Kartika in Malaysia

Now one of the world’s top ten most read topics on the internet is Kartika’s punishment for drinking beer in Malaysia. The Prime Minister realising the international impact this could have requested that Kartika appeal the judgment.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090824/ts_nm/us_malaysia_caning
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/36077-kartikas-legacy-to-malaysia

Quite a number thought Kartika’s refusal to appeal was about exhibitionism and wanting to make a statement. According to Nadia Jalil, “I think it’s one of the many examples in which Islam has been distorted and appropriated for selected interests in this country. I also think it’s the muftis-that-be in this case, who lack compassion and intellectual discernment (as always).”
Hazman B quipped, “I just think the back-n-forth decision-making process has made a mockery of Islam — laws are laws and it should be followed

When ones piety depends on the keeping of a set of religious laws, like in this case the Syariah laws it is so disheartening that there is so much uncertainty about the judgment and the punishment for that offense. In this case it is obvious that Kartika as a good muslim wants to be vindicated and as such is willing to be punished for her sin under Islam. Mr. Hazman, a reader is correct..."laws are laws and it should be followed."

However such is the nature of the law or any law, even the 10 commandments of Christianity. Someone has to adjudicate, to interpret and to pass judgment. Unfortunately the person who adjudicates is himself fallible. Often in religious law keeping there is a “self righteous” and over zealousness in keeping the law because his standard of piety becomes the benchmark for the guilty party. However we know even from our experience that there is no one who is righteous or clean completely. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

The law is not perfect but is necessary. It is necessary to tell us what is right and wrong. Where it hurts or affects my neighbor it becomes wrong. As such Isa AlMasih said when asked what is the greatest commandment; “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments".

The greatest motivation therefore in keeping the law is Love. Wait a minute but how do we love God when it is not in our nature. When we are all fallible and naturally tend to sin? We are able only to love God, because He first loved us. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent Isa Al Masih as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” “We love because He first loved us.” 1John 4

This is the motivation therefore to love God knowing in our hearts that God first loved us and still love us unconditionally by forgiving our sins and in fact took the punishment upon himself. By taking that punishment He fulfilled the requirements of the law on our behalf. We are vindicated and justified by His death.

Wait a minute does that mean I can go on sinning, now that Christ loves me unconditionally?

That’s for Prt 2..

Merdeka Gen

A generation disillusioned - Posted in Malaysiakini

Mengyee
Aug 12, 09
2:58pm

I was born after Merdeka and my generation grew up with loyalty and love for the country. We went to Thomas Cup matches to cheer our national team and we were there when the soccer team made their international debut against the best in the region.

A truly multiracial team. I learnt in Tatarakyat how Ali, Ah Chong and Ramasamy would play together and were the best of friends. I even saw it at my home when my father's colleagues would come to our house for Chinese New Year to share a meal together.

When I entered the workforce in the 90s, I realised that there were walls and they were getting higher. I had fewer Malay friends. Our society was getting more segregated. Enrollment into Chinese schools increased and I was told Malay friends wouldn't eat in your home if you cooked the food at home.

Politically, Umno began spewing more venomous and racially charged statements. Words like 'go back to China', 'you can leave if you don't like it' or 'soak the keris in blood' uttered by Malay leaders hurt a great deal. A new level of distrust arose between the races.

After 52 years of Independence, we are still unable to get beyond race and unable to truly work together as one. Umno and BN are oxymorons and contending against each other. Even now, with Najib's 1Malaysia, Umno is championing Malay rights and warning Malays that they may lose this country if they allow the 'Chinese opposition' to take control.

They speak about Malay traitors like PAS and Anwar Ibrahim. Najib's 1Malaysia is not the 1Malaysia my generation is dreaming about. Najib's 1Malaysia is not the 1Malaysia Datuk Onn Jaafar envisioned and not the 1Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman had hoped for.

Najib's 1Malaysia is a sham, a fake and nothing but a easy slogan.

Unity in Malaysia has been destroyed by narrow political agendas. A political party which feels that its existence and continuation is far more important than the nation itself is seeking to be even more divisive by spewing out venomous racially charged words.
Instead of coming together and working as one to compete globally, Umno and BN seek to play the racial game and continue dividing this nation for political selfish gains. This is most irresponsible and an act that will continue the downward spiral of Malaysia.

Malays, Chinese and Indians must unite under a different banner to fight this division and bigotry for the sake of our beloved country. We must return to the spirit of Datuk Onn Jaafar and Tunku Abdul Rahman, who loved Malaysia more than themselves.

Malaysia's Mahathir divides again...

Najib's recent liberalisation of the financial sectors and the rolling back of Affirmative Actions have found himself in the bad books of the grand old man of politics; Mahathir Mohammad. Mahathir in his blog said that after 39 years of NEP (affirmative action policies for the majority malay population) malay share of corporate pie remained at 20% while chinese was at 50%. Bumiputera property holdings are only at 15% while the rest are held by Non-Bumiputeras.

At first glance, I would dispute those figures for it is hard to believe that of all the shareholdings of Public Listed Companies held by Bumiputera's cannot account for 20% of total equities? I believe there was some questions raised as to how thsese figures were achieved which led to the resignation of Dr Lim Teck Ghee when he did a study a few years back.

However, my contention is that Dr Mahathir once again is sowing seed of dissension and suspicion instead of building bridges of unity. The BN under his watch was infamous for "dividing and ruling". His statement is irresponsible and his analysis of the situation dangerously simple. If after 39 years of the NEP, the economic pie of the Bumiputera still only hovers at 20% and the Property holding at 15%, then there is possibly two reasons:
1) That Mahathir's book "The malay dilemma" is true and that malays as he says it are LAZY, FATTENED by an abundance of food under the tropical sun..
2) That the NEP has been ineffective and abused.

I say that point number one is totally untrue for it is proven that there are very bright malays and many who have become outstanding entrepreneurs in their own right. If given the right environment the malays can succeed with hard work like every other race.
How any malay can accept his derogatory description of their own race is beyond me. He of all people a man of indian descent!!

That the NEP has failed and instead bred a generation of "Malay Dilemma" malays is perhaps nearer to the truth. A type of self-fulfilling prophecy. The NEP is not a total failure as there have been some who benefitted judging from the increase of middle class malays in the last 39 years. The problem with the affirmative action program under the BN rule, however, is that it has been tied to political affiliation (like every other government policy). Help and aid especially in the last 10 years, have gone to party faithfuls and UMNO warlords. This help and resources have not effectively trickled down to the rural poor malays. The poor shall remain poor and if NEP was to continue another 20 years, the figures will remain the same if not worsen. If the people is not changed, The NEP or whatever affirmative action program the government calls it will fail and the number of Zakaria mansions and Toyo properties will increase while the majority of rural malays remain poor.

Not opening up the market is living the life of a hermit in a coccoon and our neighbours like Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand will supercede us by 2020. Insisting on the 30% equity for public listed companies will only retard Malaysia's growth and KLSE. The way I see it Najib has little choice. However, liberalising without a clean up and change of guards may see greater abuse and deteriorating living standards for all especially the rural malays. BN will then wield their racial card when the pie gets smaller and this does not bode well for the future of Malaysia.

