The Star Has Caught The Mahathir Bug?

Just when we thought that it was ridiculous enough to read Mahathir's illogical suggestion about Muslims should take up 'swearing' instead of suing on The Malaysian Insider, another mainstream newspaper The Star is trying to outdo the ex-premier with another piece of trash reporting.


The newspaper suggested that Penang CM Lim Guan Eng's new hairdo was bad fengshui. Star reported "Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng attracted attention last October when he sported a lighter brown hairdo with bangs but the new-look seemed to coincide with a spate of bad luck for the DAP secretary-general."


It went on to suggest that "Lim went back to his trademark Brylcreem-look and things seem to have improved for him."


Its journalist Joceline Tan was the first columnist to have commented on Lim's new hairdo. It is not clear if the article was contributed by her. What is certain is this is a piece of poor journalism which degrades the level of professional and ethical journalism which we would like to see being upheld by mainstream newspapers in the country.


In a situation where most of the mainstream newspapers are being ridiculed as mouth pieces of their politically linked bosses, The Star should show a good example by dedicating its editorial space to important and serious public discourse on multifarious economic, social and political issues griping this country. 


It should lead the way to promote healthy and intellectual debate and analysis on solutions, policies and good governance which will eventually benefit the country.


I am not defending the Dap leader but I am taking a stand against an abuse of editorial rights of editors and journalists who misuse their position to write and publish useless and sensational articles when many more serious contributors could only dream of being given similar access and space to share their views and opinions on a national newspaper. 


This article is not going to help our plea to get politicians, commentators and observers to stay away from personal attacks, sensationalism and false accusations.


Now, do you still wonder why there are so much crap on the mainstream media? Can we get on to some serious business, please? 

When Can MCA Stop Flogging a Dead Horse?

MCA must have conducted and organized more than a dozen talks, media interviews and dinners on the Hudud issue.


Recently, its president Dr Chua Soi Lek warned the Chinese against supporting Pakatan Rakyat because "It is obvious that PAS is going to be the dominant party" which is committed to implement Islamic and hudud law in this country.


Dr Chua said the two-party system propagated by DAP would turn into a “two-race system”. He added "iIf all the Chinese support the Opposition, there would be a loss in their representation in the Govern­ment.” 


I have a few last reminders and questions for Dr Chua:

1. When can his party stop flogging a dead horse? Ex-MCA strongman, Lee Hwa Beng, was right to note in his Twitter post that why would anyone fear PAS' Islamic ambition or Hudud when the party has expelled the recalcitrant Dr Hasan Ali. The only ones defending him now are UMNO leaders. PAS has demonstrated its commitment towards democracy and the middle path. Its welfare state agenda should be welcomed as a noble initiative to narrow the gap between the haves and haves-not in the country.
2. Chua's continuously using the Hudud issue to threaten and to scare the Chinese into voting for the Barisan Nasional and his party is not going work. Chinese voters know how to do the math. They know that they are the king makers within the competitive Malay political contestation. Can MCA win back voters' confidence by invoking and stroking fear instead of promoting confidence and hope? 
3. If all Chinese voters supported the Opposition, the latter will become the next government with adequate Chinese representation. It appears that the MCA president is now worried about his wager with the community. He has promised not to take up any ministerial positions if MCA losses badly or perform worse than 2008. This has become a possible reality since the party is still lost in transition.
4. Does Chua realize that his flirting with the Hudud and Islamic state issue may eventually backfire on his own party? Since the party has lost the support of more than 70% Chinese voters, it has to defend and secure its Malay support (thanks to the patronage of UMNO) in order to retain most the seats it won in 2008. To the Malay Muslim, Islam is revered and embraced. Hudud is part of the Islamic syariah law and is embraced a part of Muslim life and code of conduct. 

Chua should not pour cold water on the nascent two-coalition system. It is viable and good for the country. MCA should focus on its troubling relationship within the race based Barisan Nasional coalition. Despite a lack of action, the discourse and political language within Pakatan Rakyat gives voters and Malaysians a better hope of true unity and mutual respect for all creed and race. 

