Straight Talk

The Star Has Caught The Mahathir Bug?

2012-01-13T00:26:00.003+08:00

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?

2012-01-10T18:07:00.001+08:00

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:

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.
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?
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.
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

2012-01-10T17:37:00.003+08:00

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

2012-01-09T14:43:00.001+08:00

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!

2011-12-19T15:01:00.000+08:00

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

2011-12-18T18:52:00.000+08:00

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"

2011-12-17T13:09:00.000+08:00

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

2011-12-16T12:37:00.000+08:00

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?

Dap's Extended Honeymoon in Penang

2011-12-14T14:49:00.000+08:00

Susan Loone of Malaysiakini was right to note that Dap had lost an opportunity to address its plan and blueprint for Penang during the party's recently concluded state annual conference. Dap leadership and members should have used the opportunity to discuss some crucial state centred issues such as strategy to mitigate looming economic slowdown, job creation, curbing inflation, improving local authority services and enhance public transport.

Prior to the 2008 general election, the party was at the forefront in promoting and advocating local council election. What has happened to the pledge? Did the party leadership do anything substantial to prepare the state for local council elections? Leaders who were at the forefront of the campaign such as Sec-Gen Lim Guan Eng, MP Liew Chin Tong and others should help explain why the pledge was not being fulfilled.

A number of us who had helped in the drafting of the Penang Development Blueprint would like to know the status of the report. Surely Dap does not need to take 4 years to come out with its own socio-economic development blueprint for Penang.

For voting in a new government, surely we have the right to know how the new government intends to lead us differently from the past ineffective Gerakan leadership under Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Nevertheless, the Dap state leadership has done well to reduce deficit and strengthened the financial position of the state. It had introduced several measures to reduce the use of plastic bags, no car day for a particular stretch in the city, provided RM100 for elderly citizens and others.

Dap has done remarkably well to sustain the support of the Chinese voters, however the party must take cognizance of a potential erosion in non-Chinese support. Two main problems already emerged among the Malay voters. First, a lack of Malay centric agenda to help uplift their social and economic status will cause some Malay voters to swing their support back to a Malay patronage leadership under Gerakan or MCA. Second, rapid private housing development on the Penang island, higher inflation and cost of living and a lack of job opportunities are pushing a lot of Malays to the edge of the island.

Lim Guan Eng's government has been to overly focused on the island as an engine of growth for Penang. His administration had proposed a few initiatives such as sPICE, education hub and a theme park - all centred on the island. Both the education hub and theme park are supposed to be located at Balik Pulau, almost the last bastion of Malay hinterland on the island.

A lack of emphasis on the mainland is going to create a distortion of prices and cost of living between the two zones - Penang Island and Seberang Prai - which are separated by just a bridge less than 20KM.

There are several issues confronting Dap and Lim in the immediate term:
1. A lack of new socio-economic model for Penang
2. Job creation and retention/attraction of young & skilled workers to work in Penang
3. Escalating housing prices and marginalization of the poor/urban lowly paid workers
4. Losing Malay support due to a lack of Malay agenda (not NEP but true capacity building programme)
5. Institutionalization and decentralization of power from the CM office by hiring the right talents to assist the government on its programmes and projects
6. Revitalizing George Town
7. World Heritage City strategy and plan for sustainable development, restoration and conservation

Dap has done very well on a number of areas but it may still fall short of evaluation if the party leadership does not start to take on bigger issues and provide a steady leadership. We know that the party can stand up against UMNO and it's extreme tendencies but this cannot be the sole selling point.

The party has set up a high-powered panel to resolve the spat between Ramasamy and Karpal Singh, we hope the party will set up a high powered panel to address Penang's position amidst the weakening global economic climate in 2012.

Tan Keng Liang's Act of Studipity

2011-12-11T19:53:00.001+08:00

Some selfless acts, e.g. Mother Theresa's act of love and sacrifice to uplift thousands of kids from the streets, danger and hunger are heroic and should be repeated and retold so that our society will remember, appreciate and emulate them.

Some acts and their actors should be condemned as selfish, stupid, gullible and irresponsible. Unfortunately, Gerakan Tan Keng Liang's action today belonged to the second category.

Kedah Gerakan youth chief Tan Keng Liang drank a mug of Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M) chocolate malt after Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua agreed to donate RM1,000 to charity for the stunt.

Tan (right) who had participated in a debate at the Pusat Rakyat in Bangsar immediately whipped a mug of chocolate malt which he had purchased from a KR1M outlet in Alor Setar for RM4.80, after the event concluded.

He said this was to put an end to the myth that the quality of KR1M products were inferior.

What is Tan trying to prove by gulping down a mug of chocolate malt he purchased from a KR1M? Is this a scientific way of proving that the product is really safe and nutritious enough to be consumed by children without harming their health later?

If the product is indeed harmful and lacked the basic nutritional content, can a single mug drank by Tan be able to bring out any indisputable outcome?

Is Tan a human scientific apparatus? Or purely an egoistic and arrogant politician who is bend to defend any weakness or discrepancy from his party and coalition.

His action is unbecoming of a new generation of Gerakan leaders who are supposed to renew voters' faith in them for being pragmatic, wise and reasonable.

Finally, is Tan going to be personally responsible for any death or sickness arising from consuming the product in the future?

As a responsible leader, he should recommend an independent test to verify the safety of the product and not drag politics into consumerism and health.

If Tan wants to prove his libido, he should just stand against Tony Pua in Petaling Jaya Utara and find out who is going to emerge victorious.

Hudud & MCA's Lost in Transition

2011-12-11T19:11:00.001+08:00

MCA President Chua Soi Lek has challenged Dap's Lim Guan Eng to debate on Hudud. The Malaysian Muslim Youth Movement has warned MCA president Chua Soi Lek against challenging DAP secretary-general.

MCA's insistence to hype up the issue of Hudud has indicated that the party has very limited option and political arsenal to use against it's nemesis. This is not a very positive sign for the party. Under the leadership of Chua, the party has achieved internal stability but the same cannot be said of the party's political fortune.

By harping on the Hudud issue, MCA risks not only continuous alienation from the Chinese voters but also backlash from Muslim leaders and groups such as Abim, Perkasa and some crucial conservative Muslim-Malay voters. Instead of scaring Chinese voters away from supporting the very dominant Dap, the party might find the double edged sword cutting deep on it's side.

MCA's lack of strategy is symptomatic of a lack of political ideas and depth within the party's leadership. Chua may be a respected leader within his party but his leadership has very little to show in it's ability to attract young talents into his party.

A party insider lamented that the party is recycling old leaders who are way past their political relevance in states such as Perak, Penang and Selangor/Klang Valley. He said that leaders who were not made candidates in the last elections are now back in favour due to lack of choice and willing candidates.

Such perception does not augur well for the party. Without seriously addressing issues that are important to the voters, there is little hope for MCA's revival and eventual electoral triumph. MCA's internal stability should not be misconstrued as the revival of the party's support base among the voters especially in urban constituencies.

MCA must find it's strength through the right political positioning. It's main weakness and severest criticism has been it's inability to punch beyond it's weight within the Barisan Nasional government. The party has very little influence over policy making.

MCA cannot and should not seek solace in Hudud or Dap's cosy relationship with Pas in Pakatan. Dap had severed it's relationship with Pas post 1999 general elections when the Hudud issue was effectively capitalized by MCA and Gerakan to scare away Chinese voters from supporting the party.

It is unlikely going to work again in the 2012 general elections.

The key issue is UMNO's over dominance and a lack of ability to institute and carry out real reform to curb several crucial and acute political and structural discrepancies in the political, social and economic structures.

MCA must find a unique position within this new dynamic and proved to the voters that it can use it's political leverage against UMNO when required to push for more progressive policies and real reforms.

So far, there is very little to suggest that the party leadership understand this need. The party has chosen to put all eggs into the Hudud basket which may yield zero results/benefit to the party.

For immediate action to stop the slip, the party should stand accountable for it's leaders' involvement in the PKFZ fiasco. It should initiate a dialogue with UMNO on how to balance the latter's overzealous race affirmative position against the need to push for a real 1Malaysia and Bangsa Malaysia.

MCA should provide a strong leadership in Barisan's economic policy and direction like the party used to do during the early inception of Alliance. It's role in this area is even more pronounce in the current global economic climate and amidst Malaysia's losing economic competitiveness and a sense of direction.

MCA must prove to the voters that it has an important role to play in an effective two coalition system.

The party must find it's bearing quickly or risk being totally decimated in the next general elections.

Ridhuan Tee, Hudud & Malaysia's Academic Integrity

2011-10-27T13:27:00.001+08:00

The only way to implement the Islamic hudud law is by implementing it "by force", said Malaysian National Defence University lecturer Ridhuan Tee Abdullah said today.

"To implement Islamic law and to educate non-Muslims (on Islam) can only be done by force," the associate professor told a forum entitled 'Hudud: Its dilemma and implementation' organised by Malay-language daily Sinar Harian in Shah Alam.

Qualifying his assertion, Ridhuan (right) said this is because the "negative attitude" of non-Muslims towards Islamic law makes it unlikely that they will voluntarily accept its implementation.

He related his own experience as being an ethnic Chinese from a staunchly Chinese family and observations and studies of non-Muslims and their perception of Malaysia's federal religion.

Ridhuan is again trying to use his "experience being an ethnic Chinese" to qualify and justify his observation on the reaction and reception of the community towards ethnic politics and Islam.

First, what does it means by being a 'staunch Chinese'? As an ethnic Chinese myself, I find it difficult to explain what is it like being a 'staunch Chinese'.

Being Chinese is not a religion or a cult. The community is never known for it's uniformity or homogeneity. That's why Ridhuan and millions of other ethnic Chinese had embraced Islam, Christianity and other religions.

Moreover, there is little correlation between being a 'staunch Chinese' and being receptive to Hudud law. Hudud law is conceived from Islamic value system and religious ethical code. This is the main reason why non-Muslim are skeptical about accepting something which is alien to their own value system. Similarly, Muslim being a minority in other societies should not be forced to follow any other religious law and conduct too.

Logic should explain the apprehension especially when Hudud has a clear religious connotation and it's implementation in a religiously and ethnically diverse society is going to cause discomfort and distrust.

Hudud has a bad image in modern jurisprudence and justice system. It's methods of punishment e.g. stoning to death, cutting hands, decapitating etc. have been widely publicized and depicted as gory, uncivilized and brutal.

In an age where the world is trying to get rid of death penalty completely, it is difficult to see how hudud can fit into the modern justice system unless there are efforts to show that the Islamic law is consistent with modern jurisprudence and fairness.

Non-Muslim is not the main obstacle or problem. Ridhuan mentioned the use of force. This is precisely the problem. The fact that Ridhuan suggested the use of force proved that he is not a suitable spokesman for Islam. The use of force is going to give Islam and Hudud a bad name.

He should propose a national referendum on the implementation of Hudud. He should find out what the Malay Muslim think of Hudud too.

He was wrong to suggest that the Chinese community would have preferred a corrupt Umno to a holy Pas which is dead set to implement the Hudud law. His anology reflects a serious problem in Malaysia which an academic like himself should have contributed to help us find a remedy.

It merely means there is a serious lack of choice in the Malay leadership. Give us a good, responsible, professional, progressive and democratic third force and find out which one we would prefer.

Ridhuan's attempt to use his own personal experience and a few non-authoritative studies to justify the use of force to push through the implementation of Hudud is most unfortunate and a serious challenge to the academic integrity of the Defence University and his own credential.

He should first answer this question, "what is wrong with Malaysia's civil law?"

Islam is not the problem but the practitioners and so-called spokespersons of the religion are sending out too many mixed signals which jeopardized our willingness to engage with them and to understand the religion.

Malicious Attack on Guan Eng's Son has Become an International Shame for Malaysia

2011-10-24T15:09:00.000+08:00

Anya Ann Corke, a young woman whose photograph had been used to implicate the son of Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in an alleged molestation case is an unfortunate victim of dirty politicking by unscrupulous parties.

Anya, a one-time Hong Kong chess champion who is now studying in the US, was alleged by pro-Umno bloggers to have been molested by Guan Eng’s teenage son, and was the reason for his transfer from the SMK Heng Ee school.

Guan Eng had also paid Anya’s parents some RM200,000 to cover up the purported scandal, they alleged.

Anya, Guan Eng and the principal of SMK Heng Ee have all denied the incident ever happened, with the DAP secretary-general last Wednesday lashing out at those trying to destroy him
politically by wrecking his teenage son's life with "morally despicable and barbaric" lies.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, on the other hand, has continued to apply pressure on Guan Eng. Muhyiddin on Saturday said Lim's denial that his son had done anything wrong was "not enough" and that Lim should ask the police to investigate.

It is both silly and frustrating see a conspiracy born out of unscrupulous and irresponsible allegations cooked up by a few bloggers who were known not for their ideas and wisdom but for being spiteful and morally corrupted to gain so much attention and support from politicians and media organisations of the same class.

Guan Eng's son is not the only victim here. Anya, a chess prodigy, has been subjected to unfair and unwarranted publicity glare for some silly Made-in-Malaysia stupidity and low-class allegations.

Most baffling is the involvement of politicians such as Deputy PM Muhyiddin, Umno Youth head Khairy Jamaluddin and others whom, instead of rubbishing the allegations, had tried to tarnish the two young victims of this saga.

How would Malaysia be perceived by outsiders? Surely not a few notches better than some of the most outrageous autocratic regimes in the world.

Where else in the world where a deputy PM is found indulging in a brainless and unscrupulous conspiracy involving two teenagers?

Why are those bloggers still enjoyed reverence from Umno leadership? This is surely not helping PM Najib's new image and public relations tune up.

UiTM Lofty Target to Create Nobel Prize Winner

2011-10-19T23:35:00.001+08:00

Vice-chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar said Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is aiming to produce the first Malay to win the Nobel Prize, through guidance and advice from renowned Pakistani scientist Prof Dr Atta-ur-Rahman.

I am trying to understand and digest Dr Sahol's enthusiasm and huge ambition. Perhaps, he was inspired by Steve Jobs to dream big and aim for the impossible. Unfortunately, Dr Atta's advice and guidance alone is not going to help UiTM achieve it's aim anytime soon.

Dr Sahol said the university is unique and has the possibility to achieve the target. For UiTM and the country's own good, we certainly hope so. However, upgrading the university's centre of excellence and R&D in scientific technology alone is not going to help much.

The university needs to embrace diversity, open up to a world's of knowledge, attract world-class researchers of all races and creed and practice meritocracy and real innovation. Universities which had produced Nobel Prize winners have had decades if not centuries of R&D background.

A baby step which Dr Sahol should take is to take UiTM in the league of Top 400 universities in the world. This would be a more measurable and realistic target.

Where's ex-Tony Blair's PR Team?

2011-10-19T00:39:00.000+08:00

Why pay Tony Blair's PR Team millions of RM to polish up the administration image when it can just send a notice to the likes of Khairy Jamaluddin to shut up?

Khairy Jamaluddin suggested today there was nothing wrong with his remarks about allegations involving Lim Guan Eng’s teenage son, and called his critics hypocrites for pointing out that he was perpetrating lies about a member of a political rival’s family.

Responding via his Twitter account to the criticisms, the Umno Youth chief said Barisan Nasional (BN) politicians and their families had been on the receiving end of even worse insults from the Opposition in the last.

The sorry part is Khairy is supposed to be one of the smartest leaders in Umno. This episode has proven that Khairy may be book smart but not street smart. His statement is going to win Lim Guan Eng and his family more sympathy.

A tit for a tat here is going to cause Khairy and his party a lost of respect from the middle ground whom to their horror may find that their young children may not be free and safe from the ugly side of politicking in Malaysia.

Lim's young son has been dragged into Khairy's political game despite being just 16 years old. Leave the young man alone. He is only in his puberty.

Khairy should be reminded of a picture of him holding a can of beer circulating around on the Internet. It hurts. I did not think it was big deal. So what if even Khairy were to drink a bit. At least he was not a hypocrite.

Those high fliers who were recently hired into the PM's office as his PR backbone should learn the art of using stick and carrot to maintain decorum in the party. Otherwise months of solid PR work can be destroyed by a minute of 'shiok' statement like one just made by Khairy against Lim's young son.

Koh Tsu Koon, Gerakan & The Wrong Way Forward

2011-10-18T21:41:00.002+08:00

Most Gerakan members would agree that Koh Tsu Koon is not speaking up enough. Those who know Koh are not surprised. As a leader and a person, Koh is very conscious of his own image and perception. He wants to be on the good book of everyone; political comrades, friends, allies and even foes.

Between standing up for something righteous and being perceived as a someone agreeable, Koh would have chosen the latter without a second thought. In short, Koh would have been a good PR man. He was used as a PR man for Gerakan in Penang and often praised sky high by ex-president Dr Lim Keng Yaik as a clean, smart and impeccable leader.

Why is Koh now being blamed for almost everything in the party? Party members and leaders should know that it is not Koh's DNA to fight back like a hungry leopard. He is simply no match for Dap supremo Lim Guan Eng in this department. Koh is a good asset when everything is well and rosy. His personality and education background would glow in such a situation.

But Koh is not an antidote to the party's current political woes. They need to get the right leader to lead them at the right time. Some observers had put it aptly, Gerakan cannot expect their fate to change in a blink by just replacing their "mild, meek and weak" leader.

Koh is just buying time by announcing that he is prepared to sacrifice himself for the party. Koh is not someone who dream big and act crazy. Koh's overly risk averse leadership is suitable for a bureaucrat but not an opposition leader.

To become an effective one and give Lim Guan Eng a run for his money, Koh would have to obtain the right mindset by immersing himself into the role of an opposition leader in Penang. But he is too comfortable in Putrajaya, enjoying the perks and limelight as a minister in the Prime Minister's department. How can the party expect Koh to speak the lingo of an opposition if he is still a minister. Koh's good fortune is Gerakan's misery because the party is clueless once there is no direction from a strong and authoritative leadership.

The party might have missed the old Lim's crude joke, authoritative or parochial leadership and his stern demeanor but there is nothing they can do to bring back the same era. The era of personality politics is over. The party cannot depend on just a leader to bring them political glory.

They can only stop the slide by being truthful and sincere with their political struggle. They should start by answering a very simple question; what do they do hope to achieve in politics? Since 2008, what has the party done to stay relevant and connected with the new political paradigm?

Hence, do not expect Koh to speak out and cry his lung out to save the party. I believe Koh would want to do so after the last annual conference but making noise or slamming Umno alone will not help the party redeem it's lost support. It is outdated and outmoded. They should have done that pre-2008.

Now, the electorates want solutions and real actions. No more rhetoric and cheap political stunts. What can Gerakan do to tame the religious and racial extremism in the current political climate? What can the party do to address Malaysia's socio-economic woes? What can the party contribute to policy making?

It is best for Gerakan to realize that a gungho and outspoken Koh is not the right way forward. The right way forward is for the party to show more backbone in a host of issues and policies. Let's start with the continuation of racial policy in whatever guises and stemming corruption.

Why pick a bone with Koh Tsu Koon? He is neither a black sheep nor a superhero for the party. He is just a politician who is way past his prime time. Can Gerakan attract young, smart and visionary leaders like it used to?

Ghost from the Past, When can Malaysia Move Forward?

2011-09-29T01:31:00.000+08:00

The fear of Islamization cost DAP strongmen their parliamentary seats in 1999. Today, the same ghost is back haunting the coalition but at a wrong time!

It is important for Pas to understand, comprehend and adapt their political struggle with the current political climate worldwide especially in the Muslim world. Jasmine revolution in the Middle East and Africa did happen not because there wasn't enough Islamic/Hudud laws implemented but partly due to a desire of their people, especially the youths, to enjoy more freedom and personal liberty.

I had met a group of Iranian students and young activists in Portugal in 2009, almost six months before the Iranian uprising. Like any other youths, they had wanted more freedom to enjoy their fashion, music, entertainment and lifestyle. Unfortunately, restrictions from the regime had pushed most of the youth activities underground.

The revolt and uprising in the Middle East was motivated by their people's desire for freedom, good governance, access to opportunities and democracy.

There is a fear that some Muslim leaders in this country do not understand what the youths really wanted. By being too pushy, history is bound to repeat itself.

It is not the time for leaders to quarrel over Hudud. It would have been more productive for politicians to spend hours discussion ways and solutions to ensure our Malaysian economy does not slip into recession, create more jobs for the people, control rising inflation and cost of living, curbing corruption, eradicating racism, stop the abuse of migrants for vote and other unproductive and unnecessary bickering among politicians.

In the next elections, we have a chance to pick those who are interested to serve and govern well and kick out the Mullah wannabees, race champions, crooked politicians and those wasting too much time on race and religion but little else on governance and policy making.

Character Assassinations in Politics - Stop the Madness!

2011-09-18T02:07:00.001+08:00

Malaysian politics has been plagued with endless cases of political assassination. Most of the top leaders from both sides had been tarnished with sensational personal controversies. Some of them could have provided movie producers with valuable materials to produce blockbusters.

From PM Najib, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Guan Eng, Mat Sabu to Dr Ng Yen Yen, these leaders had suffered personal attacks and allegations which are potential hazardous to their career and credibility.

We have to put a stop to senseless character assassination. We have had enough of someone's personal life. Our yardstick to measure the usefulness of a political leader should be his/her ability to deliver good governance and service to the people.

Our fixation over controversies, personal attacks and mere allegations are going to distort our attention on the real issues. We want competing politicians to focus on delivering good policies and solutions to the multifarious issues plaguing Malaysia. We should start with the economy, as Jahabar Sadiq rightly put it in his short view.

Last Thursday, another leader Dr Ng Yen Yen got her redemption and justice. This is not a good season for Barisan leaders. Allegations made against opposition leaders are more difficult to stick while Barisan leaders are often on the receiving end when they were made against them. Perhaps, this should send a signal to those who are apt to employ the same strategy on opposition politicians especially Anwar Ibrahim and Mat Sabu to call an end to their sexual allegations game.

In Ng's case, a top advertising director Austen Zecha, a director of TBWA-ISC Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Integrated Strategic Communications Sdn Bhd (ISC), had during an interview with radio station Business FM89.9 on March 18 this year, had alleged that ISC had refused renewal of an advertising contract because the minister, through her agent, had solicited a bribe in respect of it implied that she was dishonest, corrupt and unfit for public office as well as guilty of abusing her power and position as the tourism minister to make a profit for herself.

Zecha found out later, "The fact of the matter is that I have found out since my BFM interview of 18^th March 2011 that the person who claimed to be representing the Minister’s interest in seeking half of the new contract’s income in return for ISC clinching its fifth successive year three year contract is, in fact, not who that person claimed to be. In short, there is no valid connection between that person and the Minister. As such, I therefore apologise for having reacted the way I did when there was no basis to conclude that that person was acting on the Minister’s behalf concerning ISC’s recent tender for Tourism Malaysia’s current three year contract."

"In this regard, I am pleased to announce that Dato’ Seri Dr. Ng Yen Yen has conducted herself honourably in so far as this matter is concerned and has graciously accepted my offer to make amends and apologise for my conduct."- (Zecha's apology letter and the Minister statement was sent to Straight Talk by the minister's assistant).

Dr Ng Yen Yen had graciously accepted the apology but had this to say: "Now that the truth has been told, I would like to move forward and not dwell on the irreparable damage that was caused by the defamatory remarks made."

Yes, the damage is irreparable if you are a Barisan leader. Some cynics had claimed that Zecha was paid to make the apology. I personally do not think that this is a fair assumption.

We should treat all allegations and character assassinations fairly and rightly - with a pinch of salt - unless any solid evidence is being tendered.

We must move away from treating politics like a soap opera. It is time to get serious because Malaysia's problems need a political solution. We need matured and smart politicians to make them.

Zainal Kling: A Spin Doctor Gone Awry

2011-09-11T20:26:00.001+08:00

National Professor's Council member Zainal Kling council said that the movement, which included the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), are “traitors” as they had allegedly wanted to form a republic and to unseat Malay rulers.

He alleged that these communists' goal was not to liberate Malaya from British rule, which had recognised the role of the Malay rulers, but to establish a communist country. He added that “all Malay nationalists” had also “joined forces, cooperated and abetted with communist fighters” to establish a republic.

"It is because of this that we cannot accept their struggle as (the communists) wanted to wrest power in a manner which was not legitimate,” he said.

Zainal's allegations are serious and they must be scrutinized to avoid unscrupulous distortion of our nation's history. As an ardent student of history, I hope Zainal's allegations were not driven by any political or personal interest.

He had made some serious allegations:

Malaysia was never colonised, only Malacca, Penang and Singapore.
British recognized the role of Malay rulers
All Malay nationalists had joined forces, cooperated and abetted with communist fighters to establish a republic

Zainal's allegations may put the Malay rulers in an embarrassing position. First, why were the British allowed almost total control over the economy and raw materials of the nation if this country was never colonised?

In fact, the post-colonial New Economic Policy was introduced to address the economic imbalances caused by the British colonial rule. One of its objectives was to eradicate identification of economic function to race.

If the Malay states were never colonised, then the Malay rulers should be held accountable and answerable for the socio-economic neglect and discrimination of the Malay community. Why make Chinese the bogeymen of Malay's economic distress?

If Zainal is right, the British were the good guys because they recognised and supported the Malay rulers' supremacy. Umno, which was established by a number of Malay nationalists, must be the bad guys because "they had collaborated with communist fighters to establish a republic".

Malay nationalists opposition to the Malayan Union was another testimony of their struggle against the colonial power and to defend the special position of their community.

