Happy Merdeka?

 We all know that corruption kills (except for some civil servants, ‘politicians’, towkehs and chinamen).  Everyone knew it except UMNO/BN?  Or are they still in the state of denial?  Have they reach a stage whereby public interest is secondary to their personal gains?  Should Gerakan or MCA leave BN?  If not, how can they rebuild the confidence of the people?  Indeed the primary factor of BN’s downfall was and is corruption.  Our nation will never improve and developed with such ill-rooted political/social culture.  Any hope?

The latest swoop involving several Puspakom officers/runners and previous arrests at the immigration, police departments and councils by the ACA deserve to be praised.  Such efforts were not highlighted by the opposition and people.  The suspicious rakyats find it as another smoke-screen.  Similarly other positive efforts such as allowing more freedoms, judiciary reform, ISA detainees release, economic plans/strategies would just be a flash in the pan.  My affirmative and resounding answer is yes, corruption must be eradicated at all levels!  It often strikes me that the importance of a transparent, efficient and readily accessible civil system is something cannot be underestimated, perhaps it is the most important elements of any modern, just and democratic society to be free from corruption.

For the sake of the country, the PM and good leaders must forgo their personal interest and to hell with those that will vote them out if such a bold move is initiated.  Such leaders with high integrity and calibre will regain people’s confidence and encourage many honest talents to join them.  Pak Lah, do something ?!

 On the other hand never before have we been given such an opportunity to turn over a new leaf of life for this nation.  Malaysians irrespective of race and status must be very cautious to take such risk particularly for the sake of our future generation.  Do we really want Anwar to become our next Prime Minister?  Is he a clean man?  Or should we say there is no better choice?  We must take care not to be bewitched by all the ‘dirty’ politicians, it is too easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the language of the market.  Open our eyes and be sensible.

Alternatively can anyone in UMNO really change and regain the confidence of the rakyats?  This is the moment for all people and political parties (esp Gerakan, MCA, MIC) to make decision in determining the fate of Malaysia.  Redefine righteousness for the people!

  Ok, ok… too late to hang that Jalur Gemilang or you are never proud to be a Malaysian.  Whatever it is, let us celebrate this coming Merdeka Day in harmony, appreciation, unity and hope.  Let it be a wake up call for this generation and to create the finest moment for the future to see a truly Malaysian nation.  After all Malaysia is a beautiful country to live in.  It is our duty as Malaysians to ensure peace, justice and equality will be a concrete reality in Malaysia one day.

Ibi jus ubi remedium.  Jom teh-tarik!

 

 

Anwar’s Re-emergence : A Nation Cheated?

   Saiful and Najib sworn before, and now Anwar’s turn to swear…

MP Dato Seri Anwar is capable of influencing people from all walks of life.  I was having my usual teh-tarik session when the PP by-election result was announced last Tuesday.  Some of the patrons (surprisingly the non-Malays) stood up and applauded the victory excitedly.  Although Anwar has the charisma to attract many supporters (as Tun M said he can even change a devil), little did the people realise that most of the PKR’s members are the ’street-fighters’ and opportunists.  The ‘educated’ ones can easily be identified.  Anyone in his right frame of mind will doubt his claims and allegations – especially if one looks back at his history.  (for this I will boldly say that Kit Siang and son are full of shits in supporting him as part of their political motive)

Anwar has de-politicised and silenced the citizens to a certain extend, breeding a climate of fear and uncertainty.  He uses the political culture for his own agenda at the expense of the people.  His supporters are eagerly waiting for something to occur on 16/9, be it to topple the government or another dramatic act of accusations to stir the country again (excuses) – Good luck to them.

DNA Bill

  In the recent DNA Bill debates at the Dewan Rakyat, civil & human rights activists believe our freedom can be encroached thus there is a need of better safeguards such as to adopt a data protection regime, add private rights and ratify the international covenant of civil rights.

  But on the other hand, in simple words, a DNA test can help to convict criminals guilty of rape (termasuk liwat) and murder.  Matching the results from DNA test to a DNA profile held on database could provide conclusive evidence.  If there is a national database of everybody then they can solve more crime, can they?  Aiyoh in HK and Australia such debate had taken place more than 10 years back, just imagine how far have we arrived.  What’s the fuss of creating the distinction between intimate and non-intimate samples.  It is the execution and transparency of the test and manner produce in court that matter most.

My opinion is that it is ok to collect DNA from anyone arrested as I do not see what the harm compare to the public interest to combat crimes.  The database has to be reasonable and proportionate in the eyes of the public.  What require is a nationwide system of DNA profiles and mandatory testing, but of course all will still go down the drain if corruption exists.  Again back to education and hapuskan rasuah!

