Time for nation to go beyond race

The '1Malaysia' slogan was coined by newly minted PM Najib Abdul Razak. It was well promoted and the private sector adopted it into their corporate commercials and advertisements. Many Malaysians have said that '1Malaysia' is not a new concept or a place we want to be but is and has always been the Malaysia we all loved.

The re-branding of '1Malaysia' by the current BN administration and making it their slogan perhaps admits that the nation is more fragmented today than it was 30 years ago. The irony of '1Malaysia' is that the BN government herself is divided along racial lines. The three main races in Malaysia are each represented by their respective political parties within the BN government.

Each tasked with fighting for their own communal rights. Right to education in their mother tongue, bumiputera rights, Indian rights etc. The most sensitive issue in Malaysia is one of race and the rights to each race. Each BN component party fights for the rights of each of their own communities.

Recently, MP Ibrahim Ali founded a Malay right wing group called Perkasa. The BN government tries to distance itself from Perkasa but the truth is that MP Ibrahim Ali is a BN friendly MP. The patron saint of Perkasa is the former President of Umno and the longest serving prime minister of Malaysia; Dr Mahathir Mohammad. Few in Umno have come out directly to challenge Perkasa. In fact the deputy president of MCA has come out with the brilliant idea of forming a similar Chinese version of Perkasa.

The quiet Chinese community has looked cautiously upon BN's indifference to Perkasa as a sign that it is indeed perhaps a 'sub-contracted out' arm of Umno. The Umno newspaper Utusan Malaysia gives them coverage and consistently prints venomous racial articles which seek to raise the Malay temperature.

Sarawak and Sabah, two of the richest states in the Malaysian federation have always been the step childen of the BN government. Many of their citizens live below the poverty line and many of whom are bumipuetras. Their land taken away, their young forced into prostitution and their citizenship diluted by acceptance of foreigners as citizens. The two states are rich in natural resources, have beautiful tourists spots and their shores blessed with rich black gold.

However looking at the citizenry, you would never have thought their land amounted to anything. These two states are not only divided from the Peninsular by the South China Sea but are also politically and socially ostracised by the BN government.

So the '1Malaysia' promoted by the BN government is an irony in itself. It is likened to a father who drinks alcohol and then tells his son not to drink and warns him of the evils of drinking. BN is a house divided and its continuation depends upon the nation being divided. Within the BN, there is little genuine trust and love for one another. Many MCA leaders ask me who will look after the interests of the Chinese if the MCA is no more?

Must we continue to look after our own narrow communal interests or can we look after the interest of all Malaysians irrespective of colour, culture and religion? I recall prior to 2008; Anwar Ibrahim, the current federal opposition head said we must ensure that we 'ada kepedulian rakyat' (care for the rakyat).

It is sad to say that I do not think '1Malaysia' would ever return to the way it was 30 years ago under the current BN government. The man who first dreamt of the idea; Dato Onn Jaafar himself was a man before his time. A visionary who saw how it could be and how beautiful it would be. In 1951, after having failed to make Umno a party for all Malaysians, he left to begin his own dream.

He never succeeded in forming one party for all Malaysians irrespective of colour and religion. He was before his time. Dato Onn bin Jaafar would be proud to know that his dream is becoming a reality and that God willing, Pakatan Rakyat will be that party. If anything, there is more unity in Pakatan Rakyat (apart from what the newspapers say) than there is in BN.

SRJK Chee Wen in debt but refuses a dinner funtion

Schools should be a place of learning and politicians must not hide behind this noble institution of education. The Federal Government has a ruling that all opposition politicians are not allowed to step into a school premise whether for an official or personal capacity. In the case of YB Hannah Yeoh she was not even allowed to enter her own alma mater as a former head prefect. Most recently it was revealed that a private fund raising function organised by DAP USJ1 was cancelled and the deposit refunded because the Board of Governors rejected it. This while the school apparently still owes Ringgit 1.5 million to contractors after 2 years since its completion.

Who owns the school? Is it not a public building and therefore owned by the citizens of Malaysia? In the case of SRJK (C) Chee Wen, who contributed to the building of the school and school hall? Was it not the tireless efforts of the parents, students and teachers of the past 5 years? In the beginning when the school first opened, there was not even enough tables and chairs and if not for the generous contribution of parents, some children would have had to sit on the floor.

The BN government at that time (pre 2008)was quite used to having the Chinese schools beg for money through their well connected, politically motivated, Board of Governors. The motivation to have MCA leaders in the Board was great as they could pull strings to fund various school projects. The school in turn gave them a platform for publicity and for the opportunity to advance politically and perhaps run for public office.

Things have changed. MCA leaders in School Boards sit in isolation and defending their positions hopefully until the next General Elections. Many still use this as a platform for campaigning and when school dinner functions and concerts are held, MCA top guns get to visit.