If Zainal's allegations were driven by his desire to help Umno nail Mat Sabu, he has opened up another controversy for the party. Worse, his statement was made in Putrajaya signalled his political intention.

If Zainal is right, we should only celebrate Independence Day in Malacca and Penang. We should pull out our membership from the Commonwealth and disband Umno.

If not, Zainal's professorship must be reassessed to ensure that he fits the intellectual requirement of the title.

It is time for the Barisan government to employ and engage the right people.

It is the present government and it has all necessary resources to hire the best and to provide the best governance to the people. The lost of popularity of the Prime Minister and his administration is self inflicted.

Why spend millions and get pseudo intellectuals who feed on peanuts?

What had happened to some PhD holders in the establishment? One is trying to push the blame of Bersih 2.0's mismanagement to the police and this one has unwittingly turning Malay nationalists into traitors.

Bersih 2.0: Is Koh Tsu Koon an Apologist?

2011-09-11T14:20:00.002+08:00

Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon Koon (picture), a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, said measures taken by the police during the rally had given the public the “impression” that the government was “too restrictive”, and that this was not true.

"Certain announcements, measures by the police, for example, they have given the people the impression that we (the government) were too restrictive. When the PM offered a stadium and they chose Stadium Merdeka, police said no for whatever reasons.

I am surprised it has taken Koh, a minister in the PM's department, to come out with the truth. The truth to him is the government did not object to the use of Stadium Merdeka but the police did. It was obvious both PM Najib Razak and Minister Rais Yatim had objected to the use of stadiums in Kuala Lumpur including Bukit Jalil and Stadium Merdeka. They had wanted Bersih to hold its demonstration at the Shah Alam stadium instead.

It does not take a Princeton grad to be able to link the decision to the federal government's refusal to recognize the movement and it's planned peaceful demonstration.

If the government was not too restrictive, it would not have arrested activists, politicians and members of public for merely wearing yellow t-shirt. If the government was not draconian, the PSM6 would not have been arrested and charged with frivolous act of treason and other allegations linked to communism (despite the end of cold war more than two decades ago).

Koh's lame attempt to defend the government and his boss is only contributing towards his already irrelevant and ineffective leadership of Gerakan, a self-proclaimed conscience of Barisan Nasional.

Koh should be reminded that consistency is key in building leadership credibility.

What the government should do is to apologize for it's undemocratic and draconian reaction towards a peaceful gathering. I am sure PM Najib does not need a 'credible' Koh Tsu Koon to come to his defence.

The police chief must now come out to refute the allegation made by Koh to ensure that the force did not act unconstitutionally. The police force are public servants and they must act responsibly to uphold democratic values enshrined in the federal constitution.

Mat Indera & Mat Silam

2011-09-07T15:14:00.004+08:00

A debate is raging between Umno and PAS politicians on the role of Mat Indera. Was Mat Indera a hero or a ruffian?

Mat Indera played a prominent role in the 1950 attack on the Bukit Kepong police station. The incident was eventually immortalised in a movie played by the legendary Jins Shamsuddin. In the movie, the policemen were portrayed as heroes who fought against the communists.

Mat Indera was allegedly a communist cadre. A book by the Johor government in 2004 names insurgent Mat Indera as a freedom fighter and lists him as a celebrated Johor hero.

Who really is Mat Indera? Apparently, both Umno and PAS want a debate on this issue.

Both parties idolise Mat Silam (historical past) more than what's current and urgent. It is a fact that politicians and their inability to move forward and take the society through a quantum leap are to be blamed for a lack of vision, vigour and good ideas in the country.

Both PAS and Umno should start a more poignant debate and discourse on what form and shade the country should take in the next three to five years. How can Malaysia recapture its lustre?

I am sure politicians in this country should be contented by keeping silent on an allegation made by an Indonesian envoy that Malaysia has lost its lustre.

Both Khairy Jamaluddin and Mat Sabu should put their talents to use by debating on the best ideas and solutions to address the country's economic woes and its fading competitiveness.

It is difficult to accept that politicians are so keen to debate the past but allow the future to slip away from our grasp.

Contentious issues that refuse to go away

Most of the contentious issues that refused to go away, such as race supremacy, basic constitutional freedom and nationhood, are directly caused by the refusal of our politicians to accept a steady change and evolution of a society.

There is little surprise why some ethnic communities are still being considered as migrants - after being here for more than 500 years.

The social lenses they used to view interracial relations, nation-building, fundamental rights and governance are causing stagnation and a lack of direction in the country. Malaysia is a nation without a soul.

Our socio-economic progress and development are based on raw natural resources and not through a synergy of skills, ideas, determination and positive humanistic values. This type of development has a limitation because natural resources are finite but human spirit is not.

A lack of appreciation for humanistic contribution is evident in our political discourse and debate. We debate over who should have more birthrights than others, which is prime evidence of total disregard for diversity and humanistic contribution.

It is sad to note that other countries that had the same destructive tendencies and practices have moved forward and embraced diversity and values beneath the skin.

At the rate our politicians are going about in conducting their business-as-usual façade and the fact that our people condone this behaviour, we can rest assured that more soft and intangible assets are going to flow out of this country.

These assets may not find their reward and worthiness in this country but they are being highly sought after by our neighbours, including Singapore and Australia.

Our politicians' fixation over Mat Indera and Mat Silam is to ensure that we continue to live in a bubble, away from but not safe from reality and the future challenges that await us.

Quo vadis, Malaysia?

Politics of Deceits and Lies & Why We Need First World Politicians

2011-08-19T12:42:00.005+08:00

Malaysians must be careful with the growing deceits, lies and dangerous allegations and unscrupulous practices in our local politics.

The government must be careful too in reacting to these allegations. The normal respond of responding harshly to those who are seen as "outsiders" or opposition symphatizer may not help the government cause to act fairly and just.

Something must be done to check on Utusan Malaysia's editorials. Their editors have a wild of side of writing based on hearsay or pure allegations. Utusan's current editorial stand is giving the government controlled media channels a bad name.

Recently, an Utusan Malaysia editor said yesterday that Muslim primary schoolchildren are being taught about Jesus by Christian youths aiming to convert them, which is illegal under Malaysian law.

Zaini Hassan, assistant chief editor at the Umno-owned daily, had written in his column that poor Malay children living in squatters along Jalan Klang Lama were singing, “Yes, I know Jesus loves me” and reciting the story of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, in their primary school.

He said that an Indian teacher from the school, known only as Cikgu S, had informed him Malay children were being given free English classes by young Christian evangelists every Sunday.

Zaini should do better than just assuming the event did actually happen. If the informant is authentic and real, he should reveal his identity and offer himself as a witness. Who is Cikgu S? Is he another Datuk T in the making?

As a responsible newspaper, Utusan's stand and editorials on many issues are worrying. Not many of them are contributing towards the society's common good.

Similarly, we demand a stop to political lies and deceits such as allegations against PSM6 who had been linked to communism, Bersih's Ambiga receiving foreign funding, DAP anti-Islam claims and so forth.

Lies and deceits against Barisan leaders must stop too e.g. unsubstantiated attacks on PM Najib and his wife, Jais raid, mud slinging using religion and race etc.

Another victim, Minister of Tourism Dr Ng Yen Yen is finally getting her public apology from advertising director Austen Victor Lauw Zecha over the latter's claim that Ng had demanded commission for the "Malaysia Truly Asia" campaign deal worth hundreds of million.

Under the settlement, Zecha, 71, has agreed to read out a statement of apology over the matter in open court.

Zecha also consented to publishing the statement of apology in a prominent Chinese daily – Sin Chew Daily or Nanyang Siang Pau – within 48 hours of it being read in court.

He also agreed to read out the statement in the Business FM 89.9’s Current Affairs radio programme within a week after it was read out in court.

Zecha will also pay an undisclosed sum in damages to Dr Ng. This case may not be politically driven but the Minister's credibility had taken a beating soon after the allegation was made and politicized. It is doubtful is the apology may be enough to repair the damage.

It is pertinent for politicians and their supporters to realize that using deceits and lies to win power is going to drag this multiracial country into irreversible division and destruction.

They should compete on providing good policies and governance to the people. Our national interests and goodwill should take precedence over petty and dangerous politicking.

We should demand for first world politicians and not just winnable candidates.

Rule of Law in Malaysia: A Race to the Bottom?

2011-07-30T15:39:00.003+08:00

The foundation for rule of law in Malaysia was cemented when the federal constitution was created and enacted in 1957 & expanded in 1963 (when Malaysia was established), at least that was what we thought.

However, several issues and events which happened in the last 3 years have put the whole foundation through a stringent test.

Fundamental issue such as freedom of speech, assembly and association has created a lot more confusion and controversy that what was supposed to be a straight forward answer. In a democratic country, the rights to speak up, assemble and to form/participate in an association are almost certainly protected by a democratic constitution.

In fact, these rights are the basic pillars of a democracy. These rights should be accorded fairly to all citizens without prejudice. These rights are to be protected by the constitution, interpreted justly by the judiciary and enforced fairly by the enforcement authorities.

Civil society would play a role as a watch dog to ensure that any attempt to usurp or distort these rights is severely criticised and opposed. Even a government is duty bound to govern and function within the democratic and constitutional framework.

There are many benefits for a society/nation which practices the rule of law. A proper adherence to the rule of law does not only provide protection for all regardless of ethnicity, creed or social status but it could dissuade abuse of power and promote accountability.

Any branch of power should always be mindful that there is a check-and-balance mechanism to ensure it acts in accordance to the constitution.

Rule of law helps to promote international trade and investment. Rule of law offers consistency and predictability to the application and enforcement of corporate law. It helps to pacify foreign investors who are not familiar with this country that their investment is safe.

Now, back to Malaysia, why am I suggesting that we might be racing to the bottom in regards to the rule of law?

1. Public institutions losing its credibility and aura of being democratic. In Malaysia, we should ask which public institution is still enjoying a good image for being trustable and credible? If you cannot name me some and do it quickly, then there is a problem with rule of law in Malaysia. Building institutions, credible ones, is a key tenet of a democracy. It is important not to allow the concentration of power in the hands of certain individuals or non-inclusive institutions.

2. Concentration of power in the hands of a few personalities. Public institutions in the country do not function independently of a few personalities. Politicians are in control of these institutions and not their legal and constitutional jurisdiction and role. Many were quick to blame it on Mahathirism but we should admit that a lack of appreciation of democratic values had allowed Mahathir to manipulate these institutions and the system to his regime's advantage.

3. Lack of public awareness on key democracy enablers e.g. rule of law, separation of power, role of elected representatives, individual rights, constitutional rights and nation building. A lack of awareness and knowledge is not only demonstrated by the common public but heads of public institutions who think that they are supposed to be grateful to the government of the day for their appointments.

4. Abuse of power and inappropriate use of state coercive power. This is the worse form of action which could dampen and destroy public confidence in these institutions and their officials. You do not need me to elaborate on examples of abuse of power by public institutions. I am sure you could list me 10 examples within a few minutes. It does not augur well for Malaysia and our global ambition.

It is important for all of us to pause for a while to reflect on what we should and can do for this country. Sadly, this country, a beautiful land blessed with the best of scenery and resources, deserves better. To be listed as one of the top 10 countries suffering worst brain drain is both painful and unbelievable. This country is neither Somalia nor Iraq.

How many of us realize that we are caught in a perpetual decline? Meaning while we remain sluggish, our neighbours are improving very quickly. It means vis-a-vis we are actually suffering from a competitive decline.

What can we do? What can be done? How can we impact change so that Malaysia can reverse the decline?

These questions have become more pertinent than ever if you care for Malaysia.

Barisan Nasional Must Make a Hard Choice

2011-07-28T00:50:00.003+08:00

Barisan top leadership must make a hard choice. It must decide to support Utusan's call to punish Bersih (and the newspaper's long list of controversial views) or to take side with moderation and to allow democracy to grow and flourish.

It must decide if it should continue to share the same podium with Perkasa or to walk with the moderate masses.

It must decide to support and promote the rule of law or to continue manipulating the instruments of power for its own political end.

It must make a hard choice to embrace change or to be made irrelevant by it and become a mere footnote of history.

The list of issues and controversies is getting longer for the coalition. Despite whatever the pundits believe, the coalition is losing more goodwill than winning more supporters and fence sitters to its side.

It is time for the coalition to take a pause and measure its own level of goodwill. It does not take forever for the reservoir dry up.

It makes no sense for the coalition to continue treating those with dissenting voices and views as enemies.

No modern government can survive without the popular support of its people unless it decides to rule by force and iron-fisted.

It is best for Barisan leaders to stay humble and practical. They should not continue to believe that Barisan would rule this country perpetually.

By allowing the hawks to dictate the coalition's direction is only going lead it towards swifter destruction.

Barisan leaders need to conduct serious self-introspection. It can continue to act tough, as preached by Utusan, to win a some hardcore votes or act tough and lose thousands of middle ground.

It is a hard choice the coalition must make and make it quick!

Angry Malaysians & Pragmatism

2011-07-25T12:49:00.002+08:00

The Star's Wong Chun Wai has a point when he hinted that political discourse in this country can be conducted in a civilised manner and measured tone.

He asked: "Can we stop being angry people and try to make sense of the issues affecting the nation instead? Or better still, just laugh at them? It’s just the run-up to the silly season, as cynical reporters call it."

Unfortunately, readers of Malaysia Today had responded in a manner which justified Wong's call for courtesy in disagreement. It is not nice and appropriate to call him names. Wong has a right to voice his opinion and we have ours to disagree.

I agree with Wong that most of us are too consumed by anger and frustration to be able to stay courteous.

Perhaps, it is partly a mirror or a reaction to the political responses and actions taken by our politicians and ruling elites.

To be able to debate openly and courteously, there is a need of a platform to do so. Sadly, most of the mainstream media channels in Malaysia are controlled by the ruling coalition. I would like to encourage Wong to open up his newspaper and related media channels to provide an avenue for differing views and opinions.

By allowing a platform for us to do so, it will help to moderate voices of discontent in the country. Wong's good suggestions and editorials would not have been rubbished as mere PR exercise for certain political masters. He should persuade his bosses in MCA to not fear direct engagement with the people/rakyat.

He should also use his influence and access to the Barisan top leadership to change their approach towards peaceful public dissent and to start listening to the ground and grouses.

People are angry because their views are not respected but treated with disdain and hostility by the government. There is a general sense of being played out by the politicians who were given mandate by the people to govern in trust.

Wong has made a good observation: "In short, the rules are not consistent. Make it clear and easy for all parties to apply to hold such talks. Let there be fairness. The political and media landscapes have changed but many of our civil servants and leaders are still stuck in a time warp, and seemingly indifferent to it."

I sincerely believe that Wong's hope of a courteous discourse is not Utopian. There is an innate good in Malaysians if not we would have had a hibiscus spring long before the jasmine revolution in the middle east.

Malaysians have been a patient lot. There are not many governments which can continue to govern and rule absolutely despite countless of scandals, controversies and mismanagement.

With inflation skyrocketing, economy in doldrums, job opportunities shrinking and brain and money outflow, we could use Wong's know-how and know-who to start getting the government and politicians from both sides of the fence to focus on addressing these issues.

I am sure we have heard of the idiom, "A hungry man is an angry man..."

TBH Verdict: A New Low for MACC

2011-07-21T23:09:00.003+08:00

A royal commission has ruled that Teoh Beng Hock committed suicide as a result of pressure from aggressive and continuous questioning by Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) officers.

The MACC officers had wanted to pressure Teoh to be a witness in their case against a DAP assemblyman for alleged abuse of public funds.

The royal commission of inquiry also found three MACC officers to have breached standard operating procedures.

It recommended that action be taken specifically against the three MACC officers.

Meanwhile, The Malaysian Insider has called for the resignation of Abu Kassim Mohamed, the chief commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Why wait? The government should sack him and put the entire MACC back on review and full transformation.

Note: TMI has posted an apology for their statement.

The problem does not lie in just 3-4 persons but the entire culture and mindset of the institution. What we have seen is something very familiar throughout other institutions. The head of civil service needs to do his part to inculcate responsibility, professionalism and check-and-balance into the whole civil service.

Abuse of power must be curbed before confidence for the public institutions melted completely.

Teoh Beng Hock's case is a new low for the MACC. Nothing less than a total revamp and a new leadership can help to restore the institution.

Again, Minister Nazri Aziz is passing the buck to the police. No wonder Barisan is losing it's credibility by the day.

The death of TBH is a tragedy for the country. The government owes his family an apology and due compensation. Efforts must be done to ensure his wife and child are taken care of financially.

Post Bersih 2.0 & Continuous Follies

2011-07-19T15:20:00.003+08:00

Malaysian Insider reported, "Censors have blacked out parts of an article in the latest edition of The Economist which had called Putrajaya’s handling of the Bersih rally overzealous, even as the Najib administration struggles to deflect the barrage of criticisms in the international media about the government crackdown.

Among the parts blacked out are mentions of the heavy-handedness of the police and the accusation that the government withdrew its offer to protesters to use a stadium for the rally.

The article titled “Taken to the cleaners — an overzealous government response to an opposition rally” chronicles the chaos on July 9 when police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse the tens of thousands who took to the city’s streets here to demand electoral reforms.

Although the full article is available online, the Home Ministry still inked out four lines in the article, one of which notably reported on the death of one man during the rally."

This is not the only form of censorship I have experienced since Bersih 2.0. Telekom Malaysia's Hypp TV did the same to interrupt a segment of Channel News Asia coverage on Bersih 2.0 too.

Farish Noor is correct to express his disappointment and astonishment. Yes, there is a full online version available.

Instead of providing a full, credible and transparent report on possible police abuses during the demonstration, the government has chosen to protect and defend the men in blue entirely.

This is an example of another PR boo-boo and a lapse of concentration from the ruling government.

The right action is to engage and conduct a fair and open discourse with affected parties. What is there for the government/ruling coalition to lose by being democratic, civilised and engaging?

The manner some of the state apparatus are behaving, public institutions and media, is going to make the whole situation even worse.

I wonder if the government knows what really is good governance, PR and good political communications?

In fact, if the government is serious about repairing it's image it might want to consider releasing the PSM detainees. There is no reason whatsoever to prolong their detention without trial.

Post Bersih 2.0: Beyond Political Rhetorics

2011-07-15T13:25:00.004+08:00

Parties with vested interest were quick to name winners and losers in the aftermath of Bersih 2.0. Are there any real clear winners or losers?

Ironically, a friend lamented to me that Barisan will still win the next general election through rigging. This is a hard accusation. But it draws us back to the point that the electoral process in Malaysia is far from being democratically functional.

To pass the stress test of democracy, it has to meet a few criteria. The weightage of an urban vote has to be the same with rural vote. Otherwise, the balance of power tilts towards less than 40% of rural voters who can determine who rules the country.

Second, it points us to the trust and credibility deficit of the Election Commission which is supposed to be entrusted to run and manage fair and transparent elections.

The serious lack of trust in the electoral process is a serious impediment to a fair and transparent electoral system and puts the entire democratic system in jeopardy.

Aftermath of Bersih 2.0, are there any clear winners?

Arguably NO, because the ruling government and the Election Commission have not responded positively to a movement which they had declared as illegal, hence its demands too! There is not going to be any reform. Period.

Can the Opposition ride on the Bersih 2.0 to create another tsunami in the coming general elections? I hardly doubt so because of an inequitable delineation process which had tilted power base to the 40% rural/non-urban voters. It will probably take another 100 years, if we are optimistic enough, to hope for proportionate representation to be even considered.

Who are the losers? Many. Malaysia's reputation and image internationally has been badly affected. The ruling government's inconsistency and lack of tolerance for dissent is being tested and exposed. Many Malaysians are going to feel more dispirited despite words of encouragement. Reality will set in that it is not easy to change a government, much worse a mindset, after all.

Malaysia is facing a stark reality of what lies ahead. Hard sell abroad to lure investors into Malaysia is going to face futility. Not because of Bersih 2.0 but largely due to a lethargic and sloppy governance.

Vision 2020 is soon becoming a pipe dream. It has lost its magic and sense of purpose. It is best for the ruling politicians to start thinking of what is the next viable and appealing story for Malaysia before they can hope to attract billions needed to help Malaysia achieve its desired developed nation status.

An international report has put Malaysia as one of the least attractive emerging economies, only ahead of Columbia. Graduates unemployment has doubled since 2008. Companies are moving away and foreign companies are withdrawing from the country. I have spoken to quite a number local businessmen who are busy looking elsewhere due to the economic realities in the country. A headline screams, Kuala Lumpur is now more expensive for expats than San Francisco. Malaysia's demand power is only 32% of New York etc. etc.

What about a plate of economy rice costing around RM7?

The government must have gotten the message with the recent establishment of 1Malaysia stores (selling really cheap goods at cheap prices) and the promotion of breakfast/lunch menu for less than RM4.

Are these long term solutions?

Apart from the obvious political struggle between politicians of both sides, what else have they done or proposed to get us out of the rot?

Why has Malaysia's political discourse become so idiotic and silly? Are politicians really stupid or they think Malaysians are dumb?

Those who are putting their ears on the ground should know that the rumblings are not very positive for this country. The only news which got to international press worldwide are the ones which make Malaysia and Malaysians looked silly, low class and inhabitants of a lost world.

What is beyond Bersih 2.0? Both sides of politicians are claiming victory. There is no glory at all to rejoice.

Status quo still rules and Malaysia has become a mere laughing stock worldwide. It exposes the fragility of our public institutions to political abuse and the immaturity of our political system.

It makes more sense for more Malaysians deserting their homeland for somewhere saner.

Tung Shin & 3 Idiots

2011-07-14T12:20:00.003+08:00

I was at the Tung Shin hospital compound, like hundreds of others, trying to find a dry spot and to avoid the incessant and hostile tear gas attacks by the FRU. Like these hundreds, I was horrified when the FRU shot tear gas canisters into the hospital compound. The effect was felt even at the main entrance of the hospital.

Why did the KL Police Chief, IGP, Health Minister, MCA President & PM Najib deny any attack was ever launched into the hospital compound?

Health Minister even suggested these canisters were swept by gushing wind into the area. There was plenty of water and rain but not wind. Lucky for us! If not the effect of tear gas would have affected even more people.

Who are the 3 idiots in this situation?

(3 idiots is a 2009 Indian comedy film directed by Rajkumar Hirani, with a screenplay by Abhijat Joshi, and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It was loosely adapted from the novel Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat. 3 Idiots stars Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sharman Joshi, Kareena Kapoor, Omi Vaidya, Parikshit Sahni and Boman Irani. Upon release, the film broke all opening box office records in India. It was the highest-grossing film in its opening weekend in India and has the highest opening day collections for a Bollywood film.)

1st = the police chief who denied there was any attack ever on the hospital compound.
2nd = the Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai who held a press conference with the Tung Shin board chairman to deny there was any attack. He made the statement and then made a u-turn when was told of photographic and video evidence and live witnesses. Now, he said he was merely parroting the board's suggestion. Worse, 11 doctors are prepared to file an affidavit. We can understand their stand.
3rd = MCA President Chua Soi Lek who suggested that the police shot the tear gas to protect the patients. Should I say more?

Why can't the government just apologize for the excessive use of force especially in the case of Tung Shin?

Is being unreasonable the order of the day?

The way things go, it is better for Barisan to hold the elections in 2013.

I Witnessed the Day the Government Lost the Middle Ground

2011-07-10T13:35:00.004+08:00

I was at the Bersih 2.0 rally to witness up close the demonstration process. I am sad to witness how the government has lost the middle ground through the senseless and irresponsible reaction by the police.

Most of the protesters were ordinary Malaysians who took part for various valid reasons. Some were not happy with the state of governance, high inflation, abuse of power, corruption etc. Granted, there were many partisan members too but the government cannot discount the fact that easily as many as 30% of those who took part were ordinary people or the middle ground.

Together with the crowd, we were 'ambushed' by the police in front of Tung Shin Hospital. Tear gas canisters (at least 4) were fired into the hospital compound and some of the crowd got agitated and shouted at the police to be more considerate because they had fired tear gas into a hospital compound, right next to the emergency ward.

The IGP and Home Minister Hishamuddin should not deny that there were no provocation. The police did not try to use a less hostile manner to disperse the crowd. If any, the police and the government should have allowed the use of Stadium Merdeka and avoid the total clampdown of Kuala Lumpur.

By allowing Bersih to use the stadium, the government could have negotiated some ground rules e.g. it must be non-political and a totally NGO event. It could have avoided the opposition parties from taking advantage of Bersih 2.0 as a rally point for their political momentum towards 13th GE.

By allowing a peaceful protest to take place, the government could have helped to boost the country's image and it's own credibility as an advanced democratic country able to accept and tolerate dissent and freedom of assemble and speech. It could have made Malaysia a new spring of democracy and a beacon of hope among Muslim majority countries.

The sight of police chasing the demonstrators like a pack of wolves would have a powerful impact on the minds of middle ground Malaysians. Police brutality should not have happened at a peaceful rally. The force should not have been unleashed on our own Malaysians.

In summary, the government should learn to be more tactful and crafty in managing its political communications. It should have engaged with Bersih 2.0 and the Election Commission. Some of the demands made by Bersih 2.0 are reasonable and if implemented could have given more credibility and legitimacy to the winning coalition.

It should learn that brute force and might albeit through Perkasa, PDRM and other threats are not the right method to win over the middle ground. BN or UMNO's current strategy is both outdated and counter productive. The diehard UMNO/Perkasa members would have endorsed what had been done to Bersih 2.0 but they are not the ones who are going to win elections for BN or UMNO.