There has to be a change, if not 2012 then sooner.

Malaysia's Neda Aghasoltan - Teoh Beng Hock

This is a stark reminder that the struggle is far from over. While we are busy with the business of governing we forget that Malaysia is still not free and civil. We still have an oppressive government with an over extended Executive arm that can defy laws and overstep the constitution. Civil servants are beholden to their political masters and seek to further BN's hold on Malaysia.

We are far from a civil society and yesterday's deathof a bright young Malaysian is a stark reminder that our cause and struggle is far from over. Mr Teoh Beng Hock is now the icon for a freer and more democratic Malaysia. Teoh has joined the ranks of freedom fighters all over the world who was martyred because they seek justice and democracy. Teoh is the Malaysian version of Neda Aghasoltan whose life seeped out of her before millions of peole around the world. Neda was gunned down by Iranian police.

We seek justice for Teoh Beng Hock and may the struggle continue until we find a freer and more democratic Malaysia. LAWAN TETAP........ LAWAN!

Malaysiakini letter - Shareholders not bosses

Malaysiakini Letter - response to Dr.Hsu's column
Shareholders not Bosses.
I write in response to Dr Hsu’s letter. I understand your trend of thought and idea and in principle you are right. Those in public service serve the rakyat and govern the country for the good of the nation as a whole. They are like you said the General Managers or CEOs and we are the Board of Directors, the stakeholders. They are accountable to us the rakyat.

However, I caution against the use of the “boss” analogy simply because if you spend anytime on the ground, you will understand what the ADUNs go through. Members of the rakyat, truly act like bosses insisting on calling their ADUNs at all times of the day. They give instructions to do this and to do that and threaten like the ADUN’s owe them a big favour. You may say, thats part of the job and who in the first place ask them to run for office?

Let me tell you as one who who was involved in an opposition party prior to March 8th 2008. Let me remind the many what the sentiments were like. Whenever there was any call for support or anything to do with the opposition, most would run away like the opposition were lepers. Few were willing to sacrifice. Many lived in fear, tremndous fear.

There was blatant injustice then as there is now, corruption, daylight robbery from our coffers (remember Tun Daim and his cohorts) but as long as there were rice on the table, many closed an eye or even both eyes. The Judiciary and the Constitution was raped and abused as if the ends justify the means. Even the Royalty was snubbed. Many however were to afraid to speak up. The opposition workers were many who had nothing to lose. Either they were young and idealistic or old and poor and not much to lose from the BN gestapo. The leaders and public servants today are from this pool of people who joined the opposition parties then. They are the ones with guts, who are far sighted and visionary. They were prepared to face the consequences of BNs gestapo. Many are young and adapt well to the new politics.

So I hope that many will understand that these YBs serve the country and have sacrificed much. We are stakeholders and should support them rather than laud it over them. Malaysians are very good at complaining but when it comes to rolling up our sleeves we shy away. How will our young respect us when we are afraid to get our hands soiled? Stakeholders are involved and interested and work to ensure the CEO succeeds.

Was it not Kennedy who said “Ask not what your nation can do for you but rather what you can do for the nation.” And Bush senior who dream of the “Thousand points of light” in relation to volunteerism. It is time Malaysians show commitment by joining a political party and show outright open support for what they believe is right and true. Every decision made in Parliament and State Assemblies affects us and if we remain arm chair critics and finger pointing Directors than we will progress nowhere.

We appreciate those who work feverishly for the good of the rakyat because we are not willing to stand in the gap as they have done. We appreciate their day and night service as many have loss personal space and freedom. Having said this, we will kick out those who are self serving as we have seen many of these in the last 50 years. So, Dr Hsu, perhaps a better analogy is stakeholders in a company and not bosses.

Meng Yee

Sketchy thoughts on a Wednesday morning

Following March 8th 2008, many party warlords within the Pakatan Rakyat began clamouring for positions within state and local municipals. Some for noble purposes. Many began asking the party leadership for “returns” after years of laboring; losing jobs and businesses as a result of supporting the Reformasi movement. It is no doubt that party loyals have sacrificed much having been in the opposition. There was a cost to supporting the Reformasi movement and during the Mahathir era, there was a bitter vindictiveness to anyone associated with Anwar Ibrahim.

VP Syed Husin in his closing speech at the PKR General Assembly spoke clearly against this notion of “payback”. The payback is that we now can do business in a level playing field where hopefully there is a more equitable judge of our efficiency and capabilities to deliver what is promised. Cronyism and graft in whatever form is wrong.
If we begin to do the “favours” for businesses and issue the contracts based on contacts and not merit at state and local municipal levels we fall into the same trap Barisan Nasional fell into. It becomes an unhealthy relationship between businesses and politicians. There is no stopping this vicious cycle. It is what has led to the illness of the Barisan Nasional and its eventual death.

There are lessons to be learnt in history. UMNO and the Barisan Nasional began to love the party more than King and Country. The end was party survival and the means was King and Country. Whoever could feed its perpetual grip on power was helped and that meant many businessmen were enriched. Many times to the loss of the rakyat for the sake of crony capitalism. Public funds were used to finance political gains and inevitably enriched both politicans and businessmen aligned to the ruling elite. As the greed increased, the size of the contracts increased.

Love is a funny thing. If you give it away you never know what comes back. If those in authority be it at Federal, state or local municipals serve the people uprightly and justly and hold fast to the principals of integrity; it will be inevitable that the rakyat will return the party to power. PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim coined the phrase “Kepedulian Rakyat” (Concern for the rakyat) before the last General elections as a basis for the party moving forward. It reaped a great reward.

I hope that the love for the party would not become a stumbling block for the party. We will always love King and Country more as the political party is only the means to the end; not the end in itself.

Selangor's State Assembly Select Committee hearing

For the first time in Malaysia and in the Pakatan Rakyat State of Selangor; a Select Committee hearing much like the US Senate Select Committee hearing is in progress.

Accountability & Transparency (SELCAT) of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly is being conducted from March 23rd - 31st 2009.
Among the issues that will be investigated and heard in this session is the conduct of BALKIS (Wives of Selangor Welfare and Assemblymen and MPs Charity Organisation) and other cases of mismanagement of funds.

Notable witnesses that have been summoned to appear before the committee are the former MB, Dato' Seri Dr. Mohamed Khir Bin Toyo; his wife as President of BALKIS, Datin Seri Zahrah Kechik; and other state officials.

The entire proceedings are being broadcasted live online for public's viewing at http://multimedia.selangor.gov.my/.

or

www.tvselangor.com

Why I joined PKR

I wrote this in January 2008 for my friends whom I invited to a Ceramah Kelompok at my house. Despite the many shortcomings, I still think Parti Keadilan Rakyat is the political party that best reflects the aspiritions and hope of the Malaysian people.

