I read with much enthusiasm the piece of news which has no official news source origin, but displayed in these websites:
1) Google Groups: Careful if u wanna bribe M'sian police
2) Whatever: Can an RM100 Prevent Bribing The Cop ?
Cash reward for cops who arrest anyone trying to bribe them
KUALA LUMPUR: A cash reward of up to RM100 and a letter of commendation will be given to police personnel who arrest anyone who attempts to bribe them.
Acting Inspector-General of Police Datuk Musa Hassan said the reward would be for Traffic, Criminal Investigations Department and Narcotics Department police personnel. He added that the reward was to spur policemen to uphold the integrity of the force. "The reward offer is also to let our men know that we appreciate them for their honesty and loyalty. "We also hope to inculcate in our men that accepting bribes is a very serious offence and does not pay," he added. In Kuantan, Pahang police chief Datuk Ramli Yusuff said the cash reward would be double the bribe offered and up to a maximum of RM100. Ramli told Bernama that the reward would be paid after the person who offered the bribe had been charged and the case concluded in the courts. "I will personally hand over the reward to the police personnel concerned," he said, adding that the incentive would be paid from the Pahang Police Fund. Earlier, at the monthly parade held at state police headquarters, Ramli said L/Kpl Bakri Pandak Ahmad of the Kuantan traffic police was rewarded with RM100 last month for arresting a man who had offered him a RM50 bribe ....
I hope the mentioned news is not true. Bribery is rampant in Malaysia. As reported by Malaysiakini, a traffic cop allegedly taking bribe was caught on video. In this digital age, it is so easy to record bribery offenses. One can just use any average handphone cameras The image of Malaysian police force will be tarnished if the video is exposed on Youtube.
Nevertheless, this solution may work although it is not an ethical way of doing it. The Singapore police force administration did not offer such rewards to the police but bribery is almost non-existent there.
A commentator in Japan Today even wrote harshly, "First of all, a cash reward in of itself is a form of bribe (irony alert)". Even if there is argument that the reward should not be considered as a bribe, the solution has evoked much misunderstanding on the role of a police.
A police's job is to catch offenders. They should not be encouraged to catch offenders who eventually bribe so that they can get cash rewards. It gives people the wrong idea of joining a police force. It makes the police force sound "commercial" rather than for "justice".
Furthermore, this is not a permanent solution. The answer is simple on why it is regarded as temporary. Once you take away the RM100 reward, the bribery scene returns.
Another point to note is, the cash rewards will only work for traffic fines under the amount of RM 100. Let's analyse.
Let's say you are a traffic offender fined RM 100. You offer a bribe of RM50. If I were the police officer, I will report you to ACA. RM 100 cash reward is definitely more appealing than RM50 bribe.
Assuming the fine is RM 100 and the bribe is RM50. Although the cash reward is more appealing, as a police officer I would probably take the bribe. Why? I have to go through the hassle of reporting you, wait for the court charge you, wait for the officer to approve the cash reward. We know how troublesome and "efficient" the departments handling this, don't we? This may take days, or even weeks and months.
I might as well, take RM50 and then catch another offender and get another RM50. It can happen in one day, easy and quick.
Reward? Nah.. too troublesome. If I take the bribe, both I (as a police officer) and traffic offender will be "happier" people.
In Malaysia it is all about convenience, right?
Assuming the fine is more than RM 200, the traffic offender gives me RM 100. I, as an evil officer prefer to take the RM 100 bribe. Cash reward? No, no, no. I do not want to make the public and me unhappy with all that hassle. This applies for all scenarios where traffic fines are more than RM 100.
The fine is RM 300. Me, evil police officer normally get a RM 100 bribe from offenders. Now, I demand a "hike" to RM 150. I will tell those offenders if they pay me RM 100, I will report them for cash rewards instead. Bribery becomes worse.
As you can see, this temporary solution may only work for scenario 1. Please be reminded that I used the word "may work". Malaysians in general prefer "convenience". Police officer in Malaysia are Malaysians. In my opinion, those police officers who are corrupted would prefer Scenario 2 than Scenario 1.
It is typical of Malaysia to solve a "disease" from the context of "symptoms" rather than from its "root". If Singapore can do it, perhaps we should be decent and employ better diplomacy to approach and learn from them.
If the news mentioned is indeed valid, I will feel rather disappointed with the management of the police force. I urge them to think deeply and carefully before providing a permanent and workable solution. Malaysian police force cannot afford another blunder in its already tarnished reputation. The police force needs to gain more confidence from the public.
Friday, June 29, 2007
I read with much enthusiasm the piece of news which has no official news source origin, but displayed in these websites:
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Jeff Ooi spoke in the 'Re-thinking Malaysia: Media and Civil Society' public forum co-organised by organised by Youth For Change (Y4C) and National Young Lawyers Committee (NYLC), Bar Council.
In his Merdeka 1234 blog entry, it was suggested that forms requiring the entry of ( 1 ) for Malay; ( 2 ) for Chinese; ( 3 ) for Indian; and ( 4 ) Lain-lain for the field of "Race" to be abolished.
I am living in this country which is governed almost entirely based on racial structures. Everything; From the areas of business to education runs from the racial aspect.
As a Malaysian, I am no stranger to racism or in its slightly more polite form racialism. I definitely welcome this move. As you can see, for these past few years, racism has been rampant. There had been the infamous racial incident in Kampong Medan, May 13 threats in meetings, cries of "Supremacy", racist demands in job application etc. etc. Rude and racist statements are also prevalent in the websphere. There are those who call the other race as "pigs" and names which do not belong to the "nice" category.
When I refer to racists, bear in mind that it encompasses all Malaysians, be it Malay, Chinese, Indian and everything in between. I do believe, every single Malaysian has been one way or another do or say something racist once in our life. It is high time for us to change our third-world mentality.
We are now drilling into the weakness of racism rather than capitalising on the strength of multi-culturalism. I agree with Omega Lee who wrote a letter by the title of "Malay-Chinese antagonism won’t serve either side" to Malaysiakini. That is why the economic growth of our country is not exactly good. Foreign investors are shunning our country. Thierry Rommel, the European Union envoy commented on the discrimination policies in Malaysia.
These days, discrimination is not only limited to race. If it's possible, in addition to the original idea, I would like to suggest the abolishment of the "religion" category from all forms as well.
There is no doubt, calls to abolish aspects detrimental to national unity is great. This is not the first time such ideas are tabled and discussed. They sound good in theory but how are these organisations planning to put it into practice?
Still, we are required to fill in our "race" and "religion" in almost all forms nationwide. Failure to comply would mean we are rejected from participating in any events, dismissed from memberships, denied entries into institutions or unable to update our passports, bank books and ICs.
Are Malaysians ready to go through "hell" for that?
