by Amor Patriae (with minor deletions by kaytee)
I refer to Malaysiakini report, “Academics debate ‘social contract’ dated 15th May 2008
I would like congratulate and record my appreciation to Malaysiakini for initiating the most important discussion on nation building in Malaysia. What surprises me is, this kind of initiatives should come from scholars/ historians but surprisingly until Prof Ungku Aziz raised the issue, none of the scholars have come forward with such opinion, even at critical times of public debates in the last thirty years. From the time of Abdullah Ahmad book Ketuanan Melayu (1986) to the most recent event of GAPENA organised Malay unity conference in Johor, the dominant theme has been ‘Ketuanan Melayu’. Scholars rarely express their strong reservation in scholarly debates.
The only popular response that I can recollect is from V. Das compiled articles, Malay Dominance: The Abdullah Rubrick (1987). Some of the scholars interviewed by Malaysiakini contributed in the book. This is a weak response and not a scholarly rebut on the issue. No proper research was done by the scholars nor undertook more serious research later. This further confirms that the lead to important discussions on nation building in Malaysia are initiated by public intellectuals rather than scholars.
There are two issues that would have shed more light in the discussion should the experts commented. First, the seed of ‘social contract’ as was developed by UMNO and other Malay nationalist, the notion of “citizenship in exchange of Malay special rights”. Is this a correct notion given the existing historical data? Secondly, the contexts of special assistance for the Malays, is this an indefinite time frame policy in the original planning? Historians inform us that discussion minutes suggest it is time bound so do the Reid Commission. What are the opinions of our experts?
I would also like to take this opportunity to comment on some of the opinions of experts interviewed. Dr Azmi Sharom said that “the special privileges involves safeguarding the Malay language, the Sultanate and Islam”. To the best of my knowledge this aspects were never contested by the than Perikatan non Malay leaders nor by the non Malays after that (The known challenge was from communist leaning Leftist, comprising both ethnic Malays and Chinese). The only discussion from meeting minutes of early Perikatan discussions shows that the contestation is limited on the time frame for state assistance. They argued that time frame needed for the policies to elevate the poor Malays, or else it will be promote discrimination in the long run.
Dr Mavis Puthuceary opinion that “The social contract did not come into debate until Abdullah Ahmad raised it in 1986” is not true. In 1970s there were debates on “Dasar Kebudayaan Kebangsaan” or “Dasar Kesusasteraan Kebangsaan”, the former asserts that that Malay culture as base and anything not recognised by Islam is prohibited as national culture and the latter asserts that only literature written in Malay is national language, others ‘sastera sukuan’.
Prof Shamsul Amri argument of equating ‘ketuanan rakyat’ and ‘ketuanan Melayu’ or Karpal Singh to Hishamudin Hussien is not only naΓ―ve but flawed. I shall not comment this but just lump it with his other statements before this. Readers will remember, he commented ASLI report on Malay ownership as “I am very skeptical about the study which has been carried out by a particular race. They (the race) usually have their own agendas” (Malaysiakini, 27 Sept 2006). Now he made a remark on Prof Ungku Aziz as follows, “I don’t know what he reads aside from economic books” (Malaysiakini, 15 May 2008). I beg humility, Prof Shamsul.
Prof Shamsul was the engineer behind the new ethnic studies module (following the uproar from the earlier UPM ethnic module) and it is used as standard text for undergraduates in all universities in Malaysia. This module has numerous errors and very poor editorial, both in language and contents. That’s a side, I would like to ask, what is the paradigm of the ethnic studies module? Does it accept the “Ketuanan Melayu” in the “social contract” meaning? His statements here differ from many glaring statements of ‘social contract’ in the module. What is his respond to this?
Secondly, when USM scholars rejected the offer from Ministry of Higher Education to write the ethnic module because the Ministry did not obliged to their condition for fairness and equality of all races in Malaysia, Prof Shamsul accepts the offer and willing to chart ethnic studies in Malaysia through the ‘social contract’ paradigm. When he accepts this, why being apologetic here? Anyway, I assume the recent perks such as ‘Director of Ethnic Studies UKM” and ‘Anugerah Melayu Cemerlang’ by UMNO for creating the ethnic module are ........ gratifying rewards ........
I propose that a ........ historian with integrity and value knowledge be commissioned to conduct an independent study on independence of Malaya and early formation of Malaysia. One such person will be the renowned historian, Prof Cheah Boon Kheng. Apart from that, the ethnic studies module should be revised in order to end polarisation at higher learning institution. Only than can we have help to build Bangsa Malaysia.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Lingamgate Commission on Dr M - AAB's payback?
The Malaysiakini headlines screamed: Commission: Act against Dr M, 5 others.
I am not so much interested in the Commission's recommendations, but this being Malaysia where questioning the actions of a State ruler can be seditious one day but not the next, I have to wonder whether it’s now payback time.
In conjunction with this I quote another Malaysiakini headline which said: Time for Karpal to get pragmatic where the authors warned that criticism of royalty, especially by non-Malays, may invoke negative reaction from Malays, regardless of the validity of Karpal’s legal pedantry.
The Malays don’t like people questioning their chief, full stop. Thanks to Parameswaran and the Sri Vijaya heritage, Malay society is a feudalistic Brahminic one where total blind unquestioning loyalty to a superior or royalty is a must and indeed expected ... which explains why dumbo Tuah murdered Jebat, his best buddy who spoke up for him, a fugitive in hiding from the royal tyrant, when the despotic ruler told him to sic Jebat.
The actions of Tuanku or the Brahmins must never be challenged. I had blogged on this trait of Malay socio-poliitcal-culture in Ijok - where Malays are even more tribal!
So, considering that Dr M was once the (political) High Brahmin of Malaysia, I must say I suspect the AAB government's preparedness in releasing the Commission’s report to the public could be a reflection of Tribe A's manoeuvre against Tribe B?
I am not yet prepared to believe AAB is Bao Gong redux as there are still many non-transparent non-accountable lack of governance that remain unanswered. I am also reminded of AAB's draconian over-the-top and unnecessary persecution of Waythamoorthy and the Hindraf 5.
I have to reduce his OK for the public release the Commission's report, which is undoubtedly adverse to Dr M, as merely payback time for the attacks that Dr M and his son Mukhriz have been conducting against him. After all, AAB isn't exactly a slouch when it comes to intra party intrigues - see The real Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
I am not so much interested in the Commission's recommendations, but this being Malaysia where questioning the actions of a State ruler can be seditious one day but not the next, I have to wonder whether it’s now payback time.
In conjunction with this I quote another Malaysiakini headline which said: Time for Karpal to get pragmatic where the authors warned that criticism of royalty, especially by non-Malays, may invoke negative reaction from Malays, regardless of the validity of Karpal’s legal pedantry.
The Malays don’t like people questioning their chief, full stop. Thanks to Parameswaran and the Sri Vijaya heritage, Malay society is a feudalistic Brahminic one where total blind unquestioning loyalty to a superior or royalty is a must and indeed expected ... which explains why dumbo Tuah murdered Jebat, his best buddy who spoke up for him, a fugitive in hiding from the royal tyrant, when the despotic ruler told him to sic Jebat.
The actions of Tuanku or the Brahmins must never be challenged. I had blogged on this trait of Malay socio-poliitcal-culture in Ijok - where Malays are even more tribal!
So, considering that Dr M was once the (political) High Brahmin of Malaysia, I must say I suspect the AAB government's preparedness in releasing the Commission’s report to the public could be a reflection of Tribe A's manoeuvre against Tribe B?
I am not yet prepared to believe AAB is Bao Gong redux as there are still many non-transparent non-accountable lack of governance that remain unanswered. I am also reminded of AAB's draconian over-the-top and unnecessary persecution of Waythamoorthy and the Hindraf 5.
I have to reduce his OK for the public release the Commission's report, which is undoubtedly adverse to Dr M, as merely payback time for the attacks that Dr M and his son Mukhriz have been conducting against him. After all, AAB isn't exactly a slouch when it comes to intra party intrigues - see The real Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
Bila gajah berlawan, memang we’ll get venison ;-)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Ham and Bull of 'Ketuanan Melayu'
In my post Social contract - a vigorously implemented 'fantasy' I quoted a Malaysiakini news article where Royal Professor Dr Ungku Abdul Aziz said that there was no such thing as a social contract between Malaysia's diverse ethnic communities.
I also mentioned that the Professor’s declaration had buried (at least intellectually) the UMNO ketuanan Melayu propaganda.
Today, Malaysiakini reported that Academics debate the 'social contract'.
Essentially, the concept of ‘ketuanan Melayu’ was resoundingly dismissed, though Professor Shamsul Amri Baharudin of UKM's Institute of Ethnic Studies (Kita) retranslated that term to mean ‘Malay sovereignty’ as opposed to ‘Malay supremacy'.
Dr Azmi Sharom, associate professor, law faculty, Universiti Malaya was more blunt, stating in no uncertain terms that “The original constitution has elements of compromise but that compromise is from the layman’s perspective, the document does not suggest Malay supremacy or mastery.”
He averred: “Ketuanan Melayu is a fallacy. I just don’t see the justification for this. The so-called social contract is relevant only to racists and people who want Malaysians to continue to be divided along racial lines.”
He also added that he was “… uncomfortable with Ungku Aziz’s view that the social contract should be called an economic contract. The society made a compromise and it is not a contract which implies the people are bound to it for life. Citizenship is not about the economy but the society”, meaning at some stage the so-called ‘economic contract’ must also cease.
The other academicians said what Professor James Chin, head of arts, Monash University said articulately: “The context of the 'social contract' that it is being used now implies that non-Malays, in return for their citizenship, have to acknowledge that the Malays are politically supreme and cannot be challenged, ever.”
“Keeping the ‘social contract’ alive implies that non-Malays can never ask for equality. The implication is quite clear as it means that the current argument in having a more equal Malaysia will not succeed.”
Racial supremacy is a nasty ugly piece of bigotry. There are some societies who not only consider themselves as racially superior but actually believe their ethnic supremacy had been divinely preordained.
Of course we are aware that some Jews believe they are the Chosen People, asserting that God has picked them above others of His creation. Some Christians also supported this racist theory. On this fallacious fable, they (those Jews and Christians) would refer you to the Bible, which incidentally was written by Judeans (ancestors of Jews) held in Babylonian captivity around 580-ish BCE.
The other race who believe in their own special divine status are the Japanese. The Japanese believe that Japan is a divine land and their Emperors were/are descendants of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess.
Nippon or Japan means originating from the sun, or ‘source of the sun’, which incidentally and ironically has a 'cap* 3 kepala Tionghua' label, as the Nippon word can only be written in Kanji or Chinese language.
I also mentioned that the Professor’s declaration had buried (at least intellectually) the UMNO ketuanan Melayu propaganda.
Today, Malaysiakini reported that Academics debate the 'social contract'.
Essentially, the concept of ‘ketuanan Melayu’ was resoundingly dismissed, though Professor Shamsul Amri Baharudin of UKM's Institute of Ethnic Studies (Kita) retranslated that term to mean ‘Malay sovereignty’ as opposed to ‘Malay supremacy'.
Dr Azmi Sharom, associate professor, law faculty, Universiti Malaya was more blunt, stating in no uncertain terms that “The original constitution has elements of compromise but that compromise is from the layman’s perspective, the document does not suggest Malay supremacy or mastery.”
He averred: “Ketuanan Melayu is a fallacy. I just don’t see the justification for this. The so-called social contract is relevant only to racists and people who want Malaysians to continue to be divided along racial lines.”
He also added that he was “… uncomfortable with Ungku Aziz’s view that the social contract should be called an economic contract. The society made a compromise and it is not a contract which implies the people are bound to it for life. Citizenship is not about the economy but the society”, meaning at some stage the so-called ‘economic contract’ must also cease.
The other academicians said what Professor James Chin, head of arts, Monash University said articulately: “The context of the 'social contract' that it is being used now implies that non-Malays, in return for their citizenship, have to acknowledge that the Malays are politically supreme and cannot be challenged, ever.”
“Keeping the ‘social contract’ alive implies that non-Malays can never ask for equality. The implication is quite clear as it means that the current argument in having a more equal Malaysia will not succeed.”
Racial supremacy is a nasty ugly piece of bigotry. There are some societies who not only consider themselves as racially superior but actually believe their ethnic supremacy had been divinely preordained.
Of course we are aware that some Jews believe they are the Chosen People, asserting that God has picked them above others of His creation. Some Christians also supported this racist theory. On this fallacious fable, they (those Jews and Christians) would refer you to the Bible, which incidentally was written by Judeans (ancestors of Jews) held in Babylonian captivity around 580-ish BCE.
The other race who believe in their own special divine status are the Japanese. The Japanese believe that Japan is a divine land and their Emperors were/are descendants of Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess.
Nippon or Japan means originating from the sun, or ‘source of the sun’, which incidentally and ironically has a 'cap* 3 kepala Tionghua' label, as the Nippon word can only be written in Kanji or Chinese language.
* 'cap' is a Malay word pronounced as 'charp', meaning 'brand'; 'cap tiga kepala' is a Malaysian joke
In years gone by, the English, and then the Americans believed that they were the true inheritors (or even descendants) of the ancient Hebrews, implying and believing they too were the Chosen. But these two ethnic groups weren't prepared to forego their bacon and ham ;-)
Once I saw on TV a white South African woman blatantly and unabashedly telling the TV interviewer that the blacks, being descendants of Ham, were born to serve as slaves to the whites. According to biblical scholars, Noah (yes, he of the Ark) had a son named Ham. The Bible said:
And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. (Genesis 9:20-22)
Noah was pissed off with Ham for seeing him in his nakedness, but instead of taking his grievance up with Ham, cursed Ham's youngest son Canaan and his descendants to be slaves to his uncles and their descendants. Sheeesh, why punished the poor innocent kid, but mind you, it's bloody convenient for the Hebrews who liked to have slaves.
However, the biblical scholars explained why Noah was mad at his son Ham just for seeing him naked. Apparently ‘seeing the father naked’ was just a euphemism for having sex with the mother. The Bibles also tells us:
You must not expose your father’s nakedness by having sexual intercourse with your mother. She is your mother; you must not have intercourse with her. You must not have sexual intercourse with your father’s wife; she is your father’s nakedness. (Leviticus 18:7-8)
According to Wikipedia: The curse of Ham had been used by some members of Abrahamic religions to justify racism and the enslavement of people of Black African ancestry, who were believed to be descendants of Ham.
Well, I may like bacon and ham but I am not a descendant of Ham ;-) so bugger off to this 'ketuanan Melayu' bull.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
May 13 - some personal stories
Today when I woke up I didn’t even remember it is May 13, the anniversary of THE May 13, until I peeped at the website of my blogging mate Susan Loone.
As usual, Susan always presents intriguing posts. Today her post consists of only one short sentence: Where were you on 13 May 1969? and what a host of response she received.
I too left a couple of mentions there, based on what my uncles told me.
Then when I read Malaysiakini this evening I see May 13: Pakatan Rakyat wants truth unearthed.
The Pakatan Rakyat leaders want an South African styled ‘truth and reconciliation commission’ over the riots on that fateful day in 1969, nearly 40 years ago. They reckoned it would be important to uncover the ‘real’ (and not official) facts behind the killings on May 13 1969.
