Khaiy Jamaludin has become one of the latest growing lists of proponents that a unitary or singular school sysytem would be an all encompassing solution to our current racial polarisation.. The introduction of a singular school system would means the abolition of vernacular schools.For some one of Khairy's educational background it is indeed sad that he could not even be unbiased in his evaluation of the dilemma facing our present education system which has caused ethnic division .
The question is why is Khairy only focusing his attention on vernacular schools? What about Mara schools , religious agama schools and even tertiary university level like UITM where the students strictly only cater exclusively for one race.?
Is Khairy implying that only vernacular schools are the sole cause of ethnic polarisation and that Mara schools, Religious Agama schools and tertiary university like UITM are exempted from any blame for the ethnic division? It is really sad that someone of Khairy's educational background can be so biased in his evaluation of the cause for such racial polarisation.
The simple and unpalatable truth is that ever since Tun Razak became the second P.M, we had the misfortune of having Education Ministers who could not understand why National schools could not become the choice of all Malaysians. All of them were incompetent or were not interested in finding out the truth. In the end we had education policies that were ad hoc and flip flop. Even till now there is no clear define policies whether we should adopt English as a medium of instructions.
However, tribute should be given to our first P.M, Tuanku Abdul Rahman. He did not tinker with our education system when we got our independence. He was a visionary leader who knew the importance of the English language. and during his tenure kebangsan schools flourished.. I was a product of that era . The schools were populated with 50% malays, 40% chinese and 10% indians. There was camaderie in all our activities and we accepted each other as Malaysians. We did not look through our differences through any racial or religious lens.We did not bring religion to schools. Religion was something personal where individually we practice our faith at home.Each of us accepted our cultural diversity and each of us respected our religious beliefs. During this time, vernacular schools suffered enrolment problems since majority of chinese and indians and malays all opted for National schools.For practical and financial reasons one by one vernacular schools was slowly decimated without any govt forced closure.
The schools during this era was composed of different ethnic compositions.There was mat sallehs, chinese, indians and malays and through their own cultural diversity we learned to accept diversity, tolerance and respect of each others religious beliefs. All these we didnt learned from our school curriculum but through our impressionable minds we were able to acquire from our various teachers of different origins.
Fast forward to present day, everything has changed for the worse. Religious practice of the islamic faith are conspicously introduced without care to the sensitivity of the other races.Prayers or doa are recited in classes and assembly. Almost 100% of the teachers were of one race and they were employed because of their religiousity rather than their abilty to teach.Female students were compelled by some schools to wear the malay baju Kurung and some were even forced to wear tudungs.During the fasting month of Ramadam, schools canteen were closed and non malays were forced to fast with the muslim students. Some schools even disallowed students to take food in the school canteen since they view it as a sign of disrespect to the muslims.
With all these various display of islamic introductions in National schools it is little wonder non malays were avoiding the National schools like plague. Khairy almost strike the right chord when he said,'the overtly Malay and Islamic character of national schools turn other ethnic communities away. ' But he glossed over this core issue which was the chief reason why chinese and indians turned their backs on National schools. It was often argued that the chinese wanted vernacualr schools because of the desire to preserve cultural heritage and language but this was only a mere excuse. Chinese enclaves from San Francisco to London did not see any chinese clamour for chinese language education. They were so willing to send their children to the english school system and in many cases even excel better than their english counterparts.
Khairy and the present Education Minister should examine National schools during Tuanku Abdul Rahman's era and the present era to see what has caused the change in the choice of National schools by non malays.They should not behave like ostrich burying their head in the sands and think that it was the existence of vernacular schools which had caused non malays not to choose National schools
Monday, October 24, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Hudud Law if refined can be suited and acceptable to Non muslims.
Before rejecting outright the implementation of hudud law, Pakatan allies should try and find a solution acceptable to both muslims and non-muslims.If hudud laws can act as a form of deterrent to many of the crimes that we are currently facing today then many regardless of race and religion would welcome the timely intervention of laws that would deter crime.That law, the hudud law, which may sound medieval and ancient perhaps could be the answer to the lawlessness and corruption that we see in Malaysia.
Part of the hudud law which borders on morality however should not be applicable to the non muslims since their religion may not view it as serious to the extent that authorities should interfere in their practice. This include khalwat (close proximity) and adultery. The acceptance of such practice is not to say that it condones immorality but more because such sin if perpetuated by the individual is best left for him to be punished by God in the after life.
The common form of criminality such as murder, rape , theft corruption however can be applicable to everyone . Normal law abiding citizens of every race and religion would abhor such crimes and therefore should have no objections if harsh punishment is meted out to the perpetuators. There is no valid reason for any one to oppose such punishment even if it may involve the cruel form of hand chopping and head chopping.Such gruesome form of punishment may appear primitive but it certainly does serve a purpose of being a deterrent. Like in Saudi Arabia or in some Middle eastern country such form of punishment should even be publicly exhibited to have a more forceful impact.
Non-muslims who are law abiding citizens should not be afraid of the islamic laws if its implementation would ensure a safer and more peaceful environment to live in. However safeguards should also be in place that certain aspect of the religious laws that affect muslims should not be enforced on people of other faiths.
Part of the hudud law which borders on morality however should not be applicable to the non muslims since their religion may not view it as serious to the extent that authorities should interfere in their practice. This include khalwat (close proximity) and adultery. The acceptance of such practice is not to say that it condones immorality but more because such sin if perpetuated by the individual is best left for him to be punished by God in the after life.
The common form of criminality such as murder, rape , theft corruption however can be applicable to everyone . Normal law abiding citizens of every race and religion would abhor such crimes and therefore should have no objections if harsh punishment is meted out to the perpetuators. There is no valid reason for any one to oppose such punishment even if it may involve the cruel form of hand chopping and head chopping.Such gruesome form of punishment may appear primitive but it certainly does serve a purpose of being a deterrent. Like in Saudi Arabia or in some Middle eastern country such form of punishment should even be publicly exhibited to have a more forceful impact.
Non-muslims who are law abiding citizens should not be afraid of the islamic laws if its implementation would ensure a safer and more peaceful environment to live in. However safeguards should also be in place that certain aspect of the religious laws that affect muslims should not be enforced on people of other faiths.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Hisham blamed MCA for not containing UMNO fallout.
It is rather sad that leaders like Hishammuddin lacks the intelligence to understand why MCA, MIC and Gerakan are weak.In the grand design of formulating policies it is undisputed that UMNO proposed and disposed of policies without even thinking how it may affect the parties in the coalition. A share of the blame must certainly be accorded to the weak leadership in the ranks of MCA, MIC and Gerakan which barely raised any objections in the formulation of policies which are detrimental to their communities interest.
Even basic policy of giving out scholarships based on race rather than on merit was not even defended by MCA, MIC and Gerakan and this policy alone deprived great numbers of qualified students to be awarded scholarships to do critical courses of their choice.Therefore it was not surprising how such foolish policy would affect the position of the other component parties whose affected members were mainly non malays. So how does UMNO in general and Hisham in particular blamed MCA for not containing UMNO's fallout?Obviously, it was UMNO's policy which caused the resentment towards MCA, MIC and Gerakan and they themselves were at great pains to even contain their own fallout with their own members and community.
Because of weak leaders in the component parties of MCA, MIC and Gerakan, UMNO leaders were able to ride rough shod over these parties and formulated policies which marginalised the other communities.But more importantly, UMNO policies also sadly marginalised the very community they had sworn to help and protect.Instead, UMNO's help was for their own family members and cronies where millions if not billions were siphoned out under the pretext of bailing out failed bumiputra's company. Layers of commission were factored in the development contracts meant to elevate the plight of the rural malays and in the end only token money were hardly left visible for any tangible development.The inevitable reality remains after 54 years of UMNO's rule, the malays had remained impoverished and had remained behind their non-malays counterpart.All these can be merely attributed to UMNO's leaders greed for power and money.
Even basic policy of giving out scholarships based on race rather than on merit was not even defended by MCA, MIC and Gerakan and this policy alone deprived great numbers of qualified students to be awarded scholarships to do critical courses of their choice.Therefore it was not surprising how such foolish policy would affect the position of the other component parties whose affected members were mainly non malays. So how does UMNO in general and Hisham in particular blamed MCA for not containing UMNO's fallout?Obviously, it was UMNO's policy which caused the resentment towards MCA, MIC and Gerakan and they themselves were at great pains to even contain their own fallout with their own members and community.
Because of weak leaders in the component parties of MCA, MIC and Gerakan, UMNO leaders were able to ride rough shod over these parties and formulated policies which marginalised the other communities.But more importantly, UMNO policies also sadly marginalised the very community they had sworn to help and protect.Instead, UMNO's help was for their own family members and cronies where millions if not billions were siphoned out under the pretext of bailing out failed bumiputra's company. Layers of commission were factored in the development contracts meant to elevate the plight of the rural malays and in the end only token money were hardly left visible for any tangible development.The inevitable reality remains after 54 years of UMNO's rule, the malays had remained impoverished and had remained behind their non-malays counterpart.All these can be merely attributed to UMNO's leaders greed for power and money.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Three Malaysian Women are top Students In Australian Varsities
The news that three Malaysians were awarded top students in Australian varsities once again show the short sightedness of the govt's educational policy. Students who excelled in their studies cannot find place in local instituitions. Instead these students show that they can excel in foreign countries when given the opportunity to compete on merit.