By being more skillful and savvy, the PM would have neutralised Bersih 2.0, enhance his own democratic leadership, avoid Pakatan from capitalizing on Bersih and prove to the world that he is a leader who has his ears to the ground.

The way forward, the PM must learn his lesson well and use the right advisers. Otherwise, he might ended up as a casulty of his own outdated political model.

Read my comment on AFP.

I am Back But Nothing Has Changed in Malaysia

2011-07-06T16:23:00.003+08:00

I left blogging for almost two months to allow myself to observe from outside the circle. It is good to be back.

Meanwhile, I was busy with events and traveling overseas to look at how far we have been left behind. I was in Seoul last week and a few Malaysian officials lamented to me that Malaysia is at least 10-15 years behind.

I agree! Not only in terms of physical development but most importantly mindset.

How can this country improve if those entrusted to govern do not embrace the responsibility to do a good job?

How much have been wasted on unproductive projects, white elephants, illogical expenses etc?

Can Malaysia continue its way and become a world-class country by 2020? I call it a pipe dream.

I am back but alas things have not changed at all in Malaysia. I urge you to do the same. Take a break, go for some trips and come back to find the stark difference.

Many societies and countries are racing against time to stride ahead. What about Malaysia?

The last I heard, this country is still full of unreasonable and power crazy people.

Were you caught in the massive traffic jam this morning? Do demonstrators need to bring in weapons from outside Klang Valley? Get real...we need the authority to use some common sense and save us the frustration!

Real Threats to Islam, 1Malaysia & the Making of Polarized Malaysia

2011-05-08T15:07:00.005+08:00

The NGO Muslim Organisation in Defence of Islam (Pembela) has blamed Christianity as one of the biggest contributing factor to their alleged decline of Islam in Malaysia.

"It is clear for all to see, of the aggressiveness and confrontational ways of Christians in bringing cases to court, their police reports all over the country and their press statements whether on the Allah or Al-Kitab issue.

"They all have something to do with their movement in spreading Christianity amongst the people," said Pembela president Yusri Mohamad.

Adding that Christians are on a mission to convert Muslims in the country, he said that it all starts with “confusing” Muslims by using Islamic terms.

"It is their strategy to confuse Muslims by using terms and phrases which the Muslims commonly use," he said.

I feel sorry for Pembela president Yusri Mohamad, whom I had met years ago when I was running a policy think tank, and his desperation to find some recognition and fame for his little known movement.

If Christians are behaving aggressively they would not have referred their grouses to the relevant authorities including the judiciary and the police. There are many examples of groups behaving aggressively in the name of protecting their god and religion by resorting to violent struggle and suicide killing.

Yusri and his movement illogical allegations and attacks against Christians are a far larger threat against 1Malaysia and the spirit of multiculturalism.

It is a fact that Yusri, as a Muslim intellectual, should admit and acknowledge. The use of a common term "Allah" is not enough to confuse the Muslims into believing that Christian and Islam are the same religion. There are many other relics, rituals and prayers which clearly set apart and differentiated both religions.

Yusri, as a responsible Muslim activist, should assist to help bridge the misunderstanding and help to restore confidence within the Muslim community that they should not be afraid of something which had been practiced and used in the Middle East where the term of "Allah" has been shared by both Christians and Muslims for centuries.

Did Yusri attempt to do anything of the above? No, but members of his movement went even further by saying that globalisation, liberalisation and pluralism are threats to Islam. If Muslims cannot accept globalisaton and pluralism, they might find themselves being disconnected from the global society.

Islam, as a great religion, is far more diverse than what Pembela members thought. Malays are not the only Muslims in the world. There are more Chinese Muslims that the whole Malaysian population.

Christianity, globalisation, pluralism and liberalisation do not find Islam being a threat. Real Islam does not find them as threats as well.

What is threatening us and Islam are people who are determined to create conflict between us such as the allegations of parties trying to supplant Islam by amending the federal constitution in order to appoint a Christian PM.

Yusri and Pembela members cannot be so stupid to be taken by such senseless and brainless allegations. Who can amend the federal constitution especially on the position of Islam as the official religion? Barisan Nasional parliamentarians would need to support the move assuming that all Pakatan MPs agree to the resolution. The latter is already a tall order!

Next, we need the Council of Malay Rulers to approve and pass the resolution. This is almost next to impossible.

By alleging that there is such a move to usurp the position of Islam through a constitution amendment, is Pembela questioning the integrity of the Rulers and Members of Parliament in defending and protecting the sanctity of Islam in the federal constitution?

How many Christians are in the Council and Parliament?

If Yusri and Pembela members cannot answer such a simple question, they are not fit to call themselves the defenders of Islam.

Pembela, Yusri, Bigdog, Marahku and all other nameless and faceless bloggers taking an advantage of their anonymity to spread lies and malice are the real threats to 1Malaysia, the federation and Islam by peddling something dangerous and irresponsible. If Minister Hishammudin is calling for an investigation into these allegations, he must be prepared to be investigated too since he is a MP.

PM Najib must not take these threats lightly or he might face an unprecedented challenge to his leadership.

13th GE: Battle for the Middle Ground

2011-05-05T13:33:00.003+08:00

In the forthcoming 13th GE, political parties need to focus on the middle ground. The middle ground has enlarged partly due to poor publicity and internal issues faced by the opposition.

Apart from the Dap, both Pas and PKR are facing an unsettled electoral base. Erosion of support among the Malay and Indian voters is the biggest challenge facing the opposition.

For Pakatan, it is not good if only Dap is doing its part in winning the majority of Chinese voters. It is difficult to tell when Pas' patience may run thin if the party loses more Malay majority seats or loses Kelantan in the next GE.

Pakatan needs to address the Malay dilemma very quickly. The newly minted coalition has argued against the failure of NEP but it has not been able to do more by introducing an alternative policy to address the multifarious socio-economic issues faced by the community.

In the end, the return of Malay voters to the ruling coalition may be contributed by a lack of alternative policy or a new hope for the community rather than Umno's supremacy chant. The community would rather find comfort within a familiar environment than to venture out into the unknown.

Politicians must take note that 'ketuanan Melayu' to them is interpreted differently from the common people. Politicians want to preserve political power for themselves. Most of the Malay voters fear a worse backlash on their socio-economic situation and livelihood if their rights are no longer protected by the government. Not many Malays seriously believe that they are a far superior race compared to others.

They needed 'ketuanan Melayu' to protect their own well-being. Until and unless there is a programme to empower and to build the capacity of the community, Malaysia race based political model would continue to be effective and relevant. Dominant race based parties will continue to dominate.

Anwar Ibrahim may be an inspirational leader to Pakatan members but his on-going sodomy trial and unending sexual allegations may have taken their toll on his party and the coalition. Most of the leaders in PKR are Anwar's cheer leaders. None of them are ready to step up and step out of Anwar's shadow.

The party depends too much on Anwar to persuade the Malay voters to support the party. Unfortunately, the de facto leader is not in the right position to help his party to galvanize the middle ground.

On the other hand, the Umno led Barisan Nasional is making too many conflicting moves which may not help the coalition to make any significant gains from the middle ground too.

The return of some Malay and Indian support should not be misconstrued as a return of popular support for the coalition.

The lost of Malay and Indian support in the last GE was somewhat contributed by Mahathir's relentless attacks on Abdullah Badawi which had led to an internal strife within Umno and partly Indians unhappiness with Samy Vellu.

With both Abdullah and Samy out of the way, the coalition should claw back at least 5-15% support from both communities. The gains made are actually from Barisan own core supporters which had chosen to vote against them in the last GE.

PM Najib has tried to win over the middle ground through his NEM and 1Malaysia initiatives. However, several conflicting moves e.g. 1Melayu 1Bumi, Perkasa, Pembela, Muslim NGOs, sex video, abuse of power, corruption, overstaying leaders etc. made by his allies are going to dent his hope of winning over the middle ground.

Next GE is going to be a very polarized one for Malaysia. There are two sides of Malaysian politics: urban & rural politics.

Urban politics is largely dominated by a large middle ground. These voters expect less politicking and are less tolerant of bad governance and arrogant politicians. Most of them are expected to still vote against the Barisan if the coalition does not change its political strategy drastically to represent a more responsible and moderate face.

Rural areas are probably going to vote for status quo. They are still somewhat insulated from the issues and challenges by urban folks including inflation, high cost of living and others.

However, a government is run from the city. Policies are being formulated in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

The world, when measuring Malaysia's development and affluence, would be looking at Kuala Lumpur and not Lenggong or Kudat.

So far, no one is winning the battle for the middle ground yet.

MCA & A Statement of Fact

2011-05-04T14:40:00.003+08:00

MCA's decision not to accept any posts in the Cabinet should its results at the next general election be poorer than that of the 2008 polls will truly embody the spirit of democracy, said party deputy president Liow Tiong Lai.

Whatever MCA decides to do after the next GE is a private business of the party. But the MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek obviously did not propose this action without a clear intention. The message is directed at the Chinese voters that they risk losing representation if they continue to vote for the opposition parties.

It is quite clear that Dr Chua was reacting to the outcome of Sarawak state elections where the Chinese voters, along with other urban voters, had ditched the ruling coalition and voted for the opposition. It is not clear if the outcome will be emulated in the Peninsula Malaysia.

If Chua's call was to help stem the further erosion of Chinese support for the party, it is without a doubt a poor political call. The call will not lead MCA anywhere. It is not going to help MCA restore or win back the support of Chinese voters.

This is a statement of fact. It is a fact that most Chinese voters do not think highly of MCA representatives in the government.

MCA needs to do more than just exercising its democratic rights to join the government or not. The party needs to work a lot harder to win back its credibility. MCA's representation in the Cabinet must be good for something. Good for what? This is a fundamental question the party must answer quickly.

Otherwise, Chua would have to brace for a potential sabotage from his own party members who may want to see zero MCA representatives, especially his allies, in the government. In the last party elections, Chua defeated his opponents by receiving less than 50% of popular support from the delegates.

To ensure its own survival, the party must move away from the practice of insider politics. The party must be willing to embrace and attract new and highly critical members into the party. The party needs to be revitalized with younger blood. This is something lacking in the party hierarchy.

Next, the party needs to engage the federal government like it is really in the government. Socio-economic policies which are not beneficial to the country must be contested and debated in the parliament and in the Cabinet. The party must be proactive trying to improve policy making and implementation at the federal level.

The party must argue against corruption, wastage of public funds, protectionist policies, racism, poor governance and others which are truly beneficial to the people.

It is a statement of fact that the MCA is not doing any of the above as part of the ruling coalition. As such, the party's intention to leave the government should it performs badly at the next GE will not attract any sympathy.

It is a statement of fact too that the party is going to suffer a possible political extinction if it really performs badly in the next GE and is not included in the Cabinet.

It is a risk I am not too sure if Dr Chua can personally justify as a president of MCA. He needs better advisers.

Anwar Ibrahim & The Perfect Decoy

2011-05-01T23:51:00.003+08:00

If the 1999 sodomy allegation & trial did not stop Anwar Ibrahim and his loosely assembled coalition from denying Barisan Nasional its two thirds majority in 2008, what makes the the ruling government think that it can end Anwar's political career with the current "hooker" sex video?

Anwar has provided a perfect decoy for the Pakatan coalition for some years now. It is Anwar who has diverted the Barisan's attention away from attacking the leaders of Dap and Pas. Dap leaders are able to continue working quietly and peacefully to strengthen their political base throughout major cities in Malaysia.

By continuing to attack Anwar on his recent sexual misconducts, the action helps to highlight and magnify the hypocrisy in Barisan's own camp when dealing with its own leaders' marital problems and sexual misconducts.

Without Anwar, the Barisan component parties would have stepped up worse racial pressure against the main benefactor of the growing discontent in cities, the Dap.

Meanwhile, Umno and its associated organizations/allies are expected to push the gas pedal on racial issues by claiming that the Chinese community aspires to take over the running of this country.

MCA has started the ball rolling by declaring that it will not seek positions in both federal and state governments should the party loses more seats than 2008. It means that the Chinese voters must vote for the party if they want Chinese representatives in the cabinet.

It is best for the party to quickly understand that the community wants more than mere representation. They wanted a voice and representatives who can help to carry their voices, concerns and aspirations into parliament and government.

MCA president Chua Soi Lek said that he supported Malay special rights enshrined in the federal constitution. It is pertinent for those promoting Malay special rights to fully understand the spirit of Article 153. The privileges are rooted in history.

Article 153 was intended to help create a fairer and just distribution of wealth and resources among Malaysians of all races. It was not intended to create a two-tier citizenship or to suppress the rights of other communities. It was not meant for those Malays who are more than capable to compete in the economy.

The founding fathers had understood that any policy which is implemented solely based on ethnicity, in the long run, will create social division in the society.

Today's political reality has proven the founding fathers right. The affirmative policy which was intended to correct the economic and social imbalances in the society has turned in a political tool to create and to embolden social division in the country. It is sad to note that Malaysians are permanently divided into two social classes - Bumiputera and Non-Bumiputera.

MCA cannot issue such threat without understanding the socio-political history of this country.

The party wants to build a museum to highlight the achievements and contributions of Chinese community in the country. What is the point of celebrating the past if the party cannot assure the community of a better future? What is the use of the museum if the party cannot help to restore the facts and correct the discrepancies in history textbooks?

Anwar Ibrahim is a perfect decoy for the opposition and they should thank him for being a punching bag of the Barisan.

Meanwhile, the ruling government should know when to stop when it is obvious that the people's patience is growing thinner. It should spend more time trying to solve myriad of issues e.g. rising cost of living, lack of economic and job opportunities, access to affordable housing, education, public transport etc.

Barisan Nasional did not lose or win seats based solely on Anwar. Votes are lost when the coalition failed to deliver good governance and socio-economic progress.

Vote MCA or Else...

2011-05-01T01:43:00.002+08:00

MCA President Dr Chua Soi Lek has warned the Chinese community that their support for the opposition may cause no Chinese representation in the ruling government. Dr Chua had criticized the SUPP for still accepting government positions in the Sarawak after the latter was badly thrashed in the recent elections.

I am surprised that the MCA president did not learn from the party he had criticized. SUPP was using the exact same strategy in Sarawak. In Sibu, the party had asked the voters to keep the only Chinese minister in the state assembly. Wong Soon Koh did win but his win was controversial.

The other 7-term incumbent, George Chan, was not so lucky when he was defeated by a young Dap upstart in Piasau.

It shows that the Chinese voters do not really buy a lack of representation threat.

MCA's leadership is too outdated. It does not matter if Liow Tiong Lai, Kong Cho Ha, Ng Yen Yen and Chor Chee Heung are in the cabinet or not.

Chinese voters no longer cast their votes based on race or ethnicity. They would prefer to vote for good governance, equality, greater voice and respect as citizens and a better future. They want the government to address issues related to corruption, a lack of economic growth, public safety, higher living costs, education and others.

The fact that Chua has given an ultimatum to the Chinese voters has shown that he needs better advice in political strategy. If the Alliance can learn to become more inclusive after the 1969 political debacle, the Barisan Nasional should be able to use the lesson of 2008 and 2011 (Sarawak) to move towards a broader and fairer political participation from all Malaysians.

The reluctance of Barisan Nasional especially Umno and MCA to move beyond racial politics is going to inflict a worse political defeat compared to 2008. In politics, anything is possible. Even a day can be deemed too long.

Chua must address his party internal weaknesses if he wants to win back the votes. This is not the 70's or 80's where the Chinese voters were haunted by the ghost of 1969. Mahathir had used the threat very effectively.

If even 1969 ghost had been exorcised, what is there to make MCA feel that the Chinese are afraid of no representation in the government?

It is Barisan Nasional lost if there is no Chinese representatives in the cabinet. Barisan's greatest strength has always been its ethnic inclusiveness. By taking a hard line position on the Chinese, it is going to push more minority parties to leave the coalition. A fully Umno dominated coalition government is not going to work in multiracial Malaysia.

Dr Chua might have bitten more than what he can chew. Najib's over enthusiasm to dance to Chua's tune may actually backfire badly on the coalition. Some fence sitters may now vote against the Barisan because of the threat which they may find unfair and disrespectful.

MCA should focus on delivering on its political promises than playing this risky trick. It should come clean on the PKFZ if the party wants to redeem itself.

There is already growing discontentment with Chua's ultimatum to the Chinese voters. Ignore these voices at his own peril.

Appreciation of Love Musical Concert: Parents' Day Celebration

2011-04-23T16:38:00.003+08:00

Get tickets for your parents to watch the show. Appreciation of Love Musical Concert is a family entertainment featuring some of the most popular Taiwanese and Singapore artistes.

Catch Chen Zhao Rong & Ye Quan Zhen on NTV 7's Taiwan Tornado on every mon-fri, 4.30pm.

Both Chen & Ye will be performing on stage for the first time in Malaysia.

Tickets available at www.rwgenting.com and www.ticketpro.com.my.

Visit www.gfworld.com.my for more information.

1Melayu 1Bumi: The End Game

2011-04-22T21:29:00.003+08:00

Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the '1Melayu, 1Bumi' movement proposed by the right wing non-governmental organisation Perkasa will be very bad for the country.

"I hope it doesn't happen. It's very bad for Malaysia."

"If we go ahead with this, there will be a two party system in politics. If one is Malay-dominated and the other is Chinese-dominated, it will be a disaster for this country."

I could not agree more with Dr Mahathir that the 1Melayu 1Bumi movement is a bad thing for Malaysia. It is a disaster for the image of this country. If the movement materialises and if the government does not outlaw it the way it did to Hindraf, the administration will lose its credibility for being selective in prosecuting organizations which can incite racial hatred.

But the hands of the administration are tied. How can the UMNO led government take stern action against the extreme segment of its own members? Almost 90 percent of Perkasa members are associated with the party directly or indirectly.

However, there is one thing that Dr Mahathir might be wrong. The ultimate results may not a coalition led by the Malay and other led by the Chinese. Both coalitions, Pakatan and Barisan, are led by Malay leaders.

Chinese in this country have long accepted the Malay leadership. However, they are merely choosing between a lesser evil between the two.

Hence, no amount of threats is going to make them change their mind like before. The political reality today is the core of our political contestation is between two sides of Malay leadership - one which wants to accommodate the other races as equals (ketuanan rakyat) and the other which wants to maintain status quo (ketuanan Melayu).

It is sad to note Perkasa, Utusan Malaysia and Dr Mahathir are not helping the UMNO led coalition by turning more aggressive and critical against the Chinese. Chinese voters are merely exercising their rights to vote in a constitutional democracy. The federal constitution gave them a right to choose and they are merely using their choice (whether rightly or wrongly).

Barisan Nasional, especially UMNO, must learn to respect their choice and constitutional rights. I believe PM Najib fully understands this situation and respects the wishes of the people. Unlike Mahathir, at least he did not use threat against the community.

PM Najib must be careful too. The fact that Pembela came out to demonstrate against the Christians three days before the Sarawak polling day speaks volume of their 'good' intention against the PM - despite knowing fully well that their action may cause worse electoral setback for the Barisan Nasional candidates contesting in urban areas.

Hence, it is very important for PM Najib to put a lash on the extreme right wing forces. Make no mistake that they are not helping him.

Mahathir should not be too worried about the Malay dominated coalition versus Chinese dominated coalition. The struggle should be between a pro-reform movement and an anti-reform movement. These movements cut across coalitions and political parties. PM Najib should pick the right movement to lead so that nothing unexpected or drastic would happen to his leadership of this country.

A polarisation this country should worry more is the class divide. Poor are getting poorer and rich are getting richer. Malaysians demand power is barely a third of some developed countries. Job opportunities are becoming narrower and scarce.

Socio-economic polarisation is something bigger than the political race divide. Malaysians of all races are becoming more mature politically especially urban folks. They are not going to buy the lame Malay unity proposal peddled by Utusan Malaysia.

Malaysians are being burdened with higher cost of living, limited job opportunities, low demand power, high property prices, low wages, crime, corruption and other teething problems. These issues and problems must be solved before any coalition can lay a claim of uninterrupted power.

Politicians ignore these socio-economic vital signs at their own peril. PM Najib must do something against these extreme right wing forces. He must do it now and do it fast. Otherwise, their actions will consume his premiership in the next few years.

Consequences of Sarawak State Elections

2011-04-17T01:25:00.003+08:00

To keep it short and simple, ‎it is a bruising win for Barisan Nasional in Sarawak state elections. An unofficial report highlighted a major drop in Barisan Nasional's popular support from 63% in 2006 to just 55% in 2011.

A drop of 8% is significant enough to jolt the ruling coalition. Opposition has successfully doubled their seats tally to 16 although it is still a long way from the coveted 24 seats required to breach the 2/3 wall.

Some of the consequences for BN:

1) The Sarawak outcome has effectively cancelled out the gains PM Najib had enjoyed in the last couple by-elections. The fact that the coalition has performed worse than 2006 is going to put additional pressure on his leadership of UMNO and Barisan Nasional which has a history of pushing out leaders who perform poorly at the polls. Abdullah Badawi regime lost just 8 seats in the 2006 state elections.

2) General election which has been slated for mid-half of this year may be shelved temporarily until the coalition has digested the post-election analysis for Sarawak. According to UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin, the leadership transition promise in Sarawak must be fulfilled as soon as possible. The speed in which Taib installed himself as a Chief Minister of Sarawak is going to derail the promise.

Najib cannot afford to call a GE without solving the issue of leadership transition and a leader overstaying his presence. However, it is going to be very difficult to force down Taib. His party has just delivered a clean slate in the state elections.

Taib has a firm grip on PBB. Any attempt to replace him with an UMNO friendly CM is going to upset Taib's faction in PBB and trigger a civil war in PBB. It may even worsen the situation for BN in the 13th GE. I doubt Najib would take this risk. He would not risk losing between 5-8 parliamentary seats in Sarawak by calling for an immediate GE too by June/July. Hence, the stand-off is expected to continue until at least 2013.

3) The outcome may put both Gerakan and MCA in a very difficult position if the PM calls a GE this year. Both parties, like SUPP, have been talking about reform and change since their stunning defeats in the 2008 GE but did very little to convince anyone the parties have been reformed. How long more can UMNO carry the burden of winning elections to ensure that the BN coalition stays in power?

4) PM Najib is open to more internal attacks and sabotage. His 1Malaysia slogan appears to be less effective in Sarawak compared to West Malaysia. However, the outcome of Sarawak elections is going to change the dynamics here.

Sarawak is a good mid-term review for any political parties hoping to win big in the next GE.

Najib needs to recruit, use and retain good people if the he wants to reverse the momentum.

Pakatan parties are going to come charging at him. The complete annihilation of SNAP in the state elections is going to make parties in Sabah think twice about not choosing to cooperate with Pakatan. I am sure that there a lot of young candidates in Sabah hoping for similar breakthrough in the state elections. This situation will be replicated throughout Malaysia.

Politically, BN is facing a Japanese syndrome (aging syndrome). Youth, qualification and dynamism are the assets in politics. Not many youths are attracted to join the BN towkays parties. Towkays or tycoons are often not easily accessible. Urban voters are looking for representatives who can serve their interests, outspoken and hard workers.

Najib and the rest of BN component parties need to be able to reenergize their parties by recruiting young, credible, smart and energetic new members and candidates or risk suffering a worse defeat than 2008.

For Pakatan, it is obvious that Dap has provided a sturdy stewardship to their onslaught of Sarawak. It's influence and credibility is going skyrocket in Sarawak and places the party has a reasonable presence throughout Malaysia.

PKR needs to learn from the outcome too. They may have achieved an increase of 300% in their winning margin (from 1 to 3 seats) the party has failed to convince the Dayaks, Ibans and other indigenous groups to vote for them.

For example, a Dap candidate would have won Senadin comfortably but PKR lost the seat by a slim margin of 58. Two of PKR candidates See and Baru Bian are popular lawyer activists in their own rights. The party lost 46 out of 49 seats it had contested. This is hardly impressive.

The three parties, Dap, Pas and PKR, should have realised that any weak link in their partnership is not going to help them defeat BN if the parties do not work hard to address their internal issues and weaknesses.

PKR could temporarily seek some refuge by winning three seats but the party could hardly be counted on to deliver more rural and semi-rural seats if nothing is being done to address its internal issues.

The last thing I would like to see is racialization of the Sarawak elections. The political dichotomy in Sarawak is quite clear. It is Urban vs Rural political models rather than Chinese vs Non-Chinese. Urban voters who had contributed to Dap's stunning victories and huge margins are made up of also urban Dayaks, Ibans and the rest who gave the party its victories especially in seats such as Batu Kawah and Dudong.

One thing is sure in Sarawak after 416 - the political landscape has shifted. I have an advice to all parties - ignore it(the shift) at your own peril. The desire for a real change, an accountable government, anti-corruption, a fair deal and responsible governance to inspire positive socio-economic development are far more important than any personalities in Sarawak.

It is time for BN to focus on these issues rather than Anwar Ibrahim and his alleged scandals.

Sarawak - A Wind of Change?

2011-04-17T01:13:00.003+08:00

Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak probably did not expect the Sarawak state elections turning out to become such an intense battle. He even proclaimed that this is the toughest electoral battle in the history of Sarawak.

Well, he may well be right. PM Najib’s may have tasted sweet victories in the last few by-elections in the Peninsula Malaysia and Sabah but his 1Malaysia spirit is slow to catch on in Sarawak. There is a danger than the gains he had accumulated in the last year may be easily overwhelmed and drowned by the outcome of Sarawak state elections.