Perhaps, these are the main issues that should be addressed. Otherwise, it will all be talk and no concrete plan for effective execution and Malaysia will return to square one.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
I received this e-mail this morning. Nowadays, there are many similar ones being forwarded around but clearly this really bring about my attention. Malaysian politics is getting boring these days. Bad things are not changing. Maybe that will only happen after the citizens change the government.
So, take a break and read this and be shocked by the credentials some companies are putting as "selection of candidate".
Question from the e-mail
You are driving along your car on a wild, stormy night, it's raining heavily, when suddenly you pass by a bus stop, and you see three people waiting for a bus:
1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.
2. An old friend who once saved your life.
3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.
Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing very well that there could only be one passenger in your car?
Think before you continue reading............
This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application.
* You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first;
* or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect hence to pay him back.
* However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.
The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer.
The Selected Candidate's So-Called Brilliant Answer
"I would give the car keys to my Old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams."
Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations... and begin to "Think Outside of the Box"!
Pass this on to others so that they may also think out of the box... I did!!!
This is an illogical answer because the question states to offer a ride.
Look at the question:
"Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing very well that
there could only be one passenger in your car?"
1) You cannot offer a ride if you give the keys to your old friend to drive going by English usage and logical standards.
2) You cannot have a passenger if you are not driving the car going by English usage and logical standards.
3) A person who saved your life may not be trustworthy enough to drive the car;
i) he may not be a good driver and end up both old lady and him dead while your car may destroyed in accident;
ii) he may throw off the old lady and sell your car for money (judging by Malaysian security standards these days).
4) It is irresponsible to let people do your job (of saving old lady) while you enjoy your time with partner of dreams. It is like abusing a good person who saved your own life to do your work. P.S. Your boss may use points like this against you.
The question puts you in a box instead or maybe the person has poor English during construction of the question. Otherwise, if the person who make this "trap" is your boss, I wish you good luck because they will require you to perform something extraordinary while giving you poor directions to work.
Think about it. Now, my answer is the result of thinking out of box. :-D
The candidate is suffering from problems with dealing with the details. The company that hired this candidate has poor management skills obviously. Expecting an illogical answer while giving a misleading question.
You can e-mail this post to your friends on this.
Friday, June 22, 2007
In the Malaysia Today article, Understanding the Malay-Muslim mind, Raja Petra described about the Wahhabi sect practised by Saudi Arabia, which houses the holy land of Mecca and Medina.
It was said that Saud is a tribe who fought the way into the establismenf of its Saudi kingdom. These days, Muslims all over the world are returning to the roots of their religion and seem to get the idea that practices in Saudi Arabia reflects the true way of Islam. Ironically, a big number of the Muslims come from the Sunni sect.
Actually, the practices of Saudi Arabia is more tribal than Islamic in nature.
I have made two essential highlights and made additional comments on it based on a book I read about Carmen bin Laden, the ex-sister-in-law of the Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
Abdul Aziz then declared Wahhabi the official religion of the land and all other religions and other versions of Islam were banned.
Tolerance was not on the agenda as what Abdul Aziz said, “The Arabs understand two things only; the Word of Allah and the sword.”
Perhaps that is why the West always view Islam in the way that Abdul Aziz mentioned (The holy book and the sword thing). You see, my father and his friends mentioned to me that they were taught to brand Islam that way.
My father mentioned to me that it was mentioned to them that the third World War may arise from the basis of religious differences, which could be somehow true.
For more information on medieval Saudi Arabian practices, please read the book below.
CARMEN BIN LADIN
Inside the Kingdom: My Life in SAUDI ARABIA(Hardcover)
I got mine from MPH Mid-Valley. Even Carmen (originally an Iranian Muslim) was culture-shocked with the MEDIEVAL practices adopted by Saudi Arabia. It took her 14 years to get herself and her daughters out of the country albeit legally.
If you read the book, you will certainly feel very sad, women does not even get a right to their own name. Her mother-in-law's name is Om Yeslam. Mothers use the names of their first son on his puberty. Women are placed in harem arrangements in the house. They are not supposed to move out of the house. If they were to go somewhere, they had to be driven in a car fully clothed in a burqa, which covers the face as well. The surroundings must be 100% made clear of men. All this are done as if the women are seriously diseased; avoid at all cost. Quarantined as sex slaves meant for breeding and full enjoyment of the husband.
Please don't tell me this is the true Islam. Islam is not about suppression of women. This is the Saudi Arabia version, which I detest and protest against.
She mentioned that Arabians are very uptight (most of the time very unreasonable) in their own Saudi Arabia. Once they got out of Saudi Arabia, it is freedom. Women dress without head scarves. In fact, if they are in America, they wear jeans and act like any average American. Woman and man can shake hands.
In matters of personal opinion, I do not think Wahhabi represents the so-called true version of Islam. Muslims around the world somehow have this idea because Saudi Arabia is where the holy cities, Mecca and Medina resides.
So, by simple logic, most Muslims assume the practice that come from the people who lives in the place where they perform the hajj should be the purest. It's definitely not true.
The best way is to learn the religion by referring the Qur'an all by yourself. Do not be controlled or misled by other people.
Islam is OK but please "Say No to Saudi Arabisation" or "Wahhabi-ism"
I will uncover more details from the book in my upcoming blog postings.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Malaysian Chinese have always viewed Singapore as a country of meritocracy and non-discriminatory. At least that is what its Prime Minister and Senior Minister proclaim. The imaging and ,multiracial "promotion" attempts by the ruling government PAP make Singapore look tolerant and harmonious from the "face" perspective.
However, going "underneath the skin", deeper research and consensus proved otherwise. Michael D. Barr wrote an essay in Far Eastern Economic Review titled The Charade Of Meritocracy.
Both Malaysia and Singapore share the same issue of elitism and racism . The difference lies with which race is the victim of marginalisation. In Malaysia, some claim the Non-Malays are disadvantaged. In Singapore, the Malays are the victims.
Let's take an excerpt from The Charade Of Meritocracy on Singapore:
" Yet the selection of scholars does not depend purely on objective results like exam scores. In the internal processes of awarding scholarships after matriculation results are released, there are plenty of opportunities to exercise subtle forms of discrimination. Extracurricular activities (as recorded in one’s school record), “character” and performance in an interview are also considered. This makes the selection process much more subjective than one would expect in a system that claims to be a meritocracy, and it creates ample opportunity for racial and other prejudices to operate with relative freedom. "
The writer further added:
" Is there evidence that such biases operate at this level? Unsurprisingly, the answer to this question is “yes.” Take for instance a 2004 promotional supplement in the country’s main newspaper used to recruit applicants for scholarships. The advertorial articles accompanying the paid advertisements featured only one non-Chinese scholar (a Malay on a lowly “local” scholarship) amongst 28 Chinese on prestigious overseas scholarships. Even more disturbing for what they reveal about the prejudices of those offering the scholarships were the paid advertisements placed by government ministries, statutory boards and GLCs. Of the 30 scholars who were both prominent and can be racially identified by their photographs or their names without any doubt as to accuracy, every one of them was Chinese. "
An anonymous writer wrote a letter to Jeff Ooi regarding racism in Malaysia. Below is the excerpt:
" I read about the Malay newspaper editors attacking the private sector for not appointing enough Malays to senior management level, whilst insisting that the government always ensure that Malays dominate anything government-related.