When is our govt going to learn that the country is losing talent to foreign countries by ignoring and refusing to give places to our brightest students.Its about time the govt stop this discriminatory practice of allocating places to local instituition on the basis of race instead of merit.
Its too late to introduce policies such as Talent corp when they could have stopped the exodus of talents even before they leave our shores. All these because the govt is short sighted and racist by adopting a policy that only favours a certain community.
When is our govt going to learn that the country is losing talent to foreign countries by ignoring and refusing to give places to our brightest students.Its about time the govt stop this discriminatory practice of allocating places to local instituition on the basis of race instead of merit.
Its too late to introduce policies such as Talent corp when they could have stopped the exodus of talents even before they leave our shores. All these because the govt is short sighted and racist by adopting a policy that only favours a certain community.
Najib must attend Court.
It will be a travesty of justice if Najib can be allowed to refuse to attend court to give evidence in the sodomy trial of Annuar Ibrahim. Once a subpoena is issued by the court and his refusal to attend can be interpreted as contempt of court.This can result in the court issuing a warrant of arrest. The P.M must realised that he has no immunity to refuse to attend as a witness once a subpoena is being issued. Unless his attorney set aside the subpoena which under the circumstances should not even be entertained because Saiful did had a meeting with him prior to the report been made.His role therefore in the prosecution of Annuar should be explored to determine if there was indeed a nefarious plot to trap Annuar.
All these can only be revealed if Najib, Musa and Rodwan is call to the witness stand.
All these can only be revealed if Najib, Musa and Rodwan is call to the witness stand.
Now, Every one cannot Fly any more.
Once upon a time , Air Asia's caption was that 'Now every one can fly.' But nowadays this no longer holds true. In the begining, Air Asia was really making a serious effort to enable everyone to fly the no frills airline. Fares were not only cheap for those who purchased their tickets in advance.There were no hidden costs and the total fares after taxes were cheap and really affordable to the man in the street.In fact if you were lucky enough the tickets you bought could even be cheaper than the cost of the ticket for the long haul bus ticket.
Not only were there cheap tickets but there were alot of extras that normal airline did not provide. Senor citizens above the age of 60 were given priority of boarding, you could select any seats of your choice,there was no such thing as fuel surcharge added to the cost of the ticket. In short there were no hidden cost for the final fares you pay.
But Air Asia , nowadays cannot boast of its caption of now' every one can fly ' because its concept has been totally altered. Now, its policy is to charge for everything. Senior Citizens no longer have the privelege of boarding first. If you want to board first you have to pay for Priority boarding. If you want to select your favourite seats you have to pay for it.When you think that is the end of it, you are hit with another cost. Its call processing fees for using credit card for your online booking. It seems that the credit card company commission is even pass to the passenger in the guise of processing Fees.
The moral of the story is that we should no longer be deceived by Air Asia slogan of 'Every one can fly'. Maybe its time travellers should revert back to our National Carrier MAS. At least there are no hidden cost and what you pay is transparent. And if you are a golfer the more reason why you should travel MAS because they dont charge you for your golf bags whereas Air Asia charges $50.00 for that extra luggage. And if you are a handicap person needing a wheel chair, please be aware that Air Asia charges $15.00 for using their wheel chair.
Lastly, MAS provides you the luxury of boarding and landing using an air bridge whereas with Air Asia you have to content with climbing up and down a gang way to board and disembark your flights.The reason? Because Air Asia can save paying the airport authorities for using the facility at the expense of discomfort to the paying customers.
Not only were there cheap tickets but there were alot of extras that normal airline did not provide. Senor citizens above the age of 60 were given priority of boarding, you could select any seats of your choice,there was no such thing as fuel surcharge added to the cost of the ticket. In short there were no hidden cost for the final fares you pay.
But Air Asia , nowadays cannot boast of its caption of now' every one can fly ' because its concept has been totally altered. Now, its policy is to charge for everything. Senior Citizens no longer have the privelege of boarding first. If you want to board first you have to pay for Priority boarding. If you want to select your favourite seats you have to pay for it.When you think that is the end of it, you are hit with another cost. Its call processing fees for using credit card for your online booking. It seems that the credit card company commission is even pass to the passenger in the guise of processing Fees.
The moral of the story is that we should no longer be deceived by Air Asia slogan of 'Every one can fly'. Maybe its time travellers should revert back to our National Carrier MAS. At least there are no hidden cost and what you pay is transparent. And if you are a golfer the more reason why you should travel MAS because they dont charge you for your golf bags whereas Air Asia charges $50.00 for that extra luggage. And if you are a handicap person needing a wheel chair, please be aware that Air Asia charges $15.00 for using their wheel chair.
Lastly, MAS provides you the luxury of boarding and landing using an air bridge whereas with Air Asia you have to content with climbing up and down a gang way to board and disembark your flights.The reason? Because Air Asia can save paying the airport authorities for using the facility at the expense of discomfort to the paying customers.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Why Deport Bourdon?
Why was French civil rights lawyer Bourdon deported from Malaysia on the eve of giving a talk in support of fund raising at Petaling Jaya.?Bourdon was the civil rights lawyer acting on behalf of Suaram which had pursued the 'scorpene submarine ' case in the French court.
The only plausible reason for any one to draw a conclusion is that Najib and the govt had something to hide from public eyes. If Bourdon had uttered any defamatory words that are not true then there are adequate laws to prevent him from doing so. There is no neede to use draconian laws and high handed action of deporting Bourdon in a dramatic fashion .In the Penang fund raising function , Bourdon had only raised and mentioned issues that was already in the public domain. So why did Najib and Hishammuddin, the Home Minister pressed the panic button by deporting Bourdon?
The forthcoming hearing of the scorpene submarine case in the French court should provide an interesting insight as to the receipient of further commissions being paid to a mysterious person.A commission that far surpassed the earlier two commissions.That should prove interesting revealation for the Malaysian public.
The only plausible reason for any one to draw a conclusion is that Najib and the govt had something to hide from public eyes. If Bourdon had uttered any defamatory words that are not true then there are adequate laws to prevent him from doing so. There is no neede to use draconian laws and high handed action of deporting Bourdon in a dramatic fashion .In the Penang fund raising function , Bourdon had only raised and mentioned issues that was already in the public domain. So why did Najib and Hishammuddin, the Home Minister pressed the panic button by deporting Bourdon?
The forthcoming hearing of the scorpene submarine case in the French court should provide an interesting insight as to the receipient of further commissions being paid to a mysterious person.A commission that far surpassed the earlier two commissions.That should prove interesting revealation for the Malaysian public.
Friday, July 01, 2011
Govt's illegal Act should be Documented
The current govt has abandoned the rule of Law and instead has implemented rules in accordance with their whims and fancy.How can they declare an assembly provided in the constituition as illegal?Their paranoid behaviour has even extended to the ridiculous pronoucement that wearing yellow shirts and campaigning for the people to attend the assembly is illegal.
Malaysians across all political divide must come to the realization that B.N's time is up. We cannot allow a govt that continue to abuse the process of law to remain in power for another term because that would prove fatal for our future generation. Let all Malaysians unite in the same resolve to change this govt by the use of ballot in the next General Election. Every vote that is cast to change the govt will be an enduring legacy for our future genearion.
Malaysians across all political divide must come to the realization that B.N's time is up. We cannot allow a govt that continue to abuse the process of law to remain in power for another term because that would prove fatal for our future generation. Let all Malaysians unite in the same resolve to change this govt by the use of ballot in the next General Election. Every vote that is cast to change the govt will be an enduring legacy for our future genearion.
Bersih's Peaceful assembly for Electoral Reforms.
The constituition provides for peaceful assembly. Then why is the govt so paranoid about the 9th July peaceful demonstration in support of electoral reforms?The answer can be found in the last Bersih's assembly clamouring for electoral reforms. After nearly two years the Election Commission has done little or nothing to the demands of Bersih for electoral reforms.The last Bersih's assmbly attracted about 50,000 demonstrators and they were repulsed by water canons by the police.The net effect of the brutal reaction by the police translated in votes for the opposition.And in the march 2008 election, B.N lost 5 states to the opposition and two thirds majority in parliament.
Fast forward, 2011, Bersih has again decided to take their cause to the street amidst the Home Minister declaring the proposed assembly as illegal.Using draconian laws which is contrary to the provisions of the constituition will not deter civic minded people from seeking peaceful recourse for changes which will ensure a democratic election of a govt that is voted by the people.Leaders who seek to hold on to power using public instituition to deny the people of their rights will find that history is not on their side.Recent upheavels in the countries of Tunesia, Bahrain, Libya,Egypt and Yemen will bear testimony to the fate of those despotic rulers.Some may continue to cling on to their seats of power by employing ruthless and draconian measures to suppress and deny the people their unalienable rights to a govt that is elected by the people .
The govt of Malaysia should take heed to what has transpired in the middle eastern countries and should listen to the cries of the people to implement transparent reforms in the various flaws perpetuated by the Election commission. Preventing ordinary rakyats from attending an assembly to express their dissatisfaction in the manner in which the Election Commission has performed its role is certainly not the receipe for reforms in the electoral process.