Lim GE said May 13 should be treated as a chapter in the history which will make the people appreciate the value of democracy and justice, and that it shouldn't be, nor allowed to be manipulated by any irresponsible party, such that it would haunt Malaysians and our politics. I am sure we know who he was referring to.
For me personally, I have heard stories from my uncles and their friends. As recent as early March this year when I was in Penang to vote, that occasion sparked off another round of them reminiscing of an election in 1969. Invariably the KL riots were recounted.
May 13 was a KL localized riot, though there was some but limited fallout elsewhere. But essentially the greatest and probably only horrendous effect was felt in KL (and some parts of PJ).
This morning I posted a comment at Susan’s place which said (I have modified some of those words, corrected my grammar, expanded a wee bit, to make it more readable to all):
“My uncle had a British friend whose wife (a British qualified nurse) participated as a volunteer worker at a KL hospital. She was there on the evening of that terrible day. What she saw totally traumatized her, not so much because of the numerous deaths but by the sad observation that so many of the victims were primary school children. She said the bodies flowed out of the mortuary and were stacked up high in other adjoining rooms …”
The following is a record of their (my uncles' & friends') memories, as accurate as I can put them down in words, and I have limited their stories to KL/PJ incidents:
"The riots started off in the evening, just around the time school children were dismissed from school. Many of those unfortunate children were caught in the mad slaughter. The worst scene apparently was at the roundabout between the Kampung Baru and Chow Kit areas."
"The fighters charged up without warning from Kampung Baru into Chow Kit area, dressed up in bamboo armour (protecting their chests), machetes and spears. Many Chow Kit residents and visitors were killed in that attack."
The story of fighters from Kampung Baru is substantiated by a Malaysiakini report last year when some of those fighters, by now elderly men, were interviewed by the online news portal and revealed what they (as Malay gangsters) did during the riots.
"On the other side, it took the very people whom the Chinese hated, the Chinese Triads, to rise to that occasion and fought back, driving the Kampung Baru fighters off. The Triads were the only Chinese who were street fighters with arms handily nearby, and had experience of armed combat. For a while, the local Chinese looked up to the Triads as their protectors."
"Initially both ethnic groups suffered losses. The Police and the troops, the multi-ethnic Federation Armour Regiment (???) and Uncle heard, the Sarawak Rangers*, were even handed in their patrol and control of the rioting mobs."
* according to Uncle, the unit was then called the Sarawak Rangers
"All that changed when the government apparently withdrew the FAR and Rangers and sent in instead the RMR. A friend, a UM student, who was caught up in the Chow Kit riot had dashed into the nearest house for cover where he stayed there for a week with the owner and his family, whom he didn’t even know but were kind enough not to ask him to leave during the week-long curfew. They even shared with him the limited food they had during the week long curfew."
"He said there were a couple of occasions when patrolling soldiers just shot randomly into the house he was staying. He could hear them outside laughing away . Needless to say, he was sh*tting bricks. He said that though the curfew was on for a week, he was subsequently informed by Malay friends at the university that many people in Kampong Baru were walking around freely, with the RMR looking on benevolently."
But not all were evil. An Indian uncle, a friend of my Uncle (let’s call him Uncle Aru), told me this:
"He was then a teenager traveling on a bus from PJ to KL. The driver and bus conductor were both Malays. The only passenger on that night beside him was a Chinese boy, a teenager like him."
"At a kampong just opposite Angkasapuri, there was a road block made up of burning cars and scooters. Obviously the road block was not by the police, but by some kampong blokes who were all armed to the teeth. There were some bodies lying beside the vehicles."
"They stopped the bus by which time the Chinese boy was hiding behind/beneath the most rear seats (that was, if he hadn’t fainted from terror). At that time, the Indians were still neutrals so he (Uncle Aru) was fairly safe but even then, didn’t dare make eye contact with the rather ferocious looking men who clambered onto the bus, obviously to search for Chinese."
"But the driver and bus conductor pretended to be outraged, reprimanding the young men who boarded the vehicle, telling them they were wasting everyone’s time when it was ‘obvious’ there was no other passenger than one sole Indian boy."
"He (Uncle Aru) was petrified when the two parties (bus driver & conductor versus the thugs) were arguing rather loudly, but eventually the younger men disembarked at the persuasion of the bus driver. There was no doubt that the Chinese boy was saved by two good men that evening."
I am going to leave it at this story to show while there were killings of unmitigated evil, out of hatred, there were equally good people who showed their virtues of tolerance, understanding and kindliness.
One issue I read over at Susan’s blog was about the government’s refusal to issue a White Paper. I have just checked with my Uncle by phone and he told me that was incorrect. The government did issue a White Paper on the May 13 incident (incident? what an euphemism) which put the blame on the CPM, with the death toll at below 200 (he said something like 167 but today Malaysiakini has a figure of 196).
Many believe it was more than 2,000 with the bodies buried in a secret mass grave. May their souls rest in peace.
Related:
(1)The Real Cause of the May 13 Riots
(2)New Fact on May 13 Revealed!
As usual, Susan always presents intriguing posts. Today her post consists of only one short sentence: Where were you on 13 May 1969? and what a host of response she received.
I too left a couple of mentions there, based on what my uncles told me.
Then when I read Malaysiakini this evening I see May 13: Pakatan Rakyat wants truth unearthed.
The Pakatan Rakyat leaders want an South African styled ‘truth and reconciliation commission’ over the riots on that fateful day in 1969, nearly 40 years ago. They reckoned it would be important to uncover the ‘real’ (and not official) facts behind the killings on May 13 1969.
Lim GE said May 13 should be treated as a chapter in the history which will make the people appreciate the value of democracy and justice, and that it shouldn't be, nor allowed to be manipulated by any irresponsible party, such that it would haunt Malaysians and our politics. I am sure we know who he was referring to.
For me personally, I have heard stories from my uncles and their friends. As recent as early March this year when I was in Penang to vote, that occasion sparked off another round of them reminiscing of an election in 1969. Invariably the KL riots were recounted.
May 13 was a KL localized riot, though there was some but limited fallout elsewhere. But essentially the greatest and probably only horrendous effect was felt in KL (and some parts of PJ).
This morning I posted a comment at Susan’s place which said (I have modified some of those words, corrected my grammar, expanded a wee bit, to make it more readable to all):
“My uncle had a British friend whose wife (a British qualified nurse) participated as a volunteer worker at a KL hospital. She was there on the evening of that terrible day. What she saw totally traumatized her, not so much because of the numerous deaths but by the sad observation that so many of the victims were primary school children. She said the bodies flowed out of the mortuary and were stacked up high in other adjoining rooms …”
The following is a record of their (my uncles' & friends') memories, as accurate as I can put them down in words, and I have limited their stories to KL/PJ incidents:
"The riots started off in the evening, just around the time school children were dismissed from school. Many of those unfortunate children were caught in the mad slaughter. The worst scene apparently was at the roundabout between the Kampung Baru and Chow Kit areas."
"The fighters charged up without warning from Kampung Baru into Chow Kit area, dressed up in bamboo armour (protecting their chests), machetes and spears. Many Chow Kit residents and visitors were killed in that attack."
The story of fighters from Kampung Baru is substantiated by a Malaysiakini report last year when some of those fighters, by now elderly men, were interviewed by the online news portal and revealed what they (as Malay gangsters) did during the riots.
"On the other side, it took the very people whom the Chinese hated, the Chinese Triads, to rise to that occasion and fought back, driving the Kampung Baru fighters off. The Triads were the only Chinese who were street fighters with arms handily nearby, and had experience of armed combat. For a while, the local Chinese looked up to the Triads as their protectors."
"Initially both ethnic groups suffered losses. The Police and the troops, the multi-ethnic Federation Armour Regiment (???) and Uncle heard, the Sarawak Rangers*, were even handed in their patrol and control of the rioting mobs."
* according to Uncle, the unit was then called the Sarawak Rangers
"All that changed when the government apparently withdrew the FAR and Rangers and sent in instead the RMR. A friend, a UM student, who was caught up in the Chow Kit riot had dashed into the nearest house for cover where he stayed there for a week with the owner and his family, whom he didn’t even know but were kind enough not to ask him to leave during the week-long curfew. They even shared with him the limited food they had during the week long curfew."
"He said there were a couple of occasions when patrolling soldiers just shot randomly into the house he was staying. He could hear them outside laughing away . Needless to say, he was sh*tting bricks. He said that though the curfew was on for a week, he was subsequently informed by Malay friends at the university that many people in Kampong Baru were walking around freely, with the RMR looking on benevolently."
But not all were evil. An Indian uncle, a friend of my Uncle (let’s call him Uncle Aru), told me this:
"He was then a teenager traveling on a bus from PJ to KL. The driver and bus conductor were both Malays. The only passenger on that night beside him was a Chinese boy, a teenager like him."
"At a kampong just opposite Angkasapuri, there was a road block made up of burning cars and scooters. Obviously the road block was not by the police, but by some kampong blokes who were all armed to the teeth. There were some bodies lying beside the vehicles."
"They stopped the bus by which time the Chinese boy was hiding behind/beneath the most rear seats (that was, if he hadn’t fainted from terror). At that time, the Indians were still neutrals so he (Uncle Aru) was fairly safe but even then, didn’t dare make eye contact with the rather ferocious looking men who clambered onto the bus, obviously to search for Chinese."
"But the driver and bus conductor pretended to be outraged, reprimanding the young men who boarded the vehicle, telling them they were wasting everyone’s time when it was ‘obvious’ there was no other passenger than one sole Indian boy."
"He (Uncle Aru) was petrified when the two parties (bus driver & conductor versus the thugs) were arguing rather loudly, but eventually the younger men disembarked at the persuasion of the bus driver. There was no doubt that the Chinese boy was saved by two good men that evening."
I am going to leave it at this story to show while there were killings of unmitigated evil, out of hatred, there were equally good people who showed their virtues of tolerance, understanding and kindliness.
One issue I read over at Susan’s blog was about the government’s refusal to issue a White Paper. I have just checked with my Uncle by phone and he told me that was incorrect. The government did issue a White Paper on the May 13 incident (incident? what an euphemism) which put the blame on the CPM, with the death toll at below 200 (he said something like 167 but today Malaysiakini has a figure of 196).
Many believe it was more than 2,000 with the bodies buried in a secret mass grave. May their souls rest in peace.
Related:
(1)The Real Cause of the May 13 Riots
(2)New Fact on May 13 Revealed!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Social contract - a vigorously implemented 'fantasy'
'Social contract' - only in Malaysia does this term connote various meanings.
To the UMNOputras and supporters, it’s their mantra of the inviolability of ketuanan Melayu, their passport to power, position and personal prosperity via Malay ‘special rights’, something struck in steel plate and inerasable.
To the other Malays, it is something, whatever it is, over which you got to watch those sneaky Chinese, who would undoubtedly try to undermine and do away with it, which may explain why they haven’t got any yet, whatever it is – trust those greedy ungrateful Chinese.
To the non-Malays, it’s the typical UMNO self-serving bullsh*t that constantly reminds them (the nons) of their second class citizen status, and that they are (2nd class) citizens of Malaysia only by the permission and tolerance of the Malays, and only if they (the nons), as quid pro quo for their citizenship, behave and not, never ever, question Malay ‘special rights’.
The Crown Regent of Kelantan reminded us of that, and in one fell swoop separating his future subjects into the master race and ‘nons’ – for more, read Kelantan Crown Prince 'slapped' non-Malays in face!
But now Malaysiakini has just reported something we all knew but couldn’t get it out without being threatened with keris, tebuans and the threat of another May 13.
I am going to keep it simple without going into history, the Reid Commission, the Constitution, its Article 153, NEP, NDP etc etc etc.
Malaysiakini told us that Royal Professor Dr Ungku Abdul Aziz just made a statement that there was no such thing as a social contract between Malaysia's diverse ethnic communities, putting paid (at least intellectually) to the ketuanan Melayu propaganda, a insidious Apartheid-like racist discriminatory policy of political, economic, social, cultural and religious dominance.
Dr Ungku Aziz said that the social contract was "a fantasy created by politicians of all sorts of colours depending on their interest." Well, it has been, for some, a profitable fantasy, and for others, a frustrating one - but it's a fantasy that has been vigorously and fiercely implemented and realised.
He believes whatever contract there was, it was more of an ‘economic contract’, what most countries would call 'affirmative action', in areas of education and health for groups that needed it the most.
But alas, the non-UMNO Malays and the 'non' groups like the very marginalised Indian Malaysians have yet to benefit from it.
Dr M disagreed with the Royal Professor but conceded that there wasn’t anything written down in black and white. He averred that the so-called social contract was an 'understanding' among founders of Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Alliance or Perikatan government.
The problem for UMNO with the universally recognised term of 'affirmative action' is that, by the very nature of that term (affirmative action), only those who 'need the help' would be entitled to it, whereas the murky terms and structure of a loose and broadly defined ‘social contract’ means greater opportunities for exploitation in the name of being from one ethnic group.
Take for example, the 7% discount for bumiputera (meaning Malays). Why should a rich Malay, perhaps a CEO of a bank or an UMNO big time contractor or a highly paid pathologist, get an automatic 7% discount when buying a house while struggling Samy, a postman, and mechanic Mak, not only have to pay the full amount but in reality would also be subsidizing the 7% for the Malay towkay. Now, that's adding injury to insult!
No one is against the rural poor of Malaysia, mainly Malays and other indigenous natives, from benefitting through affirmative action, but the institutionalized trough has become so politicized that only members of a political party and their supporters get to drink heartily from it.
Shambhala is an ideal mythological state that lives only in our imagination, but it would be nice to know how close we would be to that ideal state. As I wrote in How far are we from Shambhala?, how many more years will it take us to drop those kulit-fication?
I dare not think of the answer.
To the UMNOputras and supporters, it’s their mantra of the inviolability of ketuanan Melayu, their passport to power, position and personal prosperity via Malay ‘special rights’, something struck in steel plate and inerasable.
To the other Malays, it is something, whatever it is, over which you got to watch those sneaky Chinese, who would undoubtedly try to undermine and do away with it, which may explain why they haven’t got any yet, whatever it is – trust those greedy ungrateful Chinese.
To the non-Malays, it’s the typical UMNO self-serving bullsh*t that constantly reminds them (the nons) of their second class citizen status, and that they are (2nd class) citizens of Malaysia only by the permission and tolerance of the Malays, and only if they (the nons), as quid pro quo for their citizenship, behave and not, never ever, question Malay ‘special rights’.
The Crown Regent of Kelantan reminded us of that, and in one fell swoop separating his future subjects into the master race and ‘nons’ – for more, read Kelantan Crown Prince 'slapped' non-Malays in face!
But now Malaysiakini has just reported something we all knew but couldn’t get it out without being threatened with keris, tebuans and the threat of another May 13.
I am going to keep it simple without going into history, the Reid Commission, the Constitution, its Article 153, NEP, NDP etc etc etc.
Malaysiakini told us that Royal Professor Dr Ungku Abdul Aziz just made a statement that there was no such thing as a social contract between Malaysia's diverse ethnic communities, putting paid (at least intellectually) to the ketuanan Melayu propaganda, a insidious Apartheid-like racist discriminatory policy of political, economic, social, cultural and religious dominance.
