We tolerate too much

Malaysian Top brass - corporate, civil service and politician

For years we in Malaysia have closed an eye to the things which are not done right.  We have become a nation which celebrates mediocrity.  The proverbial “tak pe la” has become a mainstay in much of what we do and expect from the government of the day.  We have become calloused in our conscience, our tolerance for corruption and bribery is very high and our attitude towards excellence and productivity is poor to say the least.  This national tolerance for “what is not right” in Malaysia has led to an inefficiency in our government agencies, and breakdown of security and safety.  We can see this from the management of MH370 and the many fatal bus accidents and the kidnapping case in Sabah. 

We have allowed a murder on our soil with no closure. The lack of will to find the culprits of a brutally murdered foreign woman linked to the politically elite is a serious lapse of justice.  The 2 officers had no motive whatsoever to murder except to carry out the work as henchmen.  The fact that we as a nation have allowed the innocent blood of a woman to spill on our soil without bringing the plotters to justice is a dark blotch on the history of our country.    Then there is Teoh Beng Hock who died in the hands of the MACC.  How about Ahmad Sarbani, the custom officer?  How about Aminulrashyid and the many deaths in police custody?   These are all a dark stain on our country’s conscience. 

We have also become so tolerant of corruption and bribery in all forms and levels.  We make light of it and we laugh at ourselves because we have become a people who would pay to get out of a speeding ticket then pay to speed up licensing, pay to speed up government approvals for starting a business.  We have lost billions to mismanagement and corruption in government projects and yet we are able to gloss over it without anyone being charged or fired.  Each year the Auditor General’s report gives damning evidence of corruption in government procurement and sourcing yet no heads roll.  We learn to cope with it and many times play along this broken system in order to get things done.  It’s a sad state of affairs.

With this tolerance of corruption we obviously begin to close an eye to excellence.  Busses speed along the highway with no fear of getting caught.  Lorries and busses pass their annual inspection without even trully meeting standards.  How long have we made fun of the “kopi O license” where drivers are given license even when they are not competent.  Pedestrian walks are full of construction debris or ends in a pile of dirt because no one had the sense of excellence to repair them properly.  I can go on and on but in short we have become a nation that celebrates mediocrity.  We fool ourselves by saying we have a world class education system when our children rank lower than Vietnamese children in PISA education tests. We came out bottom third in ranking.  We fool ourselves when our children come out with 10A’s or 12 A’s but many will struggle to make it through a UK tertiary institution.

The crisis which unfortunately hit our nation on March 8^th (and I am not talking about the political Tsunami) brought forth our top uniformed men and civil servants to the international scene.  They struggled to explain competently issues which they were supposed to be experts in.  They struggled in articulating their thoughts professionally and to make matters worse they did not have a good command of the English language. They showed a weakness in protecting our airspace and reveal a lapse in security on the morning of March 8th. This I believe would not have happened to our professional senior civil servants 30 years ago. 

Much is not well with our country and I think many have now come to the same conclusion.  We continue to play racial politics to our own detriment. We denounce meritocracy and tolerate mediocrity to our end. If we continue to turn a blind eye to corruption and injustice who knows what else we will lose.  We can play a part by keeping our Prime Minister, MPs, ADUN's accountable for what they say and do, refusing to pay a bribe and insisting on doing thisngs well.  Then only can we begin to lift our nation back into productivity and resolve the many outsanding issues in our government.

KAJANG REFERENDUM

Much has transpired in the lives of ordinary Malaysians in the last 10 months since GE13.  The Rakyat has learned to cope with rising cost of living, aggressive voices of bigotry and religious fervor and fundamentalism.   All of which is at a feverish pitch which we have never seen before in Malaysia.  Many are frustrated that Putrajaya provides little to no leadership and in fact many are convinced that it is UMNO who is behind much of the provocation.

Somehow, it is as if there is a disconnect between the BN government campaigning before GE13 and the government after GE 13.  The promises, the upbeatness, the good times vaporized as soon as the ministers were sworn in.  Subsidies withdrawn bit by bit, utility rates go up and soon everything else rises along.  Everyone feels it but perhaps the anger is exacerbated when the leaders continue to live lavish lives while telling the Rakyat to modify their lifestyle.  Everyone is affected from the taxi driver to the Manager in the boardroom by this sudden and steep inflation.  Our lives are all the more harder and precarious after GE13. 