Fast forward, 2011, Bersih has again decided to take their cause to the street amidst the Home Minister declaring the proposed assembly as illegal.Using draconian laws which is contrary to the provisions of the constituition will not deter civic minded people from seeking peaceful recourse for changes which will ensure a democratic election of a govt that is voted by the people.Leaders who seek to hold on to power using public instituition to deny the people of their rights will find that history is not on their side.Recent upheavels in the countries of Tunesia, Bahrain, Libya,Egypt and Yemen will bear testimony to the fate of those despotic rulers.Some may continue to cling on to their seats of power by employing ruthless and draconian measures to suppress and deny the people their unalienable rights to a govt that is elected by the people .
The govt of Malaysia should take heed to what has transpired in the middle eastern countries and should listen to the cries of the people to implement transparent reforms in the various flaws perpetuated by the Election commission. Preventing ordinary rakyats from attending an assembly to express their dissatisfaction in the manner in which the Election Commission has performed its role is certainly not the receipe for reforms in the electoral process.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Scorpene Submarine 'kickbacks'
Suaram's French lawyers have informed the NGO that investigations by French prosectors have found evidence of commissions being paid.Payments of 114.96 million euros( Rm574.8 million)wass paid to Malaysian consulting company, Perimekar Sdn bhd,another 30 million euros ( RM150 million )to DCN's commercial network, Thales and another 2.5 million euros to an unknown recipient.
Initially in 2006,then Deputy Defence Minister Zainal Abidin Zin was quoted as saying that the commissions was paid 'voluntarily'( to Perimekar)by the French parties in the deal.In 2008, however, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told parliament that the govt had indeed paid the 114.96 million euros to Perimekar and that it was for 'coordination services' and not for commission
According to Suaram, French investigations revealed that the amount paid was a form of kickbacks ' for the sole purpose of circumventing the OECD convention'
What is most interesting in this whole sordid episode is that Perimekar is a subsidiary K.S Ombak Laut sdn Bhd,and the major shareholder is the wife of Abdul Razak Baginda, a close confidante of the current Premier, Najib abdul Razak. Abdul Razak Baginda was acquited of the murder of translator, Altantuya Shariibuu and instead two bodyguards of Najib was charged and convicted for the murder of the Mongolian model cum translator.
When the case do go to open trial it will becoming interesting to see how Najib was involved in the scorpene kickbacks.This reason alone will prompt Najib to call for an early election to circumvent the revelation of the Scorpene kickbacks which undoubtedly will leave a trail leading to Najib's doorstep.
Initially in 2006,then Deputy Defence Minister Zainal Abidin Zin was quoted as saying that the commissions was paid 'voluntarily'( to Perimekar)by the French parties in the deal.In 2008, however, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told parliament that the govt had indeed paid the 114.96 million euros to Perimekar and that it was for 'coordination services' and not for commission
According to Suaram, French investigations revealed that the amount paid was a form of kickbacks ' for the sole purpose of circumventing the OECD convention'
What is most interesting in this whole sordid episode is that Perimekar is a subsidiary K.S Ombak Laut sdn Bhd,and the major shareholder is the wife of Abdul Razak Baginda, a close confidante of the current Premier, Najib abdul Razak. Abdul Razak Baginda was acquited of the murder of translator, Altantuya Shariibuu and instead two bodyguards of Najib was charged and convicted for the murder of the Mongolian model cum translator.
When the case do go to open trial it will becoming interesting to see how Najib was involved in the scorpene kickbacks.This reason alone will prompt Najib to call for an early election to circumvent the revelation of the Scorpene kickbacks which undoubtedly will leave a trail leading to Najib's doorstep.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Najib Should direct his warning to Utusan Malaysia.
When Najib warned to calm down and not exploit religious issues he should be directing his criticism at Utusan Malaysia.All malaysians with a bit of intelligence knows that the Utusan paper is trying its level best to stir up racial and religious emotions among the rural malays so that they will hopefully unite under UMNO's banner.Perhaps what disppoints and irks most Malaysians is the inabilty of the P.M to rein in Utusan's frequent foray in exploiting racial and religious sentiments amongst the malay populace.
What is even more disppointing is the double standard of the Home ministry in allowing Utusan to get away with such racial rhetorics which is bound to stir the emotions of the rural malays.With such leeway being given to the UMNO owned Utusan to print such fiery articles like the christians meeting to make christianity as the official Religion of the country and to appoint a christain Prime Minister, the govt is indirectly encouraging another may 13th incident.
The common perception by many political analyst is that the govt hopes to create another may 13th incident so that it can declare a state of emergency which will then allow the govt to rule under the emergency Act. Before that , it will have another 'operation lallang ' to rope in all the opposition members under the guise of security threats posed by them.
Perhaps that explains why Najib is maintaining an elegant silence while Utusan is running riot with its racial and religious publications.
What is even more disppointing is the double standard of the Home ministry in allowing Utusan to get away with such racial rhetorics which is bound to stir the emotions of the rural malays.With such leeway being given to the UMNO owned Utusan to print such fiery articles like the christians meeting to make christianity as the official Religion of the country and to appoint a christain Prime Minister, the govt is indirectly encouraging another may 13th incident.
The common perception by many political analyst is that the govt hopes to create another may 13th incident so that it can declare a state of emergency which will then allow the govt to rule under the emergency Act. Before that , it will have another 'operation lallang ' to rope in all the opposition members under the guise of security threats posed by them.
Perhaps that explains why Najib is maintaining an elegant silence while Utusan is running riot with its racial and religious publications.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Let History depict the truth.
Historical distortions of our history by belittling the contributions of non -malays and emphasizing the contributions of Islamic civilisation in the development of our country's early landscape is deplorable.
Perkasa's supreme council member Professor Dr. Ramlah Adam is guilty of asserting that the history books were 'well-balanced' and belittling the contributions of the non-malays.
Subsequently, as pointed by historian Dr. Ranjit singh Malhi,she recanted and admitted that the form 4 syllabus 'had placed alot of emphasis on Islamic civilsation and that the govt was working to revamp it'
The study of history should always depict the truth on how historical events unfold not embellishing it to seek glorification of one's race and religion.
Any intellectual who attempts to distort and dishonestly portrays fictitious historical events is guilty of an act bordering on intellectual dishonesty
A living example of the non-malays contribution to the country's development is even evident till today. Visit any cities in the west and east coast and one cannot escape the simple startling truth that non-malays occupy all the major towns and cities.Who therefore are responsible for developing the cities and towns?
In fact it would be hard pressed to even find a malay township even in the heartland of malay majority states like Kelantan and Trengganu. Perhaps Professor Ramlah Adam should take a trip from the coastal roads from Kelantan , Trengganu and Kuantan to the small township of Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan and witnessed for herself the unfortunate truth that malay kampongs still ocuupy vast tract of land which remained undevelop for almost since time immemorial.If Islamic civilsation had indeed played an important role in the early development of the Malaysian landscape then why are these malay land still undeveloped and mired in a state of poverty?
History in many ways have a tendency to reflect reality and such reality cannot be diminished by unwanton portrayals of lies and intellectual dishonesty by people like Professor Ramlah Adam.
Perkasa's supreme council member Professor Dr. Ramlah Adam is guilty of asserting that the history books were 'well-balanced' and belittling the contributions of the non-malays.
Subsequently, as pointed by historian Dr. Ranjit singh Malhi,she recanted and admitted that the form 4 syllabus 'had placed alot of emphasis on Islamic civilsation and that the govt was working to revamp it'
The study of history should always depict the truth on how historical events unfold not embellishing it to seek glorification of one's race and religion.
Any intellectual who attempts to distort and dishonestly portrays fictitious historical events is guilty of an act bordering on intellectual dishonesty
A living example of the non-malays contribution to the country's development is even evident till today. Visit any cities in the west and east coast and one cannot escape the simple startling truth that non-malays occupy all the major towns and cities.Who therefore are responsible for developing the cities and towns?
In fact it would be hard pressed to even find a malay township even in the heartland of malay majority states like Kelantan and Trengganu. Perhaps Professor Ramlah Adam should take a trip from the coastal roads from Kelantan , Trengganu and Kuantan to the small township of Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan and witnessed for herself the unfortunate truth that malay kampongs still ocuupy vast tract of land which remained undevelop for almost since time immemorial.If Islamic civilsation had indeed played an important role in the early development of the Malaysian landscape then why are these malay land still undeveloped and mired in a state of poverty?
History in many ways have a tendency to reflect reality and such reality cannot be diminished by unwanton portrayals of lies and intellectual dishonesty by people like Professor Ramlah Adam.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Why we dont need a RCI for the sex video tape.
It is quite acceptable for lawyers to have differing opinions about legal issues but when they have differing opinions because of vested interest then it is something else. I refer to two lawyers call for a Royal commission of Inquiry.Muhammad shafee's and Wee choo keong's call for an RCI has vested interest written all over it. The former is currently engaged by the Govt in the Teoh Beng Hock's RCI and the latter , Wee Choo Keong was a former member of PKR who left the party under acrimonious circumstances.Both have one thing in common. They are both certainly B.N friendly and certainly very anti-Annuar.So can we have any reliance on their opinion that we need to have a RCI for the sex tape? Of course not.
As mentioned by the Bar council President, an RCI is primarily set up for the purpose of enquiring into matters of national public importance involving public instituitions that affect life or welfare of citizens. What it certainly does not encompass is to pry and probe into the sex life of any public figure.