Why I Join and support Keadilan

3 reasons:

1) I joined Keadilan in 1998 at the birth of the Reformasi movement. I felt compelled to support a fellow Malaysian who was unjustly arrested, kidnapped from his house and beaten up while in police custody. This Malaysian man happen to be the DPM, a malay and a muslim neverthless a fellow Malaysian and where a Malaysian is unjustly treated as he was, we should all rally behind. In 1998, we saw the result of the breaking down of the government institutions which were there to protect and defend our rights. It was the beginning of the end of civil society as we knew in Malaysia.

2) I am impressed by the leadership of PKR who tirelessly work this party towards a multi racial party. It is not easy given the culture of fear among the Chinese and Indians to respond towards an opposition party. However, I feel that we Chinese continue to support BN/MCA at our own peril and future. BN is a raced based party. The power is shared in accordance with the ethnic representation of each as reflected in the Malaysian demographics. The voice we have in a race based party is only as strong as the numbers we have. The Chinese population have shrunk from 40% in the 1970s to 32% in the 90s. 2005 Figures have shown a further reduction to 25%. Birth rates among chinese are low while many have sought greener pastures elsewhere. The Chinese have ironically more to gain from a multiracial political party like Keadilan then the malays and yet we are not responding as we should.

3) Democracy. 1 party for 50 years is hardly a democracy! There is no accountability and no fear of getting booted out. There is only arrogance. We must ensure that there is at least another strong party who can be the government for a period and if they do not perform then we kick them out. This is essentially giving power back to the people.
I am convinced that if elections were truly free and fair and the Election Commission served the rakyat rather than the government of the day we would have seen a few different political parties in government already and the country would be in a much better state.

Siew Meng

January 2008

Malaysiakini -What is BN without their fear tool

My entry to Malaysiakini voxpopuli
Recently Tengku Razaleigh has come out as the lone voice of wisdom from Barisan Nasional. Razaleigh said ‘the BN system has broken down because the negotiated power-sharing arrangement which held the coalition together since independence has stopped working.'The negotiated power-sharing arrangement which Tengku is referring to stopped working when Umno used May 13 as a‘fear tool'.

There is no more a belief that this power-sharing was for the good of the people. Much like Napolean, the pig in Animal Farm who started the revolt but later became a tyrant. Umno has become the Napolean of Malaysia today.May 13 was always used to keep the other animals in check. At every election after 1969, the ghost of May 13 would be raised by BN to haunt Malaysia. Te ethnic Chinese and Indians would then ‘behave' properly to return BN back to power year after year.What is Barisan Nasional without this fear tool? Their magic wand in the form of racial politics finally slid from their hands and they are exposed on March 8, 2008.

In their nakedness, the people saw them for what they were.The emperor may still hold the power, but the people have lost respect for without the coverings, corruption, deceit and desperation are exposed.A unity government may bring back the shadows of racism which we exorcised on March 8. What we need is a new federal government who will concentrate on the economy and on other issues which have been long neglected like education, the infrastructure and controlled development.

Selangor has attained the highest foreign investment in over nine years even during a recession. How much more we could have prospered if the federal government itself was under the hands of a people-friendly government.

"Kami nak Idris, Natang" vs "Patik mohon derhaka"

In March 2008, when the Sultan of Terengganu and Agong of Malaysia insisted that Idris Jusoh not be made MB of Terengganu...there were some name calling. There was no "mohon derhaka" but UMNO supporters gathered at the palace gates and held up a banner that read:
"We want Idris, Animal"

One can only conclude that in Malaysia there are some who can "derhaka" or rebel or commit treason and some who cannot. I wouldn't even scold my pet dog in such a way and yet the one who claims to protect malay rights and malay royalty "menghina" in such a way!

MB Nizar said "memohon sembah derhaka" loosely translated today as "begging to difer". If this is derhaka, then what is holding a banner calling the Sultan an animal??! UMNO is using the royalty for its own selfish purposes....what a shame!

Anwar's key note address at plenary session in Doha

“Common Challenges: Addressing Together Emerging Global Issues”, Malaysian Parliamentary Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim’s keynote address at Plenary Session of the U.S.-Islamic World Forum, 14 February, 2009, Four Seasons Hotel, Doha, Qatar.

Much has already been said about the past — the missed opportunities and the broken promises of a country that many in the Muslim world hold in high esteem.

Our deepest fears were abated with hope that the Obama administration would honour the promises of a new agenda to re-engage with America’s friends and foes around the world in the interests of greater peace and in the pursuit of justice and liberty. We see a president committed to the values of freedom and democracy, a president who believes that the critical issues dividing the United States and the Muslim world can be resolved not through fiery rhetoric and bellicose language but by positive engagement in a language of mutual respect.
The new administration in its infancy has made some significant moves already to answer those calls for change. A tangible end to the Arab-Israeli conflict is not yet visible, however, the appointment of George Mitchell as Middle East envoy is a welcome step, as is the anticipated withdrawal from Iraq, a rethinking of the approach in Afghanistan; an admission that Guantanamo Bay is a betrayal of America’s principles; and clear statements against the use of torture. Even the mention of a hadith in a speech by Obama that as humans we ought to be guided by the universal truth that no harm should be enacted upon a person that one would not want foisted upon oneself struck a chord in the Muslim world.

We hope that in the new administration we find a more credible partner – both in resolving the most vexing political and security issues of our time, but also in pursing an agenda for sustainable economic development.

Poverty remains a key issue across Asia, the Middle East and much of Africa and provides a meaningful context in which to pursue a common agenda. Such an agenda would bring great benefit to millions subsisting on just a few dollars a day. In the context of the global recession there are clear avenues for cooperation to stimulate growth that could revive ailing economies including those in the developing world, and ameliorate its global negative impact.
Muslim countries cannot be mere bystanders in this era, nor can they place all their hopes on the possibility of a sea-change in American foreign policy.

No edict of the United States would change the state of affairs unless we witness real progress in ensuring that governments in the Muslim world are more responsive to the aspirations of their people and fulfil their legitimate expectations.

We need look no further than Indonesia – which in 1998 made the unprecedented peaceful transition from military authoritarianism to democracy. This happened virtually overnight and without the intervention of a single foreign soldier. No less significant is Turkey, which now stands as perhaps the most mature Muslim democracy in the world.
But these examples are too few, and in between is a sea of unfreedom, which has bred, among other things, poverty and radicalism.

If we can expect a certain rapprochement from the United States – the question remains: will the United States find credible partners in the Muslim world? Do they have a credible partner in us? The fact remains that issues of governance and accountability still loom large, continuing to cast doubts upon the legitimacy of ruling elites. In this regard, reform is no longer an option. There must be firm resolve borne out of the efforts of leaders and with the support of institutions of civil society to bring about the right changes.
The clamour for change among Muslims has not abated. Nevertheless in the Muslim world the past notion of the United States promoting democracy has been a tale of selective ambivalence, if not outright hypocrisy. We saw that in Algeria in 1991 and again more recently in Palestine. In other countries democracy is championed insofar as elections may take place – irrespective of the conduct of those elections. These are in fact sham democracies. The underlying undemocratic characteristics are scarcely impacted – tightly controlled media with blatant bias, rigged elections, oppressive treatment of opposition parties and a judiciary under siege. This is not an academic issue. Where I come from, this is a stark reality.