The Kajang by-election according to the politicians is a way to defend Selangor and for the state to progress beyond what it has accomplished thus far.  Many disagree with the way it has been done.  However one sees it, whether it is ethical or not, we must take full advantage to tell the BN Government that our lives in this last 10 months have been difficult.  We were promised much but little has been delivered.  We are fed up with the bigotry, incitement, racial politics and hate speeches that divide us as Malaysians.

Having the Kajang by-election is a way for the Rakyat to voice her frustrations and anger.  I believe Kajang is going to be a Referendum on the BN government.  Malaysia post GE13 is very different and the people are living harder lives.  All this while race religious relations is at an all time low.  Kajang must be the  representative for all Malaysia to vote unanimously in support of a strong Selangor state government but more so, for a new Federal Government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat. 

Time To Regain our Lost Values

My Malaysia Day Posting and Reflection
Time to regain our lost values

Malaysia's preoccupation with significance and wealth without character has led us to where we are today.
Politicians who work without boundaries of decency as long as their cause is promoted have become the norm in our country. When did we allow a culture of hatred to creep into our self-glorified Asian values?


When is it okay to vandalise a bus just because it belongs to the opposition, or burn churches, or disturb a tazkirah?
It all happened very subtly when we as a people became fascinated with bigness, elegance and style not for any commercial or internal value but so that "they (the west) will respect us".

We build the tallest buildings, the first F1 in Asia, the longest, the widest, the fastest, the deepest whatever that could get us any form of world recognition at the expense of our identity, character and national coffers. I think we all know on whose watch this happened.
It is true what John Adams said: "I cannot help suspecting that the more elegance, the less virtue in all times and all countries."

We were in such a hurry to be recognised, we failed to build and invest in our human capital. We lost our sense of identity as a hardworking and productive work force. We instead sought grandeur and mega-ness.

John Adams in advice to his grandson had this to say: "Have you considered the meaning of the word ‘worthy'? Weigh it well...I had rather you should be worthy possessors of one thousand pounds honestly acquired by your own labour and industry, than of ten million by banks and tricks."
Are all that we have achieved as a nation worthy? Is it through hard work and old fashioned values?

Looking at where we are today, I suspect not. We have lost our way. Thousands of professionals and human capital are migrating and it gets worse as crime soars and the economy wanes.

We should wish for our nation on Sept 16, Malaysia Day, what John Adams advised his daughter in choosing a spouse:
"Daughter! Get you an honest man for a husband, and keep him honest. No matter whether he is rich, provided he be independent. "Regard the honour and moral character of the man more than all other circumstances. Think of no other greatness but that of the soul, no riches but that of the heart.
"An honest, sensible, humane man, above all littleness of vanity and extravagances of imagination, labouring to do good rather than to be rich, to be useful rather than make a show, living in modest simplicity clearly within his means and free from debts and obligations, is really the most respectable man in society, makes himself and all about him most happy."
Remember this as we face the next general election. Happy Malaysia Day!

JOURNEY OF THE SECOND HALF

What marked the last two decades of my working life were airports, hotels and business meetings in faraway places. I had spent the first five years working for multinational corporations before delving into the exciting world of business. I joined the trading business which Connie and her brother had set up. My role as Director of Business Development meant that I had to bring existing products to new countries and new products to existing countries. As a result, I had the opportunity to develop business and friendships all over Asia and Europe. I burn the air miles having to service the agents and business partners in the various countries as well as countries which I have never been to but had much potential. There was something exciting about all this and I enjoyed it to a certain extent.

Connie and I would often look at how fast our children were growing up and realize how they would soon have their own lifes. Funny how this thought never arose when they were learning to walk or when we were frantically changing diapers amidst cries from attention deficit siblings. Instead, now when they are at the door of adolescence just before they take off to college we ask what would it be like for us? Is this what they call mid-life crisis?
One thing that has remained constant in my life since I was 9 years old is my faith in Jesus Christ. As my understanding of what a relationship with Jesus meant, I grew fonder of my faith. I grew to realize that grace meant I can come to Christ in my weakest and most broken moments. It was not about how good I was but how loving He was. This constant was what drove me in most of what I did; my family life, my business, my relationships and my future. It is this faith which has taken me to the next step of my life.