There are more important issues that involve public instituitions and public welfare and yet there is no inclination by the govt to have an RCI to investigate. So why should a sex tape involving an opposition figure have any priority?
Let us first have an RCI for the PKFZ fiasco, the Sime Darby billion loss, the millions in commission in the submarine deal, the murder of Altantuya and of course the Chua Soi Lek sex tape which by comparison have similar relevance if one decide to also have an RCI.
As mentioned by the Bar council President, an RCI is primarily set up for the purpose of enquiring into matters of national public importance involving public instituitions that affect life or welfare of citizens. What it certainly does not encompass is to pry and probe into the sex life of any public figure.
There are more important issues that involve public instituitions and public welfare and yet there is no inclination by the govt to have an RCI to investigate. So why should a sex tape involving an opposition figure have any priority?
Let us first have an RCI for the PKFZ fiasco, the Sime Darby billion loss, the millions in commission in the submarine deal, the murder of Altantuya and of course the Chua Soi Lek sex tape which by comparison have similar relevance if one decide to also have an RCI.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
UMNO's Hand in sex video
Slowly the truth is now emerging. The mysterious trio involved in the sex video are,businessman,Shazryl Eskay Abdullah,ex Malacca CM Rahim Thamby Chik and Perkasa Treasurer- General Shuib Lazim.
The common thread running through these three personalities is that they are UMNO loyalists true and true. Of course Shazryl is denying it. But just look at his background.A former Honarary Thai consul. You have to be some one close to the corridor of UMNO before you can even be an Honarary Thai consul.Shazryl is also currently embroiled in a legal suit regarding his role in obtaining the contract for the crooked bridge. Now, he admitted that it was only through his close connection to the govt that he was able to secure the project for Merong Mahawangsa. Lastly, Shuib is from Perkasa.Is it not that Perkasa is another face of UMNO? So what does this say about the conspiracy theory that UMNO and the present leadership were involved in this sex video.
This whole sordid episode has only made the ordinary people turn with revulsion. If the present leadership envisage for one moment that with the involvement of Annuar in another sexcapade the people will turn against him they are sadly mistaken. We feel sorry for Annuar and instead it has made us more resolute to support him till the end.
The common thread running through these three personalities is that they are UMNO loyalists true and true. Of course Shazryl is denying it. But just look at his background.A former Honarary Thai consul. You have to be some one close to the corridor of UMNO before you can even be an Honarary Thai consul.Shazryl is also currently embroiled in a legal suit regarding his role in obtaining the contract for the crooked bridge. Now, he admitted that it was only through his close connection to the govt that he was able to secure the project for Merong Mahawangsa. Lastly, Shuib is from Perkasa.Is it not that Perkasa is another face of UMNO? So what does this say about the conspiracy theory that UMNO and the present leadership were involved in this sex video.
This whole sordid episode has only made the ordinary people turn with revulsion. If the present leadership envisage for one moment that with the involvement of Annuar in another sexcapade the people will turn against him they are sadly mistaken. We feel sorry for Annuar and instead it has made us more resolute to support him till the end.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Bank Negara to explain illicit outflows soon
How long does Bank negara needs to reveal the extent of the illegal outflows which was disclosed by Principal Financial Integrity?If foreign parties can have access to those information which should in the first place be privy to Bank Negara then it certainly reflects very poorly on the competency of the central Bank. And to add salt to the wound the infantile excuse that they need time to collect the figures only further shows their inaptitude in managing the country's finance. This only implies that they were totally in the dark about the illicit outflows of funds because surely had they been aware there would not be any need for them to deny or substantiate the apparent leakages.
Its about time Bank Negara carry out a revamp by engaging professionals to man the Central Bank.The revamp can start with Zeti being given the boot. I think she is simply not equip to govern Bank Negara with due care and diligence.
Its about time Bank Negara carry out a revamp by engaging professionals to man the Central Bank.The revamp can start with Zeti being given the boot. I think she is simply not equip to govern Bank Negara with due care and diligence.
Friday, February 25, 2011
M'sia under PAS will be like Egypt, says C.M
Ali Rastam, the C.M of Malacca has once again shot himself on his foot.Eygptians revolted against Mubarak's regime because of rampant corruption and cronyism which resulted in the mismanagement of the country's economy.Because of similar circumstances which Malaysia has experienced for the last 52 years , there is more likelihood of a revolt similar to Eygpt if B.N continues to govern Malaysia.Ali Rastam is therefore barking on the wrong tree when he said an Eygptian revolt was likely if PAS rule the country.
Corruption in every strata of our society has caused severe leakages of the country's coffers and this would gradually contribute to a fall in investment and unemployment.The fall in investment would be attributable to a decline in foreign investment leading to a fall in unemployment.Ali Rastam should pay heed to what is happening in Eygpt because it will be a mirror image of what is currently happening in Malaysia.
Corruption in every strata of our society has caused severe leakages of the country's coffers and this would gradually contribute to a fall in investment and unemployment.The fall in investment would be attributable to a decline in foreign investment leading to a fall in unemployment.Ali Rastam should pay heed to what is happening in Eygpt because it will be a mirror image of what is currently happening in Malaysia.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
10 Reasons why Malaysia will never be a Developed country in 2020
1. English Language Vs Bahasa Malaysia.
The English language is the lingua franca of commerce ,science and technology. Even India and lately China recognises this fact.When all countries are planing to introduce literacy in the english language we are downgrading its importance in favour of Bahasa Malaysia. While one may wish to display patriotism by sticking with Bahasa as the National language, disregarding the importance of english in our school curriculum is a serious mistake and flaw in our education system. Without a pool of english educated graduates we will never attract investors to come and invest here. Without foreign investment , our country will not progress to be a develop country.
2. Judiciary
Our country's judiciary has totally lost the confidence of foreign investors. They have made alot of decisions based on political expediency rather than on the rule of law.Not surprisingly, many investors have contractually chose to arbitrate in Singapore rather than have it in Malaysia. This is a slap in the face for our judiciary. How can a nation attain develop status when its judiciary has lost its integrity and can no longer command any respect and confidence from other countries?
3. Police
Before investors come to invest in a country, foremost in their minds are the security of the country. No investors would invest in a country where its investment would be in jeopardy because of uncertainties in the security of the country.The honesty, integrity and credibility of the police force in the country is of vital importance. Sadly, our police force do not enjoy any of those credentials. Of late a slew of corrupt, unsavoury aspect of the police force has catapulated them to infamy.Among other things were death in custody cases and police brutality and thuggery were frequently reported in the media. The public has reached a stage where they no longer trust the very people who were designated to protect them.So how do we progress to be a develop country when our security is in such an abysmal state of distress.?
4.Attorney-General Chambers.
Prosecution of any felony should be judicious and fair not based on political considerations.Of late the A-G department has instead carried out selective prosecution at the hint of placating the executive or even possibly at the direction of the executive. This practice have only further sullied the Attorney-General department A country where the A-G department has lost its independence can never progress towards a develop nation.
5. Brain Drain.
It was reported that in a space of 2 years, from 2007 to 2009, Malaysia lost nearly 500,000 skilled or graduates through migration.In any kind of migration it is always the skilled and the intellectually superior migrants that are easily given easy and free access to foreign develop countries. Many of those that migrated were, doctors, engineers, accountants , IT experts and other qualified personnel. Because of the nature of their expertise these migrants are assets to whichever host nation. Their gain is Malaysia's lost. To fill in the vacuum left by the country, we have an influx of unskilled workers from, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan. These mostly low unskilled workers only degrade the type of population profile to that of an undevelop country and certainly not towards a develop country.
6. Corruption in the country.
Our corruption index have back pedalled for many years. Each year getting from bad to worse.As long as our politicians and civil servants are well schooled in the fine art of corruption, the less likelihood the chance for our country to progress to a develop country.
7. Extreme High Tax on Motor Vehicle.
While most countries enjoy the luxury of driving cars that are technologically superior , Malaysians are forced by circumstances to drive the locally inferior manufactured , Proton.The car is not only inferiorly fitted with obsolete parts but have been designated to be sold at the same price that could purchase a superior car of a foreign make.. An example is the Camry and Honda Accord that are sold overseas. This two cars are available at a cost of $60,000 in the U.S whereas it is sold here for $180,000. Because of three layers of tax, namely, excise tax, import tax and sales tax the same car is sold about three times that of the car in U.S. Obviously the intent is to ensure that such luxurious car is beyond the reach of ordinary man and the more important reason of protecting the local made Proton car.. Because of this selfish reason, Malaysians are destined to afford inferiror locally manufacrured Proton cars.A country that forces its people to drive such inferiror cars surely cannot expect its people to be a develop nation.
8. Meritocracy
A country that do not practice meritocracy cannot aspire to be a develop country. When incompetent people are slated in position of importance, wrong decision making can contribute towards a state of paralysis. Singapore is a classic example where head hunting for the right people to manage the important task of managing the country's various portfolio has led it to be a succesful develop country.It is a fallacy to assume that incompetent people can govern competently .This fallacy has contributed to the present state of paralysis.