Muslims must be committed to change. The question that remains is how can we proceed? Firstly – real engagement must be inclusive. We should not start by building a wall around ourselves, setting preconditions, and prejudging groups and parties. These impediments only serve to strengthen old prejudices and further sow suspicion and doubt. Fruitful engagement must proceed from the premise that no nation (including America), no region (including the Arab world), and no culture or religion (including Islam) has a monopoly on the values of freedom, justice and human dignity. These are indeed universal principles that we all share.
Thank you.

Open Letter to Tengku Razaleigh - Malaysiakini

Malaysiakini -- My recent letter to editor.
Dear Tengku,
Your analysis of the situation in Perak and your unbiased statements establishes your character and your mark as a man of principle and integrity. It is unfortunate that history did not find a place for you as the fifth prime minister of Malaysia.

Your consistent call for integrity and fair play has landed on deaf ears not because your message is irrelevant but because the political party which you once knew is no more. It remains a shell devoid of any honour and pride.

There is only a beast hungry for money, power and positions. To Umno the ends justify the means. There is no turning back for Umno and it is impossible for it to change. Those who are in leadership and want to stay in leadership cannot change those who supply the money. Its an evil courtship between politicians, businessmen and government.

Tengku, for the sake of Malaysia and her people the most effective way for you to turn the tide of degeneration in Malaysia is to throw your support behind Pakatan Rakyat.
It is not ideal but it is built on good intentions and honourable goals. Goals which you in your writings reflect. It was you, dear Tengku, according to historians who brought Anwar Ibrahim into Umno.

If you could not have the chance to be prime minister although you were the legitimate winner then, now help the one whom you brought in decades ago. Your support for Pakatan Rakyat will be much more valued then in the failing Barisan Nasional which has already sidelined you.

Help us young people fulfill our dreams for a better Malaysia.

My brief note to Malaysiakini

On Perak gov't collapses - BN claims power : Malaysiakini

Meng:

If this is the beginning of Najib's politics, it bodes danger for the country and the rakyat. It is obvious that this is a man familiar only with cloak-and-dagger politics.From his meeting with Saiful the sodomy accuser to Jamaluddin the Perak rep, everything smells of a rat. (Even they think so...)

This latest move by Najib is nothing more than a coup and not a proper transfer of power. The people of Perak have been robbed and shortchanged and I can assure you that there will be serious repercussions come the next general elections if the BN is allowed to govern Perak in this way.

It is hoped that in this darkest hour, the Perak sultan in his wisdom will call for the dissolution of the Perak state assembly to make way for state elections.If His Highness does not, then the rakyat will surely protest and will return with a vengeance at the next general elections.

Either way, the Barisan Nasional government is nearing its end. They are about to be checkmated.

Ooh Something stinks in UMNO!

The ground is shaking in Malaysia and its NOT caused by the financial crisis. In fact Malaysia maybe the only country in the world who is unscathed by the crisis (according to DPM). Something really STINKY is surfacing from within UMNO and the ruling party. ...its the smell of death and rotting flesh.

Apparently Najib is moving into position as the next Prime Minister of Malaysia and in his haste is already removing Badawi's men by way of corruption charges and prosecution.

Pak Lah's men is not going to sit quietly and hence the rabbit hopping has begun. The opposition stands to gain! In fact the latest news that Sirul, one of the accused in the Altantuya murder has testified that he was merely a scapegoat for somepersons maybe a reminder of the noose that still hangs around a certain individual.
This individual to me is a National Security Threat! Imagine if a foreign government for example Singapore were to get information with regards to one of the skeletons in this future leader's closet and use it as a bargaining tool; will Malaysia not be compromised??!

I will once again be at the edge of my seat watching events unfold and this once mighty and arrogant political party unravel itself into irrelevance.

Condolences to A. Kugan

On Wednesday as I was returning from a CNY house visitation, we passed A. Kugan's funeral procession. Deepest condolences to the family of A. Kugan who has become yet another statistic in the string of deaths in police custody.

A. Kugan died of "Sudden death"....with fluid in his lungs. He had bruises on his body. It is believed he may have been tortured before his death. Investigations are ongoing and we shall await the truth. In Malaysia, as we know, justice is an illusive mirage.

What has shocked the nation is yet another stupid and insensitive statement blurted out by the now infamous Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar. (It is clear now, why Malaysia lost Pedra Bianca to the Singaporeans since he was foreign minister at that time) He said " The people should not regard criminals as heroes and the police who enforce the law as demons."

1) He has assumed A. Kugan to be guilty. Even the police at that point could not confirm his guilt
2) We are talking about police brutality and its not one case but a consistent pattern
3) If we shouldn't regard criminals as heroes, then why do you ask us to accept BN leaders;

Only one thing honourbale for you to do; Hamid....resign while you still have an ounce of dignity.

Letter to Malaysiakini....

Posted in Malaysiakini
Ember of hope at PKR national congress
Meng Yee Dec 4, 08 3:58pm
I refer to the Malaysiakini report Victory glee, hero worship dominate PKR meet.
Amidst the ugliness Malaysian politics; its racial undertones, fighting for communal interests, sexual allegations, money politics and mudslinging; something beautiful is emerging on the Malaysian political landscape. Something which appears in its infancy; an ember of hope which must be publicised and highlighted to all Malaysians.

During the recently concluded PKR national congress of which I attended as a representative, I was pleased to see the fervency and zealousness of the speakers in defending the rights, not of their own races, but that of the other races. This, to me, was a dream come true for Malaysia. A skeptic would say its all politics, but in Umno politics, defending the rights of the other races would be seen as suicidal.

During the PKR congress, an MP from Kedah spoke vehemently about the rights of minorities to study their own mother tongue. He, a Malay, spoke of the rights of minorities such as the Malaysian Thais, the Indians and the Chinese to learn their mother tongue in vernacular schools. As such, these schools must be lifted from the wastelands and the run-down conditions in which they are in currently. The Malaysian Thais, many of whom do not have their own vernacular schools, are also covered under the Malaysian constitution.

An Indian MP then spoke up in defence of Islam as the state religion as provided in the constitution and the Malay language as the national language. There is no compromise on this as it is provided for and protected under the Malaysian constitution.
The Malay language must continue as the medium of instruction while the standard of English in improved by studying literature and the great classics. There is also no issue of Islam or the Malays being threatened as painted by Umno.

A Chinese lawyer from Sarawak then spoke up passionately over the loss of native customary rights land by the Dayaks and the Ibans. She represents over 200 people who year after year, see their land and long houses taken away by the state government.
These fellow Malaysians are voiceless and downtrodden. Yet an ethnic Chinese has taken up their cause.