As a proponent of two-party system, I sincerely hope MCA find its way and lead a real reform within Barisan Nasional. To do so, it has to be able to moderate, cajole and persuade UMNO to accept certain terms which are beneficial to the nation such as embracing meritocracy, respect all citizens as equals and formulate policies according to needs and not race.

Mind Your Language & Mindef

The Star has done a fabulous job for highlighting amusing English translation on several government websites. Mindef has responded by blaming it on the Google Translate rather than the ineptness and sloppiness of its own web administrators and content writers.


The ministry's website had published translations such as “clothes that poke eye”, a literal translation of pakaian yang menjolok mata, which in actual fact means revealing clothes in Bahasa Malaysia.


Others included “collared shirts and tight Malay civet berbutang three”, which, in Malay, is berkolar baju Melayu cekak musang berbutang tiga.


Another was the brief summary of the ministry's history on the website, which read: “After the withdrawal of British army, the Malaysian Government take drastic measures to increase the level of any national security threat”.


Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should learn quickly that not everything can be 'automated'. Language is not one of them. The minister should review his ministry's recruitment process and employ those who are really proficient in the English language or the very least employ those who can show some initiative to do any task right.


Yes, this is very embarrassing not only to Mindef but also to the government. 

Anwar Ibrahim's Acquittal and Politics in Malaysia

This is my first blog post since my year end holiday break. I was interviewed by both our local media and the Australian radio network on the Anwar's case and acquittal. It was a pleasant surprise for all of us. I had expected him to be found guilty but released on bail pending an appeal.

However, I did maintain in my radio interview (an hour before the verdict) that Anwar should be acquitted if the case is purely judged on the content and reliability of evidence tendered by the complainant and the prosecution.

As a Malaysian, we should take cognizance of this sodomy saga as a lesson for the nation. I was asked if the ruling regime is set to restore its image as pro-reform with the acquittal. I said there are better ways to strengthen its reform agenda and credentials rather than doing it this way.

Anwar's sodomy trail II was marred with too many political conspiracy and interference from the start. The trial process was tainted by possible political manipulation and interference. The 'victim's' choice of action was too suspicious. If it was a matter of personal honour, the alleged victim would have gone straight to the police and not running to the Prime Minister!

I hope that the ruling regime, Barisan Nasional, has learned a painful lesson too for being too eager to cast a destruction on Anwar Ibrahim. It is obvious that the verdict did nothing to benefit the coalition. It is not overboard to say that Barisan's image has been further tarnished and soiled by Saiful, the complainant.

As a voter, I sincerely hope the two coalitions shall now focus their competition on pure policy issues and good governance. I know this is a tall order and a miracle if it happens. But miracle can happen and it was proven today at the Anwar's sodomy trial.

It is time for whoever aspire to govern and lead the country to focus on what they can do for the people and not washing dirty linen in the public.

However, I expect personal attacks to continue because there are still a number of cases which have not found any viable closure yet and they are as hot and lucid as this one.

God help Malaysians!

Where's the Art Scene? In Malaysia, Politics is Everything!

A friend, an expatriate, who has been living in Kuala Lumpur for the past two years lamented to me that there's hardly any art scene in Malaysia. She compared her stay in Beijing to Kuala Lumpur. She said you either loathe or love Beijing but at least there's a sign of progress and cultural development.

For a note, Beijing is fast becoming Asia's cultural city and a hub for International Chinese music and film production. There's a growing number of International artistes shifting their base from Taipei or Hong Kong to Beijing.

I told her in Kuala Lumpur, politics is everything. You can find drama, music, sitcom, stand-up comedy, X rated and thriller in Malaysian politics.

Why? Remember the Quran swearing tendency whenever politicians are caught in personal controversies? Malaysians surely believe more in Heaven intervention than facts. How to find out if the Malaysian government had taken any financial aid from World Bank? Go swear using a Quran...

How to confirm if someone had been sodomized? Go swear using a Quran...

Hopefully a convicted killer or rapist would not demand for the same method to prove his innocence. If only God can swear back. However, we trust His quiet wisdom and patience.