9. Racial Discrimination.
In todays borderless world. any form of racial discrimination is viewed with abhorence.Not only is it repulsive but it is totally unaccepted in every civilise country. But instead our constituition even bears a mark of racial discriminatin that is instituitionalised.This 'Ketuanan Melayu' concept has only served as a wedge between the various races in a multi -racial society and has created a divisive environment.
10. Accountabilty and transparency
For a country to prosper towards a develop country, there is a dire need to administer the the country in a transparent and competent manner. Leakages in any form should be avoided at all cost and this can only be achieved by adopting procedures that are transparent and accountable. Without transparency and accountability, a country will suffer leakages that will eventually degrade the country's administration.
The English language is the lingua franca of commerce ,science and technology. Even India and lately China recognises this fact.When all countries are planing to introduce literacy in the english language we are downgrading its importance in favour of Bahasa Malaysia. While one may wish to display patriotism by sticking with Bahasa as the National language, disregarding the importance of english in our school curriculum is a serious mistake and flaw in our education system. Without a pool of english educated graduates we will never attract investors to come and invest here. Without foreign investment , our country will not progress to be a develop country.
2. Judiciary
Our country's judiciary has totally lost the confidence of foreign investors. They have made alot of decisions based on political expediency rather than on the rule of law.Not surprisingly, many investors have contractually chose to arbitrate in Singapore rather than have it in Malaysia. This is a slap in the face for our judiciary. How can a nation attain develop status when its judiciary has lost its integrity and can no longer command any respect and confidence from other countries?
3. Police
Before investors come to invest in a country, foremost in their minds are the security of the country. No investors would invest in a country where its investment would be in jeopardy because of uncertainties in the security of the country.The honesty, integrity and credibility of the police force in the country is of vital importance. Sadly, our police force do not enjoy any of those credentials. Of late a slew of corrupt, unsavoury aspect of the police force has catapulated them to infamy.Among other things were death in custody cases and police brutality and thuggery were frequently reported in the media. The public has reached a stage where they no longer trust the very people who were designated to protect them.So how do we progress to be a develop country when our security is in such an abysmal state of distress.?
4.Attorney-General Chambers.
Prosecution of any felony should be judicious and fair not based on political considerations.Of late the A-G department has instead carried out selective prosecution at the hint of placating the executive or even possibly at the direction of the executive. This practice have only further sullied the Attorney-General department A country where the A-G department has lost its independence can never progress towards a develop nation.
5. Brain Drain.
It was reported that in a space of 2 years, from 2007 to 2009, Malaysia lost nearly 500,000 skilled or graduates through migration.In any kind of migration it is always the skilled and the intellectually superior migrants that are easily given easy and free access to foreign develop countries. Many of those that migrated were, doctors, engineers, accountants , IT experts and other qualified personnel. Because of the nature of their expertise these migrants are assets to whichever host nation. Their gain is Malaysia's lost. To fill in the vacuum left by the country, we have an influx of unskilled workers from, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan. These mostly low unskilled workers only degrade the type of population profile to that of an undevelop country and certainly not towards a develop country.
6. Corruption in the country.
Our corruption index have back pedalled for many years. Each year getting from bad to worse.As long as our politicians and civil servants are well schooled in the fine art of corruption, the less likelihood the chance for our country to progress to a develop country.
7. Extreme High Tax on Motor Vehicle.
While most countries enjoy the luxury of driving cars that are technologically superior , Malaysians are forced by circumstances to drive the locally inferior manufactured , Proton.The car is not only inferiorly fitted with obsolete parts but have been designated to be sold at the same price that could purchase a superior car of a foreign make.. An example is the Camry and Honda Accord that are sold overseas. This two cars are available at a cost of $60,000 in the U.S whereas it is sold here for $180,000. Because of three layers of tax, namely, excise tax, import tax and sales tax the same car is sold about three times that of the car in U.S. Obviously the intent is to ensure that such luxurious car is beyond the reach of ordinary man and the more important reason of protecting the local made Proton car.. Because of this selfish reason, Malaysians are destined to afford inferiror locally manufacrured Proton cars.A country that forces its people to drive such inferiror cars surely cannot expect its people to be a develop nation.
8. Meritocracy
A country that do not practice meritocracy cannot aspire to be a develop country. When incompetent people are slated in position of importance, wrong decision making can contribute towards a state of paralysis. Singapore is a classic example where head hunting for the right people to manage the important task of managing the country's various portfolio has led it to be a succesful develop country.It is a fallacy to assume that incompetent people can govern competently .This fallacy has contributed to the present state of paralysis.
9. Racial Discrimination.
In todays borderless world. any form of racial discrimination is viewed with abhorence.Not only is it repulsive but it is totally unaccepted in every civilise country. But instead our constituition even bears a mark of racial discriminatin that is instituitionalised.This 'Ketuanan Melayu' concept has only served as a wedge between the various races in a multi -racial society and has created a divisive environment.
10. Accountabilty and transparency
For a country to prosper towards a develop country, there is a dire need to administer the the country in a transparent and competent manner. Leakages in any form should be avoided at all cost and this can only be achieved by adopting procedures that are transparent and accountable. Without transparency and accountability, a country will suffer leakages that will eventually degrade the country's administration.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
DPM wants Lim Guan Eng To Be Fair To All
Our DPM who is a malay first and Malaysian second was reported to have told Lim Guan Eng that he wants him to be fair to all Malaysians regardless of race. How aptly put coming from this pathetic UMNO apologist. How fair is the govt to all the races in the states that is governed by B.N?
Dont have to bore you with the details. Just look at the following for starters.
1.Civil service 99% are of one race.
2. The army is of 99% of one race.
3.The judiciary consists of UMNO apologists with hardly any knowledge of the rule of Law.
4. Petronas, our National oil company is 100% managed by one race.
5 Needless to say , all contracts and Dealerships are given to one race
6. Tha Police are manned by 99% of one race
7. All govt linked companies employ CEO of one race
8. Govt contracts are only given eclusively to one race.
9. University and scholarships, 95% places of all critical courses are given to one race.
10. 70% of all ministerial Posts including the most important ones are given to one race.
The lists can go on and on. Too many to mmention all but DPM have the gall to ask LGE to be fair to all races. Frankly , we are a unique country. Perhaps the only country in the world where the govt suppresses and marginalise the miniority race while rendering absolute assistance to the majority race.
Dont have to bore you with the details. Just look at the following for starters.
1.Civil service 99% are of one race.
2. The army is of 99% of one race.
3.The judiciary consists of UMNO apologists with hardly any knowledge of the rule of Law.
4. Petronas, our National oil company is 100% managed by one race.
5 Needless to say , all contracts and Dealerships are given to one race
6. Tha Police are manned by 99% of one race
7. All govt linked companies employ CEO of one race
8. Govt contracts are only given eclusively to one race.
9. University and scholarships, 95% places of all critical courses are given to one race.
10. 70% of all ministerial Posts including the most important ones are given to one race.
The lists can go on and on. Too many to mmention all but DPM have the gall to ask LGE to be fair to all races. Frankly , we are a unique country. Perhaps the only country in the world where the govt suppresses and marginalise the miniority race while rendering absolute assistance to the majority race.
Monday, January 24, 2011
KTM is still mired in the Past century
In Jan 2011, I decided to take a trip down memory lane.
I bought a ticket at the Seremban Railway station for a trip to Tumpat, Kelantan.
The last time I took a train was some 40 years ago, in the 1970s. At that time road transportation to Kelantan was poor. Some stretches had to use a ferry because there was no bridge.
If one wished to travel to Kelantan via the Bentong-Raub route, the road service ended in Kuala Lipis.
From there, the car was loaded into a railway carriage and then one had to travel as a passenger on the train and disembark at Kuala Krai.
At the Seremban Railway station, what I saw was totally unexpected.
After 40 years you would have thought things would be different.
For me it was as if time had stood still. Things around the station and the ticketing office had not changed.
Long queues stretched for a few metres waiting to buy their tickets while two other counters remain vacant.
A sign said the person in charge of selling inter-city tickets had gone for lunch at 12.30pm and would resume work at 2.00pm.
I was there at 1.00pm, which meant I and several others had to wait for an hour for the ticketing clerk to finish his lunch and resume his duties.
If there were inter-city trains coming in, we could only stare in dismay.
Meanwhile, there was still a long queue waiting to buy the Komuter tickets.
A Komuter train came ,stopped and left while passengers could only watched in frustration, stuck in the long slow queue.
Being unable to buy their ticket when the train came, they could only hope to get their tickets before the next train arrived.
On boarding the train for my journey to Kelantan I was in for another shock. Nothing in the cabin train which I had booked had changed from decades ago.
The inside of the cabin had seen better times and probably should have been sent to a museum.
The journey was anything but smooth. It was jerky and bumpy. It was something you least expected when travelling in the 21st century.
And if you were to compare the experience of travelling in a modern train service of Japan or even China, you wouldn't want to travel in a Malaysian train.
A journey that normally takes eight hours of leisurely driving by car took me more than 12 hours by train.
KTM needs to totally revamp its management from top to bottom if it really wants to improve its bottom line.
It cannot hope to plod along and hope to improve on its performance if the mentality and culture of running a railway corporation is still mired in the 20th century.
I bought a ticket at the Seremban Railway station for a trip to Tumpat, Kelantan.
The last time I took a train was some 40 years ago, in the 1970s. At that time road transportation to Kelantan was poor. Some stretches had to use a ferry because there was no bridge.