Such is the future of Malaysian politics and if this little ember of hope is given the chance to ignite into the flame of freedom for all Malaysians, this will be a dream come true for us all.
One which Onn Jaafar, the great Malaysian, envisioned Malaysia to be. God willing we shall put our petty differences aside and build a united Malaysia which can compete in the global arena.
What I saw during the PKR national congress brought new hope for a truly united Malaysia.
May God protect and bless this little ember of hope.

Hope in Congress hope for Malaysia

It's hope we get from PKR congress - Malaysiakini
Meng Yee Dec 15, 08 6:13pm
Since the PKR national congress received little positive coverage, I feel it important to share a message of hope for fellow Malaysians. Anwar Ibrahim in his closing speech at the congress last month encouraged members with the following three reminders:
1) People - In the end, it is the people or rakyat who will remove the corrupt regime. The people are not blind and neither are they deaf. As injustice, corruption and oppression are blatant in government, the rakyat will not sit quietly to watch this. This is true in Sarawak and Sabah where poverty is rampant their leaders are enjoying the fattened calf. Land and businesses are being taken away by our leaders. In the end, as in March 8, the rakyat will remove the arrogant government.
2) Patience - We’ve struggled 10 years. What’s another few months or a couple of years? We must be patient to realising a civil and mature democratic society - one where the constitution is respected. It will not be long in coming.
3) Prayer - We as Malaysians of all faiths must not underestimated the power of the Almighty and must together pray for an end to a corrupt government. We must pray for justice and for righteousness. We must pray that God will judge those who are evil and who have committed murder and corruption.

Window closing

The Perfect storm which swept Malaysia in March 2008 may soon unwind. Pakatan Rakyat may lose their opportunity to form the next government and to end 51 years of BN rule. Assuming Pakatan Rakyat waits till the next General Elections in 2012, the elements which helped the opposition gain ground may be reversed.

In 2012, the world economy would be just turning around, trouble causers will be in jail and controversial cases like the murder of the innocent Mongolian girl and commission at the defence ministry will all be buried long before 2012. There may not be a vocl critic like Mahathir and the democratic space will be greatly curbed. The general public will return to their busy life of making money, too afraid to rock their rice boat. The BN race parties will continue to play each race against the other.

Scary thought.
Carpe diem!

God and Politics

Many Malaysians are god fearing people. Although we hail from different religions, by and large we believe in god who brings justice and many believe that the March 8th calamity upon the Barisan Nasional government is nothing short of the hand of god. Christians, malays, hindus and Budhists have been praying for justice and to many justice was carried out on March 8th 2008.

I believe that most religions see murder and the taking of a human life as wrong and evil. As a Christian, I recall a passage in Genesis 4, God said to Cain after he had murdered his brother Abel; “Where is your brother, Abel?” After pleading innocence and indifference, God said; ”What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” Whether this is figuratively or literally is besides the point. God goes on to state Cain’s curse that the land will no longer be fruitful or furtile to him. “When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer.” God said.

Where am I going with this? Well, to me, the murder of Altantuya Shaaribuu and the subsequent high level cover up of the murder on Malaysian soil is something that has brought a curse on Malaysia. If Pak Lah is a God fearing man, then he must listen and right the wrong by exposing without fear or favour those who were involved in the murder of this innocent woman in such a violent way. If he truly wants what is best for UMNO then he must do what is right before leaving office.

Her blood cries out from the land, and God will bring His judgment upon the leaders and Malaysians. If Pak Lah will not do anything then March 8th is only the foretaste of the end for UMNO and the Barisan Nasional government. UMNO and the Barsian Nasional government will be relegated to history and this will only be possible by the divine hand of a God of justice.

Pak Lah's 2 minute Warning

In American Football, the losing team is within reach of the end zone and the clock is ticking down. The team waits for the last 2 minutes known as the “2 Minute warning”. The Quarterback throws deep into the end zone hoping his wide receivers will catch the ball and score a final touchdown without anytime left for the opponent to come back. This is known as throwing a “Hail Mary.”

Pak Lah is in his final 2 minutes of the game. Will he have the tenacity to fight like a wounded tiger? Pak Lah, I hope you are reading this. You can leave office with your head down and tail between your legs or you can go with a legacy and guns blazing. For your name and for the country this is what you should do:

1) Insist that the trial of the decade be completed by December. Expose whoever was behind the murder of Altantuya and bring justice for the family of the deceased. Whoever it maybe even if it includes any VVIP.
2) Unleash the ACA fully and give them the green light to bring to book any corruption involving the Defence Ministry and the Ministry of Trade and Industry in the last 5 years. Prosecute those who have plundered and robbed from the citizens.
3) Reshuffle your cabinet and bring back Zaid Ibrahim. Remove all those who challenged your Presidency. Give Zaid Ibrahim a free hand in reforming the judiciary
4) Revisit and call for a Royal Inquiry into the 1988 judicial crises and prosecute those who have wronged the nation.
5) Investigate and prosecute all those involved in Project “M” where illegal immigrants flooded Sabah and were given Malaysian IC
6) Repeal the ISA and free all ISA detainees or bring to court those who are truly criminals.
7) Implement the IPCMC at the Royal Malaysian Police

Pak Lah must be firm to complete these reforms. He must carry it out swiftly and quickly. Do not even hesitate for a minute. It must all be completed or at least half way there by December 2008. Listen to nobody and each day focus on these reforms. You will be the best Prime Minister Malaysia has ever seen yet,. if you are courageous enough to complete these task. For all you know, you may lengthen your days as Prime Minister. Good luck.

Prime Minister in waiting did more for the economy today

Honestly; the world is literally at the door step of a financial meltdown with eyes on Washington and what they will do. At home; UMNO huddles not to discuss financial battle plans and how to shield ourselves from an impending crises but to chatter about how to remove their President and Prime Minister of Malaysia. These pictures taken today speaks volumes about who, in my mind is the more competent leader to take Malaysia forward and through this looming crises.

UMNO top leaders; Pak Lah and Najib giving a press conference after an Emergency UMNO Supreme Council meeting. It appears Pak Lah has only till March before he transfers power to his Deputy Najib.

The Malaysian leaders were busy this morning and perhaps the last 6 months staying afloat amidst growing discontent.

Prime Minister in waiting; Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this morning was in Hong Kong addressing as key note speaker at CLSA Asia Pacific forum. He spoke to Analysts from around the world, over a thousand investors from 30 countries and over 400 CEOs from the region.

He is competent or at least appears to be so and speaks confidently on the world financial situation and his plan for a new Malaysia. He is well respected and a much sought after speaker.

You can read Anwar Ibrahim's key note address to CLSA- Asia Pacific here:

http://anwaribrahimblog.com/2008/09/26/us-financial-turmoil-–-systemic-failure-or-reaping-the-whirlwind/

I think the choice is quite obvious - wouldn't you say?

I want a change in government - letter to Malaysiakini

Letter to the Editor, Malaysiakini (unedited version):
The night YB Teresa Kok was arrested, I was with some friends having teh tarik. One friend commented; "whats happening to Malaysia?" Another friend replied; "The same thing thats been happening the last 20 years."