Remember the Datuk T sex video scandal? By the way, it does involve Quran swearing too. Sex and politics has caught major headlines for Malaysia worldwide. The gala is coming on the 9th January 2012. No wonder another prestigious event, the Anugerah Industri Muzik, is facing a bleak future and a sagging rating.

Malaysians have cleverly used music to spice up their politics too. Remember the catchy tune, 'Jom Ubah!"? Or Namewee's crude and cynical rap songs? Or those famous Malaysian Chinese artistes and sexy 'getai' girls performing at various MCA & SUPP political dinners and talks?

Dap has introduced their own version of stand-up comedy too featuring Dr Hew Kuan Yew, Nga Kor Ming and Jeff Ooi.

The list goes on and on...Gerakan's Tan Keng Liang's turning a guinea pig for 1Malaysia chocolate milk shake was streamed live on the Internet, allegations concerning Birkin bags and USD24 million diamond ring to the more serious cases of murder, brutality, homicide and a host of corruption scandals.

There's no where in the world where there's a political scene like Malaysia.

Looking for an art scene? There's no need to look very far. Just search from the Internet and you can find doctored pictures of politicians in various compromising positions and situations. Who said Malaysians are not artistic?

Too bad, I know what my Canadian friend is looking for but here our politics is both art and amusement.

Fixation Over Pakatan's Cracks is Unwise for Barisan Nasional

PM Najib said the Opposition coalition is forged through the members hatred for Barisan Nasional. He predicted such coalition is not sustainable. He is partly accurate. Dap, PKR and PAS are cooperating to seize the federal government from Barisan Nasional.

The aim of defeating Barisan Nasional is strong enough for the three major parties to put aside their party's agenda for a moment. The fact that the newly minted coalition has achieved very little in integrating their political platforms is going to be a flash point for the parties should they succeed in capturing Putrajaya in the next general elections.

The process of forming a government and a new cabinet is expected to take some time because it is obvious that they have not reached an agreement on even the simplest structure of governance. However, it may not be a bad strategy for the three political parties to set aside some of these fundamental issues until they have really captured the federal government.

Early disagreements over matters such as number of cabinet seats, portfolio, present race and religious centric policies, socio-economic policies, governance structure etc. may be too premature and counter productive to the fragile coalition.

However, it is important for PM Najib to note that their 'hatred' for Barisan Nasional, particularly UMNO, is a strong catalyst for the Opposition parties to work together too. This is not the first time the Opposition parties had collaborated with the aim of challenging the hegemony of the ruling regime. They had tried numerous times since 1969. The seed for a two coalition system had borne fruits only in 2008.

One of the most important factors which will dent PM Najib, MCA, Gerakan, MIC and A Jalil Hamid's hope to see the Opposition pact breaking apart is the voters' sentiment and anger towards Barisan Nasional and UMNO. Pakatan is a platform forged by the voters to teach the ruling coalition a lesson. Its electoral success is beyond the dictate of any Pakatan leaders or parties.

The desire for change was people driven. The change was not about making Anwar Ibrahim the next prime minister. It was not about making Dap the head of a coalition government in Penang. The change was moved by the people's desire to see a better future for Malaysia.

Hence, without fixing the wrongdoings of the ruling regime, it is pointless to harp on the fragility of the Opposition coalition. The biggest enemy for Barisan Nasional lies within the coalition. The coalition cannot get away with an easy two-thirds parliamentary majority without addressing some crucial issues facing the country such as corruption, lack of financial prudence, mediocre economic growth, middle income trap, compromised public institutions, rising inflation and cost of living et cetera.

This is why I said that PM Najib is only half accurate. Pakatan is not going to break apart before the 13th general elections. Even if the coalition does break apart, voters are not going to automatically support the Barisan Nasional. In any democratic elections, Opposition parties are here to stay. In this case, their main objective to unseat the Barisan Nasional is a good enough reason to hold the pact together, for now.