Early this year, 2012, I embarked on a journey unknowing of where it will take me. I entered a seminary as a student in order to study the Bible full time. I have always wanted to study the Bible in a seminary part time but knew I could not juggle all that was on my plate. I do not know what the next 20 years of my adult life would hold (God willing that amount of time) but I know that whatever I have accumulated over the last 20 years will culminate in something significant. Whatever experience I have received and lessons learnt will prepare me for the next phase of life. Like a sojourner going off to the distant hills carrying his kungFu, clothes and staff.


Do you ever get the feeling you are at the door of something significant but don’t know what to expect? This is it - a journey of faith and excitement. I know I am exactly where I ought to be for now and I will see where this road leads me to. Whatever it may be….. I have my faith, my family and my life lessons to carry with me.

Why I joined KEADILAN

Why am I a member of KEADILAN?

I joined KEADILAN or rather became a part of the Reformasi movement in 1999 when it was not fashionable for an ethnic chinese to join especially one who runs his own business. For the benefit of those who were born in the 90’s those were years when Malaysia was under the iron fist of Dr Mahathir who knew who you were and was not hesitant to take swift and drastic action to curb any form of democratic expression. I joined because there was injustice and my Christian convictions would not allow me to sit quietly while these injustices were going on. I also joined because I caught the vision of a Malaysia which was not governed by a race based political party.

Today, I sat in on a KEADILAN Division meeting in Kelana Jaya. I sat back and observed the faces, the camaraderie, the closeness, the smile on each face. We were Malays, Chinese and Indians all sat in a room discussing the needs of the community. As I faded into my own world, I could not help but feel melancholy having worked with some of these men and women for many years. There was not one more superior than the other but we respect each one as individuals. Sure, there are disagreements, even the normal factions in politics. There are individuals who are there for selfish reasons. This is normal but when push comes to shove we unite around a single purpose and mission. I know that my dream of a better Malaysia is not far off.

I wish the general public could see this. The potential when we unite. Its not about tolerance of one another, its about trully loving the country and each other. Its about hating corruption, the things and the people who divide us.  For those of you who are in your 40’s and 50’s you know that it is possible because this was the Malaysia we grew up in as young children. There are many who wish to divide us for this is how they retain power. These forces are retreating and they are losing ground because they are build on the foundations of distrust.

What can we do? Rise up to be involved. Speak to your neighbours, family members, colleagues and friends of the possibility of a freer Malaysia. A two party system and a government which work for the people. Volunteer to be involved in the upcoming General Elections as PACA or in whatever capacity. Donate time or money to the cause. There are many out there.

We are at the doorstep of a new era for Malaysia and I think Ralph Waldo Emerson says it best in describing our God given duty as Malaysians; “To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

My Bersih 3.0 Reflection

The Unshackling of Malaysia

Bersih 3.0 is probably the biggest civil protest the country has ever seen. Reports have suggested anywhere from 150,000 to 250,000. It is hard to establish the figures but depending on which side of the fence you are sitting; I would say that it was an intimidating number of people. Definitely more than Bersih1 and Bersih 2.

Bersih 3, to me was a watershed event, much like BN’s lost of the two third majority in the 2008 General Election. Each time an event like Bersih 3 occurs the ground shakes and the fault lines open up. In 2008, the obvious changes were the new governments which took over the states of Penang, Kedah, Perak and Selangor. Many were elated but something unseen happened in the psyche of Malaysians which shook the social structure of Malaysia. The ground swell in 2008 loosed the shackles of fear which has gripped our father’s generation. The deep seeded fear shackled our freedom, divided our communities, silenced our elders and compromised our faith. I recall the days when we had to lower voices when speaking about the government in public or fear that our telephone conversations were being listened in. It was very subtle but the fear of “big brother” coming to take you away at anytime under the ISA was very real and kept us all in check. Then in March 2008, the opposition leader was a charismatic Malay man from within the establishment who had been persecuted, beaten and jailed for 6 years by his own Malay party. The opposition won the popular votes in that General Election and governed 5 states in Malaysia. The shackles of race sensitivity were gone and suddenly Malaysians were free. Like a spell which had been over Malaysians since 1969 were suddenly lifted. Malaysians had a new sense of freedom and the courage to speak up in the face of injustice and corruption. At the front lines of this new movement were young Malaysians, those 35 years and younger who had the benefit of an overseas education and who were born long after the dreaded May13 scar in Malaysian history. . The sense of freedom grew after March 2008 and there was no turning back.