I read about UMNO Youth attacking the so-called meritocracy system because there are less than 60% of Malay students in law and pharmacy, whilst conveniently keeping silent about the fact that 90% of overseas scholarship recipients are Malays and that Malays form the vast majority in courses like medicine, accountancy and engineering at local universities.
I read about UMNO Youth accusing Chinese schools of being detrimental to racial integration, while demanding that Mara Junior Science Colleges and other residential schools be kept only for Malays.
I read about the Higher Education Minister promising that non-bumiputera Malaysians will never ever step foot into UiTM. "
While Malaysia looks more aggressive in its approach, the method adopted by Singapore is certainly more refined. The root of discrimination in Malaysia is obviously rooted in its administrative policies and rules whereas the Singapore system work in multi-layered cloak of disguise.
In terms of elitism, I am sure those interested in Malaysian affairs would know the terms "crony capitalism" and "Ali Baba business". Both these terms are used to describe businesses and awarding of projects to a selected few well-connected to ruling figures.
Michael D. Barr and Zlatko Skrbiš provides evidence in their book "Constructing Singapore: Elitism, Ethnicity and the Nation-Building Project" on their claim:
" Singapore’s administrative and its political elites—especially the younger ones who have come through school in the last 20 or so years—are not the cream of Singapore’s talent as they claim, but are merely a dominant social class, resting on systemic biases to perpetuate regime regeneration based on gender, class and race. "
That makes Singapore not much different from Malaysia in the racial sense. Different approach, same outcome.
I was in Singapore last weekend to shop. I had used the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train Senandung Malam service from Malaysia and managed to take a Singaporean cab. Despite hearing rumours from Malaysia that Singaporeans look down on Malaysians, I had a good chat with the driver on our way to the hotel. We passed through one of the places where an old building was being demolished to make way for a new one. He informed me about it and gave this remark in a slightly not pleasant tone "So much has changed in Singapore but why doesn't our government change !". Another Singaporean friend who acted as a tour guide made comments of similar colour.
Surfing through the net will make you notice numerous Malaysian-owned blogs complaining profusely about the incompetent government and its shortcomings.
The National Economic Policy (NEP) which was supposed to expire last year was prolonged indefinitely. It's original intention of being meant to eradicate poverty is now a myth. Only those well-connected are advantaged by it. Perhaps, Singapore's meritocracy is a hoax, according to Michael D. Barr.
These days, leaders of both countries have been capitalising on racial sentiments to garner support and stay afloat politically. Lee Kuan Yew mentioned that Chinese were marginalised while the Malays in Singapore are victims. As for Malaysia, leaders brandish May 13 books and waving keris while shouting "Malay Supremacy" in general assemblies.
Why? The people starts to wake up to what they have been promised but deprived.
I refer to a Malaysia Kini letter Malay-Chinese antagonism won’t serve either side. Perhaps Malays and Chinese in both nations should think properly for the prosperity of both Malaysia and Singapore. Racism and Elitism is a killer to the nation. We have seen it happen in United States that led to a massive civil war. Let's not let it happen again.
Let us lead the way of Martin Luther King's dream and realise it in our context.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Bolehland, Bodohland Malaysia
Malaysia Today published an article by Michael Backman titled "With this cash I thee wed: here comes the bribe".
This is an excerpt of what he wrote:
"In the column, I said that Malaysian government waste wasn't "Malaysia boleh" (the national slogan that means "Malaysia can") but "Malaysia bodoh" ("bodoh" translates as stupid.) The column was emailed pretty much to anyone with an email account.
Many in Malaysia have taken to referring to government waste and poor decision making as coming from "Bodohland"."
How apt, how true. Further in his article, he talked about the various corruption cases in Malaysia and the way in which they were handled. It is really worthwhile to read his writings. After all , corruption is handled in the most ironic way in "Bolehland", I mean "Bodohland".
There is not much difference between the term "Bolehland" and "Bodohland". We "can"/"boleh" spend so much of money sending first Malaysians to space just to make "teh tarik" and play "congkak". Isn't that a "stupid"/"bodoh" approach? Other countries send scientists to space to make studies that will benefit mankind. We, Malaysian taxpayers and the government belong to the "Bodoh" category. There should not be no excuses there. After all, we are footing up a hefty million dollar bill to enable the world to laugh at our immature government and ridiculous pride.
To top it off, there were even speculations that the SMS method a la "American/Malaysian Idol" would be used to decide on who gets to be the first Malaysian in space. That has never been done in the world. Other countries choose the best candidate based on technical, health and knowledge credentials. Malaysia Boleh !!! and Bodoh too ...
Remember, we are not making our own spaceships. We are just taking another person's "bus" (Russian rocket) up to space. We are paying a very expensive "bus fee". Anyone could do that. A Japanese millionaire paid for his space vacation even before we send ours. Ohh, that would now mean that we "boleh" (can) spend money for useless escapades but "tak boleh (can't) make our own spaceships.
The world "Boleh" in Malaysia is slightly twisted as you will realise. We "can"/"boleh" do things that others have never done before (most of the time with gigantic financing) but produce products or so-called "achievements" of insignificant value to society. What is all this bull/crap about "biggest pizza" or "biggest teabag" in Malaysia? People are "stupid"/"bodoh" enough to regard it as something to be proud of.
It is utterly disappointing to have a foreigner Australian to remind us of our problems rather than realising and solving it ourselves as Malaysians. Perhaps, Michael Backman is more worthy of becoming a citizen of our country rather than our own Malaysians.
Sleeping MCA MP's
MCA said "Give feedback through proper channels to fight crime", reported The Star. There were arrests at Johor’s anti-crime protest in front of Johor Chief Minister's residence. The police arrested two SUARAM members after the demonstration. Johor Bahru (JB) citizens are living in fear. JB is now the crime capital of Malaysia.
There is even an Online Petition to pressure our "Bodohland" government to take action.
The Opposition, Lim Guan Eng has something to say about this matter. Remove DSP Leow Kian Heong from the crime prevention unit of Johor.
"At the public dialogue organized by the Johor Baru Tionghua Federation on Sunday, Leow had insulted the audience and Chinese community by saying that the crime situation in Johor is not alarming but had improved instead by 8% as compared to last year. Leow blamed the Chinese press for giving extensive coverage to crime stories that gave the impression of a deteriorating crime situation unlike the English/Malay press that do not have such reports. He even called on not the public not to racialise and politicize the issue.