The difference is that the "new rakyat" have now a renewed sense of power and hope. By "new rakyat" I mean a young generation of Malaysians born a few years before 1969 and after, who are not scarred by the May 13 riots and have no first hand recollection of how bad it was. These are the ones, perhaps 45 years and below who stood up on March 8th 2008 to make a difference. On March 9th, many of their elders were afraid to leave their homes for fear of a race riot - but to the relief of all nothing happened.

Tengku Razaleigh in his description of the state of Malaysia and in his defence of the political party he had served all his life, today said; "Malaysians faced a dangerous situation where the rule of law was uncertain and the constitution was not being upheld." The truth is, Malaysians in the last 20 years have been facing a dangerous situation with the constitution being amended at the whims and fancies of a crazed, racist despot. Mahathir's sad description of the Parliament - "a mere rubberstamp". As a result of the BN government control of Parliament; our constitution in 51 years of history has been amended 42 times with a total of 650 amendments (more than one amendment at each time). The United States of America with over 200 years of history has amended the constitution a mere 27 times. Tell me when was the constitution never under any threat?

The BN's continued use of ISA shows a disregard for the rule of law. Since 1957, the BN government has detained 3,200 Malaysians under the ISA. Among victims of the ISA are opposition leaders; Lim Kit Siang, Anwar Ibrahim, Tian Chua and many activists who can hardly be considered a threat to "National Security". Unless "National security" is synonymous to "Barisan Nasional". There are now a total of 120 detainees who are languishing under the ISA.

The BN's constant reminder of May 13 1969 and the use of racial segregation to justify the existence of race based parties like UMNO, MCA and MIC are a stumbling block to a trully united Malaysia. BN's formula worked on the notion that only a malay can look after the interest of a malay and similarly a chinese for the chinese etc. As such each political party within BN worked in opposite directions fighting for the rights of their individual race. This rarely worked towards the good of Malaysia as a whole.

So after reading Tengku Razaleigh's desperate plea as a result of his observation of a nation under crisis; I must say that what we see today is the fruit of a callous generation of Malaysians who allowed UMNO and the BN to rule for 51 years without challenge and accountability. The last 20 years especially under a despot who would stop at nothing to accomplish his goals. Tengku Razaleigh will not disagree with me; him being a victim of injustice many times before.

In conclusion, ethics or morality aside; 51 years is too long and after 20 years of abusing the constitution and the various institutions of government that provide checks and balance I for one cannot wait to see a change in government.

Sent to http://www.malaysiakini.com/ 24th Sept 2008

Press Statement 18th Sept 2008

Press statement in full:


Today Pakatan Rakyat leaders have submitted a letter to the Prime Minister requesting him to call an emergency session of Parliament to deliberate a motion of censure against the leadership of YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi no later than Tuesday 23 September 2008.
This is in accordance with Order 11(3) of the Standing Orders of Parliament and warrants an immediate response given the gravity of today’s political impasse. A delay in his response would be interpreted as nothing short of a further sabotage of the democratic process and abuse of Executive Power.
The Prime Minister’s haggling on the syntax of our first letter is puerile at best. The intent of our meeting as described in that letter was clearly to discuss the future course of the nation’s leadership – though in deference to his position and in accordance with acceptable norms we remain considerate and polite in our approach.
I find the Prime Minister’s comment about me in his press conference yesterday to be reckless and irresponsible in light of the disastrous outcome of last Friday’s ISA raids.
He has conflated what is essentially an issue of democracy, freedom and the rule of law with national security. The use of the ISA to harass and detain duly elected political opponents is a grave transgression of the law and its continued use would further erode confidence in the current government and exacerbate political instability.
As the incumbent Prime Minister actively holding office and exercising all Executive powers, and as the outgoing Finance Minister, we hold him fully accountable for the current political turmoil and mismanagement of the nation’s economy. His accusation that I have had an adverse impact on the nation’s economy is entirely without basis.
I have met with the key fund managers in the region, representing over USD 1 trillion in assets, and on multiple occasions they were unanimously in support of comprehensive reforms in Malaysia including judicial independence, a free media, a more professional police force and anti-corruption agency, investor friendly laws and assurances on the non-interference of politicians in the governance of Bank Negara. These are policies Pakatan Rakyat has promised to implement– and initiatives that the current administration has done virtually nothing to advance since March 8th.
ANWAR IBRAHIM
Leader of Opposition
De-facto leader, Keadilan

press conference 18th sept

Watch live video from anwaribrahim on Justin.tv

"Calm and hopeful"

Lets hunker down and remain calm...

If we read the constitution, we'll understand what Anwar's plans are....

Here's a note from a friend I received this morning:

I'd like to encourage everyone to stay calm and hopeful. There is a process that is required for the change of government in mid term and the agenda as laid out by Anwar Ibrahim is compliant to the procedure.
To put it simply .. if Anwar has the numbers he just needs to advise the Speaker of the House and the PM and seek an audience with the Agung. The Agung then notifies the Speaker to undertake a head count of members for and against the Government and the PM either survives the motion or a new PM and cabinet is elected.
He has done the first bit, ie. advice the Prime Minister and now we're waiting on the second half of the process.

This is a perfectly legal process which is provided for in Article 43 (4) of the Federal Constitution:
"If the Prime Minister ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the House of Representatives, then, unless at his request the Yang di-Pertuan Agong dissolves Parliament, the Prime Minister shall tender the resignation of the Cabinet."

This is probably the most prudent way at the moment to avoid any unrest or excuse to create any.
There will be rumours going around over the next few days and my advice would just be to sit tight and wait it out. Some of us have been waiting for this day for more than a decade, and some like Syed Husin Ali, since 1959!. So a few more days or weeks wouldn't really hurt.
Salam Reformasi

We're maturing...

Just got back from the Malaysia Day Rally. Many including myself agreed that at the closing we sang our National Anthem with much gusto and pride!! Its been a long journey and we're almost there. I wanted to post an old blog posting......and to say perhaps we're trully seeing the dawn of a new Malaysia and the beginning of a 2 party system of democracy. We're maturing into a democracy...

Monday, February 20, 2006
Who hijacked democracy in Malaysia?
Submitted to Malaysiakini but never made it. It is odd to hear people say that Anwar Ibrahim will never have a chance at being Prime Minister outside of UMNO. It is even funnier to hear people say that we should be grateful for our government. In Malaysia, we have only seen one political party in government and as a result we the people do not understand the fundamentals of democracy and our parliamentary system. We have not realized that we, the people elect the government to serve and to uphold the constitution of the country. We are fearful to understand what may lie ahead should we ever have a change in government.

However, a mature democracy ensures the right of the people to change governments according to the majority of the people. The US alone had a republican in office in 1980 (the same time as Dr Mahathir), a democrat in 1992 and now a republican again in 2000. We not only had the same government we had the same leader in that 20 year span! This is nothing really to be proud off.

By having a change in government, it puts the onus on the government and his leader to perform. To govern with the highest calling of his office.The opposition in Malaysia in the last 2 decades have been seen as subversive elements and many have been arrested under the Internal Security Act. A threat to national security it seems. Now, our Dr Mahathir says it is not good to have too weak an opposition.