Civil Society Award

  The KL&SelangorChineseAssemblyHall (KLSCAH) will be having its Civil Society Award ceremony on 28th August 2008. The NGOs, activists and the public are invited to attend in order to acknowledge individuals and organizations on their contributions to civil society and to open up the democratic space. 
The purpose of the award is to acknowledge individuals and organizations on their contributions to civil society and to open up the democratic space and at the same time encourage such participation by more individuals and organizations.
 
 
The Award Committee
1.         Mr. Ser Choon Ing
    The Chairman of The Civil Rights Award Organizing Committee of KLSCAH,
    The Chairman of Civil Rights Committee of KLSCAH
2.         Mrs. Maria Chin Abdullah,
    The President of Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor (Empower)
3.         Mr. Yeo Yang Poh,
    Former President of the Malaysian Bar Council
4.         Mr. P.Ramakrishnan,      
    President of ALIRAN
5.         Mr. Ragunath Kesavan ,     
     Vice President of the Malaysian Bar Council
6.         Dr. Toh Kin Woon,
     Ex-State Executive Council Member
7.         Mr. Hishammuddin Rais,
     Veteran Writer

Erupt or Give up

  The legal profession is always portrayed as a ticket to fascinating work and wealth.  But no one ever tells me that the realities are not as glamorous as in the history books or media.  There are times I tried to avoid disillusionment down the road, to be more excited and enjoy my work.  Somehow the workloads, rebukes, fees etc can be depressing.

After reading an article comparing a ‘businessmen’ lawyer and an ‘intellectual’ lawyer, along with my fresh political exposure, a sense of burning vision flows into my mind.  It will be a difficult journey, fraught with many types of people, pitfalls and jealousy but my goal remained.  With all the dysfunctional upbringing, my life is too profound to be ignored in order to bring joy to my family.  For that I need courage, flexibility and intuitive abilities to carry on.  After all we never know exactly what the future will be or when the volcanoes erupt.

Unexpectedly this afternoon I feel like being a strategist, plan to tone down the political aggressive and public concern on national interest.  I was invited to an ‘in chamber’ discussion.  I would want to speak only on the condition that my name and affiliation not be used because they were not permitted to divulge the information nor to disclose internal deliberations, and because the issue is still being discussed within the government.  Sources with direct knowledge of the coordinated government’s effort say that high-ranking officials, including some within PM’s department, are involved.  Interesting and challenging times ahead…

Update:

  About more than 26 thousand voters in Permatang Pauh casted their votes at 4.00pm.  Hopefully I’ll be able to know the results sooner than the live-telecast at 8 pm.  Are they heading to Putrajaya?

Whoosh bukan senang naik komuter!

CHANGE

  I attended a political media conference yesterday.  The team’s ’manifesto’ in support of nominating a member to contest in the party’s election is to change.  “CHANGE” does not mean replacing a leader with a senator/deputy minister, regardless of their gender or race.  That’s not change, that’s just more of the same.

If we want “change” then WE MUST CHANGE.

If we want something different, WE must ACT DIFFERENTLY.  We need to stop falling for hollow slogans.  We need to wake up and realize that the major parties created this mess and have a vested interest in perpetuating it.

We must be active. 
We must be responsible. 
We must become the change we wish to see!

PR’s Wild Dream

  Last Saturday during the closing of DAP National Congress, Lim Guan Eng announced that “the party will reject any move to form an Islamic state”.  On the other hand PAS has always insist that only an Islamic state can change the country.  PKR as expected remain silent in such a vapid atmosphere.  The question is how can the loose coalition form the government when they have different ideologies?  It was obviously a marriage of convenience after the last general election.  A wild dream or a political deception?  I just can’t wait for 16/9 to come, to see whether there is any truth in Anwar’s claim or just another episode to be screened.

One Moment In Time

  After 16 days of sensational Olympic viewings at Astro channel 816 – 824, the event ended spectacularly last night.  Now we set our mind looking forward for tomorrow’s outcome at the Permatang Pauh by-election (or not really as many anticipated the results).  Whatever it is, all of the sudden I remember a previous Olympic theme song ‘One Moment In Time’, one of my hot favourite that has meaningful lyrics:

“Each day I live, I want to be a day to give, the best of me.  I’m only one but not alone.  My finest day is yet unknown.  I broke my heart, fought every gain, to taste the sweet.  I face the pain, I rise and fall, yet through it all, this much remains…I’ve lived to be the very best, I want it all, no time for less.  I’ve laid the plans, now lay the chance, here in my hands.”