Dr Ungku Aziz said that the social contract was "a fantasy created by politicians of all sorts of colours depending on their interest." Well, it has been, for some, a profitable fantasy, and for others, a frustrating one - but it's a fantasy that has been vigorously and fiercely implemented and realised.
He believes whatever contract there was, it was more of an ‘economic contract’, what most countries would call 'affirmative action', in areas of education and health for groups that needed it the most.
But alas, the non-UMNO Malays and the 'non' groups like the very marginalised Indian Malaysians have yet to benefit from it.
Dr M disagreed with the Royal Professor but conceded that there wasn’t anything written down in black and white. He averred that the so-called social contract was an 'understanding' among founders of Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Alliance or Perikatan government.
The problem for UMNO with the universally recognised term of 'affirmative action' is that, by the very nature of that term (affirmative action), only those who 'need the help' would be entitled to it, whereas the murky terms and structure of a loose and broadly defined ‘social contract’ means greater opportunities for exploitation in the name of being from one ethnic group.
Take for example, the 7% discount for bumiputera (meaning Malays). Why should a rich Malay, perhaps a CEO of a bank or an UMNO big time contractor or a highly paid pathologist, get an automatic 7% discount when buying a house while struggling Samy, a postman, and mechanic Mak, not only have to pay the full amount but in reality would also be subsidizing the 7% for the Malay towkay. Now, that's adding injury to insult!
No one is against the rural poor of Malaysia, mainly Malays and other indigenous natives, from benefitting through affirmative action, but the institutionalized trough has become so politicized that only members of a political party and their supporters get to drink heartily from it.
Shambhala is an ideal mythological state that lives only in our imagination, but it would be nice to know how close we would be to that ideal state. As I wrote in How far are we from Shambhala?, how many more years will it take us to drop those kulit-fication?
I dare not think of the answer.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Khalid Ibrahim more concerned with Toll Company's revenue than Cheras residents' rights
Malaysiakini reported the case of a DAP MP for Segambut Lim Lip Eng as a 'street style' MP
Lim became a household name when it was reported that he stood in front of a water cannon truck to prevent it from advancing and spraying the residents. He was then walloped by several plainclothes police officers until he had to be hospitalised.
Contrast this with Khalid Ibrahim who …
… now I quote Tony Pua who wrote in his blog (extracts):
… Khalid Ibrahim has acknowledged, as per the Star report yesterday that “the residents had the right to use the access road without having to pay toll”, it is disappointing that he had not taken a stronger stand on the issue, and in fact had not dealt with it much earlier when the FRU was first deployed, or even before that.
This has resulted in the situation clearly getting out of control, with a fracas between the residents and the FRU units in the wee hours of the morning 2 days ago ... and a Member of Parliament lying in the hospital at this point of time, having been assaulted by the police.
It is critical that the new state government demonstrate political will and determination to stand for what is right and just, without fear or favour, instead of wavering in uncertainty or adopting a “we will look into it” or “we will have to discuss further” culture which is reminiscent of the previous Barisan Nasional government. It is of great concern that Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had qualified his statement on the “right of use” by saying that the state government must also take into consideration that the toll is the source of revenue for the company.
With the state ownership of the land no longer in dispute, the local government, in this case the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), must take all necessary actions to prevent illegal structures from being constructed on state land.
If an enforcement officer does not hesitate to compound a car parked temporarily but illegally on a state road, why should MPKj decline to take action, via compounds and summons, against the parties who are erecting a permanent structure in the middle of the road? In fact, any party who persist in constructing illegal barriers, in the face of compounds issued, must be charged in the court of law.
As the old adage that we members of the opposition is so fond of using, “justice must not only be done, but seen to be done”. The rakyat will be understandably discontented if the government enforces the law against the man on the street, while allows room for negotiation and delay when commercial interests are involved.
It is hence critical that the Menteri Besar of Selangor demonstrate much greater urgency in the matter, without letting the situation deteriorate further than it already has via inertia. If the first night's deployment of the FRU against residents who wanted the law upheld has not injected such urgency, then we certainly hope that the second night's deployment would have.
The new state government is being given certain leeway to perform by the people of Selangor. However, it will quickly lose its goodwill if the people's interest are not given priority.
As I said, scratch Khalid Ibrahim or some of those in PKR, and you will likely see red and white stripes.
Lim became a household name when it was reported that he stood in front of a water cannon truck to prevent it from advancing and spraying the residents. He was then walloped by several plainclothes police officers until he had to be hospitalised.
Contrast this with Khalid Ibrahim who …
… now I quote Tony Pua who wrote in his blog (extracts):
… Khalid Ibrahim has acknowledged, as per the Star report yesterday that “the residents had the right to use the access road without having to pay toll”, it is disappointing that he had not taken a stronger stand on the issue, and in fact had not dealt with it much earlier when the FRU was first deployed, or even before that.
This has resulted in the situation clearly getting out of control, with a fracas between the residents and the FRU units in the wee hours of the morning 2 days ago ... and a Member of Parliament lying in the hospital at this point of time, having been assaulted by the police.
It is critical that the new state government demonstrate political will and determination to stand for what is right and just, without fear or favour, instead of wavering in uncertainty or adopting a “we will look into it” or “we will have to discuss further” culture which is reminiscent of the previous Barisan Nasional government. It is of great concern that Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim had qualified his statement on the “right of use” by saying that the state government must also take into consideration that the toll is the source of revenue for the company.
With the state ownership of the land no longer in dispute, the local government, in this case the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), must take all necessary actions to prevent illegal structures from being constructed on state land.
If an enforcement officer does not hesitate to compound a car parked temporarily but illegally on a state road, why should MPKj decline to take action, via compounds and summons, against the parties who are erecting a permanent structure in the middle of the road? In fact, any party who persist in constructing illegal barriers, in the face of compounds issued, must be charged in the court of law.
As the old adage that we members of the opposition is so fond of using, “justice must not only be done, but seen to be done”. The rakyat will be understandably discontented if the government enforces the law against the man on the street, while allows room for negotiation and delay when commercial interests are involved.
It is hence critical that the Menteri Besar of Selangor demonstrate much greater urgency in the matter, without letting the situation deteriorate further than it already has via inertia. If the first night's deployment of the FRU against residents who wanted the law upheld has not injected such urgency, then we certainly hope that the second night's deployment would have.
The new state government is being given certain leeway to perform by the people of Selangor. However, it will quickly lose its goodwill if the people's interest are not given priority.
As I said, scratch Khalid Ibrahim or some of those in PKR, and you will likely see red and white stripes.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Khalid Ibrahim refuses to turun padang to Cheras
Sadly, Khalid Ibrahim as the first non-BN MB of Selangor has failed the people of Cheras who had supported and voted him in as Federal MB for Bandar Tun Razak.
Malaysiakini tells us in its article Barricade row: Pakatan state gov't 'weak' that the Bandar Mahkota Cheras (BMC) residents have slammed Khalid Ibrahim for refusing to order the Kajang Municipal Council into taking legal action against Grand Saga for erecting the illegal structure.
The Kajang Municipal Council has jurisdiction over the road on which the toll company has built a barrier to prevent Cheras residents from accessing the highway.
To add insult to injury, Khalid Ibrahim had turned down their invitation to visit the barricaded area. This is in contrast to the people's oriented action by Ronnie Liu, the DAP ADUN who is also a Selango exco member. Ronnie had turun padang almost immediately to look into the Cheras residents' grievances.
Alamak, is Khalid's old red and white stripes showing though?
An emotional Tan Boon Hwa, who was assaulted by the police, cited Section 46 of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, which states that anyone who erects an illegal structure in a public place can be arrested without warrant by any police officer or officer of the local authority.
Instead the residents became the victims of the action of Grand Saga, an action taking place in a public place on Selangor State land, and were battered and tear gas-ed by the police who arrived on the scene to support the actions of the road toll company.
And Khalid Ibrahim has not only avoided taking remedial action over the illegal structure, when he possesses the power to do so, but has also refused to visit the site where the illegal structure is victimising the Cheras residents. He snubbed the residents' invitation.
What a lousy MB - is he any better than Khir Toyo for his apathy to the rakyat's genuine grievances as a consequence of a big company's illegal action?
As I said, his stripes …….. or spots ........ may be showing through (looks like he's indicating to us that those can never be changed).
Incidentally the Bandar Tun Razak parliamentary constituency has the second largest number of voters (72,628) in Kuala Lumpur after Seputeh. It embraces 19 housing estates: Taman Mulia, Taman Bukit Anggerik, ..... Batu 3-4 Jalan Cheras, ...... Taman Connaught, ........ Taman Len Sen and Taman Bukit Cheras.
Its residents comprises 52% Malays, 39% Chinese, and 8% Indians.
Related:
Police tear gas-ed Cheras residents - enabled barriers to be erected by toll company
Police tear gas-ed Cheras residents - enabled barriers to be erected by toll company
Malaysiakini reported in its article Police fire tear gas at Cheras residents that 500 of those infuriated Cheras residents attempted to dismantle with their own hands a new concrete barrier which the toll company, Grand Saga, has once again erected across a toll-free road near their township.
First brilliantly using water cannons to hose down the residents before escalating their tactics to the equally brilliant employment of tear gas, the police valiantly dispersed the angry rakyat, achieving this courageous task victoriously by about midnight. I was so impressed by the police actions that I was moved to tears. No doubt their intrepid effort has been highly appreciated by the grateful toll company, Grand Saga.
The victory over the rakyat then enabled Grand Saga workers to return under magnificent heavy police presence to build a far more permanent barrier than the earlier concrete blocks which were removed by residents.
No sirree, nothing must stand between the toll company and toll fees, thus the Grand Saga barrier erected on State land must stand between the rakyat and free legal access to the road. Ini Malaysia Boleh!
Malaysiakini reported that the fantastic men in blue, dragged away from their terrific jobs of fighting crimes to fight the rakyat, kept outraged residents at bay as the Grand Saga company workers dug trenches across the toll-free road to frustrate the rakyats' access.
This may f* explain why the f* crime rates have f* shot through the f* ceiling - yes, those bloody Cheras rakyat have to be responsible for denying the entire nation of what could have been otherwise a totally crime free country.
The Grand Saga's erection of the barrier happened despite the Pakatan Rakyat State government confirming with the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (Jupem) that the land where the barrier is being built is the property of the State government who thus has complete jurisdiction over the road. In other words, the Grand Saga company has no business to be erecting barricades there to force the residents to not only use the toll road but to travel at extra 6 kilometres to have the privilege of paying up the fees, adding a travelling insult to the injury of toll fees.
Yes, enjoy the scenic views of Cheras more!
But the barriers are up again, it's done, phew for their toll cash registers, and thanks to the wonderful men in blue.
First brilliantly using water cannons to hose down the residents before escalating their tactics to the equally brilliant employment of tear gas, the police valiantly dispersed the angry rakyat, achieving this courageous task victoriously by about midnight. I was so impressed by the police actions that I was moved to tears. No doubt their intrepid effort has been highly appreciated by the grateful toll company, Grand Saga.
The victory over the rakyat then enabled Grand Saga workers to return under magnificent heavy police presence to build a far more permanent barrier than the earlier concrete blocks which were removed by residents.
No sirree, nothing must stand between the toll company and toll fees, thus the Grand Saga barrier erected on State land must stand between the rakyat and free legal access to the road. Ini Malaysia Boleh!
Malaysiakini reported that the fantastic men in blue, dragged away from their terrific jobs of fighting crimes to fight the rakyat, kept outraged residents at bay as the Grand Saga company workers dug trenches across the toll-free road to frustrate the rakyats' access.
This may f* explain why the f* crime rates have f* shot through the f* ceiling - yes, those bloody Cheras rakyat have to be responsible for denying the entire nation of what could have been otherwise a totally crime free country.
The Grand Saga's erection of the barrier happened despite the Pakatan Rakyat State government confirming with the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (Jupem) that the land where the barrier is being built is the property of the State government who thus has complete jurisdiction over the road. In other words, the Grand Saga company has no business to be erecting barricades there to force the residents to not only use the toll road but to travel at extra 6 kilometres to have the privilege of paying up the fees, adding a travelling insult to the injury of toll fees.
Yes, enjoy the scenic views of Cheras more!
But the barriers are up again, it's done, phew for their toll cash registers, and thanks to the wonderful men in blue.
... which is ample demonstration of their new slogan 'Integriti Amalan Kita' (Integrity is our practice).
And it also upholds the RMP's new motto of 'Mesra, Cepat dan Betul' (Friendly, Quick and Correct), unlike its previous 'Bersih, Cekap dan Amanah' (Clean, Proficient and Trustworthy).
Hey, if you don't believe the Police lives up to 'Mesra, Cepat dan Betul', just ask Grand Saga!
DAP state executive councillor Ronnie Liu was aghast not so much at Grand Saga, but more at the police for not taking a neutral stand. Mana boleh, he might have asked. Ronnie, ini Malaysia Boleh mah!
Liu said the RMP should not be seen as acting on behalf of Grand Saga and the federal government. Aiyah Liu, why not? It's nothing new.
But he did advise the residents not to go feral in response to the Grand Saga ..... hmmm, good advice for the reasons as just demonstrated, the toll company is likely to have police support with their water cannons and tear gas and even ... oooooo ... guns and jails.
He also wonder why (and I can tell him why) Jupem hasn’t yet released the survey report which was supposed to be released last week, Liu is upset with Jupem, who kaytee believes, if contacted will not make any comment or that its director, if at all possible to contact, will be making any comment either.
I wonder Jupem is managed by which Ministry? Maybe we could ask the Grand Yang BerSa..hormat?
Thursday, May 08, 2008
From 'bin Abdullah' to 'being Tan'
Hallelujah – Omitofu - Om mani padme hum - Aum Namah ΕivΔya!
Malaysiakini reported that in Penang the Syariah Court allows convert to renounce Islam.
Apart from Penang’s original (very early days) motto of 'Leading we serve' being once again demonstrated to other/lesser Malaysians ;-), the Penang Syariah Court adopted a realistic stand on a case of potential apostasy by allowing a Chinese ‘convert’ to renounce Islam.
In 2004, Tan Ean Huang became Siti Fatimah in order to marry Iranian Ferdoun Ashanian. Hmmm, wouldn’t then she be a Shiite as almost all Iranians are. Would a Shiite be subordinated to a Sunni Syariah court? Just musing ...
Anyway, her husband left her so she filed for renunciation of her faith which she embraced because of marriage.
Judge Othman Ibrahim said he had no choice but to allow Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah (note that mandatory ‘Abdullah’ tag) to revert to being Tan Ean Huang. Tan was and now is again a Buddhist.
The Judge said wisely: "The court has no choice but to declare that Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah is no longer a Muslim as she has never practised the teachings of Islam."
Instead he (correctly if I may remark) rebuked the state Islamic religious council for not counselling and looking after the welfare of new converts.
But in the final analysis, this is kaytee’s take on Tan’s easy exit from Islam.
PAS being in Pakatan Rakyat has been less vocal and aggressive on Islamic issues, which effect flowed on to an UMNO being less defensive about its Islamic credentials, which effect flowed on to the Syariah Court’s more independent-minded compassionate attitude which effect flowed on to a lucky Tan.