This is the sad case of todays vernacular schools. The nitty gritty of school children’s welfare and school life is over looked for much greater things like the next elections and how to keep DAP away from using the school halls etc. In the case of Chee Wen, I wish there was more done to keep the school clean, to find ways to lighten the children’s school bags, to establish well runned clubs and societies for the school kids and to find ways to allow our kids to engage with the community. This will inevitably draw more parents to volunteer their services and time.

It is time to reclaim our schools at the local level. No more politicians. The parents will decide which politician to allow and when. Not the political parties. Its time to clean up!

Some have asked who the Board of Governors of Chee Wen are. I do not know their political affiliations and maybe there are none but in anycase it does not make sense that a school in debt is refusing a dinner function that could bring an income of RM10,000 at least. What's wrong with the money?


BOG NAME LIST FOR 2009 TO 2010
NAME
1 DATO' LEE HWA BENG PENASIHAT KEHORMAT 2004

2 DATO'(DR) PATRICK PENGERUSI 2007-2010
TEOH SENG FOO WAKIL MENTERI
3 ONGBOK SIONG NAIB PENGERUSI PENGERUSI HALL 2009-2012
WAKIL MENTERI
4 SHAFIEE SHARIFF AHLI/PEMENGANG 2008-2011
NG B. ABDULLAH AMANAH
5 ONG CHONG SWEN AHLI 2007-2010
WAKIL PENYOKONG
6 CHONG MIN HEE AHLI PIBG CHAIRMAN 2009 2009-2012
WAKIL PENYOKONG HALL COMMITTEE
7 YAP YUN FATT AHLI PIBG VICE CM 2009 2008-2011
WAKIL MENTERI HALL COMMITTEE
8 YAN JENN MING BENDAHARI 2006-2009
WAKIL PENYOKONG
9 DATO' HEW HOI LAM AHLI/PEMENGANG 2007-2010
AMANAH
10 NG YIM KONG AHLI/PEMENGANG 2008-2011
AMANAH
11 LOW SWEE CHIN AHLI WAKIL MURID TUA -2010

12 YOON CHOYE AHLI WAKIL MURID TUA 2009

13 NEW MEMBER AHLI WAKIL MURID TUA 2009-2012

14 JIMMY AHLI WAKIL PIBG HALL COMMITTEE 2009

15 HENRY AHLI WAKIL PIBG HALL COMMITTEE 2009
PIBG CM STAFF
16 SOH BOON CHEN AHLI WAKIL PIBG 2009

17 WONG KEE CHIEW SETIAUSAHA ADVISER HALL GURU BESAR COMMITTEE

Are we prepared to face the difficult times?

Published in Malaysiakini Letter to the Editor
28th January 2010

Following the 10th General Elections on November 1999, when the late Fadzil Noor of PAS became the opposition leader, I felt confident that one day we could see the emergence of a two party system. All we needed was a malay opposition leader and this would terminate BN’s racial games. As I told my friends, taxi drivers and ordinary Malaysians about this many looked at me like I was speaking Na’vi. Malaysians just could not understand how another political party could ever become the government of the day. To many they did not realize it was provided for by the constitution.

Today, 10 years later we are so close to having a true democracy where the people are able to have a real choice of 2 parties. This would inevitably put power back into people’s hands and bring accountability back into government. This is so desperately needed in our country today where there is no respect nor consideration for the Constitution and the courts or judiciary as seen in the recent “Allah” issue.

However, like the Reformasi movement birthed 11 years ago, it shall not come easy. We will have to ask ourselves as Malaysians if we are prepared to go through the birth pangs – the pain experienced at child birth. There will be sacrifices, even lifes may be lost – but how many great nations today do not have blood spilled over its history books?

As Malaysians we are not blind to the wanton waste, abuse, cruelty and injustice of the present leadership in our government. How many Malaysians at the back of their minds trully believe the spin and the many cases which the Attorney General’s office throws out? From the violent death of a Mongolian woman, the mysterious death of a groom to be, the missing jet engines from the RMAF, the billions lost in PKFZ, the death of a few school girls when the bridge at a 1 Malaysia camp collapsed and supposedly random attacks on our places of worship. We live in prison camps because our neighbourhood needs to be fenced up and guarded. We are worried about our children’s education as they struggle to compete globally. We are worried about the economy as it further spirals down and out of control. The state of the nation is in two words; “ not good.” What angers many Malaysian is that instead of providing leadership and fixing the problems or bracing for the difficult times ahead; our political leaders appear to be bent on regaining Selangor or playing politics with our children’s education and other matters that are so important to us.

So to say that the Barisan Nasional will be booted out completely in the next General Election provided the Election Commisssion limits their underhandedness; is not an unrealistic picture. However to say that the Barisan Nasional government under the present leadership would fight tooth and nail to retain power even through violent means is a very realistic picture. Afterall has it not been revealed that the May 13 racial riots were staged and if they were capable of doing that what else would they be capable of doing? A riot like atmosphere would be artificially created so that marshall law could be imposed. Parliament suspended and a curfew imposed. There will be a huge ISA swoop and cleanup which will include our opposition members and the media, especially the electronic media. Fear will once again be instilled in our hearts and Malaysia could be thrown back into the dark ages.