Ok back to work, oh no another divorce file!  In my diary, my court’s schedule for Tuesday and Wednesday is fixed for divorce petitions.  Over the last 4 months, I’ve dealt with 9 divorce cases.  What happened to our society?  Why there is such a rapid increase in breakdown of marriages?  Economy factor?  Education?

   No wonder my friends like EB and Teh choose not to marry.  Cohabitation is now so common without any stigma attached to it even when the partners with children can provide a legal structure on death or separation would not adversely affect marriage.  This is a sad trend since statistics show that marriage remains the most stable (and beautiful)  of all relationships.

Nevertheless the divorce rate continued to rise year by year.  Judges have developed new case laws over custody, maintenance and jusrisdiction of divorce cases (some may argue uncertainty in Subashini v Saravanan decision).  Datuk Zaid Ibrahim recently proposed amendment to the Act in relation to conversion marriages.  In reality, if two spouses want to part, no one can stop them.  Ultimately the paramount concern then should be the children and matrimonial finance.

Thus I am agreeable to the saying that education starts from the family.  A broken family would normally leads to an unhealthy trends affecting the next generation.  Domestic violence remains a serious problem.  We need more resources put to government initiatives which often are ineffective.  Staying united to counter adversity starts from the home (be it among friends, political parties and the country).

We as Malaysians cannot afford to allow all those selfish leaders to govern our nation.  We also cannot afford to be shortsighted and ignore the fact that our local and national interests are affected by domestic and regional problems (please no more empty promises such as toppling the government by 16/9 or to curb poverty in a year!!).  So Permatang Pauh, vote wisely!

Semangat Patriotik atau Parti?

The 51st anniversary of our Merdeka Day celebration is around the corner but the mood/spirit of patriotism is so demoralising.  No one talks about it, let alone feeling the urge to fly the national flag.  Many feel that nothing really stirs them to be proud of the country with all the recent negative political trends.  The young and old are dragged into the conundrum of hatred and anger, in fact some young ones do not even bother to find out the background of our Jalur Gemilang!   I suppose the hottest topic should be the forthcoming by-election in Permatang Pauh.  What a shame, particularly if to compare with our neighbour Singapore.  Where are we heading man?

Guess whose photos are again taking rounds during this by-election campaign by the Opposition.  There were taken during his college days in Singapore…chun tak?

 

KJ !

 ooh better be more cautious!

Chinese no hopelah!?

  I am obliged to post another related view pretaining to the above topic after reading a sms from a close friend, Liang that reads: ”Win or lose, Chinese have no hope in Malaysia, end of the day UMNO rules!”

There are many postings in my blog criticising the Chinese in Malaysia who are only fond of making money, giving bribes and complain without putting any effort to change the country.  Everyone has a role to play as a citizen regardless of race and status.  For a start my advice is go back to history and understand the culture or situation.  Then study the Federal Constitution and perhaps socialism affecting a multi-ethnic country like ours.

Let me reiterate that Chinese in Malaysia are a bunch of snobbish, selfish and coward community (except for gangsterism, selling pirated dvds, ecstacy pills, prostitution, gambling etc).  Talk about unity, discrimination and racism?  They are the worst!  All other races are often referred as ‘kwai’ (ghost) or pigs and only money talks if you need help.  Think about it.  Do not even bother to complain if one is not willing to participate in social, political, human rights or association activities.  Do the walking and not the talking!

Unfortunately, many will not be convinced as to them bread and butter issue is the most important thing in their lives.  I do not dispute that but just imagine if all Malaysian Chinese think that ways, where are they going to stand?  Ada sekolah Cina?  Ada ‘lubang’ cari makan?  Ada CNY holidays?  Ada chingay?

Life is not just about having food to eat or a place to stay.  We must move forward and push for a government that is based on equality, integrity and accountability.  If we think and live by the notion that some are more equal than others, then we breed a future generation that will be hostile to one another. 

Although I have to agree that many times the Chinese do felt inferior when some irresponsible Malay politicians telling them to be grateful being a Malaysia, these people need to be educated.  Tun Lim Keng Yaik once said “…the younger generation – like my son, who gained citizenship by virtue of being born here – views citizenship as a right and not a privilege that was granted” (NST 1/9/05).  Similarly I always tell my non-Chinese friends that we are born, bred and going to die on this land, so we need the conservative Malays to understand the concept of Bangsa Malaysia in order to be a truly developed nation.

Fortunately not all Chinese have such a lackadaisical attitude.  There is a serious need to change the mindset of the Chinese and foster genuine collaboration with other ethnic groups to bring out the best in us.  Inevitably to achieve that, we must ensure our country will regards the rule of law and exemplfies transparency, freedom of religion etc.  I hope one day, all Malaysians regardless of race will feel they belong in this country.

