tried and tested way of securing and retaining power. He never moved on, never experimented. As a result of which we're left behind other nations. We can do better, collectively. We can do better without leaving anyone behind.

The Malaysian economic hurricane has just begun. It is possible that things will become terribly wrong for most people in the next 3 to 6 months. At times like that, we tend to lower our defences and accept compromises. I hope not. If we do not keep watching Najib and gang, much of the RM60billion is going to be lost in translation, with only a very small fraction reaching its intended targets (which various intended targets are dubious choices in the first place).

We must stay vigilant. Don't give in to fear. Turn it to anger. Then make our anger productive. BN must be taught a lesson. The best learning curve for them is to let them lose consecutive by-elections all the way to 2013.

The Yellow Flame Tree

2009-03-05T23:33:00.000-08:00

This will be a short article.

If Pakatan ever form a society just like BN, I believe it would be apt for its symbol to be the yellow flame tree. A tree is by any definition long lasting, with respect for deep roots, and with age acquires wisdom, and its branches and leaves aspiring to go higher and further. And it is non-violent.

Most important, it is everything that stands in contrast to Barisan Nasional, who through UMNO has fed our democratic institutions, separation of powers, and neutrality of the civil service to the dogs, and with each passing generation, becomes more and more maligned with malaise, corruption and contempt for reason, and whose arguments go nowhere except coming back to Ketuanan Melayu.

Certainly, the yellow flame tree represents a coalition who is going to take Malaysia into the future.

Article 17 of the Perak State Constitution

2009-03-04T06:40:00.000-08:00

I was reading a letter written by one Natalie Ong in Malaysiakini entitled "Sultan correct in ordering Nazir to resign". Essentially, she is saying that Sultan Azlan Shah made the right decision to remove Nizar once Nizar went to see him to dissolve the assembly. She made reference to Article XVI of the Perak constitution. Her reasoning is that once Nizar requests for dissolution, he has to resign.

While she's entitled to her opinion, I cannot help that she's misconstrued Article 17 of the state constitution. The full provision states that: "If the MB ceases to command the confidence of the members of the Legislative Assembly, then, unless at his request His Royal Highness dissolves the Legislative Assembly, he shall tender the resignation of the Executive Council"

It is obvious that the scenario envisaged in the said article is one where the MB have lost the confidence of the majority of members of the Legislative Assembly. He has to resign, but to save his political career, he may try to dissolve the assembly and get another chance at winning the election.

On what grounds did the Sultan think that the said confidence was lost? By mere profession by the 3 betrayers that they did not resign? A wiser Sultan would have said - maybe they did resign - but that's for the courts to sort out - but since I can't have instability in the government caused by a prolonged court fight, the better choice is to have a snap election. That would be the only reasonable thing he can do. Which he did not. Which implies he is not reasonable.

Perhaps Natalie should reconsider her high regard for the Sultan, because there were many who shared her same regard for the man who was once our pre-eminent jurist, only to have lost it on that unfaithful day.

Democracy Attacked - remember these infamous names and never put them in a position of influence ever

2009-03-03T01:52:00.000-08:00

Revised:

From The Malaysian Insider:

IPOH, March 3 — The High Court here has declared this morning’s emergency sitting of the Perak state assembly which was held on a street under a tree illegal.

The court granted the order under Section 44 of the Specific Relief Act after accepting arguments from Barisan Nasional lawyers that the immunity from judicial review stated in the federal constitution was only for proceedings in the state assembly.

...

This morning, Judicial Commissioner Ridwan Ibrahim had ruled that five lawyers, including constitutional expert Tommy Thomas, had no locus standi to represent the Perak Speaker in court.

He said the Speaker must be represented by the state legal advisor because he is part of the state government.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is a school of thought that Speakers are a specifically excluded category of people whom legal representation need not obtain approval from the Attorney General. The judge did not know this. But at the same time he did not ask the counsels for the Speaker to find out. It would appear that he was in a haste to pass judgement. And who would have believed that a judge to decide for the state legal counsel (who is already representing the usurping MB) to represent the Speaker? Isn't there conflict of interest, plain and simple? Further, our judicial system is the adversarial type. Both sides get to present the best argument and the best argument should rule the day. It is a rule of natural justice that both sides should be heard. How could a judicial commissioner be devoid of such basic sense of natural justice by denying the Speaker proper representation?