Johor state crime prevention unit DSP Leow Kian Heong should stop talking like Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman."
This is the latest spat of crime in Johor. Johor Criminals Chase and Ram Car, Rape Girl (and Another Gang Rape On Next Day).
This is what MCA has to say:
“MCA leaders will continue to give feedback and the views of the community to the Government through the proper channels to ensure that effective measures will be carried out to combat crime,” he (MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting ) told a press conference after the meeting."
As a representative of the Malaysian Chinese, that is the sort of "Bodoh" statement that the president has to say. Crime cases have been escalating in Johor since Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (Pak Lah) becomes the Prime Minister of Malaysia. Johor Crimes were written as HEADLINES in major chinese newspapers all along. Everyone on the street, and I mean not only Johor knows that state is a Crime Capital.
What sort of crap is he saying that "MCA will continue to give feedback and views of the community"? Where are these so-called MCA leaders all along ? Too "busy" sleeping enjoyably in their high-class residence that they do not read the papers? Too "busy" making money? I thought MCA is a social association, not a business association? I thought MCA has a lot of MPs being voted by these eventual victims of crime? Where are they? Sleeping?
These Members of Parliaments (MPs) should know what is happening in their community. That is the "proper channel" of their job. If they are not aware, that would be they are not doing their job, therefore should be called to resign.
When is MCA going to request the police to release the SUARAM members, the brave people who fought for the rights of the Johor citizens? These SUARAM members have done something, which MCA by right, should have done ! Malaysia Kini reported that Suaram condemns police action on this matter. Criminals are the ones who should be arrested, not those who speak up against crime !
Tionghua means the Chinese race in the Hokkien dialect. The fact that Johor Bahru Tionghua association has to take matters by ways of protests and petition prove that the community no longer has confidence in MCA and the police force.
Ng Yen Yen, the representative of Chinese women in Malaysia were against the so-called "little dragon ladies" from China. Sexistly, she said, these people would wreck Malaysian families. How about this matter? Crime will wreck families too. Most crime victims in Johor are women. Women are gang-raped. This is even worse than "dragon ladies". Now where is she?
Perhaps, people like Ong Ka Ting, Chua Soi Lek and Ng Yen Yen "boleh" continue with their elegant slumber. It will definitely be a "surprise" if they win in landslides in the next election.
Sleep well, sleep tight, my fellow so-called "leaders" of the "Bodohland". MCA will pay the price.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Last Saturday and Sunday (16 to 17 June 2007), I visited Singapore for shopping. It was "The Great Singapore Sale". Things are not essentially cheap but worthwhile to be purchased. I bought a few CDs and a DVD from Heeren's 3-storey HMV. Being a music lover, I visited That CD Shop and Sembawang Music Center as well.
I purchased a greatest hits album of an operatic tenor, Nicolai Gedda, an Indian-New Age album by Sheila Chandra called Quiet and Raise the Red Lantern Ballet soundtrack. Prodigy's electronic "Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned" was really cheap (S$8.95). Amir Muhammad's international award winning "The Last Communist" movie is available in almost all bookshops and CD shops. The CDs and DVD that I collected are not sold anywhere in Malaysia.
Apart from all that shopping, it was a worthwhile experience. I have heard of friends coming back from Singapore only to complain about Kuala Lumpur but could not understand why. Now I understand what is considered as a well-planned, well-managed city.
There are no tiny strips of paper lying around the streets (even in residential areas). The transport system is superb and cheap if you are earning Singapore dollars salary. I am skeptical if Malaysia can catch up with this bunch of baboons running the show. Buildings are lined up properly. There are a lot of trees within the city. KL Petaling Street Chinatown is pale in comparison with Singapore Chinatown. The alleys of Singapore Chinatown are very clean. There are no dark spots, weird smells and oil slicks. Drivers are corteous. Jaywalkers follow rules. There are no strange ugly patches on the roads resulting from shoddy work from the Works Department.
Currently KL is the direct opposite of what I have mentioned above. I personally feel it is possible for Malaysia to achieve that if only the baboon government led by the sleepy Pak Lah managing this city can be removed.
Similar with Bali, I actually feel safe walking around the city in the wee hours of the morning (3 a.m.). That is not the case in our beloved crime-ridden Johor Bahru. It seems that Singaporeans know about this too.
Coming back to Malaysia and reading the Monday news is certainly disappointing. Let's take a look at some of the highlights:
1) Arrests at Johor’s anti-crime protest.
"When the demonstration was almost over, the Police moved in to arrest 2 activists, Nyam Kee Han and See Siew Min. from Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Johor Bahru branch, who leafleted there in the morning.
The demonstration was organised to bring to the attention of the MB, the rising crime rate in Johor Bahru, and to call on him to take immediate action."
We all know Johor Bahru (JB), the opposite (geographically and in security) of Singapore is in a terrible state of insecurity and crime. I have heard of JB residents moving to KL because of fear. Looking at the above, one wonders whether the activists and demonstrators are criminals. Why are the police catching these innocent and concerned people but not the "big bosses of the underworld", cohorts and thieves?
What is "Kerajaan Barisan Nasional" doing? People are living in fear. We should sign the Petition: Crime in Johor Bahru.
Malaysia kini reported that it is time for Malaysians to fight back literally.
2) Write in to request funds to raise the salary of civil servants in Kelantan, state government was told. Recently, Pak Lah made a national announcement to increase civil servants salary by somewhere 30%. We know Kelantan is controlled by PAS and Pak Lah is from BN. The civil servants work for the country. If the national civil servants can score 99% KPI (I remain skeptical on how this "strange" statistics was derived if you catch the drift), why can't you pay the Kelantan civil servants?
Is there something called "Double Standards" in the administration? States not controlled by BN will not get such rewards? Is that so?
Ohh yeah, Pak Lah said the increment was not for an up and coming general election. Oh, really? Then, why didn't Kelantan automatically get it?
3) On the Altantuya, the murder-bombed Mongolian model case, her father Mr Shariibuu was reported as saying by Susan Loone:
" Earlier, Mr Shariibuu complained about the various communications he had, via letters, to the government - PM Abdullah Badawi’s office and the Foreign Ministry.
He lamented that he did not received any reply for the said letters. He also queried why reporters did not carry his statements though he had often submitted information to the media. "
Furthermore Mr Shariibuu disclosed his information about his daughter. As reported by Susan Loone:
a) “The victim’s side had always been reported negatively, misunderstood and had wrong facts”.
b) First of all he revealed that Altantuya was never a model.
c) He said the media portrayed her as a “prostitute”, as a “bad person”.
d) “Abdul Razak Baginda and my daughter had a business deal, not a sexual relationship,” he said, showing documents that supported his claims. These documents were revealed for the first time.
All these information was not reported by our local mainstream media. Why? I thought media has ethical guidelines not to report only one side of the story? News must be balanced? Who is controlling our local media?