In the UK, the opposition is known as Her Majesty’s Opposition party. They are recognized as government in waiting. It is not impossible therefore for Malaysia who claims parliamentary democracy to have a change in government one day for the mark of a mature democracy is smooth transition of power.

This is only possible if the police and the Royal Malaysian army and armed forces and civil services understand their role as civil servants in nation building and protecting the constitution.

The result of almost 5 decades of rule is the blurriness between BN the political party and the seat of government which is an elected office. The blurriness extends to the civil servants who see themselves as BN officers rather than the Malaysian government. We must educate our young on the freedom of choice and with it comes the responsibility of electing a government that truly upholds and protects the freedom of all Malaysian people through the rule of law and ensures the sacredness of the Constitution of Malaysia.

So it should never be said that it is impossible for Anwar Ibrahim to be Prime Minister. He who says that, says democracy is dead in Malaysia. That our election is a farce and the rakyat will never have a say. I would like to believe that elections in Malaysia is free and fair and that any party can one day hold office in government and on the flip side any government who fails to protect the constitution and the Malaysian people by protecting their rights could be removed from government.
# posted by Meng @ 1:33 PM 3 comments links to this post

SPR giving us headache!!!

BN is rather quiet on the ground. Their pondok's are quiet and they are not seen around much. Unlike Ijok where the whole national machinery converged on Ijok, it is very quiet. We are unsure if there is something else up their sleeve or is it just that there is a lack of interestwith the BN component parties. Whatever it is, we are working hard to prepare for Tuesday! PACA and Pondok panas.

Whatever it is, we are all hopeful that Anwar will be sitting in front of Badawi in Parlimen on Friday when he reads his budget speech.

Cherok Tok Kun

We had a short time to do our pilgrimage to Galeri Pejuangan and to Anwar's family house this afternoon. Did the touristy thing.

25th August Eve of D-Day

Carnival like atmosphere Jalan Baru, Seberang Jaya!!
20,000 at least. Heavy drizzle

How to believe?

In 1998, Anwar Ibrahim’s sodomy accuser named a place and time of the alleged sodomy offence; a place and time which did not even exist at that time. The building was not even completed and still under construction. The accuser; Azizan retracted his earlier statement and changed his report several times. During the trial, he even commented that he was never sodomised. Sukma Dermawaan and Munawar Anees were the other two who had later written affidavits of their forced confession under police custody. These were the 3 men the Police produced to nail Anwar.

However in the end as we all know, the judiciary, the police, the PMs Department and vitually every government machinery was used to secure an arrest, convict and sentence Anwar to 6 years incarceration.

This very same episode is now happening. An accuser who is incommunicado and whose family makes statements through lawyers, a police report which Anwar and his lawyers have never seen, however Khairy (the PM’s son-in law) who has nothing to do with the case, supposedly, has seen the police report. Anwar and his lawyers have no clue as to when the alleged sodomy took place. We suppose the police would like to have Anwar’s complete diary together with the DNA samples as a noose to hang himself with.

Notwithstanding that the accuser has met the DPM twice before this allegation. Once to supposedly ask for a scholarship eventhough he is a University dropout and the second time to say that he was sodomised. The DPM held his hands and comforted him.

The Prime Minister, the home affairs minister, and several other leaders are all urging Anwar to give the police the noose.

All this surfacing just days before Anwar was to announce his bid for a by-election and the defection of a few BN top guns.

Do you smell a rat or what? In light of all this how are we Malaysians to belive the government and Royal Malaysian Police? Aiyoh, the economy is in shambles and they're so preoccupied with Anwar!! For goodness sake GOVERN!

RPK and DSAI arrested - coincidence or orchestrated?

The arrest of these 2 very public figures are bound to arouse much anger and restlesness on the part of the rakyat. I believe that the timing of these 2 seperate cases and the arrest made today is a deliberate attempt to re create 1969.

May 13: Declassified Documents on the Malaysian Riots of 1969 by academic, former Democratic Action Party member and former Member of Parliament Kua Kia Soong — was published by Suaram. Based on newly declassified documents

at the Public Records Office in London, the book alleged that contrary to the official account which had blamed the violence on opposition parties, the riot had been intentionally started by the "ascendent state capitalist class" in UMNO as a coup d'etat to topple the Tunku from power.[10][11

With chaos in Kuala Lumpur and Reformasi and PR supporters on the streets; an Emergency could be announced and the very events in 1969 leading to the ousting of Tunku may repeat itself. Afterall is not one of the architect still around and will not the son learn from the father in repeating history !> Who will gain from all this....? I wonder?

http://sloone.wordpress.com/ posted this 2 photos comparing Statutory Declaration 1 and Statutory Declaration 2. The body language speaks for itself:

Human beings can lie, SDs can lie. Pictures don’t lie.
Consider these two pictures of PI Balasubramaniam who retracted his statutory declaration claiming Najib Tun Razak was linked to the Altantuya Shariibuu murder - just 24 hours after he made it.
SD 2 ommitted all the parts which mentioned the involvement of Najib in the affair and murder. Only a fool can’t see what pressure Bala must have been in for him to retract his earlier statement.
Bala has been in the police force for 17 years. He would know how important and damaging a SD can be, but perhaps he failed to take the necessary protection for himself and family.
Look closely at the photos and it is crystal clear when he was under duress. His 1st SD was made on 1 July, the second on 4 July.
The STAR has done us a service to the nation by giving us these 2 pictures of the same man in different and difficult times.

Seri Setia Church leaders meet with Nik Nazmi

Just returned from a meeting with Church pastors and leaders in the constituency of Seri Setia. Nik Nazmi asked me during a thanksgiving lunch at his house if there were any churches in the SS constituency and I said I'd find out. I called NECF, which subsequently led to a meeting with 5 different churches in the area. After a month long planning, we finally got it to happen.

Several issues were raised especially the question about meeting in shophouses which is not gazetted as a place of worship. Many Christian churches in malaysia have no land to built their church and so resort to meeting and worshipping in shop houses. Realising that getting land may not be a simple task for all the churches (perhaps impossible); the church leaders asked for an official recognition for them to meet in their respective shoplots and asked if they could get a relief for cukai pintu and assessment for being a religous place of worship.

Nik Nazmi has had much exposure having had a primary school education in La Salle PJ, a catholic missionary school and having read law in the UK in a very anglican (or church of England) university showed that he was very comfortable engaging with the Christian leaders. Putting forward his islamic principles and teaching, he assured them that he wanted to be fair and just in providing and protecting the christian (and other religion's) right to worship.

Nik Nazmi and several church leaders discussed about the possibility of working together in doing social work like free tuition for the under privelege; which Keadilan has already started in Desa Mentari and Praise Emmanuel not too far away. Life Sanctuary did a blood donation drive and Nik Nazmi was keen to participate the next time they have it.

Nik Nazmi said he was willing to speak with their congregations as well if the opportunity arises during any social events.