Fast forward to Bersih 3.0 no one would have imagined that our Chinese elders, our fathers, those in their 50’s and 60’s, would go out to join a street protest as the one seen last weekend. Bersih 1 was predominantly and significantly Malay. Bersih 2 saw more young Chinese and Indian professionals. So gradually, there is a progressive movement of new found sense of justice and courage in the hearts of all Malaysians. This has proven to be a headache for the ruling coalition, who is out of its league and totally clueless on how to handle and appease the new Malaysia.

So it was very encouraging to see Malaysians of all races and faces of all ages standing in unity, braving police violence and demanding for free and fair elections. It is no longer a communal issue but an issue of justice and fair play. Malaysians are tired of our leaders telling us what is good for us while millions are being siphoned off through kickbacks, mismanagement and corruption. Malaysians are no longer blind, neither are they fearful. Last week’s Bersih shows that Malaysia is on her way to a mature civil society and one which allows greater democratic space. It appears, change is inevitable and if the government of the day has lost the plot and is clueless as to what is happening, they will be swept away in the next General Elections.

Those who oppose your views are not Subversive

There are some who insist that a segment of Malaysians are out to tear Malaysia apart. They insist that stunts like the Bersih march bring disruption to city life and disrupts the peace and tranquillity of Malaysia. Worse there are individuals who feel that the status quo - Malaysia that is now is for them to protect and so they make police reports of this supposedly dangerous elements who call for peaceful protests and who encourage their twitter friends to attend the peaceful yellow rally. They see these inconvenient segment of the public as trouble causes and perhaps unpatriotic Malaysians.

In the 1950s America had segregation laws in many southern states. This segregation laws made it illegal for black Americans to eat, walk or take public transport together with white Americans. To many who grew up in the segregated America this was the norm. However there began a group of women in Montgomery who decided that this was wrong. Black people should not have to pay for their bus fares at the back of the bus and they did not have to give up their seat if a white American had no seat whether or not he was young or old. There were white drinking fountains and black drinking fountains, there were tables only for white people in some restaurants and there were colored seating in some restaurants. They began the Montgomery bus boycott which led to the arrests of Rosa Parks and other women which sparked the 250,000 people march through the Washington mall toward the Lincoln Memorial led by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Were these Americans who marched through Washington DC unpatriotic subversive elements? A read of Martin Luther’s famous “I have a Dream” speech would show him to be a true believer of the American dream and a patriot at heart. In his speech he said; “And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.” Was it inconvenient and did it disrupt the peace of America in the summer of 1963? Of course it did. There were riots, there were police brutality and there were even some who made police reports about their fellow black brothers because they did not believe that this cause was worth fighting for. Afterall whats the big deal if they were treated as second class citizens at least they still have jobs and peace and a government that works. Its not worth protesting and disrupting business.
The truth is these men and women who bothered to stand up against the law of the land in the 1960s believed in their heart that this was an unjust and repressive law. Segregating citizens based on their skin colour was simply wrong eventhough it was the law of the land at that time. Where did they get this conviction that led to the famous Civil Rights movement that changed the shape of America forever? Believe it or not, it was a conviction based on the Bible that all man are created equal and that God shows no partiality. They acted on this believe and marched against Segregation Laws of their time. A Bible believing Christian always acts upon his or her Biblical conviction even if it goes against the law of the land. Asking fellow Christians to join in a peaceful protest for what he or she believes is being true to her own convictions.
My point is that criticising or marching against an unjust and repressive law is not unpatriotic at all. Simply put, patriotism is a love for the country and willingness to sacrifice for it. Those that decided to march on 9th of July for Free and Fair Elections were not unpatriotic. In fact they believed in the Malaysian dream set forth by our own founding fathers, heroes like Allahyarham Dato’ Onn bin Jaafar, a man before his time; and Allahyarham Tunku Abdul Rahman Bapak Malaysia. If they did not believe in Malaysia, they would have long join the thousands of people who have fled our shores in search of a better future. The truth is these people love Malaysia as much as those who oppose Bersih and they should be given the right to express themselves through peaceful protest as much as the Ibrahim Ali’s who speak venomous racism or the Mahathir Mohammad who fights against anything that moves and breathes. We should protect the minority as much as we do the majority and their right to peaceful protest.
Don’t confuse the sovereign state of Malaysia for any political party. Malaysia as an entity is larger than that. She is the millions of faces with diverse religious, political and social believes with each to be respected and cherished. We must not let any political party hijack this Malaysian agenda for their own existence. The goal is building a better Malaysia and it means listening to every segment of society and protecting their rights to speak and express themselves. Peace may not always be achievable, but by pursuing justice for all, I believe peace is inevitable.