It’s all bloody politics, which is why the State and church must always stay separated.
Amin.
Malaysiakini reported that in Penang the Syariah Court allows convert to renounce Islam.
Apart from Penang’s original (very early days) motto of 'Leading we serve' being once again demonstrated to other/lesser Malaysians ;-), the Penang Syariah Court adopted a realistic stand on a case of potential apostasy by allowing a Chinese ‘convert’ to renounce Islam.
In 2004, Tan Ean Huang became Siti Fatimah in order to marry Iranian Ferdoun Ashanian. Hmmm, wouldn’t then she be a Shiite as almost all Iranians are. Would a Shiite be subordinated to a Sunni Syariah court? Just musing ...
Anyway, her husband left her so she filed for renunciation of her faith which she embraced because of marriage.
Judge Othman Ibrahim said he had no choice but to allow Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah (note that mandatory ‘Abdullah’ tag) to revert to being Tan Ean Huang. Tan was and now is again a Buddhist.
The Judge said wisely: "The court has no choice but to declare that Siti Fatimah Tan Abdullah is no longer a Muslim as she has never practised the teachings of Islam."
Instead he (correctly if I may remark) rebuked the state Islamic religious council for not counselling and looking after the welfare of new converts.
But in the final analysis, this is kaytee’s take on Tan’s easy exit from Islam.
PAS being in Pakatan Rakyat has been less vocal and aggressive on Islamic issues, which effect flowed on to an UMNO being less defensive about its Islamic credentials, which effect flowed on to the Syariah Court’s more independent-minded compassionate attitude which effect flowed on to a lucky Tan.
It’s all bloody politics, which is why the State and church must always stay separated.
Amin.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
How far are we from Shambhala?
Wash away my troubles, wash away my pain
With the rain in Shambala
Wash away my sorrow, wash away my shame
With the rain in Shambala [...]
Everyone is helpful, everyone is kind
On the road to Shambala
Everyone is lucky, everyone is so kind
On the road to Shambala [...]
How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?
- Daniel Moore
Political analysts Ong Kian Ming and Onn Yeoh, who write regularly for Malaysiakini has followed up with their earlier advice to the Pakatan rakyat to have a shadow cabinet by discussing Possible DAP ministers.
There was one sentence in their article which disappoints me immensely, but which confirms my earlier and similar disappointments, that we Malaysians (and should I be bloody using this word to address/describe our nationality?) aren’t yet ready for non ethnic based (or biased) politics.
Bangsa Malaysia is still somewhere in Shambhala.
Everyone knows the BN component parties have adopted, either in unadulterated or subtle form, an ethnic (or racially) based approach, structure, membership, policies and action. Even the post 1972 Gerakan Party is no exception. And whoa, before anyone points out the PPP as a multiracial party, I have to say that it won’t qualify as it’s only a one-man show.
The DAP, whether it likes it or not, just or unjust, correct or otherwise, has been and still is viewed by Malays as a Chinese party with strange Chinese names like Karpal, Kulasegaran, Ramasamy Palanisamy, John Fernandez, Charles Anthony Santiago, Gobind Singh, Manogaran, and even (unfortunately unelected candidates like) Zulkifli Mohd Noor, and (this name from my uncle) the late Ahmad Che Rose, etc.
Of course today PKR claims to be, and has a right to, as a multiethnic party, but in this post I won’t go into why it has become so from its original form, KeADILan, which was nothing more than a splinter group of UMNO.
But what caught my annoyed eye was the Ong/Onn sentence stating:
“While other key ministries such as defence, foreign affairs, home affairs and education will likely stay in Malay hands, with most going to PKR, at least one of these portfolios would probably be allocated to PAS and perhaps to a bumiputera party from East Malaysia.”
my underlining
Why?
Why must only a Malay (even from PAS or a bumiputera party from East Malaysia, eg. previously Tun Mustapha and Tun Rahman Yaacob) be entrusted with certain key ministries?
Why can’t a Chinese or Indian Malaysian (OK, say only from PKR) be the Home Affairs, Education or Foreign Affairs Minister?
And the Defence Minister?
As I wrote in Malay 'sacrifice', Chinese 'sacrifice' about those young tebuan-heads waving keris-es:
And just where were these young punks when Chinese servicemen were serving the nation on the fields of combat, and recognized for their sacrifice (the real type) by being awarded Malaysia’s highest gallantry honour, the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP)* – people like Superintendent Paul Kiong and Deputy Superintendent Sia Boon Chee, whom the nation owes incredible debts for their sheer and unsurpassed bravery in infiltrating and living for years with the communist terrorists in order to break the insurgents apart.
Then there were those awarded the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB)* - the late Lt Choo Yoke Boo (awarded posthumously), late Lt Chang Tatt Min (awarded posthumously) of the RMAF, and 2nd Lt David Fu Chee Ming of the Rangers.
* Indian Malaysians had also been awarded the SP and PGB for combat
This was the citation for David Fu.
He was the Platoon Commander of 8th Platoon of C Company, 4th Battalion Royal Rangers. He was tasked and placed in the Tanah Hitam area of Perak to track and destroy the enemy in his sector of operation.
On the 27th August 1970, his platoon of 24 men made contact with a group of about 70 enemy combatants. The enemy unknowingly had entered his sector. Thus started a heavy and intensive battle lasting 7 hours. Under his unwavering leadership, the men fought on, successfully killed 4 of the enemy. His patrol did not suffer any casualties.
For his outstanding gallantry and bravery in the finest traditions of the Ranger Corps he was bestowed with the Pingat Gagah Berani, by the King. He left after exemplary service as a Captain.
Yet … a Chinese or Indian Malaysian cannot be entrusted with either the Defence or Home Ministries.
It's obvious that even political analysts like Ong and Onn have obviously recognised there are limits or barriers to acceptability of non-Malays in Malaysian political position.
This ethnic discrimination, distrust or disrespect is not new as we have seen the difficulties of the new coalition wrestling with the MBs' positions for the States of Perak and Selangor. We saw the PKR Malay leadership falling straight into cautious conservative conformity, as if they were adhering to an UMNO policy, formula or directive.
Even the Sultans were not receptive towards having a non-Malay as a State premier to the extreme extent that in Selangor the coalition avoided appointing Teresa Kok as the Deputy MB because she was Chinese, Christian and a Charbor (female), a triple whammy to poor Teresa, whilst the Perak Regent came up with his tango-formula.
How many more years will it take us to drop those kulit-fication? How far are we still from Shambhala?
With the rain in Shambala
Wash away my sorrow, wash away my shame
With the rain in Shambala [...]
Everyone is helpful, everyone is kind
On the road to Shambala
Everyone is lucky, everyone is so kind
On the road to Shambala [...]
How does your light shine, in the halls of Shambala?
- Daniel Moore
Political analysts Ong Kian Ming and Onn Yeoh, who write regularly for Malaysiakini has followed up with their earlier advice to the Pakatan rakyat to have a shadow cabinet by discussing Possible DAP ministers.
There was one sentence in their article which disappoints me immensely, but which confirms my earlier and similar disappointments, that we Malaysians (and should I be bloody using this word to address/describe our nationality?) aren’t yet ready for non ethnic based (or biased) politics.
Bangsa Malaysia is still somewhere in Shambhala.
Everyone knows the BN component parties have adopted, either in unadulterated or subtle form, an ethnic (or racially) based approach, structure, membership, policies and action. Even the post 1972 Gerakan Party is no exception. And whoa, before anyone points out the PPP as a multiracial party, I have to say that it won’t qualify as it’s only a one-man show.
The DAP, whether it likes it or not, just or unjust, correct or otherwise, has been and still is viewed by Malays as a Chinese party with strange Chinese names like Karpal, Kulasegaran, Ramasamy Palanisamy, John Fernandez, Charles Anthony Santiago, Gobind Singh, Manogaran, and even (unfortunately unelected candidates like) Zulkifli Mohd Noor, and (this name from my uncle) the late Ahmad Che Rose, etc.
Of course today PKR claims to be, and has a right to, as a multiethnic party, but in this post I won’t go into why it has become so from its original form, KeADILan, which was nothing more than a splinter group of UMNO.
But what caught my annoyed eye was the Ong/Onn sentence stating:
“While other key ministries such as defence, foreign affairs, home affairs and education will likely stay in Malay hands, with most going to PKR, at least one of these portfolios would probably be allocated to PAS and perhaps to a bumiputera party from East Malaysia.”
my underlining
Why?
Why must only a Malay (even from PAS or a bumiputera party from East Malaysia, eg. previously Tun Mustapha and Tun Rahman Yaacob) be entrusted with certain key ministries?
Why can’t a Chinese or Indian Malaysian (OK, say only from PKR) be the Home Affairs, Education or Foreign Affairs Minister?
And the Defence Minister?
As I wrote in Malay 'sacrifice', Chinese 'sacrifice' about those young tebuan-heads waving keris-es:
And just where were these young punks when Chinese servicemen were serving the nation on the fields of combat, and recognized for their sacrifice (the real type) by being awarded Malaysia’s highest gallantry honour, the Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP)* – people like Superintendent Paul Kiong and Deputy Superintendent Sia Boon Chee, whom the nation owes incredible debts for their sheer and unsurpassed bravery in infiltrating and living for years with the communist terrorists in order to break the insurgents apart.
Then there were those awarded the Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB)* - the late Lt Choo Yoke Boo (awarded posthumously), late Lt Chang Tatt Min (awarded posthumously) of the RMAF, and 2nd Lt David Fu Chee Ming of the Rangers.
* Indian Malaysians had also been awarded the SP and PGB for combat
This was the citation for David Fu.
He was the Platoon Commander of 8th Platoon of C Company, 4th Battalion Royal Rangers. He was tasked and placed in the Tanah Hitam area of Perak to track and destroy the enemy in his sector of operation.
On the 27th August 1970, his platoon of 24 men made contact with a group of about 70 enemy combatants. The enemy unknowingly had entered his sector. Thus started a heavy and intensive battle lasting 7 hours. Under his unwavering leadership, the men fought on, successfully killed 4 of the enemy. His patrol did not suffer any casualties.
For his outstanding gallantry and bravery in the finest traditions of the Ranger Corps he was bestowed with the Pingat Gagah Berani, by the King. He left after exemplary service as a Captain.
Yet … a Chinese or Indian Malaysian cannot be entrusted with either the Defence or Home Ministries.
It's obvious that even political analysts like Ong and Onn have obviously recognised there are limits or barriers to acceptability of non-Malays in Malaysian political position.
This ethnic discrimination, distrust or disrespect is not new as we have seen the difficulties of the new coalition wrestling with the MBs' positions for the States of Perak and Selangor. We saw the PKR Malay leadership falling straight into cautious conservative conformity, as if they were adhering to an UMNO policy, formula or directive.
Even the Sultans were not receptive towards having a non-Malay as a State premier to the extreme extent that in Selangor the coalition avoided appointing Teresa Kok as the Deputy MB because she was Chinese, Christian and a Charbor (female), a triple whammy to poor Teresa, whilst the Perak Regent came up with his tango-formula.
How many more years will it take us to drop those kulit-fication? How far are we still from Shambhala?
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Raja Petra Kamarudin - Seditious, Slanderous or Sexy?
The dictionary defines ‘sedition’s as:
1. incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government.
2. any action, in speech or writing, promoting such discontent or rebellion.
Of course this 'sedition' word is on everyone’s lips as Malaysia’s most famous blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) of Malaysia-Today blog has been just been charged with sedition at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court over an article he posted.
In RPK's article Let’s send the Altantuya Murderers to hell he has been accused of implying DPM Najib and his wife were involved in the killing of Altantuyaa.
His alleged insinuation has not been new because Anwar Ibrahim had also alluded to that 'connection' during the Ijok by-election, as I had blogged in The Anwar style of campaigning one year ago.
Well it seems that RPK, known for his daring, defiance and dash, plus his insider stories of UMNO misconduct and miscellaneous gossip, has gone and done it, telling what Anwar had only obliquely hinted at, an ‘alleged’ story suggesting Najib’s involvement with the Mongolian murder.
RPK has really pushed the story to … well … whether the boundaries or beyond has become the issue, and to be decided by a court who will be trialling him for a charge under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act for publishing said article.
Some extracts of RPK's inimitable post of Let’s send the Altantuya Murderers to hell are as follows:
“It seems the Affidavit also reveals that Altantuya was camped outside Razak’s house and this caused him to panic. He then went running to Najib, and Rosmah summoned Najib’s ADC, Musa Safri, and instructed him to solve Razak’s problem. Musa then summoned the two police officers currently on trial. So, it appears like Razak and the two police officers are not the only ones involved. Najib, Rosmah and Musa have also been implicated in this entire thing ...?”
“Many other ‘key issues’ raised by my non-lawyer friends, who all argued as if they were conducting the Altantuya murder trial, were matters such as how Altantuya’s immigration records could be erased from the Immigration computers, the letters Najib wrote to the Malaysian embassy supporting Altantuya’s visa application, the photograph of Altantuya, Najib, Razak and Kalimullah taken during Altantuya’s birthday party in the Mandarin Hotel in Singapore, and much more.”
“Rumour has it, and it remains just that, a rumour, is that all this ‘evidence’ has been given to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Okay, maybe Abdullah is using this information to keep Najib in line -- which appears to be working seeing that he is constantly licking Abdullah’s hand. But this is not about politics and should not be dealt as such. This is about the Prime Minister of Malaysia withholding crucial evidence in a murder trial. Abdullah is an accessory to murder and burying evidence that will affect the outcome of the trial and interfere in seeing justice done renders Abdullah as guilty as those currently on trial and those who also should be on trial but are not.”
Well, … this ain’t no mere Anwar Ibrahim man man lai allusion or Tian Chua’s silly fake photo of a French photo. RPK has deal us the big one, the Godzilla, the Malaysian Mahabharata, even though he has cleverly euphemised it by qualifying his writings, as:
(1) But there are opinions and there are opinions -- and, just like assholes, no two are alike. So, while we value the expert opinions of our ‘learned’ legal eagles … we too have conducted our own trial by court of public opinion ...
(2) Of course, we are not at liberty to say this as this may tantamount to subjudice or contempt of court or something like that ... So I would never dare state that the Altantuya murder trial ‘a show trial in a kangaroo court’ for fear of getting sent to jail. All I am at liberty to say is that many consider the Altantuya murder trial a show-trial in a kangaroo court and leave it at that without declaring whether I too share the opinion of the majority of Malaysians (not sure whether that statement can still get me sent to jail).
(3) Rumour has it, and it remains just that, a rumour, is that all this ‘evidence’ has been given to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi ...
(4) The whispering amongst those who walk in the corridors of power is that when …
(5) Of course, since all these people are not lawyers, most of what they said is based purely on logic and not on points of law. It is actually quite ridiculous that people not tutored in matters of law would attempt to dissect and analyse the Altantuya murder trial and pass judgement as if they are trained and certified lawyers. Anyway, as I said, opinions are like assholes and everyone has one so we should not take too much notice of what my dinner friends said last night.
But tell me, has what he wrote been ‘seditious’? Has his article been promoting discontent or rebellion against a government?