  So in short there is definitely a hope for Chinese to be a truly Malaysian!

Human Rights Day 2008

Malaysian Human Rights Day will be held on 9 September 2008 at Mutiara Crowne Plaza Hotel KL.  All are welcome.  The objectives are:

1. To examine the existing mechanisms governing juvenile justice
in Malaysia and whether it complies with international human
rights standard;

2. To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the protection
mechanism and support system for reintegration of children in
conflict with the law;

3. To improve laws and procedures applicable to juvenile offenders
and child victims.

 

Voters ada sikit menyesal?

 watching the live debate intensely…

I was at the KTK vs LGE debate last night.  After the event (and this morning) I queried several neutral parties (lawyers, lecturers and businessmen), actually 6 of them to be exact, on their opinion and all voted Tan Sri Koh as the winner.  To me, it is apparent that KTK has a better command of Bahasa Malaysia and witty than LGE.  Most people who I have spoken in the past few weeks agreed that the ex-Opposition in states like Perak and Penang should start working contructively instead of behaving like the usual opposition watchdog.  LGE said that he can curb poverty in Penang within a year!  Let us see…jangan cakap macam tin kosong.  DAP supporters had also behaved like monkeys at the closing part of the debate by jeering and interupting KTK’s talk.  The only winning point I would give to LGE is his emphasis on corruption being the downfall of BN.

  In Perak, after the 2 executive councillors (PKR-Exco) were arrested by the ACA for alleged graft and sexual bribery on approving a housing project, DAP Ngeh accused such as a plot by the BN government.  Apa ni…few BN government officers were arrested over the last 2 months and no one praise the good job tapi when PKR’s people kena tangkap, menuduh yang bukan-bukan!  They were caught red-handed!  MB Nizar said this is only an investigation…everyone is innocent until proven guilty.  Come on my dear MB, how would the public going to face or trust these 2 councillors while their case is pending?  They should be at least required to go on leave or suspended.  The immigration DG was suspended after his arrest.  Who is doing the job now?

Separately there was a feud within the PKR members in Selangor in the appointment of their councillorship about 3 months back.  Then we have the dramatic sodomy incident of Anwar where he had cleverly played out the police and created public/international awareness selfishly.  Recently already 3 reporters kena belasah by the PKR people.  Apa lagi?  We all know the people voted for the Opposition not because  of support but against UMNO.  Baru 5 bulan…Haisehman…shouldn’t had play with my vote in the last election?

As for now, BN (UMNO) mesti memberi keutamaan terhadap hapusan rasuah dan wang-politik, then they are on the right track…

Perversions of Justice

  Saiful sworn on the alleged sodomy charge against Anwar.  Anwar does not want to do the same as he considers it unIslamic.  A mufti commented that what Saiful did is not according to the Islamic teaching.  Like rape, he must prove the offence of sodomy by calling four witnesses otherwise Saiful himself will be guilty.  In contrast Tun Mahathir said if four witnesses are strictly required there will be no rape or sodomy in this country (this time he is not senile!)

  Islam teaches that human life is a sacrosanct.  Islamic law, which is regarded as sacred, is based on the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Prophet.  Yes as we all heard of it before, under Islamic law, one has to produce 4 pious male Muslim eyewitnesses in order to prove illicit sex has taken place and to prove such is almost impossible.  If the complainant fails to produce the witnesses, he or she will be charged for slanderous accusation.  If the complainant is a women, she would be flogged 80 times or end up in jail for adultery; another crime punishable by stoning to death!

Perversely, if there were four witnesses to a rape or sodomy, isn’t that they would have been accessories to the crime?  So is Islamic law inherently mysogynistic or mysandrinistic (please correct my spelling if wrong) ?  No, it is the men who interpret it, which are hitting back at those they say are abusing the law for their own political ends.  In addition women are never allow to take part in such decision-making process, so again the men who decide, that raises a question: who are the women (adulterous) having sex with?

The result can be oppressive and injustice not only in Anwar’s case but all ’sex offences’ particularly against the Muslim women.  Without rectifying the above, justice and moral virtue will never be upheld through people’s own volition and consciousness.  This can itself become victim of such perversion in it own name.

BMW X6

X5 then X3 and now X6!  It really turns me on more than Paris Hilton!

They said the X6 is a crossover SUV, 4.4 liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engines.  It is longer and lower than X5 but less spacious.  I wonder what’s the price in Malaysia…

 

Our Constitution and Islam

Recently there have been several disturbing (and unnecessary) cases affected the issue of Islam and the rights of our citizens.  Contrary to popular belief, our Federal Consitution is never without uncertainty, conflicts and contradictions.  Different people (especially the politicians) may interpret it differently.