The three of the cases above reflect the most important elements that define the progress of the society. All cases have to do with the state of our government, police (security) and media (news). These are the elements that you totally depend on for survival in Malaysia
Looking at the current situation, would you be happy if you are a Malaysian?
I am not only unhappy, but totally devastated and disappointed. If only I could do something to change the situation to a better one I would have done it. God will do something about it. God has eyes that can see what is happening in Malaysia and who are the evil ones.
Monday, June 11, 2007
According to The Star on Monday June 11, 2007
RM2 toll for SMART tunnel use
PETALING JAYA: Users of the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) will be charged a RM2 toll.
The toll will be effective from 11.59pm on June 14, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said on Monday.
SMART toll to start on Friday
RM2 * 2 (twice per day) * 6 (days a week) * 4 (weeks a month) = RM 96 extra per month
The roaches are scurrying and the rats are hurrying, according to Malaysia Today.
I have just finished reading up a detailed article in Malaysia Today on the unholy alliance between the Chinese organised crime syndicate and the Royal Malaysian Police. I am not sure on how true the acussation and various documents provided is, but generally many visitors to the site seemed to believe.
The article is the second part to the article "Malaysia’s organised crime syndicate: all roads lead to Putrajaya". Everybody knows Putrajaya is the centre of administration for Malaysia. Is this what we call the unholy trinity (Underworld, RMP and Putrajaya)?
I have written my opinions on the first part in "Malaysian Government, Daredevil, Hell's Kitchen" article. Let's hope the stories about the syndicates are not true.
Politics is all about perception. With or without proof, if people on the streets believe this government and administrative bodies is wicked, that would signify that the ruling party has managed poorly. If it is US of A, the current ruling party will definitely be kicked out and be replaced by the opposition. In Malaysia, it is quite impossible for this to happen with our poor election machinery, citizens' endless suspicion on the voting system and scandals around so-called phantom voters and "postal" voting. Not to mention that all political parties in Malaysia are divided along racial or religious lines. It would be almost impossible for Malaysians to collaboratively vote a party other than Barisan Nasional (BN) to govern.
These days, crime is prevalent. I have heard from my friends staying in Kepong of weekly robberies. Two weeks ago, my friend was on the scene of a mugging. Two muggers approached the driver of a Toyota Fortuna with a parang and a gun. The driver was shot dead on the spot during the struggle to escape. Another week before, a pharmacy was robbed. Kepong folks are thinking of reviving their "Rukun Tetangga". Would that be a feasible solution?
How in the world did the muggers grab hold of a gun you may ask. In the 80s and 90s, we barely hear of such a thing. Having a gun is a serious offence. One can be charged under ISA for possession of a bullet let alone a gun! How did they get it?
Areas like Sri Petaling and Kepong frequently experience break-in attempts. These folks are not even close to rich. Sri Petaling took action by employing 2 security guards to patrol their area during the night. I still have the notion that this should be a police department job
In Johor, robberies and snatch thieves are common. It was said, snatch thieves will slash you whether you fight back or otherwise before fleeing away with your belongings. In other states, ecstasy can be easily bought in clubs. Isn't government supposed to protect us from all this?
Reading RPK's article in Malaysia Today only to be told that those we are supposed to depend on are potentially the ones betraying us is certainly hard to bear. Let's pray that what he said is not true.
Few years back, Putera UMNO of the ruling party BN made a move to recruit local biker gangs known as Mat Rempit. It is a surprise step considering the fact that there are criminal cases involving Mat Rempit.
There is a scandal involving murdered Mongolian Altantuya and a high-profile politician in Malaysia.
The current "movement" in the courts without proper explanation made "Malaysia's justice system a casualty"
Guang Ming Daily will be sued by Michael Chong. The paper labelled him as "King of Ah Long" (King of Loan Sharks) purportedly with some "reasons".
Remember, remember the 5 million scandal and Johari Baharum Minister? Remember Kong Cho Ha's (Deputy Minister of Science and Technology) brother?
Remember the “Jackie Chan” of Malaysia?
Do not forget the ACA chief Zulkipli Mat Noor and Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman scandal.
What about the Port Klang Assemblyman, Zakaria Mat Deros?
What is becoming of Malaysia? How much longer can we accept all these? Can we still depend on the police, ACA, MPs and government to protect us?
Good luck, Malaysia and Malaysians.....
Sunday, June 10, 2007
According to Bernama, the Works Minister, Samy Vellu PENNED A POEM for Pak Lah and his new bride Jeanne Abdullah that reads:
From this day forward,
You shall not walk alone.
Her heart will be your shelter,
And her arms will be your home.
As we uncover "Samy's or J.D. Freeman's Poem: Who's The Plagiarist?" in my previous entry, a commenter prompted me to make a search using Google.
hey, u can edit ur post, the 1st part of the poem he copied from the above link...scroll down to " From This Day Forward" the 4th poem there
Friday, June 08, 2007 5:00:00 PM
I found many websites with the similar poem using Google. The author is stated as unknown.
So, who is the plagiarist, the unknown author or Samy Vellu in the first segment of the poem?
J.D. Freeman or Samy Vellu in the second segment of the poem?
It is plagiarism and unethical to claim other's work as your own.
Friday, June 08, 2007
We are getting a new Mak Lah!
Our Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi @ Pak Lah is getting married tomorrow in a private ceremony with Jeanne Abdullah. Abdullah's bride-to-be no stranger to his family.
MIC President Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu congratulated the prime minister, saying he was extremely happy for Abdullah and his bride-to-be.
"The people will be happy to hear the news too," he said.
The Works Minister also PENNED A POEM for the couple that reads:
"From this day forward,
You shall not walk alone.
Her heart will be your shelter,
And her arms will be your home.
A mountain needs a valley to be complete;
the valley does not make
the mountain less, but more;
and the valley is more a valley because
it has a mountain towering over it. "
A mountain needs a valley, says MP for Tanjong. He gave us some food for thought:
"Imagine that First Lady Laura Bush had died in the fall of 2005. (I realize this is morbid, but stick with me.) Now imagine that U.S. President George W. Bush, a scant 19 months later, announced to the nation that he would be getting remarried—not to just anybody, but to the ex-wife of Laura’s younger brother. How would that play in the red states? Probably not well."
This is not the first time Samy Vellu do something like this. He shamelessly penned a Tamil poem on 3rd November 2006. The "Love" poem was translated into English by The Star.
Did Samy Vellu really PEN THE POEM according to Bernama? I found this after some searches through google:
" Blessing For A Marriage by James Dillet Freeman
May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding.
May you always need one another - not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness. A mountain needs a valley to be complete; the valley does not make the mountain less, but more; and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it. So let it be with you and you.
May you need one another, but not out of weakness.
May you want one another, but not out of lack.
Who is the plagiarist? Samy Vellu or James Dillet Freeman, the American-Indian poet and a minister of the Unity School of Christianity ? Freeman died in April 9, 2003. We are living in the year 2007.