That will be what the government (or rather AAB and Najib) intents to prove, though from what I have read over at my blogging mate, Susan Loone’s place, the public opinions are fairly obvious ;-)
Or, has his article just been ‘libellous’?
If so in the second category, then Najib should sue him instead of using the government legal apparatus to inflict disproportionate punitive action against RPK.
Now, Malaysiakini has reported that RPK has ratcheted up the political stakes by choosing jail over a mere RM5,000 bail over his charge. I am sure the international press will now converge on KL like flies to a murder scene (excuse the unintended pun).
kaytee opines that the government has shamefully, once again, resorted to heavy-handed draconian measures to silence its critics. If Najib believes he has been libeled, then he should seek relief at the civil court which exists for a libel suit to be taken against RPK.
I add my voice to those who have been and are calling for the release of Raja Petra Kamarudin.
1. incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government.
2. any action, in speech or writing, promoting such discontent or rebellion.
Of course this 'sedition' word is on everyone’s lips as Malaysia’s most famous blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) of Malaysia-Today blog has been just been charged with sedition at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court over an article he posted.
In RPK's article Let’s send the Altantuya Murderers to hell he has been accused of implying DPM Najib and his wife were involved in the killing of Altantuyaa.
His alleged insinuation has not been new because Anwar Ibrahim had also alluded to that 'connection' during the Ijok by-election, as I had blogged in The Anwar style of campaigning one year ago.
Well it seems that RPK, known for his daring, defiance and dash, plus his insider stories of UMNO misconduct and miscellaneous gossip, has gone and done it, telling what Anwar had only obliquely hinted at, an ‘alleged’ story suggesting Najib’s involvement with the Mongolian murder.
RPK has really pushed the story to … well … whether the boundaries or beyond has become the issue, and to be decided by a court who will be trialling him for a charge under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act for publishing said article.
Some extracts of RPK's inimitable post of Let’s send the Altantuya Murderers to hell are as follows:
“It seems the Affidavit also reveals that Altantuya was camped outside Razak’s house and this caused him to panic. He then went running to Najib, and Rosmah summoned Najib’s ADC, Musa Safri, and instructed him to solve Razak’s problem. Musa then summoned the two police officers currently on trial. So, it appears like Razak and the two police officers are not the only ones involved. Najib, Rosmah and Musa have also been implicated in this entire thing ...?”
“Many other ‘key issues’ raised by my non-lawyer friends, who all argued as if they were conducting the Altantuya murder trial, were matters such as how Altantuya’s immigration records could be erased from the Immigration computers, the letters Najib wrote to the Malaysian embassy supporting Altantuya’s visa application, the photograph of Altantuya, Najib, Razak and Kalimullah taken during Altantuya’s birthday party in the Mandarin Hotel in Singapore, and much more.”
“Rumour has it, and it remains just that, a rumour, is that all this ‘evidence’ has been given to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Okay, maybe Abdullah is using this information to keep Najib in line -- which appears to be working seeing that he is constantly licking Abdullah’s hand. But this is not about politics and should not be dealt as such. This is about the Prime Minister of Malaysia withholding crucial evidence in a murder trial. Abdullah is an accessory to murder and burying evidence that will affect the outcome of the trial and interfere in seeing justice done renders Abdullah as guilty as those currently on trial and those who also should be on trial but are not.”
Well, … this ain’t no mere Anwar Ibrahim man man lai allusion or Tian Chua’s silly fake photo of a French photo. RPK has deal us the big one, the Godzilla, the Malaysian Mahabharata, even though he has cleverly euphemised it by qualifying his writings, as:
(1) But there are opinions and there are opinions -- and, just like assholes, no two are alike. So, while we value the expert opinions of our ‘learned’ legal eagles … we too have conducted our own trial by court of public opinion ...
(2) Of course, we are not at liberty to say this as this may tantamount to subjudice or contempt of court or something like that ... So I would never dare state that the Altantuya murder trial ‘a show trial in a kangaroo court’ for fear of getting sent to jail. All I am at liberty to say is that many consider the Altantuya murder trial a show-trial in a kangaroo court and leave it at that without declaring whether I too share the opinion of the majority of Malaysians (not sure whether that statement can still get me sent to jail).
(3) Rumour has it, and it remains just that, a rumour, is that all this ‘evidence’ has been given to Abdullah Ahmad Badawi ...
(4) The whispering amongst those who walk in the corridors of power is that when …
(5) Of course, since all these people are not lawyers, most of what they said is based purely on logic and not on points of law. It is actually quite ridiculous that people not tutored in matters of law would attempt to dissect and analyse the Altantuya murder trial and pass judgement as if they are trained and certified lawyers. Anyway, as I said, opinions are like assholes and everyone has one so we should not take too much notice of what my dinner friends said last night.
But tell me, has what he wrote been ‘seditious’? Has his article been promoting discontent or rebellion against a government?
That will be what the government (or rather AAB and Najib) intents to prove, though from what I have read over at my blogging mate, Susan Loone’s place, the public opinions are fairly obvious ;-)
Or, has his article just been ‘libellous’?
If so in the second category, then Najib should sue him instead of using the government legal apparatus to inflict disproportionate punitive action against RPK.
Now, Malaysiakini has reported that RPK has ratcheted up the political stakes by choosing jail over a mere RM5,000 bail over his charge. I am sure the international press will now converge on KL like flies to a murder scene (excuse the unintended pun).
kaytee opines that the government has shamefully, once again, resorted to heavy-handed draconian measures to silence its critics. If Najib believes he has been libeled, then he should seek relief at the civil court which exists for a libel suit to be taken against RPK.
I add my voice to those who have been and are calling for the release of Raja Petra Kamarudin.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Royalty going too far?
Those ardent monarchists would by now be fairly pissed off with Karpal Singh for what he had said regarding the Perak Sultan’s humiliation of the State’s MB.
As reported by Malaysiakini, Karpal didn’t spare HRH when he declared that Sultan Perak acted unconstitutionally in ordering the new state government to reinstate Jamry Sury as Perak Religious Department director.
Earlier Perak MB Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin had dismissed Jamry Sury from that post by transferring him back to the State Secretariat.
Karpal said that it has been within the rights of a state government to transfer Jamry for the reason the latter was a state government servant.
Of late, probably sensing their opportunity to regain their old powers lost under Dr M, because they had deemed a politically wounded AAB as weak, the royalty have been clawing back what they believe to be lost royal prerogatives.
In some cases like in Penang and the current Perak issue, it would seem they interfered for no other reason than to flex their muscles and keep the politicians on the back foot.
The royalty have also been in large part encouraged by the general public’s approval, prior to the general election, of their assuming a greater and more direct role in politics. There is one particular blog which has been promoting them beyond their constitutional role.
I did warned that the royalty aren't silver bullets for the nation's political problems. In a number of cases, the royalty themselves have been the problems.
I have also warned that if the royalty want to get themselves involved in politics, they must be prepared to accept criticisms as if they are politicians (whom indeed they have been acting as if they were/are). Well, Karpal has laid into them, starting ironically with the learned Sultan of Perak. Mind you, Karpal is no slouch when it comes to constitutional law.
But I have no doubt tomorrow some UMNO diehards will exploit the situation by accusing Karpal Singh of lèse majesté.
By interfering with State government’s democratic right to rule as the people’s representative, especially in Terengganu, Perlis, Perak and Penang, the royalty believe they can enjoy immunity yet dabble unconstitutionally with politics (when they haven't been elected - and they should well remember this fact!).
The days of Sultan Mansur Shah are over so these royalty should remember not to interfere with the nation's democratic process.
They are of course welcome to participate as politicians but they do so like Tengku Abdul Rahman or Tengku Razaleigh, as ordinary citizens without the privilege of royal immunity from all the laws of the country.
Related:
(1) The dangers of royal political activism
(2) Rulers no 'Silver Bullet'
(3) Dangerous euphoria over 'political' royalty
(4) Kelantan Crown Prince 'slapped' non-Malays in face!
As reported by Malaysiakini, Karpal didn’t spare HRH when he declared that Sultan Perak acted unconstitutionally in ordering the new state government to reinstate Jamry Sury as Perak Religious Department director.
Earlier Perak MB Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin had dismissed Jamry Sury from that post by transferring him back to the State Secretariat.
Karpal said that it has been within the rights of a state government to transfer Jamry for the reason the latter was a state government servant.
Of late, probably sensing their opportunity to regain their old powers lost under Dr M, because they had deemed a politically wounded AAB as weak, the royalty have been clawing back what they believe to be lost royal prerogatives.
In some cases like in Penang and the current Perak issue, it would seem they interfered for no other reason than to flex their muscles and keep the politicians on the back foot.
The royalty have also been in large part encouraged by the general public’s approval, prior to the general election, of their assuming a greater and more direct role in politics. There is one particular blog which has been promoting them beyond their constitutional role.
I did warned that the royalty aren't silver bullets for the nation's political problems. In a number of cases, the royalty themselves have been the problems.
I have also warned that if the royalty want to get themselves involved in politics, they must be prepared to accept criticisms as if they are politicians (whom indeed they have been acting as if they were/are). Well, Karpal has laid into them, starting ironically with the learned Sultan of Perak. Mind you, Karpal is no slouch when it comes to constitutional law.
But I have no doubt tomorrow some UMNO diehards will exploit the situation by accusing Karpal Singh of lèse majesté.
By interfering with State government’s democratic right to rule as the people’s representative, especially in Terengganu, Perlis, Perak and Penang, the royalty believe they can enjoy immunity yet dabble unconstitutionally with politics (when they haven't been elected - and they should well remember this fact!).
The days of Sultan Mansur Shah are over so these royalty should remember not to interfere with the nation's democratic process.
They are of course welcome to participate as politicians but they do so like Tengku Abdul Rahman or Tengku Razaleigh, as ordinary citizens without the privilege of royal immunity from all the laws of the country.
Related:
(1) The dangers of royal political activism
(2) Rulers no 'Silver Bullet'
(3) Dangerous euphoria over 'political' royalty
(4) Kelantan Crown Prince 'slapped' non-Malays in face!
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Quo Vadis MCA?
On Friday Malaysiakini published MCA president finds his voice a little too late.
Malaysiakini quoted former MCA VP Chua Jui Meng’s sarcastic remark that Ong Ka Ting has been locking the stable door only after the horses have bolted, in reference to Ong’s recent pontificating reflections on several so-called sensitive issues which he had previously remained mum on, but which controversies had piled a heap of foul smelling poo on the MCA, showcasing the Chinese party’s helplessness or uselessness in looking after the interests of Chinese Malaysians prior to the 8 March elections.
When those UMNO-instigated or initiated controversies were raging to the anger/fears of non-Malays, the MCA had remained like a mute stung by a hornet. After these series of humiliations suffered under UMNO’s arrogant taikoh-ish hands, it's little wonder that many MCA erstwhile supporters abandoned the Chinese party.
Chua said: “If he was as vocal from 2004 onwards before the general election ... MCA wouldn’t have suffered so many losses."
It's always easy to be wise after the fact. But I wonder whether Chua would have been better than Ong in this respect?
However, Chua was gracious and said 'tis better late than never for Ong to pontificate loudly – thus Ong should be commended and encouraged.
But what caught my attention was Chua’s statement: "We are moving towards a new two-party system. I believe that MCA is still relevant to the Chinese community but not in its current form. MCA must be reformed with a credible lineup of leaders."
Political analysts focussed on the possible change of MCA leadership after the party’s calamitous showing in the March 8 polls as a consequence of its ‘mati ta’mahu, hidup pun segan’ conduct, especially when there is increasing internal party pressure on Ong to quit as president.
But I wonder whether there may be more in Chua's statement "... MCA is still relevant to the Chinese community but not in its current form."
Yes, certainly Chua has been touted as one possible future leader but what is the point of MCA continuing with just a change of guards. The party needs a new lease of life by thinking outside the box.
Personally, to give UMNO a run for its money in the BN, I would like to see the MCA amalgamate with Gerakan, PPP, MIC, SUPP as a second mega party in the BN to counter the gross imbalance of UMNO's hold on BN party power.
Coincidentally a sweetie told me that Bernama reported Ong Tee Keat saying the MCA needs to change by adopting a more multiracial outlook and approach, or face the risk of extinction in the national political landscape. Ong admitted it may be some way to go before the MCA could bring itself to transform into a multi-ethnic party.
But perhaps a merger among the non-UMNO component parties may be a quicker approach to the required change.
I believe PPP would be more than eager to join - after all not too long ago Kayveas was desperately trying to merge with Gerakan, but the poor bloke was rejected by Lim KY. SUPP should be OK, as it’s a party not unlike MCA.
But I reckon the difficulties will lie with the Gerakan-MCA gi-normous egos and conceits. UMNO has effectively made MCA and Gerakan hate each other through a structured engagement along the lines of the old British ‘divide and rule’ policy.
Additionally, with a publicly known history of treachery and backstabbing between the two Chinese parties, there is less likelihood of any accommodating give and take.
The irony is that, despite its so-claimed multi-ethnic characteristic and a couple of Indian senators as frill decorations, the Gerakan is no different to the MCA, a Chinese based party. The greater irony is that the DAP, much as it has been demonized by UMNO, is the real multi-racial party, unlike Gerakan.
If the MCA and Gerakan can accommodate each other, especially with the retirement of Lim KY (an ex MCA bloke who left the original Chinese party with a huff and puff), there may be a slim possibility of the two Chinese parties coming together.
;-) If they do, I would recommend a name for their new identity, PWOJ or Parti Warisan Oon Jaafar, or just PWO.
Now that may put the cat among the UMNO pigeons ;-)
Malaysiakini quoted former MCA VP Chua Jui Meng’s sarcastic remark that Ong Ka Ting has been locking the stable door only after the horses have bolted, in reference to Ong’s recent pontificating reflections on several so-called sensitive issues which he had previously remained mum on, but which controversies had piled a heap of foul smelling poo on the MCA, showcasing the Chinese party’s helplessness or uselessness in looking after the interests of Chinese Malaysians prior to the 8 March elections.
When those UMNO-instigated or initiated controversies were raging to the anger/fears of non-Malays, the MCA had remained like a mute stung by a hornet. After these series of humiliations suffered under UMNO’s arrogant taikoh-ish hands, it's little wonder that many MCA erstwhile supporters abandoned the Chinese party.
Chua said: “If he was as vocal from 2004 onwards before the general election ... MCA wouldn’t have suffered so many losses."
It's always easy to be wise after the fact. But I wonder whether Chua would have been better than Ong in this respect?
However, Chua was gracious and said 'tis better late than never for Ong to pontificate loudly – thus Ong should be commended and encouraged.
But what caught my attention was Chua’s statement: "We are moving towards a new two-party system. I believe that MCA is still relevant to the Chinese community but not in its current form. MCA must be reformed with a credible lineup of leaders."
Political analysts focussed on the possible change of MCA leadership after the party’s calamitous showing in the March 8 polls as a consequence of its ‘mati ta’mahu, hidup pun segan’ conduct, especially when there is increasing internal party pressure on Ong to quit as president.
But I wonder whether there may be more in Chua's statement "... MCA is still relevant to the Chinese community but not in its current form."
Yes, certainly Chua has been touted as one possible future leader but what is the point of MCA continuing with just a change of guards. The party needs a new lease of life by thinking outside the box.