Our Constitution envisages a rich variety of functions to preserve our freedoms and rule of law in the country.  The document indeed shows great tenderness for religious liberty such as the protections by Articles 3, 8, 11 and150 (6A).

Article 11(1) grants all Malaysians the protection in matters of conscience:  “Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to clause 4, to propagate it”.  Freedom of religion is available to all of us.  The Holy Quran also mentioned:  “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Surah 2:256).  However I realised that the right to convert out of one’s faith is not mentioned explicitly in our Constitution though it is alluded to in Article 18 of the UDHR.  Of course the issue of apostasy is another proposition to the Muslims.  Politically, many Malay leaders consider that there is an inseparable link between race and religion (whether it is politically motivated or not, I do not know).  To them any attempt to shift the Islamic focus will weaken Malay political power.  The leaders also put the conservative interpretation of religious freedom in Islam on a collision course with Article 11, hence raise difficult consitutional issues.

Although Islam is the religion of the federation under Article 3(1), it is stated in Article 3(4) that nothing derogates from any other provision of the Constitution.  I believe such will simply means that our consitutional rights are not extinguished despite the adoption of Islam as the religion of the federation.  Nonetheless at the same time that the non-Muslims arouse fear and resentment, many of the Muslims do show great tolerance and respect.  Tolerance in Islam and other religion should never be an issue in  our country anymore but sadly it is the political and irresponsible citizen who defy our conscience as a beautiful multi-racial society.  In this age of globalization, our country must be enlightened and accomodative on the inter-religious relationships and should be the envy of all plural societies.  Let us keep up the spirit of celebrating each other’s religious festivals, work in harmony, support our sport heroes in unity and maintain the teh-tarik chat regardless of race.

Betul ke ni?

Last night during a ceramah at Permatang Pauh, Anwar told the crowd that he cannot afford to sponsor drinks and meals.  This is because he does not own big companies and lands.  When asked about his Mercedes S320, he said:  “It belongs to my father.  If you don’t believe ask Azizah (wife)”.

  Bapak punya?  Anwar’s father, Ibrahim Abdul Rahman was a hospital porter before retiring as a Parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Health.  That was about 17 years ago.  The model he is driven around would easily cost RM500K.  Wah, kalau macam ini I pun nak kerja sebagai political sec…What a joke!

Participation in politics

“One of the penalities for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”  -  Plato.

Read the following true story:

“I used to know a man whose family were German aristocracy prior to World War Two. They owned a number of large industries and estates. I asked him how many German people were true Nazis, and the answer he gave has stuck with me and guided my attitude toward fanaticism ever since.
“Very few people were true Nazis” he said, “but, many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.” – by Paul E. Marek

LKY: Retirement means death!

Ok, our Chong Wei was a disappointment last night, though some may say he had tried his best, after all he won the silver medal.  That is our general mentality, I wonder when is our country going to produce a true champion like Michael Phleps or grabs 3 medals simultaneously like the Jamaican sprinters.  Enough of Olympic hopes…

In the past I’ve been criticising (ya, ya disrespectful, but I meant well) my granduncle (demised) and all those who stop working after the age of 55 (tak boleh mention specifically, sensitivelah).  Most if not all, seemed to be very contented and happy upon reaching their retirement age.  They decided to slouch in front of the box and soon complaining of boredom, yet refuse to keep going or at least to be active.  When asked, one of them responded:  “I’ve enough of work for the last 40 years, time to relaxlah!”.  Of course such an issue can be very subjective but the way I look at it unless one has a passion to pursue his or her personal interest of all sorts, there is no excuse to be a sluggard.  Sad to say I even rebuked one of them as “tunggu mati”.  With due respect, my observation tells me that these people have no clear objective in life.  This should not be the case irregardless of who we are.

Recently during a public dialogue,  LKY at 84, a man of great intelligence, with no patience for mediocrity and shows no sign of slowing down (jangan salah faham, bukan Tun LKY di Malaysia) believes that he has to remain active at his age and said:  “With nothing to do, no purpose in life, you’ll just degrade, go to seed”  “Don’t retire, work.  Retirement means death!”.  Bull’s-eyed!  This man is even in the Facebook!

We cannot determine exactly what will happen tomorrow or years to come but we can set in motion positive thoughts and value ourselves towards true contentment.  I don’t understand each individual’s burden or problem?  Let’s go for a teh-tarik and I will tell you mine, see whose are more disheartening.