There are simply too many issues presented on a silver platter for the opposition parties to use against the state leadership of Chief Minister Pahen Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Taib is the most favourite punching bag for the Dap leaders and candidates in their election campaigns. They have created jingles, songs and slogans taunting his leadership, alleged controversies and rather unkindly, his white hair.

But the state elections have long thrown out civility and courtesy. Both race and religion cards have been used to the tilt especially the desecration of Alkitab and the use of ‘Allah’ in Malay Bible issues.

Personal attacks, sexual misconduct allegations, vandalism of election posters and billboards and intimidation of election workers have been reported throughout the state.

On the other hand, both sides are also engaged in cyber attacks. One side trying to bring down or hack into sites which critical of the state government, the other side trying to use the online platform and social networking tools to circulate and generate more criticisms and negative perception of the state ruling coalition.

Surprising, a few Peninsula based activists such as former Bar Council chairperson S. Ambiga, Bersih’s Dr Wong Chin Huat and MCLM chairperson Harris Ibrahim had been denied entry into Sarawak. It is not too hard to gauge if this is a right move taken by the Barisan state government.

Both sides have been engaged in very negative election campaigns.

Apart from taunts, crude personal attacks and political rhetoric, none of the contesting parties have stepped out to engage in proper and beneficial policy debates to demonstrate how they can help to make Sarawak a better place to live in.
There is crucial need to address several critical socio-economic issues which are affecting the livelihood of the people.

On a short visit to Sibu, I have heard complaints from local businessmen of a lack of business opportunities in the state. In this regard, it would be crucial for an aspiring government to discuss solid plans on how to rejuvenate the economy of Sarawak.

Sibu was a prosperous town. Some of the locals boasted to me that even legendary songstress, the late Teresa Teng, had visited and performed in the clubs here.
It is quite obvious that the perceived ‘wealth’ of Sarawak which is resource rich does not match the state of its infrastructure and public amenities. It is not difficult to find huge and tastefully designed bungalows in the cities but the roads and public infrastructure could easily put Sarawak 30 years behind Peninsula Malaysia.

Slightly 20km from the city centre, the glaring socio-economic disparity slowly sinks in. We saw some shabby wooden houses along a busy street of Sibu. My local host told me that these houses are at least 100 years old but still a mile better than some of the long houses.

The disparity and socio-economic contrast has created mounting resentments against the state government.

Sarawak is going through a socio-political transition which may be beyond the comprehension of the ruling regime. This is a common dilemma for any regime after a long spell in power. Leaders become detached from the reality on the ground.
PBB leaders had warned the opposition not to bring into Sarawak their crude and aggressive brand of politics. However, judging from the response of Sarawak voters, they may allow their curiosity to rule the day.

Pakatan election campaigns which are colourful, loud and complete with a mascot have attracted massive crowd to their ceramah. On the other hand, the presence of their West Malaysia counterparts has strengthened the opposition parties in Sarawak. Many of the curious voters came out to listen to what Lim Guan Eng, Khalid Ibrahim and Nik Aziz have done for their respective states. There is bound to be a comparison with Sarawak.

Moreover, with accessibility to the internet Sarawak voters have access to some information which is normally not covered in local mainstream media and they are not going to tolerate any raw deal.

It is difficult or impossible to compartmentalize Sarawak politics and keep it away from the influence of West Malaysia. Both coalitions must be ready to face a more assertive Sarawak electorate.

Another transition which would be interesting to watch is the dominance of conglomerates and local tycoons over the state politics. Some of the biggest conglomerates are putting up their candidates in the state elections.

The outcome of the electoral contests in seats contested by candidates supported by these conglomerates is going to determine if family ties, wealth and social status can continue to dominate local politics.

So far, I sense a growing awareness among voters of their democratic rights to choose a government which can serve the people and serve them honestly.

The ruling coalition cannot afford to ignore the plights and grouses of Sarawakians. Some of the allegations against the state leadership should be addressed immediately to show that it is not oblivious to their concerns.

Another myth – Sarawak is fixed deposit for the ruling coalition – might be broken this coming 16th April. Whatever the outcome, the state is set for a regime change in the near future.

For the opposition, they may have successfully made a political figure a very effective punching bag but their political rhetoric needs to grow into something more solid especially for a state which is in need of viable solutions to address its lack of socio-economic development and to catch up with some of the more developed states in West Malaysia.

Change is set to happen in Sarawak regardless of the winners.

Lynas Scare & Insensitive Government

2011-04-14T11:10:00.003+08:00

I have spoken up on the Lynas rare earth plant in Pahang on numerous occasions. It appears that the government, both state and federal, is insensitive and stubborn. The ruling regime has refused to listen to the people and their fears.

It appears that even the Australian people do not want the radio active waste being shipped back to their own backyard. Worse, a friend pointed out that we are giving a 12-year tax exemption to the operator of the plant. This is another example of arrogance of power.

It appears to me that Barisan wants to lose more elections and more states before it can eventually wake up from its slumber. I am not surprised if they might even lose the state of Pahang in the next general elections if this issues is not addressed.

Which is more important, ketuanan Melayu or health? Ask the Malays in Pahang especially Kuantan and they will be able to give a straight answer.

Get wise!

Do we need to sound so desperate? Is the acceptance of Lynas investment regardless of the health risks shows that we are no longer attractive to productive and knowledge based investors?

Sarawak Dilemma

2011-04-13T00:16:00.003+08:00

The longest serving Chief Minister in Malaysia, Taib Mahmud, is the prime target in Sarawak. It is without a doubt that Taib is very unpopular in the urban areas especially among the Chinese voters.

I was informed that the Opposition is making huge gains in Miri, Sibu, Bintulu, Limbang and to a certain extent in Kuching. During my short trip to Sibu, it is undeniably obvious that SUPP may find it extremely hard to keep its seats in Sibu and Lanang.

But Barisan is caught in a difficult situation. It does not really take a fully committed and united opposition front to dent its hope of capturing two thirds majority in the state elections. PM Najib is in a quandary. He cannot criticize nor praise Taib.

Both ways just won't work for the voters in Sarawak. He had hinted at an earlier retirement for Taib but the latter was not willing to let go anytime soon. Afterall, it is not easy for a person in power for so long to live life as a normal elected assemblyman. Taib needs to be in the limelight.

The greatest challenge is to shift the whole attention away from Taib and focus on the capability of the federal government. However, Najib reacted too late and too little.

It took him almost 5 days to position himself within the Sarawak campaign. It is too late for Taib to wranggle free from the trap set up for him by the opposition. It is better for the PM to be frank about his assessment of Taib.

Taib did not do a good job in developing Sarawak. This is a fact by looking at the infrastructure even in big towns like Sibu. Privately built houses are nice, attractive and huge but these houses looked odd in an area where the infrastructure is way behind that of a city.

Taib has ignored and neglected the needs of his people. The fact that he did nothing to deny or reject the mountain of accusations against him e.g. corruption, land grab, abuse of power etc. is not going to put his leadership in a good light. Taib remains a Sarawak dilemma.

Even he chooses to step down as a CM after the state elections, it is hard to imagine him fading away. Any indication of Taib being the puppet master after his retirement is going to create an effect worse than what the Barisan is already facing in Sarawak now. The only salvation for Barisan is to recruit and use good people in government.

It cannot ignore the need to revitalize and reenergize in order to renew the party's ability to lead for the next decade. I had warned some people close to the ruling regime that it may not take the 13th GE for Barisan to fall but possibly in the 14th GE. If the coalition remains arrogant and detached from the reality, the only thing sure is defeat.

Appreciation of Love Musical Concert - Press Conference

2011-04-13T00:01:00.003+08:00

Date: 14th April

Time: 3.30pm

Venue: Peony Room, Doubletree Hilton, Jalan Tun Razak, KL

Guest of Honour: Chen Zhao Rong (Taiwan Artiste)

Organizer: GFW

Ticket sale for the concert will be launched at the press conference.

From Sibu With Love

2011-04-11T13:19:00.002+08:00

Thanks to a good friend, I was invited to join him on his trip to his wife's aunt home in Sibu. He is keen political observer, so am I.

Before my trip there, I was told that it was or still is the wealthiest town in Sarawak. It was partially true. There were many big bungalows. The presence of a number of big companies was quite evident e.g. Rimbunan Hijau, CMS, KTS, CCK etc.

However, apart from the privately built huge bungalows, infrastructure in the town of Sibu is agonizing and poor. Locals there told us that we should not be surprised seeing many Toyota Hilux and the likes on the streets.

Local kancils, myvis and protons would not survive the potholes and poor road condition in the city. The main road taking us to the airport was not even lighted up at night.

A number of indegineous people were seen living among these bungalows, alas in their shabby wooden shacks. Most parts of the interior are still without clean water and electricity. My friend's uncle told us that he is making a brisk business selling generator sets. His business has picked up since the election campaign started because most the ceremah venues would need his petrol/diesel powered generator sets.

On the way back to his house, our host showed us Taib Mahmud's holiday home in Sibu. It was said to be given to him for free by the developer. Not too bad being a CM of one of the resource rich but poorest states in Malaysia. It surely comes with a lot of free perks.

Outside his holiday home, parked several luxury cars including Benz, Bently and a SUV - all black in colour. It was built on a 10 acre land.

Issues such as ketuanan Melayu, Perkasa and sex video do not have any impact here. Taib Mahmud and corruption are two of the most contentious issues in Sibu. An anonymous voter told us that Malaysia & Sarawak must be saved from corruption or we will perish together.

Barisan must have surely paid a huge gamble to allow Taib Mahmud to spearhead the elections until yesterday when PM Najib announced that he will be spending six days campaigning in Sarawak. It is left to be seen if PM Najib presence will have a huge impact in Sarawak. It might work for the rural voters who are traditionally too weak and helpless to vote for others except for the 'dacing'.

However, it is crucial for Barisan to recognize that the Sarawak election this time is also about generational change and transition. It is left to be seen if big corporations, elite politicians and rich families can continue to dominate the politics of Sarawak.

The younger generations are becoming more rebellious. Sarawak is facing accute brain drain too. More than 200k young Sarawakians are working abroad mainly in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. A company boss complained that it is so difficult to hire a technician here.

Political change takes years or even decades. But it is safe to say that Barisan should ignore these signals and signs at its own peril. The change of the Sarawak political landscape is already happening.

Pakatan leaders do not come talking hot air. Their leaders such as Lim Guan Eng, Nik Aziz and Khalid Ibrahim are Chief Ministers in their own rights. They have been sharing their KPIs too with the locals.

A few young Chinese campaign workers I met told me that they had already booked their tickets to visit Penang. They must have obviously read about Penang's recent hall of fame - listed by Yahoo! as the top 10 places you must visit at least in a lifetime.

I was in Sibu for only two days. What it takes conservative Foochows and Sibu people to come out in drove for the opposition ceramahs and stayed back way after their sleeping hours should translate into a cause for concern for Barisan.

Barisan/SUPP campaign is obviously lacking in spirit and creativity. They are trying to play up the PAS Islamic state threat. If it does not work even in Peninsula Malaysia, they should save their energy and focus on how SUPP can put the pressure on PBB and Taib Mahmud to return Sarawak to its past glory and return the land and wealth to the people.

It is hilarious to see SUPP candidates putting up posters bearing their younger looking pictures (probably taken 20 years ago) just to narrow the age gap compared to DAP younger looking and obviously younger candidates.

My hunch tells me that it might be difficult for SUPP to keep a clean slate in Sibu. Money is not everything. Some very rich tycoons in Barisan should learn how to appreciate talents and credible people. The failure to attract good people into their party is going to magnify the aging factor.

But some of these mega rich tycoons, I met some in Peninsula too, are simply too detached from the political reality on the ground.

Good luck to both Barisan and Pakatan!

Another Death or 'Suicide' at the MACC?

2011-04-06T22:19:00.004+08:00

Who said that it is impossible for lightning to strike twice and at the same place?

Customs Department Deputy Director Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed was found sprawled on the first floor after falling from the third floor of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) building on Jalan Cochrane this morning. He was already dead when found.

Again friends and relatives could not believe that Sarbani may have taken his own life. This case is probably going to be a repeat of the Teoh Beng Hock saga. Again, the MACC would be blamed for causing another death of a suspect/witness. It may not be fair to blame the MACC without first conducting a thorough investigation.

Let's hope that the next investigation would not be embarrassing again for the commission when its officers are found to have committed gross misconduct. It looks like there is a W-I-P in the MACC despite the restructuring and rebranding exercise conducted two years ago.

TBH and now the Sarbani death in custody is going to put another nail on the commission coffin. The government must conduct a thorough study and review on the method, system and mindset of the officers and the organization. MACC is in a deep crisis at the moment.

Nothing less than a full transparent process to investigate the deaths is going to help the commission regain its relevance.

Stop Gutter Politics!

2011-03-29T12:34:00.002+08:00

It has been a long time since I updated my blog. My apology, to be honest I am getting very tired and sick of commenting on the Malaysian politics. In the upcoming Sarawak state elections, I hope that all parties can stay away from gutter politics and focus on real issues faced by the people of Sarawak.

Stay away from personal attacks e.g. sex video, DNA campaign and others which are going to make Malaysia a laughing stock on the century. With changes taking place in the Middle East and North Africa, we might be the highlight of international press looking for some silly and humorous jokes about governance, society and politicians.

We have read and seen enough stupidity!

1) Pahang MB Adnan Yaakob told the Atomic Energy Licensing Board to set up an office at the side of the Lynas rare earth plant to allay fears. Why don't he set up his own office next to the plant to allay fears? It is not about fears or cosmetic steps but actual, factual and scientific data.

2) Nazri Aziz suggested a RCI to be set up to investigate the recent sex video controversy. What is the role of RCI? Punitive? A tool of the ruling regime to thumb down their opponents? What about RCIs for to investigate corruption in high profile cases involving PKFZ, Sime Darby and now Iskandar? Nazri said Wan Azizah is not qualified to judge the sex video. Who else if not a woman who is mother to six children with the accused? Who is better qualified? Actor/producer Yusry of KRU? Nazri should help the PM by keeping his mouth shut. He should look at his own backyard before talking about others.

3) Dr Chua Soi Lek wants the government to consider the use of dual language e.g. English & BM or mother tongue to teach Maths and Science. The whole discourse on education system should not be limited to just language of instruction but the quality of education to create skilled workers.

We have had enough of gutter politics. Stick to serious issues in Sarawak.

Subtle Insults & Serious Comments

2011-03-23T15:09:00.003+08:00

Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi was rather upset that the media had failed to discern between his “subtle insults” and serious comments over the Penang free WiFi issue which recently caused a storm in Penang.

Ooi, who is state telecommunications task force chairperson, refused to clarify the matter further when asked how the media had twisted his words as he claimed.

Malaysiakini had obtained the audio recording of the press conference where Ooi made the controversial statement.

Ooi was found to have indeed uttered those words when he explained the difficulties of implementing access points in Penang.

At the end of the media event, a reporter was heard asking Ooi to clarify his comment about WiFi coverage in non-Pakatan constituencies.

“It is not even considered for (the) second phase... no resources, if (they) want WiFi then vote PR (Pakatan Rakyat),” Ooi had replied.

Yes, it is subtle insult. It is an insult for Jeff Ooi to suggest that he media needs to be able to discern between his insult and serious comment. Why is there a need to insult in the first place? His party used to criticize the Barisan for saying or doing the same thing.

Second, the media did take him seriously because it is the role of the media to do so. If Jeff wants to insult or tell a joke, he should do a stand up comedy show like what we did in Penang, the MACC: Internal Affairs.

Jeff's attitude and reaction towards the media is not going to make him the same 'superstar blogger' like in 2008 when he stood for his maiden parliamentary election.

It is best for Jeff to wipe his arrogance and serve all Penangites.

For a record, he has yet to apologize for his accusation again me and my company in 2008 when he mistook us for another company which had helped the state government to organize a merdeka celebration. What can we expect from Jeff? - This is a subtle insult.

Reader's Feedback on the Recent Sex Video

2011-03-23T14:49:00.002+08:00

PKR, PR AND THE SEX VIDEO

Just like the current sodomy trial, this latest Anwar sex video episode shows how polarised and close-minded people are along political lines and beliefs.

It is both amazing and amusing how so many people are incredibly and unbelievably quick to condemn and vilify the video without so much as a glimpse of it. The most sorry of this lot are the PKR and other PR politicians. Surely good sense and prudence dictate that they withhold any comment about the video’s authenticity until and unless they themselves had seen it.

But, no, sirrreee. They rushed in with denials which can only be explained by a belief on their part that their leader is a person blessed with infallibility and thus sheltered from the usual human frailties to commit any form of sin. On the planet that they dwell, Anwar Ibrahim is a chaste saint, truly a gift from God to the people from Malaysia. All their critical faculties go out through the window and there is no space within their sensibilities to ponder that maybe, just maybe, their leader may not be what he seems or claims to be. Because of this ingrained attitude, just as the sun can be predicted to rise from the east, they too can be predicted to meet any accusation of wrongdoing against Anwar with their own unsupported, unsubstantiated and increasingly wild conspiracy theories of how their saintly leader is being unfairly targeted. It’s beginning to sound like the droning of a broken record – and getting tiresome.

The crucial point here is not the video itself, the veracity of which is unknown until it is seen by a wider audience. The point here is the manner in which the PR politicians are responding to this latest challenge. In being so blindly and stupidly devoted to the line that ‘Anwar Ibrahim can do no wrong’ and so blinkered by their hatred by Umno that they cannot think objectively any more, they risk disenchanting the voters, even the ones who are not necessarily pro-BN.

Yes, government leaders at times insult the people’s intelligence in justifying their actions. PR politicians too, as it is becoming clearer now, are not immune from doing the same thing in their efforts to defend Anwar’s reputation. They may just end up damaging the opposition more than any sex video could. After all, governing a country is much too important to be left to unquestioning and uncritical devotees of a personality cult.

ZHARRIF AZRAI

via (zharrifazrai@gmail.com)

Readers who want their views to be published can send them to kpkhoo@yahoo.com

X-Rated Malaysia

2011-03-22T19:22:00.003+08:00

An opposition politician is being linked to a new sexual scandal. His political opponents, namely minister Nazri Aziz, have challenged him to swear by the Quran that he was not involved in the new video.

This new allegation, whether it is true or false, is set to damage Malaysia's reputation especially the image and credibility of our politicians. Malaysia's political scene is probably more sensational than the latest action/fictional drama on the local TV. There is a mixture of alleged sexual misconduct, sodomy, conspiracy and murder. Some are real but some are lies...

The people are left wondering who they can really trust to help address the multifarious issues faced by the country.

I have a few issues & questions with the recent development:

1) Why is there a need to swear by the Quran?
2) Is the alleged act an offence under the Malaysian law?
3) Can the 'messenger' refuse to pass the video recording to the authority?
4) Should a special police unit be formed to investigate the video? Aren't there are more pressing issues which should be investigated?
5) What is the real intention of the 'whistle blower'? Should we encourage the use of such tactic to bring down a personality or a politician?

However, I would like to be consistent with my stand here. If the video is authentic, it is a moral obligation for the alleged person to step down from all public offices.

If the video is not authentic, the same call goes to the perpetrator(s).

Malaysia needs something healthier and positive. We need to change our political culture and politicians.

Malay Bible Controversy Needs Cool Heads to Defuse Ethno-Religious Tensions

2011-03-20T18:44:00.003+08:00

Thirty thousand Malay Bibles seized by Home Ministry officials from the port here were stamped today with the government’s seal without the importer’s consent despite Putrajaya’s assurance that the holy books for Sarawak Christians would be left untouched.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein had defended his ministry’s stamping of 5,100 Malay-language Bibles in Port Klang with its official seal, saying it was standard protocol and not done to “deface” the Alkitab.

“As for the serial numbers on the Bibles, the reason why it was done to the specific Bibles is because they are subject to the particular seizure in Klang,” he added.

Hishammuddin’s Cabinet colleague Nazri Aziz had also said the 5,100 copies in Port Klang remain illegal due to a prohibition in Selangor Islamic laws.

However, the de facto law minister had told The Malaysian Insider that the 30,000 Alkitab in Kuching could be released immediately as there was no enactment in Sarawak against the use of the term “Allah” in non-Muslim publications.

The Sarawak importer, James Redas, said that local Bumiputera Christians are highly upset at what they see as a desecration of their holy book and will make their feelings felt at the ballot box.

Perak Mufti Harussani Zakaria has warned the release of the previously impounded 35,100 Malay-language bibles could lead to Malay anger and fearsome consequences.

The Malay Bible controversy should be carefully managed by all parties. Malaysia is already a polarized country. Division between ethnic and religious communities is quite pronounced. We must be prepared to address this issue with a sense and sensibility.

There are two major issues here:

1) Ego. Malaysia's diverse ethno-religious communities should learn to accept and respect the existence of all religions in the country. We should compete for exclusivity of any religion. All religions profess good spiritual and moral values to their followers.

We should address the issue of ego. Harussani sounds egoistic when he claimed that the release of Malay-language bibles could lead to Malay anger and fearsome consequences. Why should and why would the Malay react in such hostility? Personalities such as Harussani should be refrained from making a false representation for the Malay. Let our Malay Muslim brothers and sisters speak for themselves.

I am confident that most Malay Muslims are confident of their Islamic faith. Islam is a major religion in the world. Muslims would not leave the religion just because they can get access to Malay-language bibles. I was a student of Islamic history and had read the Quran but instead of converting to Islam I had gained valuable knowledge about Islam and its virtues.

We should get rid of EGO if we want to achieve a real solution.

2) Second is the issue of confidence. I believe that a lack of communication and mutual understanding had led us to this controversy. Silly as it may sound there is no need for the government to react so negatively towards the Malay-language bibles. I believe the PM is a sensible and moderate leader. But it is not easy for any moderate leader to lead effectively in such a political environment. We should refrain from using the Bibles as a political pawn in the next Sarawak state elections. Unfortunately, the issue is expected to take a centre stage in Sarawak, risking further rifts amongst the Christian and Muslim communities.

The government, religious bodies, council of churches and eminent individuals must come together to put a stop to incessant and unnecessary politicization of the religious book. There are many things which can be politicized but not this BOOK not the BIBLE.

Malaysia must focus on bigger issues.

Silly and Insensitive Zoy

2011-03-14T00:25:00.003+08:00

Berita Harian apologises over the publication of the caricature regarding the tsunami and the earthquake in Japan in today's Berita Minggu.

"We never meant to make fun of the disaster which has struck the country, and we deeply sympathise and share in sadness with the people of Japan," it said.

Berita Harian's group editor Mior Kamarul Shahid also wrote on his Twitter account, reiterating their regrets and apologies over the oversight.

OVERSIGHT? Should we get Mior a new pair of spectacles?

Japan's death toll could climb to more than 10,000 and this newspaper can still afford to find some humour in one of the biggest tragedies in the 21st century.

INSENSITIVE is the word.

Stupidity is what best described Berita Harian's attitude.

As a Malaysian, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences and apology to the Japanese people.

Malay Bible & Dirty Politics

2011-03-13T14:29:00.002+08:00

The Malay bible controversy highlights a serious problem of deep social insecurity, unnecessary politicisation and political arrogance in this country.

It is sad to note that although a slew of feel good slogans had been introduce to promote Malaysia's ambition to become a fully developed country by 2020, this country is far from achieving this target.

It does not take rocket science to tell us that Malaysia embodies everything about a third world country. We are still bickering over something very basic - religion, race, constitutional rights and a host of other menial and petty political issues.

Our politicians are simply too good at setting targets they are not sure how to achieve. Politicians should start with some fundamental questions e.g. what does Malaysia need to become a true multiracial and progressive country? How can Malaysia compete and thrive in the ever changing global economy and market dynamics?

Zaid Ibrahim says “Different quarters have been allowed to abuse this issue for political gains. Must it come down to political parties fishing for votes based on promises of religious freedom? Isn't this already guaranteed in our constitution?”

Zaid is right to warn different parties not to abuse this issue for political gains. However, this is Barisan Nasional's self-inflicted damage. As the ruling regime, the leaders of Barisan Nasional should uphold the sanctity of federal constitution and not trying to impose their political will according to their own whim and fancy.

It is ridiculous for the Home Minister to suggest that their (Malay Bibles) release had been delayed pending advice from the Attorney-General.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein claimed the detention of 35,000 Malay-language bibles in Port Klang and Kuching port had been due to its pending court appeal over Catholic newspaper The Herald’s use of the word “Allah” in its publications.

In the first place, the government should not have restricted the use of the word "Allah" for fear of confusing Muslims in the country.

Abim demands PM Najib to clarify his stand on the Malay Bibles. PM Najib made the right decision to call for an immediate release of the bibles and all parties should respect his decision.

Abim's fear of apostasy among Muslims if Malay Bibles are made available is hilarious and shallow. It undermines the faith of Muslims of their Islamic faith. Many Malay Muslims are proficient in English too. How many have left the religion so far due to the Bible?

We should not succumb to our own inferiority complex and hurt the rights of others. Christians are Malaysians too. If the government and national language proponents are serious about their effort to encourage more to use the language they should act consistently.

Language alone cannot cause apostasy. It is not so simplistic.

Alkitab & National Language = Malaysian Hypocrisy

2011-03-11T12:29:00.002+08:00

This is a very odd situation. Malay proponents including Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali & ex-Berita Harian editor Ahmad Rejal Arbee have accused the non-Malays for not being able to converse in the national language.

Here, the government is banning the use of Bahasa Malaysia on Christian Bibles. Christians in Malaysia say they are angry and fed up with the Najib government for what they see as a systematic move to deny their religious rights enshrined in the country’s highest law.