If one wished to travel to Kelantan via the Bentong-Raub route, the road service ended in Kuala Lipis.
From there, the car was loaded into a railway carriage and then one had to travel as a passenger on the train and disembark at Kuala Krai.
At the Seremban Railway station, what I saw was totally unexpected.
After 40 years you would have thought things would be different.
For me it was as if time had stood still. Things around the station and the ticketing office had not changed.
Long queues stretched for a few metres waiting to buy their tickets while two other counters remain vacant.
A sign said the person in charge of selling inter-city tickets had gone for lunch at 12.30pm and would resume work at 2.00pm.
I was there at 1.00pm, which meant I and several others had to wait for an hour for the ticketing clerk to finish his lunch and resume his duties.
If there were inter-city trains coming in, we could only stare in dismay.
Meanwhile, there was still a long queue waiting to buy the Komuter tickets.
A Komuter train came ,stopped and left while passengers could only watched in frustration, stuck in the long slow queue.
Being unable to buy their ticket when the train came, they could only hope to get their tickets before the next train arrived.
On boarding the train for my journey to Kelantan I was in for another shock. Nothing in the cabin train which I had booked had changed from decades ago.
The inside of the cabin had seen better times and probably should have been sent to a museum.
The journey was anything but smooth. It was jerky and bumpy. It was something you least expected when travelling in the 21st century.
And if you were to compare the experience of travelling in a modern train service of Japan or even China, you wouldn't want to travel in a Malaysian train.
A journey that normally takes eight hours of leisurely driving by car took me more than 12 hours by train.
KTM needs to totally revamp its management from top to bottom if it really wants to improve its bottom line.
It cannot hope to plod along and hope to improve on its performance if the mentality and culture of running a railway corporation is still mired in the 20th century.
That Which is not Azan should not be broadcast
I wish to comment on some of the
bacaan (readings, recitations of Quranic passages), in addition to the azan, that is being broadcast through loudspeakers today, resulting in disturbance to the public. Such bacaan has confused non-Muslims who mistake them for being part of the azan (call to prayer).
Some are defending the practice of broadcasting the bacaan on the grounds that since it is the reciting of the Quran or zikir (devotional songs), such a practice ought to be held in high regard. They believe their uncompromising attitude in this matter represents 'the struggle to defend Islam'. I would like to comment on this as follows:
1. That which Islam instructs to amplify, is only the azan. Apart from this, there is no instruction to amplify anything else, to the point of causing disturbance to others.
In fact, such acts are forbidden by the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Furthermore, in Islam, care is taken regarding the tranquillity of others, with exceptions, if any that are permitted by Islamic law.
2. Although the readings of the Quran and zikir are excellent practices, we cannot force others to listen to our prayer recitations. Perhaps there are others who prefer to read their prayers themselves, or would like to recite during other times of the day. Or one may be ill, or may not be observing prayers at the time, for example a woman during her period, or non Muslims and so on.
3. Many non-Muslims are confused between the azan and readings of the Quran that do not constitute azan, that are being broadcast through loudspeakers.
They are under the belief that such recitations are instructed by Islam, and therefore get the wrong impression of Islam as a harmonious religion. Furthermore, the recitations are prolonged, while the actual call to prayer lasts no more than five minutes.
4. In truth, the Prophet himself forbade people from amplifying their readings of the Quran in mosques such that it would disturb others.
In the hadith of the Prophet, Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said : "When the Prophet once prayed at the mosque, he heard someone reciting the Quran loudly while the Prophet was at the place of worship.
“The Prophet then lifted the curtains (between them) and said, “Listen ye who supplicate to his God, let not these of you cause disturbance to others. Do not raise your voice in reciting prayers, above that of the others.” (Recorded by Abu Daud).
In this hadith the Prophet forbade the raising of voices in reciting prayers in the mosques that may interfere with other’s prayers, or aggravate others. If this is so, what more amplifying through loudspeakers that may disturb those outside the mosque? There may be others with infants or who are ill, who may be disturbed.
A highly esteemed present-day scholar, Al-Sheikh Muhammad Salih al-Hadith Uthaimin commenting on this hadith once said: "We are witnessing today that which was described in the hadith (cited above). We are seeing those who are doing (what the Prophet describes) by conducting prayers using loudspeakers outside the mosque.
"If their actions cause grief to those around them, then they have sinned...they without doubt should avoid such actions that furthermore do not bring any benefit whatsoever, because one does not pray with those who are outside the mosque, but only with those who are within the mosque.
"So we remind our brothers, especially the imams in the mosque, not to practice this (using amplification). There may be those who have already prayed and have to sleep and rest, perhaps there are those who are ill who will be disturbed, or the mosque may be close to people’s homes....
"In conclusion, this problem (may have aggravated neighbourhoods or homes) but brings no benefit whatsoever (to the devotee)." (Ibn Uthaimin, Riyadh al-Salihin Syarh)
Imagine, this statement was issued by a distinguished and senior ulama in Saudi Arabia, a country whose population is completely Muslim. What more for a (multiracial) country like ours.
5. Ulama of the past have also spoken on this matter, that recitations (other than the azan) are forbidden because they can disturb the general public.
Al-Imam al-Hafizd Ibn Jauzi (died 597H) said: "Amongst the tricks of Satan are those who mix up the azan with reminders, praise and advice. They have turned the azan into something jumbled.
"The ulama disapproves of all that is added on top of the azan. Very often we learn of people who get up in the middle of the night and serve up reminders and advice on top of the minarets.
“There are those amongst them who read the Quran so loudly that they disrupt the sleep of others and disturbs those who are conducting night prayers. All these acts bring dishonour.” ( Ibn Jauzi, Talbis Iblis, 159, Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah).
These prohibitions were made by ulama before loudspeakers were in existence; what more if they learn of the kind of loudspeakers we have today?
Therefore with this, Muslims ought to stop reciting through loudspeakers that may disturb those outside the mosque.
Adhering to this advice (not to use loudspeakers) is not a political issue at all, but merely following the instructions of the Prophet and at the same time preserving the image of Islam as harmonious.
Raising one’s voice in prayer does not add to one’s love towards Islam, but in fact creates misunderstanding amongst many quarters.
Mohd Asri zainul Abidin
The writer is former Perlis mufti. This letter was originally submitted in Malay.
bacaan (readings, recitations of Quranic passages), in addition to the azan, that is being broadcast through loudspeakers today, resulting in disturbance to the public. Such bacaan has confused non-Muslims who mistake them for being part of the azan (call to prayer).
Some are defending the practice of broadcasting the bacaan on the grounds that since it is the reciting of the Quran or zikir (devotional songs), such a practice ought to be held in high regard. They believe their uncompromising attitude in this matter represents 'the struggle to defend Islam'. I would like to comment on this as follows:
1. That which Islam instructs to amplify, is only the azan. Apart from this, there is no instruction to amplify anything else, to the point of causing disturbance to others.
In fact, such acts are forbidden by the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Furthermore, in Islam, care is taken regarding the tranquillity of others, with exceptions, if any that are permitted by Islamic law.
2. Although the readings of the Quran and zikir are excellent practices, we cannot force others to listen to our prayer recitations. Perhaps there are others who prefer to read their prayers themselves, or would like to recite during other times of the day. Or one may be ill, or may not be observing prayers at the time, for example a woman during her period, or non Muslims and so on.
3. Many non-Muslims are confused between the azan and readings of the Quran that do not constitute azan, that are being broadcast through loudspeakers.
They are under the belief that such recitations are instructed by Islam, and therefore get the wrong impression of Islam as a harmonious religion. Furthermore, the recitations are prolonged, while the actual call to prayer lasts no more than five minutes.
4. In truth, the Prophet himself forbade people from amplifying their readings of the Quran in mosques such that it would disturb others.
In the hadith of the Prophet, Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said : "When the Prophet once prayed at the mosque, he heard someone reciting the Quran loudly while the Prophet was at the place of worship.
“The Prophet then lifted the curtains (between them) and said, “Listen ye who supplicate to his God, let not these of you cause disturbance to others. Do not raise your voice in reciting prayers, above that of the others.” (Recorded by Abu Daud).
In this hadith the Prophet forbade the raising of voices in reciting prayers in the mosques that may interfere with other’s prayers, or aggravate others. If this is so, what more amplifying through loudspeakers that may disturb those outside the mosque? There may be others with infants or who are ill, who may be disturbed.
A highly esteemed present-day scholar, Al-Sheikh Muhammad Salih al-Hadith Uthaimin commenting on this hadith once said: "We are witnessing today that which was described in the hadith (cited above). We are seeing those who are doing (what the Prophet describes) by conducting prayers using loudspeakers outside the mosque.
"If their actions cause grief to those around them, then they have sinned...they without doubt should avoid such actions that furthermore do not bring any benefit whatsoever, because one does not pray with those who are outside the mosque, but only with those who are within the mosque.
"So we remind our brothers, especially the imams in the mosque, not to practice this (using amplification). There may be those who have already prayed and have to sleep and rest, perhaps there are those who are ill who will be disturbed, or the mosque may be close to people’s homes....