Instead of just trying to add years to our (or their) life, wouldn’t it be better to add life to our years?  Instead of wasting time, why don’t they get involve in some activity that brings value to life?  I strongly believe that to determine longevity, some of the important factors are health and life-style.  Cakap je senang?  Well?  All I am concerned is the quality of life in my family and myself (and friends), as mentioned above such an issue can be very subjective.

“Man is made by his beliefs.  As he believes, so he is.”  -  Bhagavad Gita

 since 1964 in Serdang, LKY has never stops thinking…

Tandas Mudah-alih

I am selling at RM2.99 per ‘box’, any interested party or agent please contact my email at kotaktahi@gmail.com!

 

Eureka?

  Archimedes

Over the past few months, politically I see some disturbing trends emerging with accusations, mudslinging among politicians, playing the racial cards and other unhealthy development.  Come to think about it, as we are approaching the 51st anniversary of Merdeka, I am indeed disappointed that our country is not moving forward (except for the skyscrappers and infrastructures).  Regardless of BN’s position or having Anwar as our new PM, if they ignore all those trends and refuse to change constructively, it will negatively impact on our country.  Let’s not talk about being a developed nation by 2020 now.  With the current flow, there is no way we are going to achieve that save as superficially declared.

Our nation’s deteriorating state is easily reflected in its declining global ranking, whether in economic competitiveness, education, freedoms, sports and corruption index.  The political leaders are either ill-informed or just do not want to improve it.  They are afraid that by reconstructing their political paradigm, they will lose power.  Inevitably such overlying recurring attitude would be the wilful neglect of the important human, economic, democratic as well as social and cultural dimensions.  In our country, there is no shortage of farsighted leaders of all races who saw the wisdom of enhancing a clean and democratic nation.  Instead of failing to recognise such crucial cultural nuances and horrifying corruption rate, many of the individual leaders (BN or PR) chose the hypocritical wisdom ie racism, money-politics and close one eye, to garner support.  Gone are the days to think that way, the government must work together (I know it only requires one bold and truthful leader who have the support).  I am very certain that they can identify and delineate problems, or detect unhealthy trends long before they become obvious.

In tandem with the cancerous growth of corruption, law and order has deteriorated rapidly, giving rise to meteoric rise of crimes (go to JB!), which have now become an omnipresent national scourge.  It is so pathetic that when one is sincerely being kind to a stranger, he is bound to be given a suspicious look.  Next is the fear of a theocratic Islamic state or failing which some idiots (like those protestors at the BC forum) will create trouble.

National unity?  or a confused one?  When can the leaders create an identity of ‘we’ rather than ’they’?  Several times I have highlighted the much needed reform from the root of education (both its system and quality).  (For that I have lost confidence in our national schools and decided to enrol my kids to a private school next year).  Trust me, it is horribly lack of integrity and quality of the teachers in most public schools, leave alone dedication.

In a nutshell, before cracking to reform our education system, to eradicate corruption of all levels and socio-economic development (which are all necessary), the government must forge national integration through better understanding before implementation of policies.  It is vital to an understanding of human response of all races to political developments of how government, power, law and social justice are administered.

Have I found it?

Relax, have a break!

In life there is no need to fake, just be yourself.

Pas: Non-Malays government? No Way!

   It is reported that Pas President Hadi Awang emphasized the following:

“…jika ahli Pahlimen bukan Islam lebih ramai daripada ahli Parlimen Islam, PAS tidak akan menyertai kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat (if they take over on 16/9)…setelah 50 tahun orang Melayu memerintah negara ini, tetapi jika orang bukan Melayu mengambilalih, ia sukar kepada negara dan rakyat…jika ahli Parlimen bukan Islam lebih ramai, ia akan mengugat orang Islam.” (English press may interpreted it differently)

Whether it is a political tactic to stir Anwar’s plan if he really takes over the government by 16/9 or not, there are definitely many Muslim leaders (of all parties) out there are still institutionalizing racial discrimination and prejudice as part of their ideologies.  Thus after so many years since independence, we are still Malay vs other races instead of Malaysians vs other nations.

Many non-Malays (especially Chinese) will not bother at all so long as they make their money, provide bribes and have a place to stay.  Some talk and complain everything under the sun but refuse to contribute - in short “Selfish & No Balls!”.  Little do they realise that we are heading to hell.  So demoralising…Good luck Malaysia!

P/S:  who cares whether UiTM would be opened to non-Bumis or not, as if the non-Bumis are desperate to study there, after all the standard sucks!  The proposal of such should not be an issue at all, again close-minded and outdated mentality.

Change

To all the BN component parties particularly UMNO:

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay.  The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery”  -  Harold Wilson.

I must add: “Foster an open-minded and far-sighted mentality, not an artificial or superficial change!”