Spurred by the Home Ministry’s latest seizure of 30,000 Malay Bibles that cost US$26,000 (RM78,000) from Kuching port, the churches rallied together and issued a stinging rebuke today against Prime Minister Najib Razak.

They demanded he “prove their (the government) sincerity and integrity in dealing with the Malaysian Christian community on this and all other issues which we have been raising with them since the formation of the Christian Federation of Malaysia in 1985”.

“The Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) is greatly disillusioned, fed-up and angered by the repeated detention of Bibles written in our national language, Bahasa Malaysia.

“It is an affront to them that they are being deprived of their sacred scriptures. Many are wondering why their scriptures are considered a threat to national security. All these actions in relation to the detention of the Bibles continue to hurt the Malaysian Christian community,” it said in a statement today signed by its chairman, Bishop Ng Moon Hing.

It appears to me that the use of Bahasa Malaysia can be hypocritically judged. The use of Bahasa Malaysia is not welcomed if there is a perceived threat to the Malays and Muslim interest.

If Ibrahim Ali and Ahmad Rejal are consistent in their stand to urge all Malaysians to use the national language, they should stand up and speak up for the Christian community.

However, I do not think the two individuals are really so passionate about the use of Bahasa Malaysia. Most of us would perceive their stand as a mean to ridicule the non-Malays more than really defending the use of Bahasa Malaysia.

Why is the government so afraid of the Malay Bibles?

The insecurity is also being practiced and magnified by leaders such as Dr Mahathir, Muhyiddin and others on the position of the Malays. If really the Malays were so easily threatened and overwhelmed, can anyone explain to us why these leaders, especially Taib Mahmud, and their children are so successful and filthy rich?

It shows that Melayu Boleh!

Now, get straight to the point. Mahathir, Muhyiddin, Taib, Ibrahim or Ahmad are not exceptional Malays. We should agree and accept that the poor Malays are most likely being suppressed and marginalised by the powerful federal government than the Chinese or non-Malays.

This country will remain where it is today if leaders still do not see the big picture.

Durian FM

2011-03-10T17:04:00.002+08:00

Yo folks, I am hosting the "Tell It Like It Is" programme at the Durian FM on every Wednesday and Thursday from 11am to 1pm.

You can listen to the programme through Facebook/durianfm.

If you want me to discuss any issue(s), please post your request on this blog. If you have a burning desire to join the programme, do let me know too. I will invite you as a studio guest.

Remember to tune in next Thursday, a special guest will be at the studio. Dr Hsu Dar Ren, an ex-Gerakan leader who resigned from the party citing racist overtone from UMNO will be on the show to talk about his struggle to change from within, his disappointment and his quest for a better Malaysia post-Gerakan.

You can join us live on Facebook too and write in your feedback.

I am sure the operator of Durian FM will make phone call in available very soon!

Check out the website here.

Malaysian Dilemma - Mindset & a Lack of Finesse

2011-03-01T14:20:00.004+08:00

It is a shame to note that Malaysians, from both sides of the political divide, are not able to engage in a meaningful and civilised debate.

Some Malaysians tend to equate name calling/harsh language/profanity to a discourse/debate. If we cannot even learn how to agree or disagree rationally how are going to expect this nation to progress or move forward even if there is a regime change?

A Pakatan Rakyat blog, which is probably run by a supporter, has reacted harshly to both Dr Malcolm Puthucherry and my post defending Malcolm's right to criticize PR's defacto leader on his less than convincing justification for not establishing a showdow cabinet.

The post called Malcolm a "smelly drunken beggar" and me a "prostitute" for giving Malaysian voters nightmares.

First, the voters are not stupid and they are not the ones having nightmares but the same cannot be said for PR leaders/candidates if their supporters continue to behave this way.

I expect the blog to take down the post as a courtesy and a good example.

Invincible MCA?

2011-03-01T11:54:00.002+08:00

The cheating charges brought against Chan Kong Choy (and Ling Liong Sik) will have no impact on MCA, its party president Dr Chua Soi Lek proclaimed.

Dr Chua’s remarks come as Chan, also a former transport minister from MCA, was charged today with three counts of cheating over the scandal-hit PKFZ trans-shipment hub project and faces up to five years’ jail for each count.

Chan pleaded not guilty on all counts.

Dr Ling, a former MCA president, was also charged on July 29, 2010 of knowingly deceiving the Cabinet to approve a land purchase for PKFZ, which resulted in wrongful losses for the government.

"Anybody who has committed an offence, they should face the music.” He added that the charges showed the government is serious about good governance.

Soi Lek must be politically naive to claim that there is no impact on MCA. This is perhaps the most tumultuous period for the party. Ling and Chan were the top leaders of MCA. It is irresponsible and insensitive to suggest that their prosecutions do not affect the party. Both of them were nominated by the party to helm the transport minister position.

What Soi Lek must do is to order the current transport minister, Kong Cho Ha, to clean up the PKFZ mess. I am sure he knows that Kong has been criticized for doing the exact opposite by refusing to renew the tenure of a few independent directors.

MCA, to be relevant, must own up to the mess and alleged wrongdoings of both Ling and Chan. If the government is as serious about good governance as claimed by Chua the position of transport minister should not have been given to a MCA nominee.

A new transport minister from another component party would be more proper and suitable to continue with the probe on irregularities. A non-MCA transport minister could act more impartially and not try to protect former comrades and party members.

Chua's claim of good governance is a long shot. MCA's leadership crisis and credibility deficit is at its worst in the party's 62 years history.

I would be surprised if he claims that the Chinese voters have returned to the party. Return for what? To join in the current circus act in the party?

For 1Malaysia to Succeed, We Must Get Over Mahathirism

2011-02-28T12:47:00.007+08:00

I believe the current ruling regime and Malaysians must answer a very crucial question; is Mahathirism a catalyst or a barrier to 1Malaysia?

What is the main purpose of 1Malaysia? If it intends to forge greater unity amongst multiracial Malaysians the proponent of 1Malaysia must correct Mahathir's statement which mentioned that other races must accept that this country belonged to the Malays.

Mahathir claims that Malaysia is successful today because the Malays are willing to share the country with others.

Firstly, Malaysia is not a property of any single race. Malaysia was established as a multiracial country. Post-independence generations in the country had adopted this country as their motherland.

Malaysia as a nation is a legal and geo-political creation. It was established in 1963 and this nation belongs to all Malaysians and not just the Malays.

Malaysia is successful because it had embraced multiculturalism. All races had contributed or are still contributing to it's socio-economic development. Malaysia's success was not due to the generosity of the Malays alone.

Mahathir, who has a Kerala parentage, was able to ascend to the highest political position in the country not because he was a pure Malay but a fact that this country, before his premiership, was willing to put the best Malaysian in the right position.

If 1Malaysia embraces all citizens of this country as equals, it should debunk the outdated Mahathirism which is still play off a race against another.

Mahathir's tirade against Singapore, especially MM Lee Kuan Yew, is again a reflection of his hypocrisy.

Mahathir said that racism in Malaysia was clearly the result of Singapore’s short membership in the country, and not because the island was “turfed out” as suggested by the republic’s founding father Lee Kuan Yew recently.

It is unbelievable for Mahathir trying to pin the blame on Singapore's short membership of Malaysia. It does not take a rocket scientist to tell Mahathir that Malaysia's racism is the result of Barisan's and Umno's race based politics, policies and governance.

Mahathir said that Singapore is not truly multiracial because it is dominated by a single race. Malaysia is no exception. The difference is Singapore does not have a two-tiered nationality - Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera. The race dichotomy is most pronounced during Mahathir's tenure.

For Malaysia to move on to achieve greater things, the country must lose its fixation with race which has created social polarisation which does not benefit anyone.

Mahathir's insistence to create a permanent wedge between the Malays and non-Malays is damaging and destroying his legacy beyond any repair. Even the best spin doctor in the world cannot help to salvage his self inflicted destruction.

As a leader and an ex-premier, if Mahathir cannot even bring himself to respect his fellow citizens as equals what gives him the legitimacy or credibility to tell the Middle Easterners that their quest and struggle for freedom and greater democracy might be wrong?

The regime must address the issues of race inequalities and abuses and poor race relations seriously. Issues such as the controversial Interlok book, repeated racial abuses especially during elections, 'Allah' issue and others should not have been allowed to prolong if the government is serious about its 1Malaysia slogan.

Malaysia must move forward as a cohesive and united society. We must work together to reposition the country strongly in the new global economic landscape. Otherwise, Malaysia will be left behind and forgotten in the race for resources, investments and talents.

Penang Truly Asia

2011-02-26T16:11:00.003+08:00

Dawn Jeremiah wrote:

This statement alone reminded me of the question I was asked by Sham (Hisham Hamzah), then a DJ with MixFM during the grand finals of Miss Malaysia World back in 2007.

He asked me “Among all the tourist destinations in Malaysia, which would you recommend most to tourists and why?”.

The answer was so simple. Of course I would say Penang! And no, it’s not only because it’s where I’m from, but more so because of a major keyword: variety.

Penang can have everything and anything to make everyone and anyone happy.

I forgot the exact answer which I gave on stage, but this is the gist of it: If you want a city, you’ll get a city. If you want the beach, you’ll get a beach. If you want to explore the jungles and forests, there’s plenty to choose from. If you want the hustle and bustle or quiet time being one with nature, you have it all in this idlyllic little Pearl of the Orient.

Not forgetting the fact that it’s the food capital of Malaysia, with choices that range from hawker centres to fine dining.

Heck, even my Convent Green Lane Secondary School canteen has better food than most shops by my office! Penangites are very protective and defensive about their cuisine (more about that another day!).

Come celebrate with us the beauty of Penang on 5th March, 9pm at the Dewan Sri Pinang. Get your tickets to the MACC: Internal Affairs (Penang Edition) Stand Up Comedy in English. Tickets (RM35 & RM50) are available at the Red Rock Hotel, Jalan Macalister.

Anwar Ibrahim & The Way Forward

2011-02-25T14:02:00.003+08:00

It takes a great courage for Dr Malcolm Puthucherry to write a soft criticism of Anwar Ibrahim's assertion that he does not need a shadow cabinet because Pakatan had set up parliamentary committees to mirror the ruling party's cabinet.

Malcolm wrote:

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s assertion that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) does not need a shadow cabinet is nothing less than an admission that the three-party pact he leads is very much less than the sum of its parts.

He added:

No, the real reason for not having a shadow cabinet which Anwar, ever the consummate political creature, refuses to tell the public is plain and simple: PR lacks the necessary cohesion and collective vision to come to an agreement between its member parties as to which ministerial portfolio ought to be entrusted to which party and the courage of conviction to announce it to the public. No amount of obfuscation by Anwar or any other PR leader can cover up that vulnerability of the pact.

Real proponents of a two-party system would have been able to view the issue in a broader perspective. It is sad to find the writer, Malcolm, being personally and viciously attacked by Anwar's hardcore supporters. By doing so, these supporters are missing an opportunity to urge Anwar himself to take a serious look at the gains and losses he has made since the last general election.

Malcolm's argument on the need of a shadow cabinet is legitimate and logical. It has been my fear that Pakatan coalition members may not have a post Putrajaya plan. What happens after winning the federal power? The ideological and policy differences may be easily diverted and avoided for the moment because these parties are bounded by a common aim to bring down the Barisan government.

It is impossible for us to be convinced that Pakatan is ready to govern if the Anwar-led Pakatan does not convey to us a comprehensive and detailed roadmap to governance.

It is illogical and desperate to suggest that any announcement now will render these shadow cabinet members to vicious attacks from Perkasa, Utusan and Umno. Any Pakatan politicians hope to be part of the next cabinet must be able to withstand any political onslaught. If they cannot take the heat now what make us think that they will be able to do so later?

The only Pakatan MP who is actively engaging the ruling government is MP Tony Pua. What have happened to the rest? Where's Pakatan alternative budget if there is a whole parliamentary committee mirroring the finance ministry? How can Pakatan reverse the fortune of PKFZ, Bakun dam and a host of other financially disastrous projects? I don't think these issues can be easily swept under the carpet.

I would like to go beyond the issue of shadow cabinet. I would like to urge Anwar to take a deep look at his own leadership of Pakatan and PKR.

He must address these issues if he is hoping to make bigger gains/inroads compared to 2008:

1) Organisational weakness within PKR and Pakatan. Surely Anwar cannot walk on a moral high ground for what had happened to the defections in Perak, Penang & Selangor. Anwar must answer to the political chaos of Sabah PKR which has badly affected the coalition's chance in the next state elections.

2) Anwar must initiate a sincere and honest audit of his own leadership. It has become rather meek and unconvincing to continue positioning the whole coalition's fate on Anwar's leadership alone. Anwar's own political star is waning. The coalition needs to offer something more and something new to complement Anwar's oratory ability and personal charm alone. Anwar needs to facilitate and groom a list of next line leaders who are capable to take over from him. No one is indispensable and Anwar has appeared weary and tired compared to the 1999 reformasi movement. Age is a contributing factor. Next is complacency in his own party ranks.

3) Anwar must seriously ask himself if he had contributed to the dispersion and disintegration of the opposition front. Anwar was also a contributor to the creation of UBF, Kita, MCLM and others. If he had not being distracted by the latest sodomy scandal, a lack of new ideas to organize his party better and possibly poor decision to back some wrong individuals in his party these new forces would have been created because there is no real reason for their existence or need.

4) Caught in the web of sodomy scandal 2, Anwar should have made some strategic decision to initiate a leadership transition in his party and the newly minted coalition. I am not saying that we should use the sodomy case to push down Anwar. But Anwar should know who the authority is up against. A way to divert the attention away from him which may slow down the progress of his party and the coalition to build on the 2008 gains is to divert the target and attention away from his leadership of PKR and Pakatan. New leaders should have been groomed to take over his reforms agenda and work on strengthening the party and coalition.

It is still not too late for Anwar to rethink his own political strategy and positioning.

Meanwhile, I hope pro-Anwar supporters would react more kindly to criticism. By doing what they did to Malcolm is not going to set Pakatan supporters apart from the Barisan's.

Malaysia a Model to the Muslim Nations?

2011-02-25T04:51:00.003+08:00

Prime Minister Najib Razak said Malaysia has proven that its system of governance, based on moderate Islam, has worked and can be a good model for other countries in the world to emulate, especially Islamic countries.

He said in view of what was taking place in the world today, it was important to ensure that the system of administration adopted was working.

The key consideration, he said, was that “if you have a system, would it work to produce good and effective governance?”

No one should blame Najib for being overly excited to position Malaysia as a model Muslim nation amidst the socio-political chaos in some Muslim countries. Oddly, Malaysia has been using the Middle East as an example in managing its own Islamic affairs.

Moreover, the Muslim community has been going through the 'Arabisation' process for decades since the 1980's. The government had sent a few hundred thousands students to receive their higher/tertiary/Islamic education in several Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain etc. Thousands of them are still being send there to receive their education.

On the other hand, how many Middle Eastern students are studying in Malaysia? How influential is Malaysia among the Middle Eastern governments or regimes?

Najib should be cautioned not to use the word 'moderate' too loosely. How can Malaysia be a moderate Muslim nation if Shiite followers are banned in the country? Islam in Malaysia is heavily regulated and controlled by the government. Islam in Malaysia has become a state-led religion. Islam is not only politically intertwined but it has been racialised too. Muslim rights are synonymous to Malay supremacy. In fact, Najib has suggested that Islam cannot be seen as an equal to other religions.

How can Malaysia be a moderate Muslim country if the word 'Allah' can be used by others to describe god when the term has been widely used by Christians in Arab countries freely?

How can Malaysia become a model nation when the freedom of press is being curtailed, oppressive laws such as ISA are still being used to detain government critics or when separation of power is being compromised?

It is pertinent for the PM to ask himself the same question: does the Malaysian system produces good and effective governance?

The answer lies in the integrity, capacity and capability of the Malaysian public institutions or civil service. The main problem in this country is the inability of our public institutions/government linked companies/private companies to implement policies and to deliver effectively. Remember the PKFZ, Bakun Dam, 10 battle ships, Cyberjaya, Proton, Perwaja and the list goes on.

What about the capacity and integrity of our sacred institutions such as the police force, judiciary, anti-corruption agency, election commission, educational institutions and others?

By offering Malaysia as a model Muslim nation to be emulated the PM is giving others and the world an impression that we have already reached our peak and a huge success story.

The fact is Malaysia is actually trailing behind some of the very best in the region and is slowing losing our comparative advantage over the newly emerging economies too.

It is time for PM Najib to reach out to the best in the country, regardless of race or religion, to help his administration deliver good and efficient governance.

Otherwise, the political upheaval in several Muslim nations may actually produce more inertia and good things when the dust settles compared to Malaysia.

This is not the time to blow our own trumpet. We should accept the fact that Malaysia is still a work in progress.

Anti-Interlok Rally: Muhyiddin Should Refrain from Acting Like an Autocrat

2011-02-25T04:33:00.003+08:00

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin wants firm police action against a group calling itself Hindraf which is reported to be trying to hold a mass rally this Sunday.

He said that Hindraf, the Hindu Rights Action Force, had been banned and using or championing its name was in itself an offence.

“They (planners) know that they would need permission from the police (for such a rally),” he told reporters here.

Muhyiddin said it was up to police to “shape” the action to be taken, but they have to be firm against such activity as a rally by a banned organisation.

It is important for the deputy prime minister to get his facts right. First, the right to a peaceful assembly is guaranteed by the federal constitution. If members of the Indian community would like to hold a peaceful assembly to voice out their opposition against the controversial Interlok book they are acting within their constitutional rights to do.

The police is not above the law. The action of the police must be bounded and limited by what is allowed within the highest law of the land - the federal constitution. The police should facilitate and control the peaceful demonstration so that it does not become too emotional or a threat to public safety.

Muhyiddin's call for a stern police action is actually unconstitutional.

Second, if Hindraf has been banned by the government why are groups such as Perkasa are still allowed to hold their meetings, talks and demonstrations?

I must reiterate that I do not support race based organisations but the government must be consistent in its action.

Hence, I would like to advice Muhyiddin - for his and his party's own sake - to stop acting like a legal thug and an autocratic leader who continues to trample on the rule of law. It does not make Muhyiddin looks gungho or smart calling for a stern police action against the Hindraf peaceful demonstration.

Let it be if PM Najib really want other Muslim nations to follow the example of Malaysia. It is precise acting the same way like Muhyiddin now - trampling on the basic rights of the people - that decades old regimes/autocracies have been defeated and dismantled by the people's power.

Muhyiddin should appreciate that sometimes less is more. Yes, talk less and contribute more.

Public Transport System Woes: Are Malaysians so Tolerant?

2011-02-24T15:40:00.003+08:00

The federal government is prepared to spend big on the MRT project. The project proponents of which MMC-Gamuda had estimated will cost at least RM36 billion. Sceptics had put the price tag at at least RM46 billion upon its eventual completion.

The main question is, would the MRT project be able to solve the Klang Valley public transport woes?

Transit, a local advocacy group, does not think so although the project consultant, ERE Consultancy Group, opined that MRT is a better solution than others.

The transport advocacy group claimed today that it was impossible for the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system to achieve its ferrying targets based on its fleet size and passenger capacity.

In a statement on its website transitmy.org this morning, the Association for the Improvement of Mass Transit (Transit) argued that with only 58 available MRT trains, each with a maximum passenger capacity of 1,200 people, the system would not be able to achieve its 30,000 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD) target.

The group added that even if all 58 carriages were to ply the 90-minute route from Sungai Buloh to Kajang (SBK), the first in the proposed three-line project, the system would still only achieve 24,000 PPHPD.

Even then, it said this was unlikely as at least 10 per cent of the fleet should be reserved as spare trains, meaning that only 52 or 53 trains would be available for use.

“If you look closely at the numbers, there is no way for the MRT to achieve 30,000 PPHPD or the 40,000 as targeted by the government,” the statement said.

To achieve 40,000 PPHPD, said Transit, the system would have to provide at least one train for every 109 seconds or 33 trains for every hour, which would allow the MRT to achieve 39,600 PPHPD. (more on Malaysian Insider website)

It is fair to insist on a thorough study before such a big financial commitment is being made on the proposed MRT project. The current LRT system has a few weaknesses which have yet to be resolved:

1) A lack of feeder bus system to ferry passengers out from the housing estates to the LRT stations. RapidKL service has deteriorated over the years. Hence, traveling by LRT is not only time consuming but inconvenient. For example, a resident in SS2 housing estate would have to take a taxi to the LRT stations in Taman Bahagia or Kelana Jaya. The taxi ride would cost an additional least RM6-RM8.

2) The current LRT lines are not connected and poorly located. The government must address the current weakness and address the connectivity issue. There is a need of a better and standardized payment system too. Most of the self-service machines are not in proper working order.

3) The trains do not have enough coaches to allow for bigger passengers capacity. Transit has made a legitimate observation of the inability of the MRT frequency to meet the targeted load capacity.

I would like to echo the call from various parties to urge the government to consider other cheaper options too such as the Bus Transit System.

BTS has been a key pillar of a good, affordable and efficient public transport system in major international cities. It makes more sense for the government to consider BTS as a viable option due to the development structure and demographic to Klang Valley.

It has been long overdue for the government to come out with a workable and cost efficient public transport system to lower the burden of public especially those at the lower income bracket.

A good public transport system is key to ensure a faster and efficient socio-economic development. It could ease the congestion in the Klang Valley and the government could consider shifting the oil subsidy for private cars to public transport system to ensure that such benefit drips down to the bottom rung of society (especially those who do not own a private vehicle).

Over the last 3 decades, the government has irresponsibly chosen to support the local car producers and private car ownership and ignore the need to provide an efficient public transport system. As a result, the government is now facing a burden of RM14 billion annually (and growing) in oil subsidy.

The government had mischievously tried to use the private car ownership data as a measurement for wealth and well-being. This is not only misleading but also inappropriate and irresponsible. More affluent societies such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan registered more than 70% public transport users.

The government must get the public transport system policy right and not continue to waste scarce public funds on another half-baked and poorly planned solution.

The space for the government to continue making such a costly mistake is narrowing and it is best for the current regime to take note of this fact.

Teoh RCI a Test for Malaysia's Institutional Credibility & Integrity

2011-02-21T16:40:00.003+08:00

From the commission earlier failure to include a critical witness, chemist who refuses to answer questions to cops who gave conflicting statements, the Teoh RCI is a real test for Malaysia's institutional credibility and integrity.

It is unprecedented anywhere in the world where a government spends so much effort to protect and shield the integrity and a possible breach of ethics of an independent anti-corruption body which had resulted in a death of a witness in its custody.

It is also malicious for any top politician to suggest that Teoh's family is trying to slow down the RCI investigation until the next general election and hoping to turn it into a political issue. Like other families, I am sure the Teohs would appreciate and welcome a quick justice for their loved one.

However, in the run up to the RCI the public institutions in the country had created more doubt than confidence of their ability and sincerity to seek justice for the Teoh's family members.

I am sure many of us had viewed with disbelief the attitude of a federal counsel representing the MACC and his conduct during the inquest. The purported 'suicide note' had created more public anguish and anger.

We do not need hard facts to understand why the Malaysian democracy is being looked down by foreigners including the former US ambassador to Malaysia, John Malott.

If the Teoh RCI continues to disappoint, there is nothing probably nothing royal and respect left in any future RCIs.

What the Malaysia government need to do is not to give an impression that it is trying to protect any recalcitrant or disgraced institutions in the country. Otherwise, it would be a joke trying to suggest that there is democracy - separation of power, rule of law & humanity - in Malaysia. It must deliver justice to the Teohs.

It does not take any rocket science to understand why this country continues to embrace the ranks of mediocrity if such incredulous things continue to happen.

Malaysians must really move beyond puppetry and blind loyalty to self-appointed race defenders. The biggest problem with this society is the mindset. Any political leader or party hoping to carry out meaningful reforms in the country must first address the mindset issue. Otherwise, Malaysia will continue slipping down the slippery slop into oblivion.

In no time, we may be trailing countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and others.

Malaysia must get away and rise above its fixation with race, religion and royalty/feudalism.

Bailout & More Bailouts

2011-02-21T10:18:00.002+08:00

How much longer can bailouts continue? The government is hit by yet another possible bailout. What's next? PKFZ? Ports? More companies and individuals?

Hit by escalating cost of operations, stage bus operators nationwide have asked the Government to take over their businesses and liabilities.

Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association president Ashfar Ali has sent a memorandum to Land Public Transport Commission (LPTC) chairman Syed Hamid Syed Albar proposing that the Government buy over their assets. (and take over their debts)

The association, which comprises members from 130 bus companies operating more than 3,200 buses, said the fares that they collect can no longer cover rising operational costs.

The stage buses ply about 80% of the routes outside the Klang Valley.

Syed Hamid, in his response, admitted that the issues raised were valid and promised to look at the memorandum before meeting the association for further discussions.

The government must take a comprehensive look at the public transport policy. It must come out with a proper system to ensure that while it does not burden the people, public transport providers are able to operate viably.

In the spirit of 1Malaysia's people first agenda, the government cannot ignore the need to revamp and restore the public transport system to world-class standards. A good public transport is essential to positive socio-economic development.

Otherwise, more bailouts will not help to improve the situation. Even if Syed Hamid or the government agree to the bailout, the final say belonged to the people/tax payers. The government had created a precedent by bailing out groups previously and more will come forward with similar proposal in the future. We should not encourage businessmen to treat the government as an insurance policy whenever their business is not doing well.