If anything this has opened door for greater dialogue betwee the churches and their state representative. I am just glad that I've had the oppotunity to help the churches in bringing their fears and concerns to Nik and in breaking down some walls....created by the last regime! One wall at a time......

Untuk Kakitangan MPSJ Sahaja

There is a beautiful kindergarten situated in USJ3C equipped with playground, a small tarred parking lot which would be a wonderful facility for the neighbourhood.

Unfortunately; its not for the public. The sign says "TASKA - Untuk kakitangan MPSJ Sahaja"
MPSJ is a very good employer to provide such facilities to their staff however, if they use public funds (from cukai pintu etc) then such facilities should be open to USJ residents as well.



For those who have no transport, the MPSJ children are fetched to this kindergarten using a beautiful tourist type MPSJ bus each morning.
This MPSJ Bus, whatever its for is definitely not for public use. Once again, something the residents of USJ cannot enjoy.


AUDITORIUM
I do not have a picture of the beautiful Auditorium inside the MPSJ building, but a recent call to MPSJ to book the auditorium for a non profit event was turned down. Once again, USJ residents who pay cukai pintu and all kinds of Municipal taxes are not able to enjoy such facilities.

I believe that we should encourage volunteerism and social work among residents in urban cities and such work should be supported by the local municipals. Thus whatever public resources available should be channeled to encourage, fund and promote these non profit work. It is not right that public funds are used exclusively for a certain group of people. While a case could be made for stewardship of such facilities and limiting its public use falling under that reason; these public facilities could limited for non profit or community building work in the Municipality.

I hope the new ADUN and the state government would look into issues such as this.

Malaysiakini story "16th April" on pig issue

It was reported in www.Malaysiakini.com last week that "M'cca CM flamed over blog-post on pig farm". Today I overheard on RTM Propoganda news once again trying to play up this story again declaring that the malays in Selangor are angry at Pakatan Rakyat. It has been made public, however that an UMNO man, a MALAY UMNO MAN; if not clear I will say it again, Badawi's Islam Hadhari party and UMNO MAN; Karim Mansor; former state assemblyman of Tanjung Sepat approved the project.

Not only did he approve the project but, Karim Mansor made a trip to Germany to visit a PIG FARM already using this technology. He was standing in a Pig pan...something I (a Kafir) would not even do. Now he leads the state opposition party in a protest against this Centralised Pig Farm in Sepang. Now suddenly he is the good muslim inciting religous and racial sentiments.

Is this not typical BN style politics, the very politics we as in ALL MALAYSIANS (Malay, Chinese, Indians) voted out. We said enough of dividing us, enough of inciting racial sentiments; we love each other too much and we love Malaysia too much.

This Centralised Pig Farm is going to consolidate the many pig farms in the Klang Valley and Selangor into one location; using modern technology to ensure clean and hygenic disposal of waste and water. I thought it was a great idea and credit should go to the former Selangor government but since they deny any knowledge of it; well then GOOD JOB Tan Sri Khalid and gang!

Malaysiakini: Anwar - The man with a mission harbours no bitterness

On eve of political liberation, Anwar is in a forgiving mood
Terence Netto Apr 14, 08 11:59am
Malaysiakini
On the eve of his liberation from elective constraints, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim chose to ruminate on his predicament through the lens of Roman stoic philosopher Epictetus who warned that every human situation is like a vase with two handles. For instance, if you are the victim of some injustice, you can either grasp the handle of your victimisation or you can grasp the handle that looks behind the injustice to its causes and aim to remove them. “I see all my efforts since my release from prison as grasping the handle that looks to the factors behind my victimisation and the need to remove them,” he said in remarks to Malaysiakini during a pause in a hectic schedule as chairman-in-waiting of the newly formed Pakatan Rakyat, or People’s Alliance, the fledgling coalition of PKR, DAP and PAS that jointly holds 82 seats in Parliament and controls five state legislatures.

Tomorrow, the PKR leader is freed of a five-year ban that disqualified him from elective office following a conviction for corruption handed down on April 14, 1999. In opposition circles, the earlier date has come to acquire an aura of infamy, in the way perhaps June 4, 1989, the date of the Tiananmen Square massacre is to Chinese students, or similar episodes in recent history that are markers highlighting the beginning of a new epoch or new consciousness. The reformasi movement in Malaysia took its rise from Anwar’s travails in September 1998 and PKR, the political party it spawned, got its start in April 1999.

Anwar said he had no reason to pick at the scab of his recent past of six years in jail and expose the wound of his incarceration on what now increasingly seem trumped-up charges of corruption and sodomy. “While it’s true that life must be understood backward, it must be lived forward,” said Anwar, quoting the Danish philosopher Kierkegaard. “I’ve no desire to dwell on the past to fault-find or fix the blame,” he continued. “Life is too short to be small.”

As an indication of his thinking, Anwar, who last week delivered the keynote address on the centenary of the birth of Hamka (below), the renowned Indonesian Islamic scholar, cited a quotation from Hamka with which he closed his speech at Muhammadiyah University in Jakarta: “The shifting sands of time render all things impermanent. Some will rise and some will fall. As for me, just as I have come, I too shall leave this worldly life which alternates between joy and grief… and even as I fall victim to my oppressors’ wrong, whose tyranny knows no bounds drunk as they are with power, they ought to know that they too will also fade into oblivion… as for those who have vilified me and sullied my name and my honour with their boundless hate and envy … this much I can offer them: to err is human, to forgive divine…”Hamka (1908-81), who was imprisoned by Sukarno on trumped-up charges of being a traitor to the country, forgave his nemesis and moved on to become one of the leading lights in the cultural and political reform movement of the region.

Nearing the end of his period of exclusion from elective office, Anwar, in quoting this passage, has shown his magnanimity of spirit, harbouring neither ill-will nor animosity towards his detractors and adversaries.

Poetic Justice

This last month our country has seen a reversal of fate of sorts. One such example is the current MP for Batu, YB Tian Chua!

Pictures like these have been a common sight for the last 8 years. Pictures of Tian Chua being dragged away, roughed up and abused by police and FRU. Just recently, a week before the 12th General Elections Tian Chua was dragged away from parliament when he was there in show of support for the Hindraf 5 held under ISA. (Imprisonment without charging in court)


YB Tian Chua will on April 28th, will go to Parliament as a elected MP for the seat of Batu.
He will represent Pakatan Rakyat (People's Alliance) to seek the end of ISA, the implementation of Independent Police Commission and other unjust laws in Malaysia.


This is poetic justice in Malaysia.

who SABOTAGED the BN?

Najib was seen standing behind Pak Lah yesterday at the press conference with a target bull eye's on his batik, maybe subtly sending a message "SHOOT ME".



Pak Lah and Najib fighting the fiery darts from everywhere; from the opposition and from within his own party....its falling apart. Its crumbling. Years of arrogance, greed, corruption, cronyism...its all catching up with UMNO. Like the twin towers..ITS IMPLODING

The president claims that he was sabotaged...emmmmm it may turn out that he was the sabotager without him even realising it....yes minister!