I have penned one poem, with dedication to Samy Vellu:
Other’s Valley he’s so concerned,
Klang Valley the real burden,
MRR2 is so broken,
Semi-value quality is certain,
When he's asked in “leaking” Parliament,
Crap-py reasons begin to mountain,
Why “kehpoh” people’s mountain?
Bring us walk 'round the garden,
Carry balls, always his turn,
Ugly poem he has written,
Enough Samy, don’t divert our attention !
Although there are some negative perceptions, I choose not to judge his political career or his performance as a Prime Minister based on this event. Marriage is a matter of personal interest. For me, he can get married with 4 wives or change it periodically. I do not mind unless his wife tries to impose strategies or interfering with the administration. Only by that time, we should be wary because that would mean she is meddling with our affairs.
When all is said and done, I would like to congratulate Pak Lah for getting a new Mak Lah. May Jeanne Abdullah bring more joy to his life. Hope Madam Jeanne will think of some ways to ensure Pak Lah do not sleep during meetings and be conscious with the plight of the Malaysians. Make sure he does his job well. Currently, he sucks at his job.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
THE second reprint of the fourth edition of the venerable door-stopper Kamus Dewan (2007) is out according to Amir Muhammad in the New Straits Times. So, what’s the fuss all about, you may ask.
According to the article:
But a gamelan performance, of all things, that I saw a few months ago did something interesting with the gender terms in the same dictionary. The women in this show simply read out the definitions of laki-laki (man) and perempuan (woman). A good actor is supposed to make the phone book seem like riveting material when reading it; but our dictionary doesn’t require much of an additional push.
The usage examples of laki-laki (on page 870) uniformly describe positive values: hatinya memang laki-laki (he has a manly heart). There’s also a bloke who sounds like a good catch: Alias memiliki sifat kelaki-lakian yang tulen, jujur, ikhlas, berhemah tinggi serta berupa kacak. (Alias has true masculine virtues, he’s honest and trustworthy, polite and dishy too).
Contrast this with the distaff side on page 1,182. You get penyakit perempuan (female disease, i.e. syphilis), perempuan gatal ("itchy", lascivious woman), perempuan jahat (bad woman), perempuan jalang (prostitute), perempuan joget (dance-hall girl), perempuan jungkat (another lascivious woman) and perempuan simpanan (mistress).
Wow, that's a mouthful of words. Everything to do with male is positive and for female it's negative. The other word for "laki-laki" is lelaki. If there is no discrimination, they should have added this for the males:
Lelaki miang (lascivious man), lelaki gatal ("itchy" man), lelaki curang (man who commits adultery), lelaki lembut ("softy" man),
Learnt some from this "Mengetahui Jenis Lelaki" (Know the types of Males) article in Cintagila Weblog :
Lelaki manja, Lelaki sensitif (sensitive man)
Tokeikedai Online wrote some as well:
Lelaki konservatif (conservative man), Lelaki hipokrit (hypocrite man), Lelaki anti-perempuan (anti-females man), lelaki feminin (feminine man).
Sometimes, who can females blame when their own breed makes sexist statements against themselves instead. A good instance would be some women leaders who called women maids from China as "little dragon ladies" and home-wreckers without understanding the situation.
Sometimes, Women Are Sexist Against Women.
Is it such a shame to be a woman these days? Where are the smart and independent women? They should come out and speak against all these.
In the process, please spare the man. Some of them are against such sexist attitudes. Amir Muhammad is a liberal man who brought the dictionary entries into notice.
How many more Carlo Fiorina, Angel Merkel, Indira Gandhi, Kim Dae-jung and Nina Wang are needed to convince the world to be rid of sexism?
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Rest in peace, Loga
Condolences to the members of Alleycats for the passing of its member Loganathan Arumugam who succumbed to lung cancer on Monday, 10.50 a.m. at Mount Miriam Hospital. He was 54, succeeded by a 23-year-old son and a 20-year-old daughter, The Star reported.
I am not a fan (they were way past my time) but I would like to state my opinions and observations regarding the contributions of the band in Malaysia, be it music or nation-building.
Alleycats was particularly famous in the 1970s and 80s, with their trademark Afro big hair churning Malay pop hits such as "Sampaikan Salam" and "Andainya Aku Pergi Dulu". Group members include Loganathan Arumugam and David Arumugam on vocals, Tan Chin Hock on drums, Shunmugam Arumugam on lead guitar, Chester Anthony Passerella on saxophone, Khoo Fook Sin and Grenville on keyboards, Frank Ong on bass guitar.
The Penang-originated band is one of the great pioneers in the music progression of Malaysia. Other than producing songs sung in the national language (Bahasa Malaysia), Alleycats indirectly taught us to be blind of racial or religious "colours". The band is multi-racial (Chinese and Indians) and multi-religious. Their fans come from ALL races with a huge base in the Malay community. Ironically, the band was incepted in 1969. The same year, Malaysia experienced one of its worst period in history, the 13 May 1969 Racial Riot.
Mahaguru58 and Kay Stanford Jr Kastum paid tribute. Jeff Ooi dedicated an entry with their videos. Edmund Yeo (son of Alleycats producer Eric Yeo) wrote the article "R. I. P. Loga of Alleycats" and provided some links to their music.
Time passes so swiftly.
The success of Alleycats symbolise the potential unity of Malaysians. Despite not having any ethnic Malays in their band, they sang in Malay. Perhaps, they accept it honestly in their hearts that Bahasa Malaysia belongs to all Malaysians. I hope we are able to see multi-racial bands as such in the near future.
In memoriam, Loganathan Arumugam.
Bahasa Melayu "was" and "is" Bahasa Malaysia
Another irony on the same day that Loganathan passed away, Zainuddin Maidin, Information Minister declared that the name of the language "Bahasa Melayu" will be changed back to "Bahasa Malaysia".
“The Malay language belongs to Malaysians of all races and not just the Malays. The term Bahasa Malaysia would instil a sense of belonging,” Zainuddin told The Star
That is perhaps, the only right thing Zainuddin has done compared to his sproutings over the past months regarding bloggers (attempts of classification, registration and mind-boggling statistics).
He further added, “It was generally accepted and no one asked for a change until (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim became the education minister (in 1986). He dropped the term Bahasa Malaysia for Bahasa Melayu and it has remained that way. But now, we feel we should go back to the original term,” he said.
Or maybe I should say, near right but not absolutely right.
I am a Malaysian who has never regarded Bahasa Malaysia as Bahasa Melayu "sahaja". I have never treated Bahasa Malaysia as a language not of my own. I believe people in the Alleycats band back in the 1970s would probably think like me.
Analysis on the Logic of Language Name Change
The Star article stated:
"In a unanimous decision last April, the Cabinet felt that reverting to the term Bahasa Malaysia would help inculcate a sense of belonging for all citizens irrespective of race, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin."