More burden on the taxpayers will reach a breaking point. I would like to urge the government to take a serious look at the current public transport system or a lack of it and address the problems immediately.

Here's Why You Should Not Miss the MACC (Penang Edition)

2011-02-18T02:00:00.004+08:00

For the special showcase in Penang on 5th March, 9pm at the Dewan Sri Pinang get your tickets at the Red Rock Hotel, Jalan Macalister.

Or come to the bridal fair at 1st Avenue from tomorrow till Sunday to grab your tickets now. Tickets are priced at RM35 & RM50

Don't miss the fun!

Malaysia A Police State?

2011-02-18T01:29:00.004+08:00

Mahathir wanted to abolish the ISA but the police said NO:

"I suggested scrapping of the ISA, but I depended on national security advice from the police and they said 'cannot' (because) there still are threats,” he said.

BUT Hanif Omar said his duty at the time was to uphold the law and that amending or abolishing the ISA was the duty of the Parliament.

Mahathir did not want to use the ISA BUT the police made him do so.

Mahathir did not want to sign the extension of detention order BUT the police made him do so.

He wanted to shorten the detention to a year BUT the police wanted it to be extended to 2 years.

So, who was the head of government? PM or IGP?

Abdullah Badawi wanted to implement the IPCMC BUT the police said NO.

The public/Anti-ISA activists/pro-democracy activists/Bersih/Hindraf wanted to gather peacefully, a right which is guaranteed by the federal constitution, BUT the police said NO.

So, which is the highest authority of the land? Police or Federal constitution?

We need to get it right and clarified once and for all. Is Malaysia a democratic country or a police state?

Who is providing a check-and-balance on the police if they are so powerful?

Imagine Mahathir being led by the nose by the police, or so he claimed. This is a serious matter. The police image is being tarnished by Mahathir's revelation.

Or Mahathir is turning into a forgetful stand up comedian?

Malaysia's Economic Woes: A Self Inflicted Act

2011-02-18T00:52:00.004+08:00

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak revealed that Malaysia's GDP growth in 2010 exceeded six percent, hitting the target to achieve a high-income nation in the year 2020.

He reiterated that the Economic Transformation Plan (ETP) target to achieve US$15,000 income per capita in the year 2020, can be realised if Malaysia is able to hit six percent growth in the next 10 years.

The main problem is Malaysia may achieve GDP growth of 6% per annum and USD15k income per capita by 2020 but the growth is not spread out equally to all citizens. It is important to look at where the growth sectors are located. The biggest contributors to the growth numbers may come from the oil & gas and plantations. How many percent of total Malaysian workforce are working in both sectors?

The government must also focus on the urban economy especially the manufacturing, ICT and services sectors which are providing huge employment opportunities for urban based workers. More than 180,000 graduates are registering themselves with the public employment agency annually. Growing number of youth unemployment is going to pose a major problem for the country.

Suicide rates are increasing among Malaysian youths. A great number of them are facing extreme difficulty to cope with the pressure of living in urban areas especially cost of living and a lack of employment opportunities.

The government must address how it is going to help create 3.3. million jobs if there is little shift in the nation labour policy. It should emulate certain countries such as Taiwan to lower the use of foreign workers in the local economy to encourage the use of local workers. The use of local workers could encourage better focus on staff training and better customer service. The use of low skilled foreign workers in the F&B, retail and services is affecting the quality of customer service.

The government need to seriously look at and address the issue of employment creation if it wants to avoid social strife in the future.

A lack of political will and policy direction to address serious issues in the economy will ensure that more young brains flowing out of the country and a lack of investment to create more jobs in the country.

The government and the opposition should minimize politicking and focus more on real policy debate and initiative to address Malaysia's economic woes.

What is the point of achieving 6% growth or USD15k per capita if the wealth is concentrated in hands of a few?

The government needs to help the SMEs too and help must be extended regardless of race or creed.

Malaysia must shed its pre-independence past and learn to accept its multiracial society without having to go back and enlarge the communal wound. I agree with Farish Noor that race relations in Malaysia is dangerously close to absolutely breaking down if racial politics is not kept in check.

It is almost becoming a long lengthy joke to see our politicians fighting over trivial race and personal issues.

How long since we have last heard a meaningful and intellectual policy debate from both sides of the fence?

Malaysia MUST wake up! It is time to focus on competency, innovation, integrity, hard work and know how.

Stop the useless debate over race supremacy and birth rights!

Here Are New MACC Internal Affairs (Penang Edition) Promo Videos

2011-02-16T21:25:00.002+08:00

Grab your tickets now! There is only one show...only this special show at the Dewan Sri Pinang on 5th March 2011 at 9pm. Get your tickets at the Red Rock Hotel, Jalan Macalister.

May you have more laughter in the new year...

See you in Penang. Let's enjoy some laughter together...

Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid's Dare is Less Than Heroic

2011-02-15T12:09:00.003+08:00

Ahmad Zahid said opposition MP Tony Pua should come forward and provide evidence to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to allow investigations to be carried out on the matter.

"What is he so afraid of? Please give whatever evidence (you have) to the MACC.

"I’m ready to be investigated. My officers are also ready to be investigated if there are irregularities in the procurements,” he told reporters after a visit to the Boustead Naval Dockyard.

Ahmad Zahid has missed the main point here. His dare against Tony to file a report with the MACC shows that the minister is trying to divert our attention from the real issue. The main issue is why is the defence ministry giving another contract to a company which has failed to deliver the last batch of OPVs? What has happened to the contract?

Is the new management of Naval Dockyard willing to assume the responsibility and compensate the government on the company's failure to deliver?

Ironically, this government has been talking about KPIs and its commitment to performance. Is the same set of KPIs being applied to this new defence procurement?

Kua Kia Soong's recent article merits a read:

In 1993, Najib announced that the cabinet had given the go-ahead to the RMN to acquire 27 OPVs costing RM4 billion over a 20-year period.

He said that Naval Dockyard Sdn Bhd, the company which took over the naval dockyard at Lumut, had been appointed the main contractor. The construction of the vessels would be spread out from then up to 10th Malaysia Plan; each warship would be 80m long and weigh 1,000-1,300 tonnes, and be fitted with basic armaments including naval guns.

Still, note that the cost quoted for 27 OPVs in 1993 was RM4 billion. By 1997, the project cost had climbed to more than RM5 billion. (NST, 17.10.97) In recent years, the price quoted for these 27 OPVs became RM24 billion. And now we know that the new cost for just six of these OPVs is at least RM6 billion and no doubt there will be the usual cost overruns!

By the mid-2006, only two barely operational patrol boats had been delivered. In 2007, the auditor-general tabled a report in Parliament alleging that the contract given to PSC-NDSB was in serious trouble. There were 298 recorded complaints on the two boats, which were also found to have 100 uncompleted items in one boat and 383 in the other.

According to the auditor-general, 14 progressive payments amounting to RM943 million had been paid out despite the fact that he could find no payment vouchers or relevant documents dealing with the payments. He attributed the failure to serious financial mismanagement and technical incompetence stemming from the fact that PSC had never built anything but trawlers or police boats before being given the contract by Mindef. (Auditor-General's Report 2006, Sept 7, 2007)

The Auditor-General's Report estimated that the government could claim at least RM214 million in penalties for the late delivery of the two OPVs and non-delivery of the remaining four. However, the cabinet decided to waive the claim of penalties and even awarded the contractor an increase in the contract price of RM1.4 billion in January 2007. Mindef paid in advance RM4.26 billion to the contractor in December 2006 when the progress of the work done only amounted to RM2.87 billion. (ibid)

Despite the fiasco and the great financial loss to taxpayers, the mammoth contract was awarded to yet another local company - Boustead Holdings which effectively took control from Amin Shah.

Amin Shah suffered no greater punishment than being reduced to the status of 'non-executive chairperson' in the company. Now, which Malaysian would not want to be a favoured bumiputera entrepreneur like Amin Shah who could get away so lightly after such a fiasco?

Ahmad Zahid should explain why only two barely operational boats were delivered after nearly 13 years after the contract was signed and the company was commissioned to build the boats?

Will Ahmad Zahid's head roll if there is going to be another fiasco? Looking at the precedence, it is hardly possibly for Ahmad Zahid to face the music. The last defence minister is now the prime minister of this country.

The government must walk the talk about putting the people's interest ahead of its administration own agenda. The last fiasco has put a burden on taxpayers. This is only a tip of the iceberg. The administration should be accountable for more than a few dozens billion ringgit fiascoes around the country before committing itself into another big money contract/project.

The government must learn the lesson of other regimes which had failed the people and suffered their wrath.

MACC Internal Affairs (Penang Edition) Preview

2011-02-14T00:52:00.003+08:00

Got your tickets already? If not, head now to the Red Rock Hotel, Jalan Macalister to grab your tickets (RM35 & RM50) now. This is a one show special.

Venue: Dewan Sri Pinang
Date: 5th March
Time: 9pm

Doctors say humour is good for your health!

Hanif Omar Defends Mahathir Only Partially

2011-02-10T11:57:00.003+08:00

Hanif backs Mahathir's claim on Operasi Lalang:

"You can't blame him. He is right. As a matter of fact, it was entirely the police's decision. It was not his (Mahathir's) decision. Mahathir was actually opposed to it... He was against Ops Lalang," said Hanif.

In the 1987 crackdown on Oct 27, 106 people - mostly opposition and a handful of MCA and Umno politicians - were arrested under the Internal Security Act while the publishing permits for The Star and Sin Chew Jit Poh and Watan were revoked.

However, Hanif added that it was Mahathir's responsibility as the home minister to sign the detention orders once the first 60-day detention provided for under the Internal Security Act expired.

While most of the detainees in the Ops Lalang were released either conditionally or unconditionally, 40 were issued two-year detention orders, including then DAP secretary-general Lim Kit Siang and party deputy chairman Karpal Singh.

Mahathir did not order the crackdown but he did sign the 2-year detention orders to keep a few top opposition leaders including the opposition leader Lim Kit Siang in Kamunting.

Second, it is near impossible for Mahathir to completely wash off his hands because it was him who revoked the permits for several local newspapers.

Hanif may be one of the most respected and credible IGPs in the country but his argument that the police force were independent of political influence is rather unconvincing. If so, why didn't the police arrest some UMNO youth leaders including the current PM Najib? In response, Umno held a counter protest, where notably then-Youth chief Najib Abdul Razak led a mammoth rally in Kampung Baru days prior to the arrests.

Both Mahathir and Hanif's statements cemented the need to abolish the ISA to avoid it being abused as a political tool to detain detractors and to implement the IPCMC to monitor the police force conduct.

My Ship is Right, Your Ship is Wrong! Please Don't Shit on Us...

2011-02-10T11:23:00.003+08:00

DAP's Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentarian Tony Pua was making unreasonable comparisons when he claimed that the Defence Ministry is going to pay up to 8.7 times more for the warships it is proposing to buy, a defence analyst says.

According to Dzirhan Mahadzir, correspondent for noted defence magazine Jane's Defence Weekly, this is because the specifications of the vessels mentioned by Pua vary.

“Some warships he compared are less in tonnage and size than the (vessels proposed for purchase)… so it is like comparing a Mini Cooper with a four-wheel drive in price,” he said in a lengthy commentary on his Facebook page.

It is also very difficult to make comparisons by dividing price by tonnage as even similar sized ships can come in very different specifications, he said.

The rest of Dzirhan's comment can be read from the Malaysiakini.com article. Maybe Dzirhan is right about Tony's over simplistic comparison.

However, this is not the most contentious point. The point is why is the government spending so much money (RM6 billion) on OPVs? What is the purpose of this expenditure? To enlarge and renew our armoury or to help build the local defence industry?

On Saturday, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the government has agreed to allocate RM6 billion to purchase six OPVs from Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd.

Ahmad Zahid said the deal would give the local defence industry a boost as at least RM2 billion of the allocation would benefit the 632 vendor companies partnering with Boustead Naval Shipyard.

As a defence commentator, it is important for Dzirhan to also analyse the capability of our local defence industry to build the OPVs. As taxpayers, we need to know what has happened to the last batch of orders from PSCI? Is Boustead Naval Shipyard resurrected from the ashes of PSCI?

If the main purpose is to strengthen our sea defence, why didn't the government call for an open tender? Shouldn't the government be accountable for such a large expenditure? The last thing we need is a government acting like a sugar daddy to the local industry. Granted that the intention is right but will it really help?

Tony's comparative analysis may not be that accurate but it does not make Dzirhan's justification reasonable enough for us, taxpayers, to accept the RM6 billion bill.

The Three Guys Behind the M.A.C.C.: Internal Affairs Are Invading Penang on 5th March!

2011-02-08T23:59:00.007+08:00

First and foremost, this M.A.C.C. does not have anything do to with THE M.A.C.C. The three guys, Douglas Lim, Kuah Jenhan and Phoon Chi Ho, behind the popular stand up comedy in English just had another sold out shows at the PJ Arts Centre at Jaya One.

On their first foray out of Klang Valley, Chi Ho said:

"Of late, many parties have cashed in on comedy, particularly stand-up comedy. While comedians and comedy spots are scarce, local comedians are positive that one day, Malaysia will become an Asian destination for comedy, albeit Malaysians, as comedy audiences, have yet to reach a mature state of that of those from the UK, US and Australia.

But first, Malaysians must now how comedy can bring all the Malaysians closer, defuse the ensions related to 'sensitive' issues and reinforce the idea of 1Malaysia by helping to set aside our differences in the name of laughter.

Also, we can touch on the need to bring local comedy to the masses outside of the Klang Valley."

Come catch the guys at the Dewan Sri Pinang on 5th March, 9pm. Tickets are priced at RM35 & RM50 and are available at the Red Rock Hotel, Jalan Macalister. Those outside of Penang can purchase/book their tickets via email: kpkhoo@gfworld.com.my or call: 012-325 5965.

Don't worry, I can assure that no one will be harmed visiting the M.A.C.C. on 5th March, 9pm at the Dewan Sri Pinang.

Organizer: GFW

Official Media: Malaysiakini.com

Official Hotel: Red Rock Hotel

Ahmad Rejal Arbee Responds

2011-02-08T10:34:00.004+08:00

Ahmad Rejal or a reader who claims to be him responded to my post on his statement about loyalty and the use of Malay language:

A friend e-mailed me your half cock shoot from the hip comment about what I
wrote.
Please read the whole article properly and not just bit and pieces of
it. And don't be crude about it. We can discuss this gentlemanly without
bringing in unrelated things.

So what was the crux of what I wrote?

I questioned why is it that even after 53 years of independence there
are still citizens of this country who can't understand and speak the national language, the language of this country?

I am not questioning the whole of the Chinese who are citizens of this country. Only those who still can't understand or converse in the language of the country which they call home.

Is that being an extremist?

I also questioned the propensity of some housing developers and products being advertised through flyers sent to homes including Malays homes and especially in Shah Alam where I reside and where the majority are Malays, only in English and Mandarin. What happened to Bahasa? Why such disrespect? Aren't these companies operating in Malaysia where the language of the country is Bahasa? Is that asking too much?

So don't cloud it with fact that Hokkien having some Malay words. So what about it? I am not questioning Hokkien but only question why can't the language of the
country be given the proper respect it deserves.

And don't go about the Malays not knowing Mandarin either. Is Mandarin the National language of this country?

It is good for the Malays to also learn Mandarin but even if the majority of them do so, BM is still the language of this country and should be accorded the respect it deserves where every citizens can understand and be able to converse in the language. Is that too much to ask?

Can we go to France, Germany, Japan or Korea and not see the languages of those countries not used at all - not even a word - in the menus of their restaurants.
But this is going on in this country. Go the White House coffee in section 13 Shah Alam and look up its menu. Its only in English and Mandarin. Why this disrespect for BM. Yet most of the clientele of the shop are Malays.

These people have scant respect for the language of their own country. If you are loyal to this country then you should also be loyal to the language of the country.
I am not questioning those who know the language and are able to use it and
understand it. But knowing alone is also not enough, but you must also be proud
to use it.

And don't cloud it with encouragement being made to learn English. Yes we should learn and be proficient in English. But does it mean that we don't need to use BM or know and be able to speak it.
That is all what I wrote about my friend. Is that being extreme? And what has that got to do with Umno?

And try not to be insulting. It doesn’t show good breeding.

rejal arbee
If Ahmad Rejal is trying to be constructive, he should not use any race label indiscriminately. He claimed that there are citizens who can't speak or understand the Malay language. The national secondary school system which adopted the Malay language as the sole medium of instruction was implemented in 1974. It is granted that those who finished their secondary school prior to 1974 may not be conversant in the Malay language.

Today, it is not possible for any Malaysian who has completed his/her six years of primary education, in both national or vernacular school, not to be able to understand or converse in the Malay language.

However, many of them (especially those above the age of 50) are able to converse and communicate in the language through socialisation with other Malays. In fact, it is not uncommon to find Malays being able to speak in Chinese dialects as a result of socialisation with their Chinese friends.

I would like to urge Ahmad to provide me with statistics of non-Malay citizens who are not able to speak or understand the language. I dare say that they belonged to the minority. If Ahmad hopes to see more people using the Malay language, he should sound more constructive and encouraging.

If Ahmad is trying to pick an issue with non-Malays not using the Malay language when socializing among themselves or with their family members, then I would say that he is just being discriminatory. Using one's own mother tongue when conversing with family members and friends of the same ethnic origin does not mean that he/she is unpatriotic or disloyal to the nation.

Is it trendy for editors or columnists of Malay mainstream newspapers to use the non-Malays especially the Chinese as punching bags? Is Ahmad hoping to make an editorial comeback with his unwarranted and unfair criticism of non-Malays or Chinese?

If Ahmad is not pleased with some property developers, retailers or restaurants not using the Malay language, he should just limit his criticism to these companies or persons. By using the race label, he not only being racist but also an opportunist.

I pray that he does not turn into a race extremist. I hope his statement is made out of ignorance and a lack of understanding of non-Malay Malaysians.

Ahmad Rejal Arbee & Shallow Thinking

2011-02-04T13:23:00.003+08:00

Ex-editor Ahmad Rejal Arbee wrote in Umno-controlled Berita Harian today that after 53 years of independence, non-Malays should be proud of the national language if they were loyal citizens.
“They get so sensitive when their patriotism is doubted but make no effort to use and understand Malay,” the former Berita Harian group editor said.

“What loyalty is there if they do not try to learn and use their own national language?” he wrote, adding that what was learnt in Chinese vernacular schools was only to pass exams.

Ahmad Rejal said that there were non-Malays that did not care about and deliberately “belittled Malay” despite calling Malaysia their country.

Ahmad Rejal is naive to suggest that non-Malays are not patriotic because they do not use the Malay language in their daily conversation. For a record, Ahmad should be refrained from making a sweeping statement. Many non-Malays do speak fluently in the Malay language and took great interest in understanding the Malay culture. In fact, some Chinese dialects such as the Penang Hokkien had incorporated many Malay words e.g. tuala, batu, kuih, etc.

I studied both the Malay literature and Malay language at the pre-university level and did remarkably well in both subjects. Will I be regarded as being more patriotic and enjoy better privileges from the UMNO-led government? To people like Ahmad Rejal, I am still a Chinese and a non-Bumiputera. It is also a fact that not many Malays speak the Chinese language or understand our culture. To forge a better cultural understanding, the effort must be reciprocated. How much does Ahmad understand the non-Malay culture?

It is also the duty of the Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka to expand the use of the Malay language. The language must be developed to facilitate acquisition of knowledge and skills. How many educational books are being written or translated in Malay?

The Malay language too had evolved and is still evolving. It has absorbed many English words into the language e.g. diskusi, institusi, kasyer, polis, eksploitasi, ekspres and thousands of other words and terms. Ahmad should take note of this phenomenon we called "pencemaran bahasa" or pollution. Replacing the original Malay words with these English terms will ultimately spell an end of the language and create a 'rojak' language.

Why blame the non-Malays when there are far greater threats to the Malay language? Are the Malays faring any better in the language in exams since Ahmad said that non-Malays are only interested in passing exams. You cannot deny that it takes a certain level of proficiency of the language to pass exams and it is the only formal yardstick to measure mastery of a language.

If Ahmad wants us to be proud of this country he should advise the government to respect all Malaysians as equals. He should give a leader such as Mahathir an ear full for suggesting that this country belonged to only the Malays.

He should advice the government to curb corruption, abuse of power, disrespect for the federal constitution, protect the democratic system and focus on addressing real socio-economic issues.

The fact that Ahmad sounds so ignorant and silly in his accusation that non-Malays are not patriotic enough just because they use their mother tongue does not give me much hope that he understands the real issues.

He was just probably a mediocre editor who was more interested in forms than substance.

Racism & Whither Malaysia

2011-02-04T12:56:00.002+08:00

Dr Mahathir is not new to controversy. I had said that the ex-premier will only tarnish is already poor image and thinning legacy with more vicious statements and speeches.

In a speech on Tuesday, Dr Mahathir told Malaysians to admit that the country belonged to the Malays and that they had to accept the culture and language of the dominant community.

The former prime minister said that the country’s forefathers gave the Chinese and Indians citizenship because they expected the communities to respect Malay sovereignty.

"This country belongs to the Malay race. Peninsular Malaysia was known as Tanah Melayu but this cannot be said because it will be considered racist.

"We must be sincere and accept that the country is Tanah Melayu,” he said.

He also said the administration must be clear on what is 1 Malaysia.

Mahathir's speech shows why Malaysia is a state but not a country. How can Malaysia achieve greater success in attracting and retaining talents at home if this government continues to belittle almost half of its citizens? Mahathir was a president of UMNO and a premier of this nation. His position on this issue deserves an explanation from the current UMNO government.

I fear that many, especially those in Perkasa, share his view on Tanah Melayu. Perkasa and UMNO share almost the same membership base.

Mahathir, himself of an Indian origin, refuses to accept and respect the constitutional rights of all Malaysians to equal opportunities, safety and respect after being a premier of this country for more than two decades is a contempt of the federal constitution.

He had insulted the federal constitution for refusing to respect the citizenship rights of all Malaysians. Shouldn't Mahathir be brought to justice the same way the Sri Muda assemblyman is being charged for sedition?

Unfortunately, there is no rule of law in this country. Racism and race politics will destroy the nation's social fabric. It is sad that politicians in this country are more preoccupied with race supremacy, religion and monarchy than putting more attention on the state of economy and the need to reposition Malaysia in the changing global order.

Sadly, if the Malays in this country continue to believe in the flimsy notion of Malay supremacy being a protective shield of their existence and survival this country will not be able to change its course and will head for eventual destruction.

Yet, there is little done by Pakatan leaders to correct the notion and to reassure the Malays that a positive mindset change is the only way to secure their survival in the increasingly competitive global economy.

Many of us had hoped for a better start in the new year. I hope we will not be disappointed. Malaysians must stay focus on the agenda of change and reform. Without a real political reform, the whole nation is going to continue its slide towards a failed nation.

As for MCA, MIC and Gerakan, Mahathir's statement and their silence is the last nail in the coffin. It shows that minority race parties in Barisan are ineffective and irrelevant.

Gong Xi Fa Cai 2011

2011-02-02T17:30:00.003+08:00

I would like to wish Straight Talk readers and friends a Happy Chinese New Year.

May the year of Rabbit brings you and family abundance of joy, good health and best wishes!

Look Muhyiddin, Who is Playing Too Much Politics?

2011-01-26T10:29:00.003+08:00

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said excessive politicking gave an impression that Malaysia is too preoccupied with political bickering that more important things are being neglected.

Muhyiddin should walk his talk on curbing excessive politicking in his own backyard too. He should immediately put a stop to making a pass of the history subject a compulsory at the SPM level.

He should order a review of the history curriculum and contents to reflect a true and comprehensive account of the national history. Repeated calls for an immediate review were ignored by him and his ministry. The fact is the history subject aims to promote certain distorted views/facts about the making of this nation.

It is one of the worse abuses of Malaysia's diversity and national history by trying to corrupt the minds of young Malaysians.

On the same breath, he asked for Selangor MB Khalid Ibrahim's resignation for failing to obtain 2/3 majority to pass the motion to amend the state constitution to empower the state top executive on appointment of top state civil servant.

This is another form of politicking. Muhyiddin has resorted to poor politicking as quick as he has asked for it to be curbed.

Although I am appalled by the Selangor Pakatan's government fiddling with feudalism, I support the amendment on the basis of power decentralisation. Malaysia is a federation of states. In the true spirit of the federal constitution, a state government should be allowed to appoint its own top civil servant.

Over the last few decades, the federal government has usurped almost the entire state autonomy. It was allowed to happen because the same ruling regime has been controlling both the federal and most of the state governments since independence.

For the sake this country, Muhyiddin should support the amendment and return the state power to the state executives. It is obvious that BN state representatives had been partisan in their rejection of the motion to return the power to appoint a top state civil servant back to the state.

Muhyiddin should walk his own talk. He should not over politicize his own ministry of education and look into the grouses on the recent controversial book 'Interlok'.

Political Hypocrisy

2011-01-26T01:28:00.002+08:00

I met a Malaysian who has been living in Taipei for the past 20 plus years. He came back to Penang recently for a short visit.

In 2004, he was tempted back to Malaysia by the government's brain gain promises. He is an engineering consultant. His 3 years stay in Penang ended up with nothing. In 2006, he packed and left Penang for good.

He told me that Taiwan is set to become the next high growth state in the new decade. Taiwan's lacklustre past decade was due to its politics. A number of my Taiwanese friends lamented to the same fact that ex-premier Chen Sui Bian was more interested in playing up political rhetoric than mending the economy and find a new area of growth for the city state. Chen's tenure is now known as the lost decade.