"In conclusion, this problem (may have aggravated neighbourhoods or homes) but brings no benefit whatsoever (to the devotee)." (Ibn Uthaimin, Riyadh al-Salihin Syarh)
Imagine, this statement was issued by a distinguished and senior ulama in Saudi Arabia, a country whose population is completely Muslim. What more for a (multiracial) country like ours.
5. Ulama of the past have also spoken on this matter, that recitations (other than the azan) are forbidden because they can disturb the general public.
Al-Imam al-Hafizd Ibn Jauzi (died 597H) said: "Amongst the tricks of Satan are those who mix up the azan with reminders, praise and advice. They have turned the azan into something jumbled.
"The ulama disapproves of all that is added on top of the azan. Very often we learn of people who get up in the middle of the night and serve up reminders and advice on top of the minarets.
“There are those amongst them who read the Quran so loudly that they disrupt the sleep of others and disturbs those who are conducting night prayers. All these acts bring dishonour.” ( Ibn Jauzi, Talbis Iblis, 159, Beirut: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah).
These prohibitions were made by ulama before loudspeakers were in existence; what more if they learn of the kind of loudspeakers we have today?
Therefore with this, Muslims ought to stop reciting through loudspeakers that may disturb those outside the mosque.
Adhering to this advice (not to use loudspeakers) is not a political issue at all, but merely following the instructions of the Prophet and at the same time preserving the image of Islam as harmonious.
Raising one’s voice in prayer does not add to one’s love towards Islam, but in fact creates misunderstanding amongst many quarters.
Mohd Asri zainul Abidin
The writer is former Perlis mufti. This letter was originally submitted in Malay.
Bank Negara's Failure To Detect Illicit Outflows.
Malaysia is on the precipice of a great fall. Looking at it one could surmise that it is almost beyond redemption. I say almost because there is still a flicker of hope. It will be a long journey but it must inevitably begin with a first step.
The shattering report by financial watchdog Global financial Integrity ( GFI) had shown that money flowing out of the country had triple from 2000 to 2008.In 2000, the report stated that rm$67.7 billion had exited the country and eight years later the figure had escalated to a massive rm $208 billion.
According to the report ,' significant governance issues affecting both the public and and private sectors have been playing a key role in the cross-border transfer of illicit capital from the country'
The above comments by GFI clearly depicts a very sombre situation face by the country's financial system. But what is even odd and surprising is the dormant and incompetent state of our central bank manned by a supposedly illustrous Governor in the guise of Zeti.Surely over a period of eight years the magnitude of such money outflow from the country would not have escape the attention of Bank Negara. One can only conclude that such massive outflow was done with Bank Negara's knowledge and that at some point in time they were complicit in the transfer of the funds. Otherwise it would be impossible for the central bank not to notice the movement of such substantial cross-border transfer of funds.
You dont have to be an economist to conclude that any massive transfer of funds out of the country would weaken the host country's currency because the funds exiting the country would have to be converted to another currency where it is destined. A cursory study of currency fluctuation would immediately indicate that substantial outflows would be to U.K, Australia and Singapore. That perhaps explain the perpetual strength of the Sing , the pounds and Australian dollars.
The continuation of such illicit outflows will have a severe impact on Malaysian's economy. In the long run, precious capital needed for investment will be suffocated by the illicit transfer of capital to develop countries. The net result is that the country's currency will be weakened and it's economy will remain perpetually trapped in a cycle of gradual decline.
In a nut shell, our country is facing a defining moment where its present course could be disatrous. Outflows in 2008 of $208 billion is a huge sum in any monetary terms when you compare Penang merely attracted only $12.2 billion to top the destination with the most foreign direct investment in 2009.What is there to celeberate when our top state merely attracted $12.2 billion in foreign investment but lost $208 billion in illicit outflows in 2008.
Whatever reason proffered by Bank Negara's reason for the illicit outflow, one thing remain certain. It has failed dismally in its job of monitoring the illicit outflow. Otherwise why was such massive outflows not mentioned and strategy deviced to tackle the outflow? And why was revelation of such outflows published and widely mentioned by a foreign financial watch dog (GFI)when it should have been our own central Bank making the disclosures?.
Bank Negara has always being a very poorly managed Instituition. Not only has it failed its duty to be the local watchdog for our local banks but in its survellance of monetary mangement in our econmy it has failed dismally.
It would therefore not be a surprise if illicit transfer are allowed to continue unabated, Malaysia's financial structure would collapse in the not too distant future.
The shattering report by financial watchdog Global financial Integrity ( GFI) had shown that money flowing out of the country had triple from 2000 to 2008.In 2000, the report stated that rm$67.7 billion had exited the country and eight years later the figure had escalated to a massive rm $208 billion.
According to the report ,' significant governance issues affecting both the public and and private sectors have been playing a key role in the cross-border transfer of illicit capital from the country'
The above comments by GFI clearly depicts a very sombre situation face by the country's financial system. But what is even odd and surprising is the dormant and incompetent state of our central bank manned by a supposedly illustrous Governor in the guise of Zeti.Surely over a period of eight years the magnitude of such money outflow from the country would not have escape the attention of Bank Negara. One can only conclude that such massive outflow was done with Bank Negara's knowledge and that at some point in time they were complicit in the transfer of the funds. Otherwise it would be impossible for the central bank not to notice the movement of such substantial cross-border transfer of funds.
You dont have to be an economist to conclude that any massive transfer of funds out of the country would weaken the host country's currency because the funds exiting the country would have to be converted to another currency where it is destined. A cursory study of currency fluctuation would immediately indicate that substantial outflows would be to U.K, Australia and Singapore. That perhaps explain the perpetual strength of the Sing , the pounds and Australian dollars.
The continuation of such illicit outflows will have a severe impact on Malaysian's economy. In the long run, precious capital needed for investment will be suffocated by the illicit transfer of capital to develop countries. The net result is that the country's currency will be weakened and it's economy will remain perpetually trapped in a cycle of gradual decline.
In a nut shell, our country is facing a defining moment where its present course could be disatrous. Outflows in 2008 of $208 billion is a huge sum in any monetary terms when you compare Penang merely attracted only $12.2 billion to top the destination with the most foreign direct investment in 2009.What is there to celeberate when our top state merely attracted $12.2 billion in foreign investment but lost $208 billion in illicit outflows in 2008.
Whatever reason proffered by Bank Negara's reason for the illicit outflow, one thing remain certain. It has failed dismally in its job of monitoring the illicit outflow. Otherwise why was such massive outflows not mentioned and strategy deviced to tackle the outflow? And why was revelation of such outflows published and widely mentioned by a foreign financial watch dog (GFI)when it should have been our own central Bank making the disclosures?.
Bank Negara has always being a very poorly managed Instituition. Not only has it failed its duty to be the local watchdog for our local banks but in its survellance of monetary mangement in our econmy it has failed dismally.
It would therefore not be a surprise if illicit transfer are allowed to continue unabated, Malaysia's financial structure would collapse in the not too distant future.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
1Malaysia 'NGO' re-emerges with goodies in hand
It doesnt matter whether the NGOs did it on their own accord or whether unseen hands are orchestrating the giving of free goodies, Malaysians must regard this stupifying act with revulsion.Simply translated the act of giving goodies in order to secure votes is nothing short of blatant corruption.Malaysians of every political divide should view such practice as nothing short of vote buying.
If they are really NGOs as claimed, then they should not be seen as canvassing for the people to vote for the govt. This act alone nullifies their status as NGOs and in reality are supporters of the B.N govt under the guise of NGOs to deceive the voters.
In any case whether they are NGOs or B.N supporters such acts of corruption to influence the by-election should be viewed by the Election commission with utmost concern
If they are really NGOs as claimed, then they should not be seen as canvassing for the people to vote for the govt. This act alone nullifies their status as NGOs and in reality are supporters of the B.N govt under the guise of NGOs to deceive the voters.
In any case whether they are NGOs or B.N supporters such acts of corruption to influence the by-election should be viewed by the Election commission with utmost concern
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Widow filed court application to have 2nd Post-mortem
Why is it necesary for the widow of M Krishknan to apply to the court to have another post-mortem to be conducted? The death in custody case of Krishnan certainly raised suspicions that he did not die of natural causes. And if he did die of natural causes then why is the police so hesitant in allowing for the autopsy to take place by another pathologists?
In view of the numerous cases of death in custody, there is always a strong suspicion that prisoners in remand are tortured and assaulted in order to extract information and confession. Therefore it is the inherent right of next of kin or relatives to seek a second opinion as to the properble cause of death. There has been precedent cases where the initial post-mortem did not reveal the actual cause of death. In Kugan case it was the second autopsy report which led to the policeman being charged with the homicide.
It is rather sad and inconceivable why bereaved family members have to resort to make court application in order to satisfy themselves that the deceased in police custody case did not die as a result of police brutality.
In view of the numerous cases of death in custody, there is always a strong suspicion that prisoners in remand are tortured and assaulted in order to extract information and confession. Therefore it is the inherent right of next of kin or relatives to seek a second opinion as to the properble cause of death. There has been precedent cases where the initial post-mortem did not reveal the actual cause of death. In Kugan case it was the second autopsy report which led to the policeman being charged with the homicide.
It is rather sad and inconceivable why bereaved family members have to resort to make court application in order to satisfy themselves that the deceased in police custody case did not die as a result of police brutality.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
B.N will Turn Malaysia into another Greece.