That would mean, to change the name "Bahasa Melayu" to "Bahasa Malaysia" requires a decision from the Cabinet. Using Zainuddin's logic, would that mean that there should also be a decision from the Cabinet to allow the change of "Bahasa Malaysia" to "Bahasa Melayu" back in 1986?
So, may I ask Zainuddin Maidin, why did the Cabinet, of which Barisan National (of UMNO = Malay, MCA = Chinese, MIC = Indian) is the ruling party blamed Anwar Ibrahim as if Anwar is solely responsible for the situation?
Even if it was not the Cabinet's decision, why didn't the UMNO, MCA and MIC Members of Parliament oppose the move in Parliament back in 1986? BN was still the ruling party way back since 1957 Independence.
Rustam Sani stated an apt statement in his Malaysia Today article that the ministers "sounded like a Columbus who claims to have just “discovered” America – whereas the truth of the matter is that the continent had already been discovered several times over by earlier discoverers such as Amerigo Vespucci."
Is the General Erection around the corner? Will such attempts work on the non-Malays? This leaves an area to be evaluated.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
A blogger by the name of "Mat Keris" repeatedly emphasised that Internal Security Act (ISA thereon) should be retained to counter terrorism from certain deviant groups who use the name of "Islam". The discussion is still commencing in the comments section of Malaysia Today article "Riot at Kamunting".
All in all, I oppose ISA as a method to counter terrorist activities. I had written an article in the past requesting citizens to strongly call for the abolishment of ISA, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall".
Below are my responses to "Mat Keris" on the issue at hand.
Italian and Australian Anti-Terrorism Laws Are More Effective Than USA and Israeli ISA
-> ISA failed to counter terrorism.
-> Anti-Terrorism Law is the Best Alternative to replace ISA.
-> How did Italians and Australians catch terrorists without any eminent attacks in public?
Mat Keris said:
If an abstract artist (me) can’t understand how a simple solution like “setting alternative news site” can eliminate terrorism, u seriously think the mass could comprehend your “abstract” proposal like "a murder can be proven without a corpse by mere “interrogation and investigation”? Which Malaysian law are u referring to and how, may I ask?
Hi Mat Keris,
1) Alternative website cannot eliminate terrorism. Why are you saying that it can? No one said it can but only you.
2) Darling Mat Keris, before the commitment of any terrorist activities there would be plans, documents, bombs, weapons, or anything chemical in preparation for that exercise. So, darling Mat Keris, that was how ITALIANS use their anti-terrorism laws to interrogate, check, charge and sentence the North African men on the verge of committing the terrorist attack.
How do they do that without a "corpse"? How do they charge someone in court (unlike ISA) without a terrorist attack? That is what and why Malaysia has to learn from them.
Otherwise, how would Italians and Australians catch these people. Italians and Australians think out-of-the-box. They have other approaches (other than ISA) that has been proven to be effective. That is why Malaysia should learn from Italy and Australia.
Again, I repeat, bear in mind, that with the anti-terrorism law (not Internal Security Act), the terrorist attack was foiled. Italy and Australia was warned of attacks in 2004 and 2005 and both managed to grab hold of those in the plan before any attacks.
So far, Italians and Australians have been successful with using the anti-terrorism law to counter potential terrorist attacks. Again, I ask, do we hear of any attacks in their homeland until now? Again, I repeat, no.
Whereas, again, I repeat, USA and Israel have ISA, but look at them, so many terrorist attacks. ISA to counter terrorist attacks? Not a good solution. Not even effective.
Again, I repeat, Italians effective anti-terrorism (compared with USA and Israel's ISA) is humane and fair. Italians give proper trial and chance for the North African men to defend themselves before sentencing them to imprisonment.
Again, I repeat, the difference between ISA and Italian (and Australian) anti-terrorist law is the fairness level. ISA imprison without trial and not effective to counter terrorism, therefore should be abolished whereas anti-terrorism and criminal laws in Italy and Australia allows defense and trial.
Again, I repeat, that is why, Malaysia should not follow the style of USA and Israel (because ISA is ineffective to counter terrorism) but learn and emulate Italy and Australia's effective criminal and anti-terrorism laws.
Again, I repeat, how else do we know it is effective? Italy and Australia without ISA has managed to foil so many potential terrorist attacks in their homeland where ISA countries failed.
Did you read the website given? No, right. That is why, keep on asking for spoon-feeding even when the food is given is not a healthy thing to do.
When people give you website, read it and understand. When people give you answer, read the website. Don't make people explain, repeat and repeat.
P.S. So, perhaps you can read this:
Read, yeah and remember.
To say they proved the murderer without the corpse is a bad example. Maybe you can try asking the Italians and Australians how they managed to foil several plans of terrorist attack WITHOUT having the terrorist attack the places intended. Use the example that I gave and ask them.
If we do not know how they do it, we should LEARN from them.
So far, their anti-terrorism legislation approach is succesful without invoking ISA. ISA countries like USA failed miserably in countering terrorism. Of course, they used ISA to gag people and stuff like that.
Yes, ask them and please do research as well. I hope you are not blindly supporting an unjust law.
Which part you do not understand again?
3) Don't opt for suicide. Do research, instead.... Learn from fair laws. Don't use tyrant laws just because it is easy.
4) Malaysian law does not have such anti-terrorism laws of course. They prefer to group it under the ineffective, draconian law called ISA. Mat Keris, do you know that Acts like ISA can be abolished in ISA? Do you know that laws like Italians and Australians Anti-Terrorism Laws can be made in the parliament with a majority supporting it?
So, why are you asking a question like this: "Which Malaysian law are u referring to and how, may I ask?"
Do you understand it when I say Malaysia has to learn from Italians and Australians anti-terrorism laws for this matter? I have said it many times. Do you understand Malaysian parliamentary procedures?
Anti-Terrorism Is Not Anti-Islam
Dear Mat Keris,
I am against terrorism especially those who use the name of Islam to massacre.
However, still, I support the use of a new effective anti-terrorism law (similar to Italy's and Australia's)rather than maintaining a draconian and ineffective ISA.
Italy and Australia, first world countries formulate such laws in an indiscriminate manner. For them, the law was made to counter any form of terrorist attacks regardless of race, religion or sex.
The current problem is, coincidentally, majority of terrorism arises from people who uses the name of Islam.
If there is a possibility that Christians / Buddhists / Hindus commit terrorist attacks in the future, the laws would be used as well. There should be no discrimination in thinking.
ISA should not be maintained just for the sake of one religion. It is not a just, social or first world thinking.
Let's move to the first world with a first world mentality. We should not imprison people without trial (regardless of any race, religion or sex).
Monday, June 04, 2007
The Perspectives of Muslims and Non-Muslims
For the past few days I have not been posting to my blog for a few reasons. I am running out of ideas and lazy. Despite the fact that there are lots of articles on Lina Joy, I do not feel like writing about it initially.