Malaysia may end up with the same fate if politicians continue to play up unhealthy political rhetoric, stoking racial and religious sentiments and use the monarchy for their political mileage. Our politicians should respect the spirit of the federal constitution and not meddling with the monarchy and accuse one another with 'treason'.

Adding the monarchy element into the already messy political situation muddled by race and religion will turn our politics into a dangerous cocktail.

It is sad to note that Malaysia is slipping down a slop of regression. We are no longer a top destination for FDIs. I wonder how top brains can be attracted to come to Malaysia if politicians behave like feudal lords.

We continue to quarrel over Islamic state, history textbooks, a simple handshake of a Muslim woman, personalities etc.

Politicians in Malaysia are probably the biggest hypocrites. Imagine a leader who was caught in a private sex video questioning a married Muslim woman on her choice not to have any skin contact with other men. Imagine a former activist dumping his party and his principles to join another race based party just because he was unhappy with its leadership. Malaysian politics is too personality centric but lacked principle and sincerity.

I am afraid that our politics is going to fail us. Bad politics, poor public institutions, corruption, poor governance and policy direction are among the ingredients of a failed state.

Until and unless the voters can think straight and focus on quality of governance, this country may not turn its declining fortune around.

Sadly, more talents and frustrated people are going to leave the country before the Talent Corp can even start its full operations.

The Economic Debate

2011-01-12T02:19:00.002+08:00

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has challenged PM Najib Razak to a debate on the economy. Anwar had proposed a 100-day reform which includes giving additional RM500 to teachers, abolishing all tolls and others. He claimed that it will cost the country 'just' RM19 billion.

Najib said that the Pakatan proposal will turn Malaysia into the next Greece. However, he is set to spend RM67 billion on various ETP projects this year. Among the projects include the RM43 billion new LRT lines and a RM5 billion 100-storey buildings. Will Malaysia become make the Greece financial crisis look like a storm in a tea cup?

Of course a civilised, intellectual and constructive debate is always encouraged. Politicians need to learn how to debate effectively without needing to stroke racial or religious tensions. There are some serious economic issues in Malaysia which we hope the two leaders would not only focus on how much we need to spend or to build to develop the economy.

Anwar's proposal does not is not convincing enough. While Najib has criticized the move to give additional allowance to teachers, he had done the same for Felda settlers and others. Abolishing tolls is another no brainer strategy.

It is obvious that the Malaysian economy is no longer on the regional and global investors' radar. First, we are not part of a group of emerging economies which are touted to become hop spots of growth in the 21st century.

The Next Eleven (or N-11) are eleven countries—Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam—identified by Goldman Sachs investment bank as having a high potential of becoming the world's largest economies in the 21st century along with the BRICs. The bank chose these states, all with promising outlooks for investment and future growth, on December 12, 2005.

Goldman Sachs used macroeconomic stability, political maturity, openness of trade and investment policies, and the quality of education as criteria. The N-11 paper is a follow-up to the bank's 2003 paper on the four emerging "BRIC" economies, Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

BRICs economies has been growing rapidly since 2003 benefited from the attention and weight given by investment houses following the lead of Goldman Sachs.

Instead of wasting on rhetoric, both Pakatan and Barisan leaders should focus on issues such as:

1) Jobs creation - how to create more higher value and knowledge centric jobs
2) Income per capita - how to double Malaysia's income per capita of USD8,100 so that we do not have to double the population to achieve growth in aggregate demand?
3) Lack of skills & quality of education - how to enhance the skills of Malaysian labour through a quality education system. The ministry of education should stop the fixation with the history subject and politicizing the issue of citizenship.
4) Public institutions - how to enhance the transparency, effectiveness and productivity of a politically impartial public institutions and civil service?
5) Nationhood - how to achieve a real nationhood with a holistic and responsible social engineering agenda? If the Barisan government and the likes of Perkasa continue to brand all non-Malays as migrants after 53 years of independence then there is very little hope for Malaysia to be included in any category of emerging economies.

The debate should also focus on issues related to innovation, competitiveness and productivity.

Without a taking a serious look at the economic issues, the Malaysian economy will suffer the same malaise like our political system. Both Pakatan and Barisan should accept positive and constructive criticism that there many useless, irresponsible, manipulative and insincere politicians within their ranks who are apt at using religion and race to achieve their political ends. The recent manipulation of constitutional monarchy in their political contestation is going to hurl this country backward.

Both parties might as well bring back absolute monarchy, dump democracy and send Malaysia back to the feudal era.

We should take note that Malaysia is a small and not so significant country in the region. We should do our best to attract investment and talents to our country. There are many examples on how to do so. Just take a look at how Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland and other smaller countries are doing it.

They did it by putting a key focus on citizenship and value contribution of each individual and not colour of the skin or creed.

Chua Soi Lek & RCI on Teoh Beng Hock's Death: Whither MCA?

2011-01-09T16:37:00.002+08:00

Initially, he praised the PM setting up a RCI to probe Teoh's case when the inquest yielded no closure claiming that the government is transparent and wants to hide nothing.

Dr Chua Soi Lek flip-flopped and dismissed calls for a royal commission to probe Teoh Beng Hock’s death, whose scope has been limited to anti-graft investigation methods.

Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the formation of a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) to review the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigation procedures but not to probe Teoh's mysterious death.

Is Chua so desperate and willing to do anything just to heap praises on the PM?

The most important thing which has to be resolved is a closure to Teoh's sudden and gruesome death. His family deserve to know why he never walked out alive after his session at the MACC. Ironically, is the government admitting the fault of the agency by setting up a RCI to investigate the investigation process of MACC?

By limiting the scope, for sure no one will ever be prosecuted. It is scary to imagine that some possible offenders may still be lurking within the agency.

MCA wants to court the Chinese youths to support the party. On what basis should they pledge their support for a party which is a misnomer of a party claiming to represent the community if it cannot even strive for a fair, just and democratic Malaysia?

I am a non-partisan voter. Can Chua tell me why should I support his party apart from claiming that MCA needs my support to help protect my interest, which is a misnomer?

Chua is too partisan for his own good. What is his response to a group of race lunatics in Perkasa who continue to hurl abuses at the Chinese Malaysians?

Consequences of Teoh Beng Hock's Case

2011-01-07T16:52:00.003+08:00

How often does a Coroner's Court deliver an open verdict on an inquest? The answer is not very often. But this was what happened to the controversial Teoh Beng Hock's sudden death case.

Earlier there were attempts and allegations that Teoh had taken his life because he regretted turning over his boss, a Selangor Dap State Exco, on allegations of corruption. Teoh was even accused of being involved in a minor corruption case which involved a sum of no more than RM2,400.

Mysteriously, a note which was claimed to be a suicide note surfaced towards the end of the inquest after it was held in MACC's custody for several months.

I was asked by reporters a day on the possible reactions before the coroner delivered his verdict. I said it would be disastrous for MACC, the government and the court if Teoh's case was ruled as a suicide because of a lack of hard evidence.

Moreover, Teoh's fiancee was expecting his baby and he was supposed to get married the following week. Teoh was only a witness and not a suspect of an alleged corruption case. These facts cannot conclusively confirm that it was a suicide. Hence, ruling it a suicide would tarnish even more the already suspected reputable of the public institutions.

On the other hand, I said that it would be equally bad and damaging for the government if the coroner ruled it a murder or homicide. It is hard to take the politics out of Teoh's case. There were political elements and interests involved in the corruption reports which ended up in an investigation, interrogation and his untimely death.

If it was ruled as a murder or homicide, the implications are wide and deep. The police will have to investigate right up to the ones giving instruction to the MACC to haul up Teoh, the motive and the culprits. The MACC's investigation procedure would have to be reviewed once again and it is safe to assume that it will be become one of the most unpopular public institutions in the country.

The stake is high. If any MACC officers were eventually brought to justice, which public institution or officers would allow the collusion between ruling politicians and civil servants to continue without any protection against prosecution?

The claim that this government does not manipulate any public institution to its benefit and advantage is becoming quite lame and unconvincing. Imagine the use of police force to break up opposition political gatherings but keeping closed eyes on Barisan or pro-Barisan gatherings, questionable judicial verdict, controversial decision by Election Commission to ignore vote buying and others.

The continuation of the manipulation may give Barisan short-to-medium term advantage but it is also eroding its legitimacy to lead as a popularly elected government. It cannot continue hoping to win elections through constituency delineation, postal votes and sectarianism.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has announced that a Royal Commission of Inquiry will be set up to investigate the Teoh Beng Hock case.

I agree with Perkasa on the need of a RCI but disagree on the reason. Perkasa said it would tantamount to disrespecting the courts and a waste of public funds. I question the effectiveness of the RCI if the government can choose to follow or not the recommendations of RCI.

It is unfortunate that RCIs have lost its relevance and reverence. We need a government which is serious about good governance, rule of law and democracy.

Malaysians must play a part in the case. They need to deliver the right and fair verdict on the quality of governance and the government in the next general election. This is the only way to help Malaysia.

I was also asked about the court's verdict raising ethnic tension in the country. I responded by saying that the death of Teoh Beng Hock was not driven by racial hatred or violence. His death was was a result of a failed democracy, irresponsible governance and an abuse of power.

Malaysians of all races are appalled by his death. I felt the same for Kugan, Aminulrasyid and others who were brutally killed.

Male Chauvinism & Gerakan's Tan Keng Liang

2011-01-06T17:54:00.002+08:00

Gerakan Kedah Youth leader Tan Keng Liang has accused Pakatan of politicizing his tweet on Hannah's pregnancy. It was Tan who had tried to turn Hannah's pregnancy into a political issue in the first place. The Sun's R Nadeswaran is not a politician.

Tan has been one of the better Gerakan youth leaders but his stubborn denial and refusal to apologize for his improper male chauvinistic mannerism is going to dig a deeper political pit for him and his party.

Tan clarified that during a twitter conversation, he had asked a voter in the constituency if he would choose MCA Beliawanis treasurer Jessica Lai or incumbent Hannah Yeoh (right), who will be on maternity leave soon, for the post.

When Yeoh asked him what he meant by "maternity leave", Tan clarified that it merely meant that the former would not be able to provide services to her constituents during her leave, which she was entitled to.

Any fair minded Malaysian should be able to read that Tan's response and intention is inappropriate. I am sure any right minded Subang voters would understand and appreciate Hannah's need and right for maternity leave.

Like Tan, Hannah is one of the better young leaders in her party. She has a good service record in the constituency. She has sacrificed immensely, personal time (not a mere 8 to 5 commitment) and financially, to serve the people. She is now making a personal sacrifice for her family and husband by bearing a child for him.

To insinuate that she would not be able to serve her constituents during her leave and voters should choose a single and unmarried woman to represent them is an insult of the highest order.

Tan should just apologize and move on. It is politically not correct to be labelled as a male chauvinist.

AFF Suzuki Cup Win & Public Holiday

2010-12-30T16:38:00.003+08:00

PM Najib Razak has declared a public holiday on 31st Dec (friday) to celebrate Malaysia’s first ever victory in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup championship. His decision sounds rather outrageous to me.

Before I continue, I would like to congratulate the national team for winning the Asean cup for the first time in 21 years. It is an admirable performance. The national team should be encouraged to perform better in the future to recapture Malaysia's past glory.

Remember, the Malaysian national had achieved much more than this victory. We had won bronze medals at the Asian cup twice and qualified for the Olympics twice too! Our national team had made a mince meat of teams such as Japan and South Korea during their heydays.

The national team is doing a catch up now. We should celebrate their rise and hope that they could maintain their consistency to justify our investment and attention given to them.

However, the Asean cup is a good stepping stone but it is not an Asian cup or the World Cup. Is there a need to declare a public holiday?

My business contacts called me to voice their frustration. 31st Dec is a busy day for those in the events management, retail, F&B and service industry. Many companies are rushing for the financial year end closing. Most of them needed capacity manpower.

A public holiday is going to disrupt business operations and productivity. Those who wanted their staff to come back for work will have to pay triple for a day's work.

We should rejoice but not over doing it or doing it without understanding the full consequences. Is Najib implying that the national football team can now take a break too after winning the Asean cup?

It is just but a regional competition. True champions go back immediately to the training ground after a victory to ensure that they ironed out any remaining weakness in their game.

Najib should show a good example by urging Malaysians to strive harder to improve.

A public holiday? The Malaysian team lost 1-2 in Indonesia. An outright victory would have been more convincing for us.

Maybe we should declare more holidays too if Najib administration could bring several high profile corrupt culprits, murderers and rapists to face their punishment.

I would like to repeat again. It is good to encourage our boys in the national team to work harder and to win more honours but do not over do it.

More Hypocrites in Pakatan Compared to Barisan?

2010-12-28T23:43:00.003+08:00

It seems to me that there are more hypocrites in Pakatan than Barisan. Remember ex-Pakatan MPs such as Wee Choo Keong, Zahrain, Tan Tee Beng and others? I believe these ex-Pakatan MPs had pledged their commitment to bring change to Malaysia when they offered themselves to the electorates in the last general elections.

They had criticized and deplored Barisan's excesses, weaknesses and ills. What had happened to these MPs? They are now Barisan friendly.

Remember another ex-PKR leader, Zaid Ibrahim? He did something honourable when he resigned as a minister to protest against the use of ISA against politicians and reporters. He had resigned from PKR after he was edged out from the party deputy president race.

Now, there is another PKR leader, N. Gobalakrishnan, who attacks his party for neglecting the Indian community and alleged that the community is suffering worse compared to during Barisan rule. Gobala was angry because another greenhorn politician/lawyer, Surendran, was appointed Vice President of PKR and not him.

The main problem with the ex and some current Pakatan leaders is a lack of sincerity in their struggle. Great leaders who had fought for a true freedom and liberation of their community and nation did not quarrel over political position or self interest.

Nelson Mandela did not fight against apartheid hoping to be made a president. Mahatma Gandhi did not oppose the British colonial power because he wanted to become a prime minister. Aung San Sukyi did not lead a democracy movement against the junta because she wanted to become a head of government. These leaders wanted to strive for something genuine - real democracy & justice - for their people.

What is left of the commitment to real change in these Barisan friendly MPs? Is Zaid willing to sacrifice his time, commitment and personal freedom to ensure that draconian acts such as ISA, OSA, PPA and others are repealed? Is Gobala willing to donate all his MP's earning to the poor Indians and stand up against the real oppressor?

At least Barisan leaders and MPs do not conceal their real intention. From Najib to Chua Soi Lek, they had admitted publicly that the race based political model is here to stay at least for another 100 years. At least Najib did not hide the fact that he was willing to dangle the financial carrot to lure voters to vote for his party. He did not hide the fact that NEM is the new NEP.

Barisan government did not and will not apologize for Malay supremacy, 'Allah' ban, corruption e.g. PKFZ and a lack of action against it, alleged tempering and emasculation of public institutions, custodial deaths, abuse of power, lack of accountability, poor management of public funds etc.

Hence, are there more hypocrites in Pakatan than Barisan?

Policy Unites People, Not Slogan

2010-12-27T13:49:00.002+08:00

Academician and social activist, Wong Chin Huat, put this up on his Facebook:

‎1Malaysia is indeed political and unlawful to appear on billboard under current by-laws. Selangor should not back down on this but the solution should be to lift the ban on all political logos. Pakatan Rakyat should stand for more freedom rather than less. What's wrong with political billboard? Selangor should have put up anti-ISA and water right billboards instead.

I totally agree with Wong's observation. The Selangor government does not have to act in such an insecure manner. Conceptually, there is nothing wrong with the 1Malaysia slogan or logo. If it can be realised, it is actually good for the country.

However, it is a fact that slogan does not unite people, policies do. Until and unless the Barisan government amends/abolishes the race supremacy concept and race affirmative policy, there can never be real unity in the country.

It is simply asking the government to respect and accept the equal rights of all citizens regardless of race or creed. These rights are enshrined in the federal constitution. Granted, the federal constitution did make exclusive provision for the special privileges for the Bumiputeras but it was made in the context of their socio-economic status at the time when the constitution was drafted.

Even the NEP was a good policy. It had helped to alleviate many people out of poverty and create a larger pool of Malay-Bumi professionals and middle class.

Politics is the biggest evil. Race politics and self-interest had manipulated the policy and the special privileges into an imaginary "supreme" social status.

KPI Minister Koh Tsu Koon was wrong to say that 1Malaysia helps to unite people. It does not because slogan is just another slogan. What helps to unite people is enshrined in Koh's party constitution - the promotion of non-racialism and non-racial politics. As much as Koh is working very hard to promote the 1Malaysia slogan, he did not show as much enthusiasm and conviction in helping to promote the non-racialism spirit which was the bulwark of Parti Gerakan.

Similarly, the Pakatan state government should not ban the use of 1Malaysia logo on business related billboards. Two wrongs do not make a right. When the Barisan government bans any mention of Rosmah, Altantuya, Najib or any sensitive public issues on the national media, cartoon books, online etc., the opposition front had accused the Barisan government of being undemocratic. Strangely, it is now behaving like the opposite side.

Several activists and observers had criticized the Pakatan coalition and leaders for being too cosy operating in the same political mould created by Barisan. Pakatan state governments did not implement anything drastic, different or attempt to change the governance model left behind by the Barisan government.

Cut away layers of populist policies implemented by these state governments reveal nothing but the old way of doing things. There is a serious lack of innovation, creativity and enthusiasm shown by these new state governments.

The way forward is to be more open, flexible and accommodate differing political views and opinions.

Pakatan should focus on creating the same or even bigger momentum compared to pre-2008 general elections if it hopes to topple the Barisan. To date, the coalition is facing too many conflicting forces within its own ranks.

Even the civil society does not appear to give their full backing to the newly minted coalition unlike during the 2008 GE.

It is time for Pakatan leaders to perform a thorough health check. They should lose their arrogance, ignorance, complacency and lack of common sense.

Malay Intra-community Wealth/Equity Disparity: What Say Mukhriz?

2010-12-24T15:47:00.003+08:00

Tycoon Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary has won the race to take over the Ministry of Finance’s (MoF) Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), adding the northern port operator to his maritime logistics operations.

The influential businessman already owns Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Johor Port via MMC Corp Bhd, whose joint venture with Gamuda Bhd were also named Project Delivery Partner (PDP) for the RM36 billion Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project in Kuala Lumpur.

Syed Mokhtar also owns a slew of other businesses in the country and overseas. His companies have reported massive gearing from financial institutions. He is probably one of the most highly geared investors in the country.

Mukhriz had reportedly spoken about a need for paradigm shift in the Malay economy. Concentration of equity in the hands of a few may not be part of the paradigm shift he mentioned. How can the government create a larger class of Malay-Bumiputera business community if all major/significant privatisation projects are given to a select few?

Syed Mokhtar is a businessman/investor. Why doesn't the government consider giving the project to those who have actual experience in running a port or professionals?

Next, is it wise to pile up more eggs on Syed Mokhtar's already overfilled basket?

It looks like the government hardly walks its talk about reform of the economy.

What's Mukhriz's response to this issue?

Merry Xmas & Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-24T15:02:00.002+08:00

Wishing you and family a blessed Xmas and a Happy New Year!

Malay Needs Mental Paradigm Shift as Much as Economy Paradigm Shift

2010-12-23T22:45:00.002+08:00

Calling for a Malay economy paradigm shift, Mukhriz Mahathir said the economy of the Malays should be on par with other races to enable them to retain their present political power.

"If other races dominate the economy, it will not be impossible for their political power to see a sudden increase.”

In this regard, Mukhriz (left) said, the economy of the Malays must grow in tandem with the country's economy to prevent the economic gap between them and the non-Malays from widening.

Presently, he said, the Malays' economy grew between 2.3 and 2.5 percent compared with the country's 7.0 percent growth.

Mukhriz has made the right noise about a need to restructure the Malay economy. Unfortunately, he has chosen to paint the context in a racial frame.

Is Mukhriz more concern of the Malay economy not contributing enough to overall national economic growth or he is more concern about the growing political power of the non-Malay?

The prime concern should be focused on helping more Malays to occupy the middle class segment of the society, close the intra-community income disparity and enhance their competitiveness.

Hence, a shift of mindset should precede a shift in economy paradigm. The community should lose their sense of helplessness and over dependence on the government. This is easier said that done because politically Umno wants the community to depend on the party for wealth distribution and assistance.

It has the political game of the party. The more the Malays are dependent on the party the higher the likelihood for them to support the party in elections.

It should not take too long for the Malays to realize that their mindset and spirit have been imprisoned by their political masters. A lack of attention and purposeful action taken on the mayhem in Sarawak and the neglect of the poorest 40%, majority of which are Malay & indigenous people all over the country, will expedite the end of such mental tyranny which has kept the community from achieving its fullest potential.

If Mukhriz is seriously concern about his community, he should seek to unleash a mental paradigm shift of the Malays.

Mayhem in Sarawak But Silence in Putrajaya

2010-12-23T22:16:00.004+08:00

Ex-Suhakam vice-chairman Simon Sipaun cautions that Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud will not hesitate to use the immigration powers of the state to keep out "prying eyes" from the state.

This is more a case of abusing rather than using the immigration powers of the state as intended under the federal and state constitutions, he added.

"It's a fact that Taib has a lot to hide.

"He has no choice but to appear to seek shelter behind the state's immigration powers," said Sipaun, who is currently one of the 12 advisors appointed by the King to the board of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Sipaun cited the proposed White Paper by the Sarawak state government as a blanket threat to Suhakam and activists like Lasimbang, among others.

The White Paper calls for "unhealthy politics" - meaning Suhakam, the MACC, NGOs and opposition leaders from Sabah and the peninsula - to be kept out of the state.

Taib has been accused by human rights groups in Sarawak for abusing various native rights and enriching himself and his family by grabbing state resources.

Sarawak Report has published endless of reports and findings about Taib's family astonishing wealth and abuses. These reports were made public even before Wikileaks stole the limelight from them.

What has the federal government done to these leaks and reports? Did Najib summon Taib to Putrajaya to explain these allegations?

Najib's administration has announced a number grand initiatives and acronyms e.g. KPI, KRA, ETP, NEM, GTP etc. It is admirable that he is trying to do something to help improve the situation.

However, there is a need of real consistency in his implementation and action plan. Without taking a firm action on the mayhem in Sarawak, it is difficult to convince the moderates and middle ground to support his government and to take his reform agenda seriously.

Go after the big fishes! Stop wasting so much time with race rhetoric and stop some of the culprits such as Utusan Malaysia and their lowly columnists from hijacking the real issues and agenda.

Parliament is Inflicted by Perak Disease

2010-12-16T12:21:00.003+08:00

The motion to suspend opposition MPs Anwar Ibrahim, Karpal Singh, Sivarasah & Azmin Ali from parliament for six months is a prime example of abuse of parliamentary majority.

The motion would be passed effortlessly by Barisan's brute majority in the parliament. The consequence is severe and unfortunate for our parliamentary democracy.

The august house will now be inflicted by the Perak disease which has brought chaos to all sittings so far. Imagine what can a day long state assembly sitting can do to a healthy debate on important bills and budgetary decisions? Nothing. The parliament may well be going the same way if a GE is not called by the next sitting in March 2011.

If any, the Barisan government should rise above the APCO fiasco and provide a solid explanation to dispel what the opposition had claimed. Opposition leader Anwar had linked Prime Minister Najib Razak's '1Malaysia' to the 'One Israel' policy introduced by Labour Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Barak in 1999.

He said that the international public relations consultants, Apco Worldwide, who are well-paid PR advisers to the Najib administration, were behind both policies. When challenged to furnish proof of his assertions, the opposition leader, in a follow-up speech, gave a detailed exposition, backed by documentary evidence.

He adduced evidence that Apco Worldwide had been PR consultants to some of the world's more putrescent dictators, like the late Sani Abacha of Nigeria, and Hindu chauvinistic governor of the Indian state of Gujarat, Narendra Modi. (Terrence Netto. Mkini)

If the allegations against Apco were true, i.e. working with some of the most controversial regimes in the world, Barisan should justify to us why so much taxpayers' money is being used to pay Apco for some superficial PR consultancy.

If the Malaysian government behaves and governs fairly, there is no need to engage Apco in the first place. There are many more capable local consultants who can do better job than the likes of Apco. Why can't our top notch ambassadors and embassies overseas help to do the PR and networking work for the government? Aren't they paid and financed to do precisely that?

By using a brute parliamentary majority to suspend Anwar and three other MPs from parliament does not win Barisan any brownie points. It only proves the inferiority and guilty conscious of the ruling coalition.

Worse if Barisan uses this opportunity to pass any bills or amend the constitution since it has a mathematical two-thirds advantage in the house. That would tantamount to a rape of democracy.

How can Barisan help to restore our confidence in the coalition if it continues to behave this way?

UMNO-nised History

2010-12-14T00:08:00.003+08:00

Historical records had been manipulated by many great empires, dynasties and ruling regimes to depict only their greatness, legacy and contributions. History will continue to be manipulated by victors and autocratic governments to glorify their rule, fake their 'achievements' and hide their weaknesses and faults.

In a report front-paged in theSun (picked up by Malaysian Insider), textbook authors Dr Ranjit Singh Malhi and Ng How Kuen alleged that school history textbooks were littered with factual errors and distortions, adding that these failed to give fair recognition to the country’s non-Malay nationalists.

Dr Ranjit, who is currently an advisor to the ministry on history textbooks, also
claimed that secondary school history textbooks have been used to promote
political interests.

He further claimed that when he once pointed out the errors and distortions, a ministry official had labelled him as “anti-national”.