Personally, to give UMNO a run for its money in the BN, I would like to see the MCA amalgamate with Gerakan, PPP, MIC, SUPP as a second mega party in the BN to counter the gross imbalance of UMNO's hold on BN party power.
Coincidentally a sweetie told me that Bernama reported Ong Tee Keat saying the MCA needs to change by adopting a more multiracial outlook and approach, or face the risk of extinction in the national political landscape. Ong admitted it may be some way to go before the MCA could bring itself to transform into a multi-ethnic party.
But perhaps a merger among the non-UMNO component parties may be a quicker approach to the required change.
I believe PPP would be more than eager to join - after all not too long ago Kayveas was desperately trying to merge with Gerakan, but the poor bloke was rejected by Lim KY. SUPP should be OK, as it’s a party not unlike MCA.
But I reckon the difficulties will lie with the Gerakan-MCA gi-normous egos and conceits. UMNO has effectively made MCA and Gerakan hate each other through a structured engagement along the lines of the old British ‘divide and rule’ policy.
Additionally, with a publicly known history of treachery and backstabbing between the two Chinese parties, there is less likelihood of any accommodating give and take.
The irony is that, despite its so-claimed multi-ethnic characteristic and a couple of Indian senators as frill decorations, the Gerakan is no different to the MCA, a Chinese based party. The greater irony is that the DAP, much as it has been demonized by UMNO, is the real multi-racial party, unlike Gerakan.
If the MCA and Gerakan can accommodate each other, especially with the retirement of Lim KY (an ex MCA bloke who left the original Chinese party with a huff and puff), there may be a slim possibility of the two Chinese parties coming together.
;-) If they do, I would recommend a name for their new identity, PWOJ or Parti Warisan Oon Jaafar, or just PWO.
Now that may put the cat among the UMNO pigeons ;-)
Please remember Nurin Jazlin & Preeshena Varshiny as you do Altantuyaa Shaariibuu
Extracts from Wikipedia:
Nurin Jazlin binti Jazimin, an eight-year old Malaysian girl reported missing after she had gone to a wet market located near her house in Section 1, Wangsa Maju to buy a hair clip on the night of August 20, 2007. She was last seen being dragged into a white van which the police were able to determine by enhancing footage caught on a CCTV installed nearby. […]
The nature of her brutal torture and eventual death at the hands of an unknown assailant, suspected to be a psychopath killer, sparked outrage throughout the country. Malaysian media and Internet blogs have been filled with anger and disbelief in reaction to the case and the murder is widely considered to be "the country's most horrifying crime in years". The case also led to a statement by Prime Minister about the possibility of publicizing the list of convicted child sex offenders.
Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan initially suggested that he would investigate whether Nurin Jazlin's parents had been negligent, an offence which could lead to charges under Section 33 of the Child Act 2001. The suggestion provoked public outcry, most prominently from Lee Lam Thye, chairman of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation, who responded that punishing the parents further would be unfair.
Last year I penned a wee cry of pain for her in Remembering Nurin Jazlin Jazimin at my other blog ktemoc komposes.
Nurin Jazlin binti Jazimin, an eight-year old Malaysian girl reported missing after she had gone to a wet market located near her house in Section 1, Wangsa Maju to buy a hair clip on the night of August 20, 2007. She was last seen being dragged into a white van which the police were able to determine by enhancing footage caught on a CCTV installed nearby. […]
The nature of her brutal torture and eventual death at the hands of an unknown assailant, suspected to be a psychopath killer, sparked outrage throughout the country. Malaysian media and Internet blogs have been filled with anger and disbelief in reaction to the case and the murder is widely considered to be "the country's most horrifying crime in years". The case also led to a statement by Prime Minister about the possibility of publicizing the list of convicted child sex offenders.
Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan initially suggested that he would investigate whether Nurin Jazlin's parents had been negligent, an offence which could lead to charges under Section 33 of the Child Act 2001. The suggestion provoked public outcry, most prominently from Lee Lam Thye, chairman of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation, who responded that punishing the parents further would be unfair.
Last year I penned a wee cry of pain for her in Remembering Nurin Jazlin Jazimin at my other blog ktemoc komposes.
malaysiakini photo
Following my question about the sincerity of certain sources in making much (unnatural) ado over the Altantuyaa’s case a la '50 Dalil mengapa ...", in stark contrast to those sources' relative silence over the murder cases of Nurin Jazlin and the other unfortunate Malaysian, Preeshena Varshiny, I decided last night to read again my humble dirge to Nurin and Preeshena.
Though I still remember her and Preeshena as sad victims of shameful unsolved cases, I was a wee startled when I read the third paragraph of my dirge for Nurin, because I had written the poem more than 6 months ago and couldn't remember exactly what I had written in that 40-line piece. I submit the 3rd paragraph as follows:
I am only eight years old
Will you remember me as
You’d Altantuyaa Shaariibuu
Not a glamorous beauty
No high profile case in me
Just a neighbourhood kid
I have never been abroad
To France or European cities
Just local Wangsa Maju
An innocent child, no more
Related:
(1) Remembering Preeshena Varshiny
Though I still remember her and Preeshena as sad victims of shameful unsolved cases, I was a wee startled when I read the third paragraph of my dirge for Nurin, because I had written the poem more than 6 months ago and couldn't remember exactly what I had written in that 40-line piece. I submit the 3rd paragraph as follows:
I am only eight years old
Will you remember me as
You’d Altantuyaa Shaariibuu
Not a glamorous beauty
No high profile case in me
Just a neighbourhood kid
I have never been abroad
To France or European cities
Just local Wangsa Maju
An innocent child, no more
Related:
(1) Remembering Preeshena Varshiny
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Role of opposition - rhetorical or responsible?
The PM sounded a bit exasperated with MTUC in the latter’s insistent demand for a ‘minimum wage’ for Malaysian workers.
As reported by Malaysiakini in its news article Minimum wage: 100 demos won't change 'No' decision, AAB said in response to MTUC’s plans to hold a protest in front of Parliament house on Wednesday over the matter:
“They can have 100 demonstrations but if we can’t, we can’t ... as simple as that. If we can give, we give. I would like to make the people happy if I can by giving more money but if we can’t, we can’t.”
Then he added: “I don’t know why this approach (demonstration) is being used. It is as though we don’t care about the people. It’s not easy for us to make a decision.”
AAB shouldn’t be so sensitive. It’s the job of the unions or opposition to criticise the government. They need to keep the government in check as well as play to their respective constituencies. If their members or supporters lose faith, that’s it for them – the union boss would be out of a job, and the opposition members won’t be re-voted.
Usually (but not always) unions are more inflexible as they would only consider their members’ welfare, and to hell with the national administration and management.
The opposition in western countries lacks the tolerance of the public for bullsh*tting which our opposition enjoys in abundance, especially with their supporters. Of course, don’t forget, when we talk about ‘opposition’ we include those BN losers in five states ;-)
In western countries, if opposition leaders talk cock, they would be laughed at, and the political outcome would be as bad as if they didn’t say anything. The voters are very discerning.
In Malaysia, an opposition can promise any damn thing, even impossible ones to achieve, and still they would be supported, or worse, even believed! And it’s not just promises that opposition leaders sometimes indulge in.
There has been a recent scare campaign by UMNO, though I am not sure whether it is a national effort or just something initiated by the Acting Bandar Tun Razak Umno division head Rahim Baba, as was reported by Malaysiakini in Hear the cries of young Malays, leaders urged.
Rahim Baba has sent a powerful but frightening message to the Malay community by melodramatically calling on Malay leaders, irrespective of their political affiliations, to sit down together and heed “the pleas of the young Malays.”
He made an appeal to leaders from UMNO, PKR (hey Datuk Seri, here’s your chance) and PAS to deliberate on Malay ‘survival’ and relevance.
Wow, the Malays are in a politically dire situation liao, according to Rahim Baba's message.
He said: “We have to admit that the position of the Malays has become increasingly shaken. Today we can sit in this hall. But we cannot be sure if we can continue to be sitting where we are now”
“Five years (until the next general election is due) is not a long time. Do we want one day in the future that (more) people from other races to become menteri besar? To become chief ministers? Even to become prime minister?”
“Whatever the situation we are facing now, if we cannot face these current tribulations, what will happen when power is no longer in our hands? Today we can still walk tall, but tomorrow or next year or in the next 10 years, power may not be still in our hands if this situation continues.”
Hmmm, let’s examine the five States lost to those ‘other races’, those frightening ‘nons’, to see whether Rahim Baba's clarion call for Pan-Melayu solidarity is justified.
(1) Kelantan? Hey, masih diperentah olih Melayu lah – OK, beres!
(2) Kedah? Aiyah, sama juga - jangan bimbang, dong!
(3) Perak? MB juga Melayu – apa lagi?
(4) Selangor? Kedudukan Melayu tetap kukuh! Semua selamat.
(5) Pulau Pinang? Aiyoyo, CM adalah Cina, itu tidak diterima. Er … Pak Rahim, dulu CM juga orang Cina … huh, ya kah?
Maka status quo maintained, no worries! So … what’s next? I brace myself in anticipation.
But the point is at the heart of the UMNO scare campaigning has been the worst form of racism, the promotion of the ‘them’ and ‘us’ division, between the ‘nons’ and Melayu. Rahim Baba should be questioned by the police for his seditious speech.
Meanwhile, on the other side of politics, what would you make of promises like lower fuel prices when the entire world is raising theirs?
20% royalties to Sabah and Sarawak?
By contrast, even boasts like “I’ll be PM by this or that date” by an unelected leader of an opposition, short of 30 seats to form a majority in the House, would not only be laughed at or frowned upon for its nonsensical arrogance, but would be ripped apart by the media for suggesting undemocratic subversion of the ballot box.
In this contrasting state of politics vis-Γ -vis public perception (or acceptance), either Malaysian politicians are fortunate to have a tolerant public or the public are themselves so biased or ignorant that they can’t separate the bullsh*t from the substantial.
As reported by Malaysiakini in its news article Minimum wage: 100 demos won't change 'No' decision, AAB said in response to MTUC’s plans to hold a protest in front of Parliament house on Wednesday over the matter:
“They can have 100 demonstrations but if we can’t, we can’t ... as simple as that. If we can give, we give. I would like to make the people happy if I can by giving more money but if we can’t, we can’t.”
Then he added: “I don’t know why this approach (demonstration) is being used. It is as though we don’t care about the people. It’s not easy for us to make a decision.”
AAB shouldn’t be so sensitive. It’s the job of the unions or opposition to criticise the government. They need to keep the government in check as well as play to their respective constituencies. If their members or supporters lose faith, that’s it for them – the union boss would be out of a job, and the opposition members won’t be re-voted.
Usually (but not always) unions are more inflexible as they would only consider their members’ welfare, and to hell with the national administration and management.
The opposition in western countries lacks the tolerance of the public for bullsh*tting which our opposition enjoys in abundance, especially with their supporters. Of course, don’t forget, when we talk about ‘opposition’ we include those BN losers in five states ;-)
In western countries, if opposition leaders talk cock, they would be laughed at, and the political outcome would be as bad as if they didn’t say anything. The voters are very discerning.
In Malaysia, an opposition can promise any damn thing, even impossible ones to achieve, and still they would be supported, or worse, even believed! And it’s not just promises that opposition leaders sometimes indulge in.
There has been a recent scare campaign by UMNO, though I am not sure whether it is a national effort or just something initiated by the Acting Bandar Tun Razak Umno division head Rahim Baba, as was reported by Malaysiakini in Hear the cries of young Malays, leaders urged.
Rahim Baba has sent a powerful but frightening message to the Malay community by melodramatically calling on Malay leaders, irrespective of their political affiliations, to sit down together and heed “the pleas of the young Malays.”
He made an appeal to leaders from UMNO, PKR (hey Datuk Seri, here’s your chance) and PAS to deliberate on Malay ‘survival’ and relevance.
Wow, the Malays are in a politically dire situation liao, according to Rahim Baba's message.
He said: “We have to admit that the position of the Malays has become increasingly shaken. Today we can sit in this hall. But we cannot be sure if we can continue to be sitting where we are now”
“Five years (until the next general election is due) is not a long time. Do we want one day in the future that (more) people from other races to become menteri besar? To become chief ministers? Even to become prime minister?”
“Whatever the situation we are facing now, if we cannot face these current tribulations, what will happen when power is no longer in our hands? Today we can still walk tall, but tomorrow or next year or in the next 10 years, power may not be still in our hands if this situation continues.”
Hmmm, let’s examine the five States lost to those ‘other races’, those frightening ‘nons’, to see whether Rahim Baba's clarion call for Pan-Melayu solidarity is justified.
(1) Kelantan? Hey, masih diperentah olih Melayu lah – OK, beres!
(2) Kedah? Aiyah, sama juga - jangan bimbang, dong!
(3) Perak? MB juga Melayu – apa lagi?
(4) Selangor? Kedudukan Melayu tetap kukuh! Semua selamat.
(5) Pulau Pinang? Aiyoyo, CM adalah Cina, itu tidak diterima. Er … Pak Rahim, dulu CM juga orang Cina … huh, ya kah?
Maka status quo maintained, no worries! So … what’s next? I brace myself in anticipation.
But the point is at the heart of the UMNO scare campaigning has been the worst form of racism, the promotion of the ‘them’ and ‘us’ division, between the ‘nons’ and Melayu. Rahim Baba should be questioned by the police for his seditious speech.
Meanwhile, on the other side of politics, what would you make of promises like lower fuel prices when the entire world is raising theirs?
20% royalties to Sabah and Sarawak?
By contrast, even boasts like “I’ll be PM by this or that date” by an unelected leader of an opposition, short of 30 seats to form a majority in the House, would not only be laughed at or frowned upon for its nonsensical arrogance, but would be ripped apart by the media for suggesting undemocratic subversion of the ballot box.
In this contrasting state of politics vis-Γ -vis public perception (or acceptance), either Malaysian politicians are fortunate to have a tolerant public or the public are themselves so biased or ignorant that they can’t separate the bullsh*t from the substantial.