It is pointless for some leaders of MCA and Gerakan to continue harping on Hudud or the spat between two Indian leaders in Dap because their senseless statements and allegations are going to expose a lack of political acumen and political capital to reverse the fortune of their respective party's fading support.

MCA and Gerakan should be bold enough to admit that the Barisan Nasional formula needs major revamp. Ex-PM Abdullah Badawi had hinted at the formation of a Barisan Nasional council and convention to address the coalition weaknesses and sadly it never materialized.

Hopefully, another wake up call at the 13th general elections will help sink in the message that Barisan Nasional is in need of a major overhaul.

Barisan Nasional and its hired bloggers should not take this criticism negatively. As a proponent of two-coalition system, I do not want to see a hegemonic coalition being replaced by another of the same kind. We should encourage healthy a competition between the two coalitions.

Clarification: I am NOT "Prof Khoo Kay Peng"

I have found many blogs posted an article entitled "Prof Khoo Kay Peng Speaks Out on What is Truly 1Malaysia". I found the same article on Malaysia Today too. Since the portal has published a number of my articles and commentaries (often linking back to my blog, Straight Talk), I find it necessary to make a clarification.

I would like to clarify that I am not Prof Khoo Kay Peng and I am not the author of the article.

Youth Dilemma: Employment & Remuneration

Jobstreet.com reported that bout half of bachelor degree holders in Malaysia are a disappointed lot as they are not getting the pay they expected.


The survey found that  these graduates typically expect salaries between RM1,800 to RM2,100 (73 percent), but only 54 percent would have their expectations met. Another 35 percent's pay was below RM1,800.


Meanwhile, 37 percent of diploma holders's salaries were lower than RM1,200, "far below their expected salary level" that is typically between RM1,200 and RM1,800 (67 percent of respondents).


The entry point salary level for degree holders has remained stagnant since 1997. It is shocking to note that cost of living has doubled, if not tripled, during the same period. The number of tertiary institutions has grown significantly but we are merely churning out new generations educated poor. 

The same report mentioned that respondents needed RM700 to make ends meet. These ends must be really short ones! Rental rates in certain areas in Klang Valley have ballooned to almost RM500 per room per month. 

Coupled with cost of transportation, food and basic amenities such as health care and basic household products, it means that those who are earning less than RM1800 a month do not have anything extra for contingency. It is almost unimaginable how those who are earning less than RM1000 are going to survive in the city. 

What has gone wrong? There are several reasons:

1. Malaysia's economy continues to compete on cost and not knowledge, ideas and innovation

2. A lot of jobs are being created but quality ones are far too few to accommodate knowledge workers. A lack of appreciation for good ideas, knowledge and soft skills means employers are reluctant to pay any premium for good knowledge workers

3. There is a general sense of inferiority of local graduates to an extend that employers do not rate them highly. Poor English proficiency and communication skills have often being cited as a major setback for local graduates. Both private and public education systems are either too commercially driven or lackluster.

4. Unregulated foreign/migrant workers are the main obstacle for Malaysia to break the low income barrier. I find it both tragic and sad to find front line industries hiring lowly skilled and educated foreign workers to serve clients and customers. The government has to regulate foreign workers before the situation gets any worse. They should study how Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Australia regulate foreign workers. There are many examples in the world to help put the interest of local employees above that of foreign workers.

The government has promised to help raise income level to more than USD15,000 by 2015 through its various ETP programmes. Defacto EPU Minister Mustapha Mohamad had merely made a statement but we are still awaiting his plan and strategy to ensure that Malaysia is able to double its income in next 3 years. It takes a miracle to achieve this goal if the government continues to do nothing but just paying lip service to its aim.

A few investors at an investment seminar lamented that Malaysian politicians wake up every morning thinking only about power grab and electoral victory. This is the most damaging observation about our country. 

It does not help when one coalition is asking for absolute majority to maintain status quo and the other one is asking for more time to prove themselves. Five years is what a modern electoral democracy can give any government to prove their worth. Not another 50 years, 20 years or 15 years. 

The more pertinent question is what will Malaysia become in the next 3-5 years under the prevailing condition?