East Malaysia through West Malaysian eyes

I have been to East Malaysia many times on business trips but never really having had the opportunity to meet the ordinary people of Sarawak as I have had this past weekend. It was eye opening and a privilege I will not forget.

The Pakatan Rakyat machinery took off from the word go. The DAP machinery in the major towns no doubt was all ready for this day and their launch of Ubah was a brilliant branding exercise. The towns were ready for the picking as they saw crowds of thousands coming out to hear the new DAP candidates. To brighten the show, heroes from West Malaysia like the Lim father and son team and other YBs were there to share their stories of what happened in West Malaysia and how the Pakatan states were managed.

In the semi urban seats however where KEADILAN has to work, the mood was not as obvious to sense. There was no glitzy stage shows and appearances by Ubah the hornbill. However as our team began meeting the people in the coffeeshops and marketplaces we began to realise that there was a quiet hope for change. The wink in the eye, the pad on the shoulder followed by their assurance; “don’t worry, we support” was very much music to our ears. We walked into malay kampongs and they were receptive although it may be hard to discern gentle hospitality with “I won’t vote for the opposition” feelings. Orang Iban and Bumiputeras were angry because their lands were in the process of being taken away. One lady in a kampong going out in her crisply ironed BN shirt; came up to us and said; “I am paid to help them, don’t worry, I vote KEADILAN.” Later I discovered her house lies in the red line in danger of being taken by Taib’s government. I accompanied the local party chief to the police station to collect a permit and the officer downstairs, gave me a thumbs up, whatever that means.

I am hoping all this subtle winks and thumbs up and hoots from their cars are indication that the electorate is indeed ready for change.

The saddest thing however in my 3 days was visiting a malay kampong just outside Sibu town. The kampong was prone to floods and the ground was soft enough to have your feet sink in. In fact one of us in the team actually lost a shoe in the mud. Rotting timber lined the pathway to each kampong house and if you were unlucky, you would hear a crack and your feet would sink into a puddle of water. As you walk deeper into the kampong, some houses had no electricity.
A local told me, as he drove along a busy country road, that all this on the right and left were forest before but now all cleared. Virgin forest he had gone to as a child to hike in is now also gone. All this deforestation and haphazard development has brought about floods in the town.

We visited a family who had just lost their son, a 30 year old man. No clear illness was told to them but that he died of a disease which was only curable if he was sent overseas. The flat they lived in was 3 stories up. The dark stairway littered with rubbish and the stained cement walls unpainted. We visited the parents and the widow and her 3 young children. Many people lived in that dark apartment. A single short flourecent light lid the entire hall. It was obvious the family found it hard to make ends meet but now worse with another loss of a potential bread winner. We conveyed our condolences and took leave. My eyes opened and my heart wrenched.

Just 10 minutes away as we made our way back to the operations center, we passed by the massive bungalows in town. Most of them walled like little palaces. Huge glass windows to gaze on the bright sky but not the slums below. Many belong to timber tycoons or successful politicians.

This is what happens when corruption in government and unjust policies are allowed to fester for decades. Each wanting a piece of the pie without fair distribution to other less fortunate in society. I hope that change would come to Sarawak so that the people's plight might be lifted.

Something amiss about Bakun Dam

The Bakun Dam it is reported will cost a total of RM7.3 Billion Ringgit. Out of that RM7.3 Billion, the opposition MP for Permatang Pauh has revealed that RM5.75 Billion of that has come from the rakyat’s retirement fund, namely EPF. It was also reported in the STAR that for each month of delay in the “damning” project, the cost is RM10 million in interest.

Since almost 75% of this project is funded by the Rakyat’s future income, we have a right to know just how this Bakun Dam Project is going to benefit the majority of Malaysians? It is time that the truth be told and that the government no longer pull wool over the people’s eyes.