Malaysian Orgasms
I have just posted Malaysian Orgasms not very Boleh over at my other blog BolehTalk, where I lambasted politicians for lack of correct prioritization, but provided advice to some bloggers on how to achieve quality time ;-)
Murdering Altantuyaa Shaariibuu Again
As I journey through the darkness of cold oblivion
Borne on the back of Shava to meet his master
Assigned to Samsara by cruel nefarious forces
Which ended my karmic forces violently, abruptly
In my odyssey, wandering by the woeful Acheron
Was there a time when I had felt soothing voices
To comfort me amidst my lonely pains and fears
Yes I do, only from the One who is fragrant Pure
But the loudest noises are they calling for ‘justice’
Though, I smile cynically, ‘twas not meant for me
Their shrill proclamations & belated outrage (sigh)
Startled even great Gujir Tngri and the 77 siqar
Grandstanding acrobatics, their excuse to dispense
With all norms, purportedly all for me (wry smile)
I must confess I view with scepticism and distaste
As I would professional chest-pounding mourners
Gnashing Colgate mint-flavoured peroxide-d teeth
Wretchedly wringing manicured Ulan oiled hands
Shedding date-expired plastic bags of lo-salt tears
Proclaiming to be 11th hour paragons of ‘justice’
Even Ataya Tngri rolled his ancient eyes upwards
While Emegelji Eji cackled with caustic laughter
The ancient pair could see abacus shaped hearts
Clicking furiously and shaming Casio calculators
By sheer speed of their computation of advantage
What to extract, exploit, extricate from my name
Squeezing the very last speck of desiccated blood
From my hyper cold shattered fragments of bones
Eager hands raided the ossuary for me to be laid
As stepping stones for the progress of a demigod
On Ardha-Matanga, 4 tasks & seven white trunks
Saluting Brahma, walking to Amarawati by a lake
As the pseudo-pious pirouetting pachyderm crushes
What little good left of my name, what trust exists
In my family’s hope for requital of my cruel murder
I realize those raucous battle cries were not for me
Summoned by conjured justice to now serve Fenrir
To break asunder Gleipnir but only with my death
Re-evoked, for my soul to be murdered a 2nd time
To satiate the burning thirst of Angrboda’s 1st child
Related:
Remembering Altantuyaa Shaariibuu
also posted at my other blog ktemoc komposes
Borne on the back of Shava to meet his master
Assigned to Samsara by cruel nefarious forces
Which ended my karmic forces violently, abruptly
In my odyssey, wandering by the woeful Acheron
Was there a time when I had felt soothing voices
To comfort me amidst my lonely pains and fears
Yes I do, only from the One who is fragrant Pure
But the loudest noises are they calling for ‘justice’
Though, I smile cynically, ‘twas not meant for me
Their shrill proclamations & belated outrage (sigh)
Startled even great Gujir Tngri and the 77 siqar
Grandstanding acrobatics, their excuse to dispense
With all norms, purportedly all for me (wry smile)
I must confess I view with scepticism and distaste
As I would professional chest-pounding mourners
Gnashing Colgate mint-flavoured peroxide-d teeth
Wretchedly wringing manicured Ulan oiled hands
Shedding date-expired plastic bags of lo-salt tears
Proclaiming to be 11th hour paragons of ‘justice’
Even Ataya Tngri rolled his ancient eyes upwards
While Emegelji Eji cackled with caustic laughter
The ancient pair could see abacus shaped hearts
Clicking furiously and shaming Casio calculators
By sheer speed of their computation of advantage
What to extract, exploit, extricate from my name
Squeezing the very last speck of desiccated blood
From my hyper cold shattered fragments of bones
Eager hands raided the ossuary for me to be laid
As stepping stones for the progress of a demigod
On Ardha-Matanga, 4 tasks & seven white trunks
Saluting Brahma, walking to Amarawati by a lake
As the pseudo-pious pirouetting pachyderm crushes
What little good left of my name, what trust exists
In my family’s hope for requital of my cruel murder
I realize those raucous battle cries were not for me
Summoned by conjured justice to now serve Fenrir
To break asunder Gleipnir but only with my death
Re-evoked, for my soul to be murdered a 2nd time
To satiate the burning thirst of Angrboda’s 1st child
Related:
Remembering Altantuyaa Shaariibuu
also posted at my other blog ktemoc komposes
Friday, May 02, 2008
Jeff Ooi & Penang's 'Desperate Housewives'
After the recent general election I thought former CM Koh Tsu Koon had behaved like a gentleman in the manner in which he had conducted the handing over of his CM-ship to incoming Lim Guan Eng. I then made a promise not to call him R.B. anymore.
He further impressed me when he advised or appealed to (whichever you prefer) the PM to continue the mega projects such as the 2nd bridge.
Beautiful words like bipartisanship, working for the people of Penang, 'a gentleman of a politician' all sprang happily to mind.
Though the current Penang motto is ‘Bersatu dan Setia’ (United and Loyal), it was formerly ‘Let Penang Lead’, but Uncle told me that he remembered it as ‘Leading we serve’. And I thought, how appropriate that it fell upon a Penangite, the Island’s former CM (despite his obsequious and sycophantic behaviour towards his UMNO counterparts) to show the way with a new dawn of gentlemanly and civilised politics.
Alas, when I read in Malaysiakini about Lim Guan Eng bemoaning Bunga Tanjung should have been handed over, I grew mad again at the dog-in-the-manger attitude of the former office holders of Bunga Tanjung, and the Pertubuhan’s advisor, Koh TK.
The Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung is a non-government body meant for wives of state assemblypersons and members of both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara from the ruling party, and not an association exclusively for the spouses of BN state assemblypersons and parliament representatives in Penang.
Lim GE stated that the club should not have been dissolved as it had been by its former president Chui Kah Peng, the wife of Koh.
At its last meeting, Chui with 45 members did a nasty by dissolving Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung as if the incoming DAP ADUNs and their political allies, the new ruling party, were all bachelor boys (perhaps, much as a few might have wished wistfully ha ha ha!).
And apparently she did it after the DAP-led coalition had already won the State election and became its new government, making it (and not the BN) the State's ruling party.
And what had been the consequences of that mean-spirited and alleged illegal dissolution of Bunga Tanjung?
Well, Bunga Tanjung turned into Lallang Tanjung and gave away all its funds to a host of organizations in an arrogant scorched-earth conduct.
Malaysiakini reported that “The Association of Wives of Federal Ministers and Deputy Ministers or Bakti was the biggest recipient with RM550,000 while the Bureau on Learning Difficulties (Bold) received RM220,000 to support the Bold-Bunga Tanjung Centre activities in Penang mainland. The remaining RM20,665 was distributed among three organisations – Penang Cheshire Home, Mental Health Association of Penang and Mount Miriam Hospital.”
I don’t mind so much the monetary gifts to charitable organisations like the Penang Cheshire Home, Mental Health Association of Penang and Mount Miriam Hospital. But I believe the money ‘given’ to Bakti must be recovered as it was not for Chui to give away in the first place.
Helllooooo Chui, your husband and his Gerakan ADUNs including MCA ones were wiped out, totally. So we are all wondering how you could have acted as President of the Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung when your husband was not even an ADUN, let alone being in the State's ruling party?
Thus Lim GE demanded that Koh, as the former CM-advisor of the club, bloody well explain. Yes, how could a non member of Bunga Tanjung donate the Pertubuhan’s funds away like Russians burning Moscow before the advance of the German Wehrmacht in Ops Barbarossa.
Lim said: "We want Bunga Tanjung advisor not to hide behind the skirt, but to come out in open to explain." Aiyoyo, Ah Koon ;-)
"The BN wives may have not thought that their husbands would lose power and we too never thought we would wrest power.”
"Well it happened, thanks to the political tsunami on March 8 polls. So ideally the association should have been handed over to us and indeed I should be its advisor by virtue of its constitution."
Lim’s chief of staff Ooi Chuan Ann [BTW, he’s better known as Jeff Ooi] had labelled Chui and the other members as "desperate housewives" on his blog. Wow, did he mean they are like those ‘wives’ on the TV series?
But Chui was less than impressed with Jeff's description, deciding that attack would be the best form of defence. She has challenged both Lim and Ooi to a public debate on the matter and gave them 48 hours to respond.
Wow, I hope Jeff won’t get sued again ;-) but this lady is what Penangites would described as cheen chnea ock ay (garang or fierce).
Koh rejected Lim GE’s call for him to explain, saying he does not owe Lim any explanation and that he has full confidence in his wife and her colleagues to handle the matter.
Now, did he mean 'full confidence' in his wife’s ability to debate or in the giving away of funds which, according to Lim GE’s reading of the Pertubuhan’s constitution, wasn’t hers to give away, as a ex President by default of her husband's party losing the political rule of Penang?
Maybe Ah Koon is more scared of his missus than Lim GE ;-) Aiyah, kesian Ah Koon nia, boe tnea tioh ee knia-bor ;-)
He further impressed me when he advised or appealed to (whichever you prefer) the PM to continue the mega projects such as the 2nd bridge.
Beautiful words like bipartisanship, working for the people of Penang, 'a gentleman of a politician' all sprang happily to mind.
Though the current Penang motto is ‘Bersatu dan Setia’ (United and Loyal), it was formerly ‘Let Penang Lead’, but Uncle told me that he remembered it as ‘Leading we serve’. And I thought, how appropriate that it fell upon a Penangite, the Island’s former CM (despite his obsequious and sycophantic behaviour towards his UMNO counterparts) to show the way with a new dawn of gentlemanly and civilised politics.
Alas, when I read in Malaysiakini about Lim Guan Eng bemoaning Bunga Tanjung should have been handed over, I grew mad again at the dog-in-the-manger attitude of the former office holders of Bunga Tanjung, and the Pertubuhan’s advisor, Koh TK.
The Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung is a non-government body meant for wives of state assemblypersons and members of both the Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara from the ruling party, and not an association exclusively for the spouses of BN state assemblypersons and parliament representatives in Penang.
Lim GE stated that the club should not have been dissolved as it had been by its former president Chui Kah Peng, the wife of Koh.
At its last meeting, Chui with 45 members did a nasty by dissolving Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung as if the incoming DAP ADUNs and their political allies, the new ruling party, were all bachelor boys (perhaps, much as a few might have wished wistfully ha ha ha!).
And apparently she did it after the DAP-led coalition had already won the State election and became its new government, making it (and not the BN) the State's ruling party.
And what had been the consequences of that mean-spirited and alleged illegal dissolution of Bunga Tanjung?
Well, Bunga Tanjung turned into Lallang Tanjung and gave away all its funds to a host of organizations in an arrogant scorched-earth conduct.
Malaysiakini reported that “The Association of Wives of Federal Ministers and Deputy Ministers or Bakti was the biggest recipient with RM550,000 while the Bureau on Learning Difficulties (Bold) received RM220,000 to support the Bold-Bunga Tanjung Centre activities in Penang mainland. The remaining RM20,665 was distributed among three organisations – Penang Cheshire Home, Mental Health Association of Penang and Mount Miriam Hospital.”
I don’t mind so much the monetary gifts to charitable organisations like the Penang Cheshire Home, Mental Health Association of Penang and Mount Miriam Hospital. But I believe the money ‘given’ to Bakti must be recovered as it was not for Chui to give away in the first place.
Helllooooo Chui, your husband and his Gerakan ADUNs including MCA ones were wiped out, totally. So we are all wondering how you could have acted as President of the Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung when your husband was not even an ADUN, let alone being in the State's ruling party?
Thus Lim GE demanded that Koh, as the former CM-advisor of the club, bloody well explain. Yes, how could a non member of Bunga Tanjung donate the Pertubuhan’s funds away like Russians burning Moscow before the advance of the German Wehrmacht in Ops Barbarossa.
Lim said: "We want Bunga Tanjung advisor not to hide behind the skirt, but to come out in open to explain." Aiyoyo, Ah Koon ;-)
"The BN wives may have not thought that their husbands would lose power and we too never thought we would wrest power.”
"Well it happened, thanks to the political tsunami on March 8 polls. So ideally the association should have been handed over to us and indeed I should be its advisor by virtue of its constitution."
Lim’s chief of staff Ooi Chuan Ann [BTW, he’s better known as Jeff Ooi] had labelled Chui and the other members as "desperate housewives" on his blog. Wow, did he mean they are like those ‘wives’ on the TV series?
But Chui was less than impressed with Jeff's description, deciding that attack would be the best form of defence. She has challenged both Lim and Ooi to a public debate on the matter and gave them 48 hours to respond.
Wow, I hope Jeff won’t get sued again ;-) but this lady is what Penangites would described as cheen chnea ock ay (garang or fierce).
Koh rejected Lim GE’s call for him to explain, saying he does not owe Lim any explanation and that he has full confidence in his wife and her colleagues to handle the matter.
Now, did he mean 'full confidence' in his wife’s ability to debate or in the giving away of funds which, according to Lim GE’s reading of the Pertubuhan’s constitution, wasn’t hers to give away, as a ex President by default of her husband's party losing the political rule of Penang?
Maybe Ah Koon is more scared of his missus than Lim GE ;-) Aiyah, kesian Ah Koon nia, boe tnea tioh ee knia-bor ;-)
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Hang the murderers of Altantuyaa Shariibuu - These aren't usual times!
Malaysiakini has finally published what has been the hottest topic in town for the last few days.
The Kerismuddin saga? Nope.
Ong Ka Ting finally realizing he is the MCA President representing Chinese Malaysians? Nope.
Aha! The Altantuyaa Shariibuu case? Hmmm ... wellllll ... nope, strictly nope!
What then?
The revival of the G.A.N. or Gerakan Anti Najib.
Malaysia published its headlines as Najib's wife: Internet stories about me not true.
So what ….. WTF cares, Rosmah. Being wife to Najib, you are collateral damage. Don’t be such a spoilt sport and ruin a good story.
Malaysians love such gossip, and the juicer the story – marinated with liberal dosages of sex, murder, politics, politicians, money, beautiful model – the more intense and enjoyable the gossip.
But idle kopitiam talk aside, there is another mob.
They say they want to send the murderers to hell!
Hmmm, why not bring them to justice? After all Malaysia still has the death penalty. After all, we have just come through a general election which we claimed democracy, transparency and accountability won the battle with tsunamic results.
No, the answer firmly riposted – these aren’t normal times, therefore we must suspend … er what were those you mentioned … yes … democracy, transparency and accountability. Yes, we must take unusual measures because these aren't usual times!
We must accept party hopping as democratically OK – so what if the people voted BN into 140 seats, when all’s fair in love and war. These aren't usual times!
We must encourage party hopping by offering motivational schemes – 20% of this, 10% of that, 5 times your normal wages, lower fuel price – these aren’t usual times!
Yes, fuck justice – in an ideal situation, that may be applicable. Besides we've already decided who are the murderers of … er ... what’s her name … Presheena Varshiny? Nope … Nurin Jazlin Jazimin? Nope, no connection ... no, these aren't usual times!
When I left a comment at my blogging mate, Susan Loone’s blog, questioning why there have been contrasting silences about the cases of Preeshena Varshiny and Nurin Jazlin Jazimin by those who want to send Altantuyaa’s murderers to hell, a visitor to Susan’s blog (AA) replied:
ktemoc,
... how can you bring between an obscure criminal case like Jazlin and a national crime like in Altantunya’s case. If you are disturbed by the concerns of these Malaysians, keep off and mind your business. This is not about PKR or Anwar, or Naib or BN as your feeble mind would like to believe. I’m sorry you are talking to the wrong people.
‘… obscure criminal case like Jazlin …’?
How cruel, but these aren't usual times.
I just hope Nurin’s parents do not get to read it. But of course these aren't usual times!
Yes indeed, the murders of Nurin and Preeshena are only ordinary opague obscure crimes. But ... that Mongolian name, now that is NOT an ordinary crime. We Malaysians are only concerned about murders of foreigners. After all, these aren't usual times!
All foreigners?
Well, let us rephrase that … we Malaysians are only concerned about murders of foreigners if we can link them to people we know, nay, have decided are the murderers. These aren't usual times!
The verdict is already ‘guilty’. We are going to send them to hell. These aren't usual times!
The sentence is ‘death by hanging or strangulation or disintegration through C4 explosion’, or better still ‘destruction through mud throwing, insinuation, allegations … you name it’, and fuck due process, fuck the evidence, fuck the courts. These aren't usual times!
The end justifies the means. Vigilante law prevails. These aren't usual times!