So the question is again; are we prepared to fight for democracy till the end? I am finding myself having to answer this difficult question. It is of course easier to be branded a traitor and leave for a more civil country where laws and the constitution are respected. I have a couple of years yet to process these difficult yet necessary issues.

Another new low for Malaysia

Church attacks - blame lies squarely on PM
Meng Yee
Jan 8, 10
I refer to the Malaysiakini report Three churches fire-bombed.

I write this after churches in Selangor and the Klang Valley were attacked. I as a Christian bear no grudge or hatred towards the perpetrators.

After all to Christians, we worship no idols and the buildings we worship in are nothing more than buildings. The church is the people whose faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ.

However, what is sad is to see our leaders in the government passively endorsing anti-Christian protests. Through yesterday's messages by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, Home Affairs Minister Hishammuddin Hussien Onn and Deputy Prime Minister Muyhiddin Yassin, the government endorsed all the actions taken by these attackers.

The responsibility and blame should now lie squarely on the shoulders of our PM and his government. If they had any sense of honour they should resign or apologise but of course we know that would never happen.

Malaysians have heard, and now have seen and I believe many are now disappointed with his so-called '1Malaysia' policy.

As for the almost defunct MCA and MIC, now is the time to speak up or forever become irrelevant. Now is the time to stand up against those in Umno who say the protests are okay and who reject the High Court's ruling allowing the Herald to use the world 'Allah'.

We want a strong statement from MCA and MIC and from the other component parties of the BN government. On the other hand, perhaps its better if you don't since you are supposedly representing race and your protest will be seen as a protest from the Chinese or Indians.

In actual fact ,we have had enough of racial politics - the entire BN government should take time to reflect on what they are doing to this beloved country of ours.

Pakatan Rakyat success crucial

To say that Malaysia is at a crossroads is an understatement. The nation of 52 years is bursting out of her cocoon hanging by a thread with vultures flying around. To me, the proof that Malaysians of various races and religion are able to truly live together in a secular environment will be seen in the success of the Pakatan Rakyat formula. The Pakatan Rakyat consists of a coalition of “Truly Malaysia”. PAS, DAP and PKR represent the major interest groups in Malaysia and for them to be able to come to the table to agree on a common platform to govern Malaysia will indicate that the nation has reached a level of maturity in this new politics championed by the opposition. Its success is therefore crucial.

It is not to say that the Barisan Nasional formula in the last 52 years did not serve the nation. Indeed, through the BN government came much peace and prosperity. Our forefathers had a vision of uniting Malaysia with coalition of the 3 major ethnic groups in the country. However, the race issue has been hijacked over the years to ensure that the BN remains in power and the rakyat held ransom to this fear. The younger generation do not appreciate living in fear and walking on egg shells each time an ethnic group is offended. The younger generation do not want to merely “tolerate” each other.

Therefore, the coming together of the 3 major representatives of society through PAS, DAP and PKR and their success is not to be belittled. It is significant for the nation and the rebirth of Malaysia. It spells hope to the younger generation who have been disillusioned and we all pray earnestly together for their success.

Letter to Malaysiakini

Mengyee
Malaysiakini
Sep 2, 09
2:27pm

Good morning MCA, are you awake? What happened to the protector of the Chinese rights? Are you not a significant part of the Barisan Nasional government anymore?
Are you still subservient to the dominant Umno party? Looks like Umno wants to play up the racial card again. Very soon, the keris will be flying and then the rhetoric begins.

This is the Malaysia of Barisan Nasional. I recall the heyday of BN under Mahathir when Umno would spew venomous rhetoric, MCA Youth would make noise and in the end, peaceful reconciliation.

All this sandiwara (drama) to show how delicate racial relations are in Malaysia and underline the need for race based parties.

But then something happened in March 2008 when the rakyat experimented with a multi racial platform and suddenly the racial curse was lifted.

The schemes of Barisan Nasional became plain for all to see. Barisan Nasional lost its identity and was not sure how to present themselves anymore.

So to regain traction and attraction, they begin to create incidents to show how sensitive and delicate the race issue still is in Malaysia.
How explosive it could be and that at anytime, we will burst forth into racial riots.

Utusan Malaysia leads this propaganda inciting the Malays, and suddenly everything becomes a race issue.
From the death of a young Chinese political aide to the moving of a Hindu temple, race and religion is played up.

Malaysians, however, univocally will say it once again, we love Malaysia and we love the way it was supposed to be. The way Onn Jaafar dreamt it and the way the Tunku planned it.

We must reclaim the Malaysia we grew up in and not let narrow political agendas ruin our beloved homeland. We are the patriots, the true nationalists, the beloved citizens.

So MCA, MIC and Gerakan, is this the way you want to reform?

It looks like a reform back to the days of Mahathir. If it is then you will surely become irrelevant to a citizenry who has been released from the spell of racism.

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.