Sinking Ship?

Over the past 2 weeks, whenever I met up with some new or old friends, again they asked me the same question:  why remain in a sinking ship?

I pondered and inadvertently agreed with them.  Nevertheless my conviction is the same, in fact it is the sinking ship which has the hope of revitalisation.  I need a platform to pursue my interest in helping the people.  Although there may be some conflict of ideas with the surrounding members who persuaded me to join, I was impressed with this group or the ship’s culture as a whole.  Regardless of the ship’s condition, this one I am confident of being part of it.  However over last last one year, upon my obervation of the crews, it may not be that encouraging after all.

I dare to say that many of the crews in this movement ship are putting their personal agenda/interest first in line.  That is the common perception and reason for most crew in all ships.  After my trip to Ipoh yesterday, somehow I realised that the whole purpose of power status is a sine quo non in order to survive in the ocean.  But one should not put his or her priority over the people’s interest at this stage of time.  It is indeed a sinking ship!  But it is also the toughest will survive in difficult times.  I hope the crews in my ship can forget about whatever expectation of pecuniary interest, status, personal motive and glory now and concentrate on the groundworks.  This ship is still lack of dedicated and passionate crews who have the heart to serve the people.  There is nothing wrong if they are capable to benefit or gain financially through the ‘legal’ manner after accomplishing the needs of the people.  It is not about seniority or intellectual capability, it is the heart and dedication to the ship.  The crews need an objective and paradigm to work on it sincerely – their conscience.

In short unless the captain of the ship and most of his crews can put the people’s interest first and serve wholeheartedly, forget about whether the ship will survives or not as that’s the norm among others thus people do not mind taking a risk in a non-sinking ship instead.

There is no short cuts to anywhere worth going…

PLEDGE

I have a hope, a sincere and desperate hope that one day we can also pledge as:

“WE, THE CITIZENS OF MALAYSIA, PLEDGE OURSELVES AS ONE UNITED PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF RACE, LANGUAGE OR RELIGION, TO BUILD A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, BASED ON JUSTICE AND EQUALITY, SO AS TO ACHIEVE HAPPINESS, PROSPERITY AND PROGRESS FOR OUR NATION”

Just that simple, but many hurdles to overcome…

Sad Day For Malaysia

  Ok, I slept through.  Received smses about the situation at 9.30am, woke up and tried to rush there.

The group of about 1000 people from various NGOs and samsengs, including two Opposition MPs, gathered outside the Bar Council building to protest the forum which they said would undermine Islam.  The group threatened many times to storm into the building if the forum was not stopped.

About 70 police and FRU personnel lined themselves between the crowd and the building entrance. The police also found two bottles of alcohol by the building that were believed to be unlit Molotov cocktails.  Later OCPD Asst Comm Zulkarnain, went into the building to talk to Bar Council representatives to stop the forum by 10am in the interest of safety.

The group eventually sent off by MP, Zulkifli Nordin, together with GPMS and Pekida gangs to ensure the forum had ended.  Many liberal and matured guests of the forum were greeted with obscenities and vulgar words when they left the building.

The protesters were mostly ‘********ted’ people whereas we have many highly intellectual Malays in the forum.  I wonder what will happen if these protesters are non-Malays!!!!!  No wonder our country is not developing to where it should be!
I suppose now I should curse my ancestor for migrating here, the more so after watching the Beijing Olympic Opening ceremony,  er uh but, but I am born, bred and to die here?  Howlah?  So demoralising….I must do something about it…

08-08-08!

“Wealth Come, Wealth Come, Wealth Come!”

   “Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing to improve the lives of their citizens.  Therefore, they have a powerful incentive to keep their societies peaceful and prosperous”  -  Jung Chang.

Happy Fatt, Fatt, Fatt Day!

[P/S:  Yersterday DPM Najib, Nik Aziz, Hadi, Mufti Dr Asri and alot more voiced their discontent and disgruntleness over tomorrow's forum.  Conversely  in last night's dinner the PM said more interfaith dialogues should be held to ensure harmony among Malaysians of different religions, ahhh who is the hero now?]

Happy Olympic viewing too !

Home Minister: “Don’t play with fire!”

Jom let’s attend the forum:  ‘Conversion to Islam:  Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution’ this Saturday, 9.8.2008, at 8.30am Bar Council Building, Medan Pasar.  I’ll buy you guys a nice breakfast.  But be prepared as Syed Hamid, BBPM Osman Abu Bakar, Tan Sri Abu Zahar, Datuk Zainal Abidin Bakar and Jamaludin Yusof gave warnings that the forum should be called off!

  Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said: “The question of religion is a very sensitive area.  You (Bar Council) are playing with fire.  We think it is one of the elements of freedom and it is our rights, but don’t think in implementing our rights, others don’t have their rights…So I do not want to speculate on what kind of action we would take.”

Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Dakwah Islamiah (Pekida) threaten to picket this Saturday if the forum proceeds, its President, Jamaludin Yusof said:  “Kira-kira 100,000 ahli pertubuhan itu di seluruh negara kini hanya menunggu arahan untuk mengadakan piket tersebut sebagai protes kepada penganjuran forum tersebut”.

Bar Council respectfully disagree with the Home Minister that proceeding with the forum would provoke misunderstanding and will touches on racial and religious sentiments.  The council’s contention is that there are increasingly more families caught up in the conflict of law arising from the conversion of one spouse to Islam.

  AY?  Why do they always raise the spectre of race?  I think we insult Malaysians by assuming they intend or will create trouble.  Give them some credit and the opportunity to prove that they are mature and rational.  Race/religion is not a sensitive issue, unless we choose to make it so.  We need to tell the people that, if they want democracy in Malaysia with such a diverse ethnics, we need to create a new sense of understanding which brings good as a whole.

Enough with the ’sensitive’ threats, there must be a stop to the use of such tag.  No one complain about hudud laws forum nor Christians public seminar.  Malaysians are open to dialogue and discourse and are more than able to sensibly address this issue of religion.  We cannot continue to curtail freedom of religion to deny our basic rights.  Issues surrounding Article 121 should be rationally explained and discussed.

We cannot continue to hide behind the smoke screen called sensitive issues where fundamental issues are concerned.  The government must stop playing around these issues and racial/religious card.  Islam is a compassionate religion and does not forbid consultation.  Many Muslims are tolerant and understanding in today’s Malaysia.  So why can’t we engage in rational dialogue now?  The government should encourage broader participation through the development of relations which transcend the boundaries of ethnicity, is probably a far more effective way to nurture harmony than sensitive this and that, we are Malaysians!

   If we continue to put ourselves in reverse gear by departing from democratic values and principles, we will continue to fall behind other countries.  Stop this trend!

[Just heard that there will be another forum on social contract at PWTC this Sat same time but no samseng to kacau why?  Many Umno leaders would be there!]

UMNO vs PKR

  Many feel that it is not easy to challenge Anwar who is known for his oratory skills and the Permatang Pauh seat which has been held by PKR since 1999. So, the question  is who will be his challenger?  Many analysts say he must be someone of grassroot leaderships (so 3 orang yang layak), some say Ezam (ex-PKR), others prefer the thrill of seeing DPM Najib to be the final countdown (tak bolehlah, sudah di Cabinet).  Bagi saya, taruklah Saiful!  Biar bertempur semasa kempen, masing-masing membuktikan ‘kesucian’ mereka.  After all the whole episode has been dramatic since last month…

Just that ‘feeling’!

Countdown: 3 days to go!

“Hardwork, Passion, Commitment and Satisfaction” – my 4 principles to be successful in sports.

Time and time again, I just can’t stop thinking of my childhood dream to participate in the Olympic, perhaps no more as a contestant but official?  It is that spirit, the awesome feeling of getting together with people around the world.  It is that aim of adrenaline flow when one did his best and wins.  Just imagine standing on that platform receiving my Olympic medal after all the hardwork and sacrifices.

Whoosh!  Menyesal tidak berlatih bersungguh-sungguh semasa sekolah – oh ye, I was a 400 metre runner during school days.

 

Of the 177 delegations expected in the Beijing Olympic Village, 158 have already moved in and completed registration. Of the 63 delegations expected at Qingdao, 56 have already arrived.  Our Malaysian team departed yesterday, should be making themselves comfortable with the village by now.  An unprecedented 205 countries and about 16,000 athletes will be competing at this year’s Summer Olympics.

Happiness is to have dreams, success is making dreams come true…oklah at least I can be happy…or for time being just be contented by beating David at the weekly KLGCC badminton sessions.

I wonder the 4 principles are practicable in the legal and political practice…

P/S:  Just found out that the opening ceremony will starts at 8.08pm on 8.8.08 - betul-betul Cina!

Personality of Mount Rushmore

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”  -  Theodore Roosevelt

In short, I interpret the above as it is the passion that counts at the end of the day…Great words.

Politics

Politics is about power.  It is about the power of the state.  It is about the power of the state as applied to individuals, the society in which they live and the economy in which they work.  Most critically, the politicians’ responsibility in the Parliament is how that power is used:  whether is used for the benefit of the few or the many.  May justice prevails regardless of who is in power.