For those not in the know, Lina Joy, whose original name is Azlina Jailani wants to leave Islam by removing the name of that religion from her IC. It is a case of its first kind in Malaysia. Highly controversial. She wants to change it to Christian and get married with her Indian Christian boyfriend.
The case was debated for years and finally came to an expected official conclusion. The Civil Court transferred the responsibility to Syariah court with a 2 to 1 majority.
After all, I do feel disappointed because of the case. Why disappointed you may ask?
The Non-Muslims will probably think I am disappointed because Lina Joy did not get her wish fulfilled of removing the name "Islam" from her IC. Some may assume I do not like that Islamic laws had been regarded as on-par or probably higher than the civil court. Another possibility would be the status of religious freedom in Malaysia. It would look as if Islam is a one-way-ticket religion. Metaphorically, it is like you can "check out" many times but you can never leave the "hotel".
The Muslims will guess that I am disappointed with the Non-Muslims remarks from all over the world. Of course, it is not something new for Europeans or Americans to write "damaging" remarks towards Islam. The disappointment may be caused by certain Non-Muslims Malaysians bashing Islam although the Civil Court did not rule that Lina Joy "cannot" change the status in the IC. The responsibility was shifted to the Islamic Syariah court. "Why can't the Islamic court rule over and judge issues regarding to Islam?" , one may ask. After all, it was enshrouded within the Malaysian Constitution since inception stating Islam has a special place in the heart of the administration.
All in all, there may be some truths in any of the points of view from both sides. I find it pointless to analyse the points one by one. It would be like a "Chicken and Egg story". Which one comes first? The Chicken or The Egg?
For instance, certain Muslims argue that Islamic laws were implemented before European colonials come to Malaysia. This makes Syariah court valid. Other Muslims and Non-Muslims supporting freedom of choosing religion claims such court was only created by colonials to divide the nation. By logic, it is easier to rule over a nation with divided people. I do agree with this statement. After all, Europeans ruled here for centuries.
The Malacca Sultanate has ended centuries ago. We are in Malaysia now, why can't we implement laws that would be fair to all? Isn't Malaysia descended from ancient Malacca Sultanate? Why can't we implement a law that had already existed when Malay ancestors toil the earth? The chicken or the egg comes first?
Lina Joy's Case Divided The People
Returning to the original question of "why I am disappointed?". It is not resulted from any of the points above. My deep disappointment comes from the fact that Malaysians can be easily divided. Bring in any issues regarding race and religion and voila, you can see the effect immediately.
Almost every Muslim and non-Muslim common citizen agree that corruption is bad for the country. The Opposition had been using this issue to gain ground. There are even talks of collaboration between chinese-outlook parties (DAP) and malay-outlook parties (Keadilan). Campaigning seems to be succesful. Some citizens have started to look beyond racial ties until the appearance of this case. People are displeased with the poor performance of the ruling party.
Now, all the campaigning has gone down the drain. Now, some Malays may view that the chinese-based-party will challenge the "Syariah" court and therefore refuse to vote for the party. Without the Malay support, DAP will never rule Malaysia. It is almost impossible for non-Malays to vote for PAS in droves for PAS wanted to implement an Islamic government with an ambiguous blueprint.
That leaves Keadilan as the only party with a chance to reap Malaysia from Barisan Nasional. However, Keadilan may have to claim they would be doing something similar to UMNO to garner Malay votes. With that, the chinese may not vote for Keadilan.
Comparatively, most non-Malays consider UMNO and Keadilan as coming from the same mould. The only difference is Keadilan offers a chance of reforming the government. Keadilan claims to fight for social justice. These days, Keadilan is suffering from internal political instability. From the non-Malay point of view, if Keadilan were to not allow Lina Joy to changer her IC, it would look like Keadilan is not practising what it is preaching all along. If non-Malays feel that Keadilan will function like UMNO once in power, then Keadilan would be in big trouble. The non-Malays may recast their votes back to UMNO in any Malay-populated zone. If both "cars" are not good, why buy a new one and take risks? Might as well use the old one, right?
The credibility is at stake. So, which alternative would Keadilan adopt? To accept that Lina Joy be given freedom and lose the support of the Malays or; to reject Lina Joy's appeal and lose the support of the Chinese? Heads you lose, tails you lose too.
The ruling certainly came out at the strangest time when there are rumours of a general election coming soon. The case divided the people.
This is the bleak world of Malaysian politics. This country will never have an opposition strong enough to replace the ruling party. What is democracy without a possible change in the government?
My stand on the Lina Joy case is she should be given the freedom to embrace another religion. My decision does not make me a non-Muslim. It does not mean I am a liberal Muslim either. For now, I can still accept the existence of the Syariah Court. Even if Keadilan claims that Lina Joy should not be given freedom, I would still opt for Keadilan instead of Barisan Nasional. I sympathise with the condition of Lina Joy if this unfair society leaves her with no choice but to migrate.
P.S. So far, Keadilan has not commented on the issue of Lina Joy...
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Do you know that Malaysian politics is very much like Oscar movies such as "The Departed" and "Godfather" ?
Is Malaysian politics also similar to comics?
This is what I felt when I read this article from Malaysia Today, titled "Malaysia’s organised crime syndicate: all roads lead to Putrajaya".
Daredevil, Hell's Kitchen and Kingpin
Anyone remember "Daredevil" the movie adapted from comic? Do you remember that it was banned at the very last minute for a nonsensical reason?
The story is about this Underworld Leader whose name is Wilson Fisk, nicknamed Kingpin. He literally had everyone under his nose including the government and police department.
In "light" he is a powerful CEO of a corporation. In "dark" he is a powerful underworld organisation head.
He owns both sides of the coins. It is up to his whim and fancy to throw it around and make sure he makes himself rich.
Perhaps, the Kingpin and his cohorts are the only truth from the comics that reflects reality.
Until now, we do not get to see anyone such as DAREDEVIL to "clean up" the streets. Maybe it exists in comics after all as fantasy.
Another similar movie-adapted-from-comic is "Sin City", which is not shown in cinemas here.
May God Care For Us and Take Proper Action
Apart from that, I have heard from friends that Ecstasy and other Casual Drugs (street name is Chem) are making rounds in various night spots. Last year was sort like introduction. The distribution is definitely heavier this year.
There should be no blaming on any race. It is a national issue, nothing to do with race.
I really do not know what to say. I am very disappointed although it is no surprise. I do not know how true the article is but I do hope that God intervenes if the government is corrupt.
Seriously, I want to do something but do not know what can a mere small-time common tax-paying Malaysian citizen do to these suckers.
In this hopeless situation, I pray to God Almighty for his guidance.
Hope God does "something" to the people who make money out of misery of others (force people to become prostitutes) to pay in big time one day.