Three points to make:

1) JC Ridwan Ibrahim is not the breed of judge we want from the newly minted JACC;
2) JACC will not be effective to weed out these judges; and
3) JACC is thus a failure.

This entire Perak episode is like a concise version of all that is wrong with Malaysian democracy. The worst aspect of it is that BN and the Sultan do not trust that the people could make a good decision. This shows the dire need for:

1) IPCMC - for obstruction under Section 124 of the Penal Code;

2) Neutrality of Civil Service Act- Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid the state legal advisor being the culprit, together with Zulkifli Abdullah state police chief, Abdul Rahman Hashim state secretary and Abdullah Antong Sabri the assembly secretary;

3) better JACC including power to recommend the removal of current crop of judges, including the CJ;

4) new political leadership that respects the rule of law and one that rejects racism - so you can more or less figure out the list of names, mostly from UMNO;

5) truly independent and professional MACC - Chief Commissioner Ahmad Said Hamdan should resign;

6) the opposition waking up from their bed of roses and realise that UMNO is not novice nor pushover when it comes to power manipulations and that their reps are increasingly an endangered species;

7) why it is important that the press must be free and fair; and

8) a truly independent and professional Election Commission - EC Chairman Abdul Aziz needs to go.

And that's just a start. There are so many other culprits at the national level.

Two other points to make:

1) Most Malaysians were shocked when the Sultan decided to ask Nazir to step down for BN to take over the Executive branch of the Perak government. It is a wrong decision for the simple reason that that decision could only have been made soundly if there is no dispute as to the resignation of the 3 betrayers. Since there is a question, he should have said - wait for the courts to decide. At least the EC took the stand that they could not decide - but still they made the mistake by not referring the matter to the court

2) One would have thought that the reason why BN did not go to the court is due to the fact that they are not confident that they will get a favourable treatment on the resignation letters - which is the mother of all contentions - but it would seem that they could have relied on the judicial commissioner - he could have invalidated the purported resignations, and the Sultan's decision would not have been derided against once it is made in reliance to the jc's decision. Which leads to a conclusion - BN is brutish, with its hold on power - and it may have some bright moments - but really - it's an unrefined political/legal creature. This bodes well for Pakatan - it may not have the brute force of incumbency, but with refined actions, it can outmaneuver BN - therefore there is perhaps hope after all for Malaysians

Latest on Perak

2009-03-02T05:37:00.000-08:00

The latest news I know is that there's no injunction yet against the Perak speaker or the Pakatan assemblymen from holding a meeting. But Zambry has finally brought out the big gun - the threat of national security - which may well preamble declaration of a state of emergency in Perak. What was the reason for putting riot police in front of the assembly? Did Pakatan assemblymen say they are going to march with 30,000 to the building to hold a meeting that will essentially consist of only about 60 assemblymen?

Who is right, and who is wrong? It is quite clear that Pakatan, even in the most desperate times, have abided by separation of powers - otherwise the courts would have had a field days shooting down their suits against the Speaker for partiality and ridiculous decisions in respect of Parliamentary seatings.

So it would seem that it is quite clear that BN is making no pretenses that it has absolutely no respect for separation of powers, where wrong becomes right as long as might is right, and will use all coercive means to thwart Pakatan's plans for the session. It is apparent that BN has bought over the assembly secretary, the state secretary and the state legal advisor. It is also apparent that the concentration of power at the federal level is sickeningly all pervasive that Pakatan couldn't (or didn't?) remove those people from their positions after coming to power.

Badawi is effectively no longer the PM of Malaysia. Najib is. It is inconceivable that Badawi will stoop so low when he could have nipped the opposition in the bud when they were still up and coming. It is a crying shame that his name will be forever sullied to stay quiet and to put his loyalty to his party above the nation.

I think it is high time Malaysians woke up to smell the rot of another Malaysian morning. You have been angry enough to deny BN 2/3 majority. Instead of doing what's right, they prefer to using might to do what's good for them. This is no time to throw your hands up and say "nothing's gonna change". Change can come, but at a price. The price is to wait another 2 years of political persecution and prosecution, of ISAs and buying representatives.

We need to unite and simply be more decisive the next time, by voting for Pakatan in overwhelming numbers, that no gerry mandering, no electoral fraud, no partisanship of EC is going to make a difference. It does not matter if the country has burnt to the ground by BN then. This nation started from modest beginnings. We can build again from the ashes if need be.