Here are some facts which I have discovered:
1) The Bakun Dam will generate 2400MW of electricity (clean energy) as compared to Tunku Jaafar Power Station in Port Dickson which generates 1500 MW
2) The power produced from Bakun Dam will not be able to be “cabled” to the Peninsular as earlier proposed due to the lost in energy from resistance. It is highly inefficient and the idea has been dropped.
3) Another Dam in Sarawak is now being proposed in Murum, Sarawak which will generate a further 944MW
4) The total from this 2 dams will generate 3344MW of capacity.
5) Sarawak during peak time uses a total of 900MW of electricity.
6) SESCO currently produces 1,300MW of electricity

Sometime ago there was talk of producing an energy intensive aluminium industry. This project which belongs to an Australian company was to set up shop in Sarawak. Sarawak and Malaysia has no source of bauxite which are the rocks containing Aluminium. The process of obtaining Aluminium from Bauxite is very energy intensive. So Malaysia now can justify the building of Bakun. Explain to the people then the waste that comes out of this process. What is the people of Sarawak going to do with the tonnes and tonnes of red sludge which comes out of this Aluminium plant?

So just why are these dams being built in Sarawak? Where have all the timber gone from the clearing of these rainforest? Where is all this excess capacity of power going to? The rakyat has the right to know. Is Sarawak once again taken for a ride and apart from destroying the wildlife and eco system of Sarawak how will it benefit the longhouses and natives of Sarawak?

The government must come clean and I am not talking about the energy but accountability and transparency.

Malaysia's FDI of 1.4B trails behind Philipines, Thailand and Indonesia for the first time

Register to vote before this 'Titanic' sinks
Malaysiakini Yee Siew Meng
Aug 4, 10
2:58pm

Fifteen years ago, I used to make regular business trips to Manila, a country in its afterglow. The economy was small, the nation was suffering from political instability and years of plunder from the Marcos era. The nation depended on its women population who worked as domestic help overseas.

The 1997 financial crises which rocked Asean countries brought the country further into turmoil and poverty. Yet in the 70s I recall going there as a child and remembering being impressed by the modern city and its affluence.

Fifteen years ago, Malaysia was booming under the expansionary vision of Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Tallest buildings, longest flag pole and many other ego projects that put the country on the world map. During those expansionary years, civil society was slowly decaying from the inside. We were too affluent and too busy making money to realise that our freedom and laws were being changed in Parliament at lightning speed.

All these amendments to our constitution in that 20 years, which incidentally is more than the US in her 230 plus years of history was passed through a BN majority government. All these amendments would prove to be problems and major issues post-Mahathir era.

During those times, I had said that we were ten years away from the Philippines. As the Philippines enjoyed the boom years of the 70s and 80s, rampant corruption and decay of the judiciary system and any semblance of the rule of law began to disappear. This is what happened in Malaysia in the last 20 years. The fact that the Philippines has even surpassed us in FDI is a sign that we are in trouble. Confidence abroad has eroded for obvious reasons.

The failure to reform the political and economic terrain of Malaysia, the constant instability of race and religious issues, the lack of judiciary will to prosecute and solve major cases which involve murder and white collar crimes all lead to a drop in confidence abroad. Detractors say the Pakatan Rakyat wins in March 2008 is to blame. How then can we explain the fact that foreign investment in Selangor has not dipped but set to increase by year end?

The future is not bright. The inflationary rate is not a true reflection of the increase in price of goods and services as the basket of goods include government-controlled or subsidised items. The prices of goods and services may tailspin as the true inflation rate increases and the Malaysian ringgit begin to lose value. If there is no new injection of funds and no local investment, then the economy will shrink. Like the Philippines in the late 90s we, too, have a huge resource of educated human resources but because of the small economy, this human resource did not have jobs internally.

It may not be so farfetched that one day Malaysia will have to sent her daughters and sons out to work as foreign labour. God forbid that that day should come but if we continue down this path of wanton abuse of our resources and widespread corruption without care for the rule of law then that day is not far off. For fear of being accused as a doomsday prophet or a pessimist, I will qualify that we - as citizens - can turn this around. Its not too late to turn the Titanic as we see the iceberg fast approaching.

Tell your aunties and uncles and cousins and colleagues to register to vote. Tell them that they can make a difference and that the country needs them more than ever. As I borrow from the great freedom fighter in US history:

'From the rivers of Sarawak, where there is no electricity to the hills of Pahang where Orang Asli are marginalised; from the peaceful city of Ipoh to the crime filled city of Johor Bahru and from the deep faith of Kota Bahru to the slums of KL; let freedom ring. Let there be a loud clarion call to change. Let justice flow like a mighty river across this land we call home.

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.