See also:
(1) Remembering Altantuyaa Shaariibuu
(2) Remembering Nurin Jazlin Jazimin
(3) Remembering Preeshena Varshiny
(4) Children of Qana
The Kerismuddin saga? Nope.
Ong Ka Ting finally realizing he is the MCA President representing Chinese Malaysians? Nope.
Aha! The Altantuyaa Shariibuu case? Hmmm ... wellllll ... nope, strictly nope!
What then?
The revival of the G.A.N. or Gerakan Anti Najib.
Malaysia published its headlines as Najib's wife: Internet stories about me not true.
So what ….. WTF cares, Rosmah. Being wife to Najib, you are collateral damage. Don’t be such a spoilt sport and ruin a good story.
Malaysians love such gossip, and the juicer the story – marinated with liberal dosages of sex, murder, politics, politicians, money, beautiful model – the more intense and enjoyable the gossip.
But idle kopitiam talk aside, there is another mob.
They say they want to send the murderers to hell!
Hmmm, why not bring them to justice? After all Malaysia still has the death penalty. After all, we have just come through a general election which we claimed democracy, transparency and accountability won the battle with tsunamic results.
No, the answer firmly riposted – these aren’t normal times, therefore we must suspend … er what were those you mentioned … yes … democracy, transparency and accountability. Yes, we must take unusual measures because these aren't usual times!
We must accept party hopping as democratically OK – so what if the people voted BN into 140 seats, when all’s fair in love and war. These aren't usual times!
We must encourage party hopping by offering motivational schemes – 20% of this, 10% of that, 5 times your normal wages, lower fuel price – these aren’t usual times!
Yes, fuck justice – in an ideal situation, that may be applicable. Besides we've already decided who are the murderers of … er ... what’s her name … Presheena Varshiny? Nope … Nurin Jazlin Jazimin? Nope, no connection ... no, these aren't usual times!
When I left a comment at my blogging mate, Susan Loone’s blog, questioning why there have been contrasting silences about the cases of Preeshena Varshiny and Nurin Jazlin Jazimin by those who want to send Altantuyaa’s murderers to hell, a visitor to Susan’s blog (AA) replied:
ktemoc,
... how can you bring between an obscure criminal case like Jazlin and a national crime like in Altantunya’s case. If you are disturbed by the concerns of these Malaysians, keep off and mind your business. This is not about PKR or Anwar, or Naib or BN as your feeble mind would like to believe. I’m sorry you are talking to the wrong people.
‘… obscure criminal case like Jazlin …’?
How cruel, but these aren't usual times.
I just hope Nurin’s parents do not get to read it. But of course these aren't usual times!
Yes indeed, the murders of Nurin and Preeshena are only ordinary opague obscure crimes. But ... that Mongolian name, now that is NOT an ordinary crime. We Malaysians are only concerned about murders of foreigners. After all, these aren't usual times!
All foreigners?
Well, let us rephrase that … we Malaysians are only concerned about murders of foreigners if we can link them to people we know, nay, have decided are the murderers. These aren't usual times!
The verdict is already ‘guilty’. We are going to send them to hell. These aren't usual times!
The sentence is ‘death by hanging or strangulation or disintegration through C4 explosion’, or better still ‘destruction through mud throwing, insinuation, allegations … you name it’, and fuck due process, fuck the evidence, fuck the courts. These aren't usual times!
The end justifies the means. Vigilante law prevails. These aren't usual times!
See also:
(1) Remembering Altantuyaa Shaariibuu
(2) Remembering Nurin Jazlin Jazimin
(3) Remembering Preeshena Varshiny
(4) Children of Qana
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Hishamuddin's keris stabbed UMNO & BN
In the early 13th Century, Ken Arok, the founder of the Rajasa dynasty in the Singhasari Kingdom of East Java, went to a famous empu (keris smith), Mpu Gandring to order a special keris. The keris was named after the empu, Mpu Gandring.
Arok had evil and lustful designs for the powerful magical weapon. He wanted the special keris to kill the chieftain of Tumapel, Tunggul Ametung.
He saw that the keris was more or less finished but was pissed off when he couldn’t get it straightaway because the empu, a perfectionist, wanted several more months to 'purify' the special weapon from evil influences. Impatient and hotheaded, Ken Arok killed him with that keris in a fit of anger.
But with his dying breath, Mpu Gandring cursed him and foretold how Ken Arok and seven generations of his descendants would be killed by that cursed keris. So indeed the blood flowed throughout the generations, until subsequently someone saw that Mpu Gandring's keris would only continue to perpetrate chaos and death. He threw the keris into the Java Sea. Legend has it that the keris turned into a dragon.
Here’s one more folklore about a magical keris and another hothead.
Aryo Penangsang was an arrogant hot-tempered Javanese prince, but with exceptional courage and strength. His final battle was with Danang Sutowijoyo, who would subsequently become the legendary Panembahan Senopati, the founder of the Mataram Empire.
In the battle, the young Sutowijaya somehow managed to rip open Penangsang’s belly with his spear, allowing the latter’s intestines to spill out. But Penangsang was not an ordinary bloke so, on discovering that his dangling guts were restricting his movement in the duel, wrapped them tidily around the hilt of his sheathed keris. 'Twas the famous (or infamous) keris, Setan Kober.
Despite his humongous wound, Penangsang nearly defeated young Sutowijoyo who was beaten down to the ground, unable to continue the fight.
When Penangsang drew Setan Kober to deliver the coup de grΓ’ce, he inadvertently cut his own intestines which, if we remember, were wrapped around the hilt of the keris. Needless to say, he died from that fatal wound. Sutowijaya survived to become the founder of a powerful kingdom.
Sutowijoyo so admired his opponent's incredible strength, courage and fighting spirit that he ordered his sons and all bridegrooms of his kingdom (they each carried keris on their wedding day) to commemorate, and hopefully be inspired by, Penangsang’s amazing ferocious fighting feat, by adorning their keris-es with stringed jasmines (called melati rinonce) which symbolically represented Penangsang’s intestines. Apparently this Javanese tradition continues to these days.
We Malaysians are also familiar with Taming Sari, a Javanese keris with magical powers that would protect its owner, though it didn’t save the life of the original eponymous owner, a Javanese warrior who was killed by Hang Tuah through deceit, as was Hang Jebat. Tuah appropriated the Taming Sari after killing the owner, went back home to Melaka to one day kill his best friend at the behest of a tyrant.
All hotheads with keris-es, and all died terribly.
If you have read Malaysiakini over the last few days, we obtained mostly news about the UMNO keris, or to be more correct, Hishamuddin Hussein's keris, and how it affected the course of the election results.
DAP, PKR, MCA, Gerakan and even UMNO itself (including Khir Toyo) have all blamed Hishamuddin’s excessive brandishing of the UMNO Youth keris for the BN's tsunamic losses in the last general election.
In Malaysiakini, political analysts Ong Kian Min and Oon Yeoh wrote in Hisham's non-apology apology that tells us, ironically "The sad thing about this incident is that we do not believe Hishammuddin to be a traditional Malay ultra. Like his deputy, Khairy Jamaluddin, he is what you'd call a fake ultra – someone who tries so hard to be an ultra for the sake of drumming up grassroots support."
"His upbringing and demeanor certainly gives no indication of any deep ultra roots. His father, was third prime minister Hussein Onn, who probably had as many non-Malay friends as Malay ones. His grandfather, Onn Jaafar, famously tried (but failed) to open up Umno to non-Malays."
"Furthermore, Hishammuddin's track record as the minister of education has not been a bad one, especially when it comes to giving financial assistance to Chinese and Tamil schools and making it easier for them to relocate. But with one movement of his arm, he undid much of the goodwill that would have come his way from the non-Malay community."
Well, looks like Hishamuddin (or KJ) may not be an Aryo Penangsang, Ken Arok, Hang Tuah or Hang Jebat, but nonetheless he has stabbed his own party and the component partiues in the BN with his UMNO Youth keris, the Panca Warisan.
One and a half years ago I posted The Curse of UMNO's Keris? where I mentioned that Adnan Yaakob, an UMNO supreme council member and also the MB of Pahang, had asked for the symbol of the keris to be removed from the UMNO flag.
He said that the keris is a weapon denoting quarrels, and could have been the cause of the numerous quarrels in the party. In other words it’s bad feng shui for UMNO to have such a nasty weapon as a party symbol.
Adnam stated: "There were 20 major quarrels in UMNO since its formation 60 years ago. The symbol may signify the party’s struggles but it also means quarrels."
He reminded us of the acrimonious internal disputes involving the late Tunku Abdul Rahman (with Tun Razak), Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (with Dr Mahathir), and of course Dr Mahathir (with Ku Li, Anwar and AAB). Maybe we ought to add in Onn Jaafar (with Tunku). Then there were state leaders such as the late Harun Idris, once touted as a PM, who fell foul of Hussein Onn.
The keris in the UMNO flag is drawn, which, according to belief not just unique to the Malay world, must 'taste' blood. Eastern superstition demands that a weapon such as a keris, dagger or sword must never be drawn unless one intends to 'feed' it with blood.
It is believed that the word keris originated from the old Javanese word ngeris which means 'to stab'.
Now, even Malaysiakini columnist Azly Rahman has in his article After the apology over the keris asked for UMNO to change its quarrelsome and intimidating symbol to one which projects peace.
Azly called for "a symbol of any good and friendly ancient Malay scripture that glorifies the common person and not the ancient rulers would be a good replacement."
He added: "The enquiring mind is more powerful than the weapon of mass deception. A new regime must have this as a foundation. I hope to see Umno's new logo."
Arok had evil and lustful designs for the powerful magical weapon. He wanted the special keris to kill the chieftain of Tumapel, Tunggul Ametung.
He saw that the keris was more or less finished but was pissed off when he couldn’t get it straightaway because the empu, a perfectionist, wanted several more months to 'purify' the special weapon from evil influences. Impatient and hotheaded, Ken Arok killed him with that keris in a fit of anger.
But with his dying breath, Mpu Gandring cursed him and foretold how Ken Arok and seven generations of his descendants would be killed by that cursed keris. So indeed the blood flowed throughout the generations, until subsequently someone saw that Mpu Gandring's keris would only continue to perpetrate chaos and death. He threw the keris into the Java Sea. Legend has it that the keris turned into a dragon.
Here’s one more folklore about a magical keris and another hothead.
Aryo Penangsang was an arrogant hot-tempered Javanese prince, but with exceptional courage and strength. His final battle was with Danang Sutowijoyo, who would subsequently become the legendary Panembahan Senopati, the founder of the Mataram Empire.
In the battle, the young Sutowijaya somehow managed to rip open Penangsang’s belly with his spear, allowing the latter’s intestines to spill out. But Penangsang was not an ordinary bloke so, on discovering that his dangling guts were restricting his movement in the duel, wrapped them tidily around the hilt of his sheathed keris. 'Twas the famous (or infamous) keris, Setan Kober.
Despite his humongous wound, Penangsang nearly defeated young Sutowijoyo who was beaten down to the ground, unable to continue the fight.
When Penangsang drew Setan Kober to deliver the coup de grΓ’ce, he inadvertently cut his own intestines which, if we remember, were wrapped around the hilt of the keris. Needless to say, he died from that fatal wound. Sutowijaya survived to become the founder of a powerful kingdom.
Sutowijoyo so admired his opponent's incredible strength, courage and fighting spirit that he ordered his sons and all bridegrooms of his kingdom (they each carried keris on their wedding day) to commemorate, and hopefully be inspired by, Penangsang’s amazing ferocious fighting feat, by adorning their keris-es with stringed jasmines (called melati rinonce) which symbolically represented Penangsang’s intestines. Apparently this Javanese tradition continues to these days.
We Malaysians are also familiar with Taming Sari, a Javanese keris with magical powers that would protect its owner, though it didn’t save the life of the original eponymous owner, a Javanese warrior who was killed by Hang Tuah through deceit, as was Hang Jebat. Tuah appropriated the Taming Sari after killing the owner, went back home to Melaka to one day kill his best friend at the behest of a tyrant.
All hotheads with keris-es, and all died terribly.
If you have read Malaysiakini over the last few days, we obtained mostly news about the UMNO keris, or to be more correct, Hishamuddin Hussein's keris, and how it affected the course of the election results.
DAP, PKR, MCA, Gerakan and even UMNO itself (including Khir Toyo) have all blamed Hishamuddin’s excessive brandishing of the UMNO Youth keris for the BN's tsunamic losses in the last general election.
In Malaysiakini, political analysts Ong Kian Min and Oon Yeoh wrote in Hisham's non-apology apology that tells us, ironically "The sad thing about this incident is that we do not believe Hishammuddin to be a traditional Malay ultra. Like his deputy, Khairy Jamaluddin, he is what you'd call a fake ultra – someone who tries so hard to be an ultra for the sake of drumming up grassroots support."
"His upbringing and demeanor certainly gives no indication of any deep ultra roots. His father, was third prime minister Hussein Onn, who probably had as many non-Malay friends as Malay ones. His grandfather, Onn Jaafar, famously tried (but failed) to open up Umno to non-Malays."
"Furthermore, Hishammuddin's track record as the minister of education has not been a bad one, especially when it comes to giving financial assistance to Chinese and Tamil schools and making it easier for them to relocate. But with one movement of his arm, he undid much of the goodwill that would have come his way from the non-Malay community."
Well, looks like Hishamuddin (or KJ) may not be an Aryo Penangsang, Ken Arok, Hang Tuah or Hang Jebat, but nonetheless he has stabbed his own party and the component partiues in the BN with his UMNO Youth keris, the Panca Warisan.
One and a half years ago I posted The Curse of UMNO's Keris? where I mentioned that Adnan Yaakob, an UMNO supreme council member and also the MB of Pahang, had asked for the symbol of the keris to be removed from the UMNO flag.
He said that the keris is a weapon denoting quarrels, and could have been the cause of the numerous quarrels in the party. In other words it’s bad feng shui for UMNO to have such a nasty weapon as a party symbol.
Adnam stated: "There were 20 major quarrels in UMNO since its formation 60 years ago. The symbol may signify the party’s struggles but it also means quarrels."
He reminded us of the acrimonious internal disputes involving the late Tunku Abdul Rahman (with Tun Razak), Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah (with Dr Mahathir), and of course Dr Mahathir (with Ku Li, Anwar and AAB). Maybe we ought to add in Onn Jaafar (with Tunku). Then there were state leaders such as the late Harun Idris, once touted as a PM, who fell foul of Hussein Onn.
The keris in the UMNO flag is drawn, which, according to belief not just unique to the Malay world, must 'taste' blood. Eastern superstition demands that a weapon such as a keris, dagger or sword must never be drawn unless one intends to 'feed' it with blood.
It is believed that the word keris originated from the old Javanese word ngeris which means 'to stab'.
Now, even Malaysiakini columnist Azly Rahman has in his article After the apology over the keris asked for UMNO to change its quarrelsome and intimidating symbol to one which projects peace.
Azly called for "a symbol of any good and friendly ancient Malay scripture that glorifies the common person and not the ancient rulers would be a good replacement."
He added: "The enquiring mind is more powerful than the weapon of mass deception. A new regime must have this as a foundation. I hope to see Umno's new logo."
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