“Secondary school history textbooks have been used to promote political interests. It should be a scholarly pursuit and not politically-motivated.

“Five out of 10 chapters of the Form Four history textbook deal with Islamic history as compared to only one chapter in the earlier textbook. The intention of the earlier syllabus was to expose our students to World History,” he was quoted as saying.

Dr Ranjit added that historical personalities like Yap Ah Loy (third Kapitan Cina of Kuala Lumpur), Gurchan Singh (the “Lion of Malaya”) and Sybil Karthigesu were not given sufficient recognition in the local textbooks.

Ng added that in the stories on the country’s fight for independence, the contributions of the communists had been left out.

This is an old story. Current MCA leadership should be rapped on the knuckles for failing to push for a thorough review of the textbooks when the distortions and ill intention to manipulate history by some overzealous writers were detected during Ong Ka Ting's tenure as president.

I remember that Insap, the MCA think tank, and a few academicians were involved in the initial review. I had an opportunity to look at the F4 and F5 textbooks. To my horror, almost 5 out of 10 chapters of the World History textbooks were dedicated to Islamic history.

A friend of mine who is a partner of an established consulting firm here took a hard decision to send his child overseas after he found out about the history textbooks. His son was only 14 years old. He did not want his son to be part of a corrupted, politicized and distorted local education system.

Alas, MCA and Gerakan leaderships have remained staunch cheerleaders of UMNO. Both parties are still more interested to be part of UMNO's gravy train than doing something real and meaningful to ensure that Malaysia remains a healthy and progressive multiracial nation.

Both parties have recently complained about the big brother-small brother relationship in Barisan Nasional. Nothing much is going to change until both parties stand up and speak out against ongoing tyranny against multiracialism and the true spirit of nation building.

These history textbooks are tools for UMNO to propagate its Malay supremacy agenda which is totally misguided and dangerous.

Malaysia was never created as a Malay hegemony state. Had the past Malay leaders and nationalists wanted Malaysia to become a Malay dominated state and to propagate Malay supremacy, the federal constitution would have been worded very differently. However, thoughts were given to the role of Islam as an official religion and Bahasa Malaysia to play a role as national language because Malay will form a significant majority of the society.

MCA, MIC and Gerakan are becoming irrelevant and would face an imminent 'death' at the next general elections if they did not do anything to shift the balance of power to the centre in Barisan. They should have taken the 2008 GE outcome as an opportunity to push UMNO to abandon race politics and embrace a truly 1Malaysia spirit and create a multiracial single party Barisan Nasional.

It looks like they may have squandered the opportunity to force a permanent change in Malaysian politics and help to put an end to the divisive and problematic race based politics in Malaysia.

Regardless of the rhetoric, race based politics is so outdated and no longer welcomed in today's modern and multicultural society.

Anwar, Najib & Wikileaks

2010-12-13T12:25:00.002+08:00

Subjudice or not, opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim should know best that politics is nearly about perception. Wikileaks suggested that Anwar had walked into a trap.

The cable that dealt with Anwar’s sodomy case was dated November 2008 and said: “The Australians said that Singapore’s intelligences services and [Singaporean elder statesman] Lee Kuan Yew have told ONA in their exchanges that opposition leader Anwar ‘did indeed commit the acts for which he is currently indicted’.”

ONA stands for Australia’s Office of National Assessments.

The document also stated the Singaporeans told ONA they made this assessment on the basis of "technical intelligence”, which was likely to relate to intercepted communications, the newspaper said.

“ONA assessed, and their Singapore counterparts concurred, ‘it was a set-up job and he probably knew that, but walked into it anyway’,” the cable states.

Similarly, Najib had been accused of playing a part in the political conspiracy to set up Anwar and destroy his political career.

Najib's own controversy with the sensational murder of a Mongolian model, Altantuya Shaaribu, may turn out to be a heavy political baggage for him. French investigation on the submarines' kickback is still ongoing. It may disclose more than what the Wikileaks did.

Anwar's lawyers were quick to dismiss the expose by Wikileaks and claimed that it may be subjudice to carry the stories. Understandably, the stories on Anwar will do more to damage his leadership at a point when Pakatan is still wobbling and recovering from the internal conflicts of PKR.

PKR leaders should know that perception is key in politics. Moreover, they had tried to link Najib to the Altantuya gruesome murder with the intention of destroying his leadership integrity.

These controversies will not do both leaders any good. At this point in time, there is no indication that Najib is going to allow the Altantuya controversy to affect his leadership. His political baggage together with other controversies will be exploited thoroughly by the opposition in the next GE.

Anwar will face the same baptism of fire in the next GE. It has come to a time for Anwar to reflect on the survival and success rate of Pakatan in the next GE. He has been a target and will continue to become a prime target. This newly minted coalition especially PKR cannot be stuck in an individual quagmire for too long. To be successful and feature prominently in the Malaysian political landscape, PKR needs to grow beyond Anwar.

As long as the party feels that Anwar is the only capable PM material, it is likely that the party will follow Anwar's downfall if his opponents succeeded in tarnishing Anwar and his credibility.

Anwar should seriously consider taking a role of an advisor and rise above his desire to become the next PM. His party should focus on moulding and promoting other younger leaders, especially those with less baggage, to be prepared to accept the leadership mantle should Pakatan wins federal power.

If Anwar is unable to lose his marksmen, he may bring the whole coalition down with him. The next battle is going to be massive, crucial and survival threatening for Pakatan. It should shed as much baggage as it could in order to be more nimble, efficient and focused.

What Anwar has achieved is already history making. His next move will determine if his legacy will be embedded in a historic event which may change the shape and face of Malaysian politics permanently.

The next battle is a battle to select a lesser devil. Next, we will talk about good governance and visionary leadership. There is still a long way for Malaysia.

We need to get rid of institutional racism, corruption and abuse of power first before we can talk about sustainable development.

Malay Supremacy versus Malay Sovereignty

2010-12-08T23:44:00.003+08:00

It is more appropriate for 'Malay supremacy' to be rephrased as 'Malay sovereignty' as the latter encompasses the position of the Malay rulers and their subjects and not just the purported master-slave relationship said the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

Sultan Ibrahim said that when the British gave independence to this country, they returned Malaya to the owners - the Malay rulers and their subjects.

He said this was because prior to the arrival of the British and the advent of the other races, the Malay states were owned by the Malay rulers and their subjects.

"Even before the Malay states were made a federation, the Malay rulers and their subjects have accepted outsiders as guests and given them the opportunity to earn a living and develop Malaya together.

"When the states became a federation, the rights of the other races were respected and safeguarded by the Federal Constitution," he said.

The rights of all Malaysians should not only be respected and safeguarded but they should regarded as equals without any prejudice.

It is important to note that a new nation was established after Malaya was granted its independence from the British colonial power in 1957 and when a nationhood, Malaysia, was created in 1963. Malaya was not returned to only to the Malay rulers and their subjects but to the people who had inhabited both Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak prior to independence.

The new nation was given a new form of governance based on parliamentary democracy. A federal constitution was drafted and adopted to recognize the formation of a federation, a modern nationhood and to formalize a legal status, citizenship, for all races who had pledged their loyalty to Malaysia.

Any politicians, individuals or persons who refused to accept the spirit of Malaysia's nationhood and the equal rights of all Malaysians accorded in the federal constitutions are the real traitors.

Within the federal constitution, the role of constitutional rulers, the status of Bahasa Malaysia and Islam as an official language and religion of the federation are undisputed. But the constitution is silence on the notion of Malay supremacy. There is no such thing as race supremacy in the constitution.

It is unfortunate that the current government which has ruled Malaysia since independence has refused to accept the original spirit of the constitution. The ruling regime has allowed its members and leaders to continue to misguide and misinterpret the constitution to create an imaginary two-tier citizenship.

The divisive categorisation of Malaysians into either non-Bumiputera or Bumiputera is politically motivated. As a result, Malaysia's social division has become more pronounced compared to the past. It is unfortunate that Malaysia's political development is lagging far behind its economic development. Racial politics and the divisive categorisation of Malaysians according to their skin colour is outdated and outmoded.

Any attempt to insist that the Malay is a far more superior race compared to others is going to jeopardize nation building.

Unbelievably, some in the ruling regime are still harping on race supremacy. In this era, skills and knowledge are the ones that determine superiority and supremacy. Not colour of the skin or heredity.

Why waste time on Malay supremacy or Malay sovereignty? We should be grateful of our Malaysian sovereignty and try to work together to build our Malaysian supremacy based on real skills and knowledge.

NEP & NEM: The Reality of Race Quota & National Economic Competitiveness

2010-12-07T23:22:00.006+08:00

Taking away race-based quotas could prove divisive
Aidila Razak Dec 7, 10 11:55am

The retention of 30 percent bumiputera equity in the concluding part of the New Economic Model, unveiled Friday, may have been a let-down, after its unequivocal call for the cancellation of race-based quotas in its first part, announced in March.

But according to Ratings Agency Malaysia chief economist Yeah Kim Leng (right), the National Economic Advisory Council was doing the right thing as taking such quotas away can be potentially divisive.

"As a pragmatic economist, I am hoping that (race-based quotas) are done away organically and not through policy because the issue is politically sensitive and racially divisive.

"It is best to let time and changing environments make it irrelevant," he said when contacted yesterday.

Echoing the NEM document, he added that taking the quotas away will only spark "unproductive discussion" and this in turn would raise political temperatures and scare investors.

At the same time, he noted that the key issue remains the implementation of the quota system whereby the challenge would be to introduce market-based elements to preferential treatment.

A quick way to start, he said, would be implementing open tenders for government and government-linked company procurements which are reserved for bumiputera small-medium enterprises.

He added that such policies would also foster greater inter-racial unity, as it would encourage more meaningful partnerships between non-bumiputera entrepreneurs to and their bumiputera counterparts.

Only this time it will be meaningful partnerships because in a competitive environment, only capable bumiputera entrepreneurs will win contracts.

We can't support 'rentier' behaviour

While political economist Khoo Kay Peng supports the move to extend assistance to the bumiputera entrepreneur community, he does not believe that race-based affirmative action should be phased out organically.

"I believe there should be a gradual timeline, because otherwise it would be like the New Economic Policy, which should have ended in 1990 but its spirit still lives on," he said.

Instead of leaving it to its 'natural progression', Khoo (left) said that targets should be set on a timeline with proper action points to ensure that the objective of affirmative action is met.

More importantly, he said, immediate targets need to be set because the government can no longer afford to support 'rentier' behavior which has developed over years of bad implementation of race-based affirmative action.

"There are many bumiputera companies which exist solely on government contracts, and they provide sub-par service which the government accepts and pays for.

"The government's expenditure is now RM180 billion a year. If we don't do it now, there is no guarantee that we can feed this patronage system for much longer," he said.

Implementation points missing

Despite the hue and cry by Malay rights groups like Perkasa over the retraction of race quotas, Khoo believes that such a move by the government will not be entirely be badly received by population as long as social safety nets are intact.

Further, there would be considerably less backlash if efforts are put into assisting bumiputera SMEs build their capacity while the quotas are being phased out.

"Look at it this way. The bumiputera community will wake up to the fact that after 40 years, they still make up 70 percent of the bottom 40 percent of the population.

"There are hardly any Malays in the electronics industry, for example...but one of the objectives of the NEP is to break the identification of race with profession," he said.

To encourage participation in certain industries, said Khoo, the government could look at providing micro-finance to bumiputera entrepreneurs.

"But make it compulsory for applicants to go for a series of training, for example, and then test their capabilities after that and award the loans to those who pass," he suggested.

These sorts of workable ideas were however largely absent in the 10-page chapter on narrowing the rural-urban, income and intra-ethnic disparity.

Both analysts find the fact that the NEM report was short on details not surprising, but for Yeah, this could give some leeway to the many government agencies to figure out how to implement the policy recommendations.

"The policy is there, but now to work out the right institutions and the right leaders to lead this," he said.

Better a 'Prostitute' Than a Racist: Say No to Racism!

2010-12-01T01:09:00.003+08:00

Perkasa, ex-PKR Zahrain and Hishammuddin have criticized both Anwar and Wan Azizah for rejecting the 'ketuanan Melayu' concept. Perkasa Youth chief even went a step ahead by calling the PKR president a political 'prostitute'.

If Wan Azizah is being verbally abused and ostracised for rejecting institutional racism and mega hypocrisy, I would like to tell her critics that we would prefer to embrace a leader like than racial bigots like Perkasa leaders, Zahrain and Hishammuddin.

These bigots are certainly serving their own political interest and personal interest by claiming skin deep supremacy over other non-Malay Malaysians. The federal constitution is clear about equal rights for all citizens. What is the use of citizenship if all Malaysians are not legally, politically and socially equal?

Hishammuddin said PKR president Wan Azizah's statement on the subject clearly had political motives and was aimed at causing unease among the various races in the country.

"I would like to ask Wan Azizah and the PKR leadership, are they also rejecting the institution of the Malay rulers? What is being raised by PKR is clearly an attempt to belittle the Malays. We do not want the institution of the Malay rulers to be also belittled," he said in a statement.

Hishammuddin should not try to divert the whole attention and debate away from how Umno was trying to frame 'ketuanan Melayu'. It was not about the royalty. Their role has been clearly defined in the constitution. Malay rulers are respected for their symbolic prominence, reverence, and co-existence within the larger framework of a parliamentary democracy.

Wan Azizah and her party rejected the Umno version of 'ketuanan Melayu' which aims at deceiving the Malays about an imaginary supremacy. The truth is more than 96% of the poor are made up of Malays. Malays have problem holding on to the 30% equity since the NEP was implemented in 1970. Malays are still considered lagging behind the others in economic development and knowledge acquisition. Even Dr Mahathir conceeded that he was not qualified to study medicine.

Similarly, for the good of our Malay friends, we should reject the Umno's version of Malay supremacy too. They are merely using the special privileges, granted through a perceived constitutional supremacy, to enrich themselves and their relatives. Evidence are aplenty in Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Meanwhile, the common Malays are left hoping for some crumbs from their 'Bapaks' (read Umno/BN).

It is a shame that some Malays and 'celup' Malays (e.g. Ridhuan Tee) have continued to blame the Chinese for all their miseries. They should remember majority of the Chinese do not have any blood relations with YTL, Berjaya, Genting, Malton, Public Bank or some other rich corporate founders.

Umno has an uninterrupted rule and dominance in the Malaysian politics since the independence. If it cannot help the Malays through the NEP despite being a self-proclaimed Malay champion, it is right time for the community to find a better champion. A true champion should be able to alleviate more Malays out from poverty and help them to acquire real knowledge and skills. Malays, under Umno rule, are merely 'jaguh kampung' (local hero).

Perhaps PKR Wan Azizah has a better plan for her own community. It is time we see more world-class Malay intellectuals and leaders.

Umno's 'ketuanan Melayu' is like smoking opium. It brings temporary ecstasy and joy but long term damage to the brain and body. It is time to treat the disease.

Conflict of Two Koreas

2010-11-26T00:01:00.002+08:00

The latest Yeonpyeong island conflict between the South and North Korean armies is an unfortunate event. I have been working closely with the Korea Tourism Organization in Kuala Lumpur for the last three years. I have personally visited South Korea five times and would cherish a trip to North Korea in the future.

Koreans on the both sides enjoy strong family and cultural ties. There is little which separate them when comes to commitment and determination. Koreans are very inventive, determined and creative people. It is sad to see what this country achieve united rather than divided. It could be the new Asia's Germans if a peaceful and mutual reunification can be achieved in the future.

Meanwhile, the city of Seoul has been considered as one of most vibrant world cultural cities. You should visit it for the splendour, energy and cultural richness.

Like I have said, both Koreas enjoy good family ties. It is inconceivable for the two regimes to go to war at this point in time. Malaysians who are going there should not be overly worried by the situation. Both China (a key ally to North Korea) and US (a key ally to South Korea) would not want the conflict to turn into a serious matter because both countries are working on their own economy recovery.

Hopefully a quick calm down can be achieved to put senses back into the leadership of North Korea.

Candidate Versus Culture: A Thought for Third Force Debate

2010-11-25T19:01:00.003+08:00

The life and death of a political party depends on its leadership quality, members' commitment to its ideology and its political culture.

Much has been debated about an inherent lack of quality in elected representatives in Malaysian politics. Before we criticize the political parties for a poor selection of candidates, we should first try to understand the background of party politics in Malaysia.

First, established political parties in the country are limited by their party structure e.g. divisions and branches which are geographically linked to electoral constituencies. Party elections used to elect and promote leaders who will be chosen to become candidates in general elections. Often, a division chairperson is also the elected representative of the area.

Second, this structure i.e. a close link between party positions to candidacy has created a barrier for the party to choose a candidate freely. 'Parachute' candidates normally face tremendous opposition from the party members in the division. Many of them may even face a backlash if the protest and rejection ended up in a sabotage and boycott. Hence, a party normally chooses a candidate whom they think is popular with the party grassroots.

This tendency may turn into warlordism we found in political parties. A politician will do anything to win his party election at the divisional or state level. Any attempt by the party to replace an inefficient elected representative may be deterred through his/her popularity at the local level. It was proven in the last elections that a party warlord or 'strongman' may not necessary popular or well-received by the voters.

Third, the political culture is an important factor which determines the pace and space for renewal in a political party. Most political parties in Malaysia are practising patronage politics. The parties are often associated to a personality or family roots. It may be difficult for the parties to incorporate outstanding outsiders into the party leadership structure. Talent and know-how are not highly prioritised in leadership ascension.

Finally, the voters too need to play a party to send a clear message to the parties on what they prefer as candidates. We must remember that the quality of policy formulation, response to national, regional or global crisis, quality of governance, and general socio-economic development are dependent on the quality of the people we have put in the government.

Candidate selection is key for the next general election. However, this conclusion may be short lived and proven wrong if voters choose to slip back to the old habit of preference - race, party association and religion. Malaysia's political culture is one of the most hazardous in the world. Some politicians spend more time on religion and race than actual policy intervention and good governance.

In a world where the efficiency of a government can become a competitive advantage to attract talents and investments, can Malaysians rise up to the challenge to put the right people in the government?

If we do, then the whole perception that politics is the exclusive domain of political parties or the two coalitions e.g. Pakatan and Barisan is wrong and counter productive. Our people must intervene in the political process. We do not need personalities who are using the political platform to achieve their own needs and protect their interests.

This is what I called a Third Force, an enlightened group of voters who will play a role to determine the future of this country. I would like to see a change of power in the country because I firmly believe that any political coalition or party holding power for more than 5 decades cannot be that good to keep the ills and negative culture into the party. Some ancient dynasties did not even last that long.

However, any government in waiting should not ignore the voice and demand of the people to choose/field better candidates. Nor should they deter any persons from exercising their democratic rights to participate in the electoral process if none of the current parties are able to meet their expectation.

Proponents of change, if are serious about change, should be able to sit down to discuss and embrace a broad coalition with a change for a better tomorrow as its common goal.

When sacrifice and service is above self, we do not have to witness an ugly side of party politics. Can our politicians live up to this expectation?

Serve Malaysia, which is a beautiful country. Those of us who cannot participate in the electoral process as candidates should do our part to forge common shared values which are non-racial but Malaysian centric!

The challenge is less than 6 months away! A damper of the people's hope for change and for a fairer and just Malaysia will drive more disappointed and disenfranchised people out of the country than what the Talent Corp can hope to attract back home.

So, people like Zaid Ibrahim, Syed Hussien Ali, RPK, Haris Ibrahim, Nik Nazmi, Anwar Ibrahim, Azmin Ali, YL Chong, Jeffrey Kitingan, Uthayakumar, Warthayamorthy, Jenapala and others should take this heed seriously: Focus on the change agenda and not who is going to be a spoiler in the next general elections.

Farewell Dr Lim Chong Eu!

2010-11-25T14:31:00.006+08:00

Dr Lim Chong Eu was probably one of the best political strategists and a chief architect of Penang in the last century. Penang CM Lim Guan Eng paid tribute to a "giant of a politician who ushered in a new age for Penang."

The founder of Parti Gerakan first came into prominence in national politics when he won the MCA presidency by defeating its founder president the late Tan Cheng Lock. However, he was outmanoeuvred after being at the helm for only two years due to factionalism. He told me the opposite faction in MCA had taken an opportunity in his fall out with UMNO president Tunku Abdul Rahman over seats allocation issue and blamed him for souring the party's relationship with UMNO.

Lim had asked for MCA to be allowed to contest at least a third of seats in the parliament. He had wanted to deter any unscrupulous and careless attempt to amend the federal constitution. The constitution has been amended at least 700 times since the premiership of Tunku!

I had asked him about his decision to join the Barisan Nasional in 1973 which had caused a split in the party. He told me that it was a practical decision which left him without much option after the racial riots broke up in Klang Valley, Penang, Malacca and several parts of the country. Penang was suffering from a massive unemployment of almost 15%. He had mooted the idea of Barisan Nasional to Tun Razak, his closest ally in UMNO when he was serving in the National Emergency Council.

As a leader, he had to support national reconciliation (the original purpose of Barisan) and ensure that the promises to the voters of Penang were met and jobs were created. The federal government under the premiership of Tun Razak was supportive to Dr Lim's plans and proposals to help create a new frontier for the city state. As a result, the Free Trade Zones were created after the MCA minister of transport had taken away Penang's free port status. It was Dr Lim who brought Intel to Penang in the early 70's. He had created the Penang Development Corporation to help him to implement his vision.

I had also asked him about the NEP. He did support the original intent of the NEP which he was sure that it will be repealed and liberalised in 20 years (1990). Unfortunately, Dr Lim was defeated in the 1990 GE by Lim Kit Siang and subsequently retired from politics. He had remained to his non-interference stance since then and dabbled in business instead. We did not get to find out if he would have objected to the perpetuation of NEP and Malay supremacy.

His stand on Islamic state was clear. He was unhappy that Gerakan did not do anything to stop or rebut the announcement of Dr Mahathir at the party's annual conference that Malaysia is an Islamic country. Consistent with his stand on the federal constitution just before the 1959 GE, Dr Lim was probably worried about such politicking which may hijack and alter the spirit of the secular federal constitution.

Dr Lim was a political giant and a very intimidating intellectual who would pit his wisdom against anyone trying to discuss politics and philosophy with him. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend two days with him in 2007 to interview him for a book. I visited him again at his Tanjung Bungah home after the political tsunami in 2008 to ask for his well-being and discuss his views on the GE outcome.

Dr Lim was not a pioneer of non-racial political ideology unlike Syed Hussein Alatas or Tan Chee Khoon. He was a MCA president and founder of Chinese based United Democratic Party but he was quick to see a need to support multiracial politics in his later years of political life.

However, like other politicians, he was not without his weakness and criticism. But Dr Lim's imprint on the Penang socio-economic landscape has survived until today and will continue to do so in the future. Many Penangites working in factories in Bayan Lepas FTZ or using the Penang Bridge should pay tribute to his contribution. His other project, KOMTAR, was very ambitious. It was the highest building in Southeast Asia in the 80's but has became an eye sore since the era of Koh Tsu Koon's administration.

I was honoured to be able to pit my limited wisdom with his during those visits.

BN's Media/PR Frenzy, Where are Real Reforms?

2010-11-22T14:50:00.002+08:00

The ruling Barisan Nasional has told its media to play up “feel good”, “positive” reports and to find flaws of its political foes for the next few months ahead of a likely March 2011 federal elections, sources told The Malaysian Insider.

Since the beginning of PM Najib's tenure, it has always been about "feel good", carefully planned and expensive PR campaigns, sloganeering and more. Public are forced to take in an overdose of terms and slogans e.g. 1Malaysia, ETP, GTP, NEM, KRAs, KPIs and a host of other similar sounding programmes.

But where are clear, concise and definite reforms? The government is still dragging its feet on the ISA. It is a draconian act which must be abolished since it was misused and abused by none other than Dr Mahathir and Abdullah Badawi to detain political opponents, journalists and dissidents. Nothing short of an abolishment will put Malaysia on a road to real democracy. The pro-ISA demonstration in Penang is an eye opener for Malaysians. Why? The proponents are mostly Umno members.

Since the global economic crisis hit the country in 2007, the government is still going around its business as though we are trouble free. There is no serious debate on how to manage the slid and glitches in the Malaysian economy. Why are investors heading to Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam but not us? Where are the new areas of growth? How to create more jobs? Apart from announcing targets on GDP per capita, additional 3.3 million jobs and others, the government does not give us an impression that it has the right strategy to help achieve these optimistic targets. Where is the RM1.47 trillion investment is going to come from?

Several public institutions such as the judiciary and the police have not improved their image and perception. The government should make all efforts to distance itself from these institutions and encourage them to be truly independent. The way Anwar Ibrahim's defence team has been denied access to key information and materials does not augur well for judiciary independence. The police is still acting arbitrarily on stifling democratic rights to assembly, free speech and peaceful gatherings and demonstrations. An IPCMC was mooted by a BN formed royal commission and it has yet to be implemented.

Najib is trying toying with obvious uncertainty over his NEM announcement to do away with rigid race based quota and adopt a fairer need based socio-economic model. NEP is set to be retained although it had been bastardized for decades. His 1Malaysia slogan stands out like a sore thumb in an administration composed of race based political parties and a majority based party with a clear race-based agenda.

Freedom of press is going to suffer a worse perception the direct acquisition of the Star Publications by MCA. The main stream media has lost its credibility and is treated as nothing more than a party organ by increasingly disillusioned readers. I buy them only for the adverts.

Apart from the media frenzy about BN's change of fortune, where are the real reforms?