It is ironic that Najib should accused Pakatan of turning Malaysia into another Greece should they implement the 100 day reform plan.It is common knowledge that B.N's current management of the country's fiscal and monetary policies will only expedite it to be another Greece.
Billions were spent on wasteful acquisiton of defence equipment which were not compatible with our needs.Najib as Defence Minister acquired two submarines costing a few billion and another $500 million to his friend Razak Baginda for providing what was termed as coordinating services.It would be more accurate to call those payments as corrupt commission paid without rendering any service at all.
Then what about the countless negotiated tenders for toll concessinaires and the countless infrastructure projects whose price were deliberately inflated to give the UMNO cronies a guranteed profit. In each and every of those projects layers and layers of extra profits were added to ensure that every one connected to the minister had a profitable cut on the project. With such prevalent practice endemic in every govt department and ministries, it would only be a matter of time that the nation's financial structure would collapse.
Najib is wrong. B.N would bankrupt our nation if they are allowed to continue for another term. Pakatan on the other hand has provided proof through the Penang Govt that with good governance devoid of corruption and with full transparency in its tender of projects, alot of wastage and corruption can be eliminated . This would result in savings for the govt and in turn would increase the nation's coffers. Malaysians must excercise great caution in electing our next govt. The future of our children in the next generation will depend on the wise choice we make and failure is no longer an option because it could invite dire consequences for our nation.
Billions were spent on wasteful acquisiton of defence equipment which were not compatible with our needs.Najib as Defence Minister acquired two submarines costing a few billion and another $500 million to his friend Razak Baginda for providing what was termed as coordinating services.It would be more accurate to call those payments as corrupt commission paid without rendering any service at all.
Then what about the countless negotiated tenders for toll concessinaires and the countless infrastructure projects whose price were deliberately inflated to give the UMNO cronies a guranteed profit. In each and every of those projects layers and layers of extra profits were added to ensure that every one connected to the minister had a profitable cut on the project. With such prevalent practice endemic in every govt department and ministries, it would only be a matter of time that the nation's financial structure would collapse.
Najib is wrong. B.N would bankrupt our nation if they are allowed to continue for another term. Pakatan on the other hand has provided proof through the Penang Govt that with good governance devoid of corruption and with full transparency in its tender of projects, alot of wastage and corruption can be eliminated . This would result in savings for the govt and in turn would increase the nation's coffers. Malaysians must excercise great caution in electing our next govt. The future of our children in the next generation will depend on the wise choice we make and failure is no longer an option because it could invite dire consequences for our nation.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
I refer to Malaysiakini's article by Manjit Bhatia 'PKR's only policy is 'MAD' '.
Like most political pundits we have, sadly most of them including this writer does not know what is actually happening on the ground. As a result alot of garbage like this article is printed and dessiminated. To say that PKR is listing and and perhaps by implication that it is about to sink is exagerating the truth. PKR is as strong as never before. At the moment it is merely cleansing the party of those who joined to obtain power and position. After this cleansing period PKR will be stronger than ever before. Every Malaysians with abit of intelligence can see that Malaysia is on its way to destruction if we allow the present govt to remain in power.In fact it will be sheer madness to even allow it to continue for another term. The writer of this article doesnt seem to comprehend the dire consequences Malaysians are facing and to say that majority have abandoned PKR to go back to the devil is purely a figment of the writer's imagination without an iota of truth.
Like most political pundits we have, sadly most of them including this writer does not know what is actually happening on the ground. As a result alot of garbage like this article is printed and dessiminated. To say that PKR is listing and and perhaps by implication that it is about to sink is exagerating the truth. PKR is as strong as never before. At the moment it is merely cleansing the party of those who joined to obtain power and position. After this cleansing period PKR will be stronger than ever before. Every Malaysians with abit of intelligence can see that Malaysia is on its way to destruction if we allow the present govt to remain in power.In fact it will be sheer madness to even allow it to continue for another term. The writer of this article doesnt seem to comprehend the dire consequences Malaysians are facing and to say that majority have abandoned PKR to go back to the devil is purely a figment of the writer's imagination without an iota of truth.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Look in the mirror before taking swipes, Najib
I refer to the article where Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak called Pakatan coalition as being 'anti -national'.
It must come as a shock to those that support Pakatan Rakyat that the PM should construe those aligned to the opposition as 'evil' and 'traitors' to the nation.
Is he to implying that BN is the only legitimate party in this nation?
Let us not forget that BN has governed this nation for 53 years.
Instead of forging closer relations between various races, the present government of BN has caused the nation's races to be more divided than ever.
BN has compromised all our parliamentary institutions to the extent they are no longer competent, transparent and independent.
Najib criticised the PKR electoral voting system by saying that it is flawed. Before saying this, Najib should be aware that his election as the Umno president and subsequently as the PM of this country, was the result of an election executed by 2,000 class F contractors.
He therefore cannot bask in his own glory that his election was done in a perfect and transparent manner.
He later went on to criticise PKR for practising nepotism. He should be circumspect on criticising PKR on this. Did he win the Pekan parliamentary seat on his own ability or was it due to his father's influence? What about his cousin Hishammuddin? Did he not win because of his father's position as a former PM?
Both of them would not be what they are today if not because of nepotism. To date, neither has shown any exemplary qualities to merit being in the position they are in. Based on merit, there are countless other candidates who more worthy than them.
So please be grateful rather than pointing fingers at others.
Najib seems to imply that only BN has the legitimate right claim to Putrajaya, and that all others who aspire to Putrajaya are evil and anti-national.
But he should not forget that it is not his own decision that will determine his reign in Putrajaya.
Only the ones who are given mandate by the people will be given the legitimacy to Putrajaya, and the people will only vote after gauging the performance of these politicians.
His words echo that of a person, and an administration that is desperate to cling to power at all costs.
It must come as a shock to those that support Pakatan Rakyat that the PM should construe those aligned to the opposition as 'evil' and 'traitors' to the nation.
Is he to implying that BN is the only legitimate party in this nation?
Let us not forget that BN has governed this nation for 53 years.
Instead of forging closer relations between various races, the present government of BN has caused the nation's races to be more divided than ever.
BN has compromised all our parliamentary institutions to the extent they are no longer competent, transparent and independent.
Najib criticised the PKR electoral voting system by saying that it is flawed. Before saying this, Najib should be aware that his election as the Umno president and subsequently as the PM of this country, was the result of an election executed by 2,000 class F contractors.
He therefore cannot bask in his own glory that his election was done in a perfect and transparent manner.
He later went on to criticise PKR for practising nepotism. He should be circumspect on criticising PKR on this. Did he win the Pekan parliamentary seat on his own ability or was it due to his father's influence? What about his cousin Hishammuddin? Did he not win because of his father's position as a former PM?
Both of them would not be what they are today if not because of nepotism. To date, neither has shown any exemplary qualities to merit being in the position they are in. Based on merit, there are countless other candidates who more worthy than them.
So please be grateful rather than pointing fingers at others.
Najib seems to imply that only BN has the legitimate right claim to Putrajaya, and that all others who aspire to Putrajaya are evil and anti-national.
But he should not forget that it is not his own decision that will determine his reign in Putrajaya.
Only the ones who are given mandate by the people will be given the legitimacy to Putrajaya, and the people will only vote after gauging the performance of these politicians.
His words echo that of a person, and an administration that is desperate to cling to power at all costs.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Singapoe's Economy bigger than Malaysia's by the end of the Year.
Its bewildering to now find that Singapore's economy will surpass Malaysia's by the end of the year.The red dot has finally exceeded the expectations of most pundits in Malaysia and Indonesia who viewed the tiny nation with disdain whenever there are any dispute.
According to the world Bank report, Malaysia is 478 times the size of Singapore and its population ,at 27 million is much larger than the tiny neighbour's 4.8 million.
According to the world bank report,Singapore's economy will show in GDP terms of U.S$210billion -$251 billion ($651 billion -$780 billion)based on last year Parity (PPP) while Malaysia's at at $205 billion ($637 billion)) (PPP last yearU.S $383 billion)or rm$1191 billion) will be smaller by rm$5 billion. Singapore's GDP last year based on the official exchange rate was U.S$171.1 billion while Malaysia's was U.S$191.5 billion.
As for the future, it is expected the gap will continue to widen in favour of Singapore and the prospect looks bleak that Malaysia will ever catch up.In 2009, Singapore's GDP per capita was U.S$36,537(up from U.S $512 in 1965) compared with Malaysia's U.S$6,975 (U.S$335 in 1965 ).In the last decade, Malaysia's growth rate fell to an abysmal low of 4.7% while Singapore exceeded its targetted rate of 7.2% in the 1990s.
The emergence of Singapore as an economic power is partly attributed to the presence of 400,000 Malaysians including 150,000 who comutes daily to the republic.This list also includes about 386,000 Malaysians who have become permanent residents or citizens.
According to the world Bank report, Malaysia is 478 times the size of Singapore and its population ,at 27 million is much larger than the tiny neighbour's 4.8 million.
According to the world bank report,Singapore's economy will show in GDP terms of U.S$210billion -$251 billion ($651 billion -$780 billion)based on last year Parity (PPP) while Malaysia's at at $205 billion ($637 billion)) (PPP last yearU.S $383 billion)or rm$1191 billion) will be smaller by rm$5 billion. Singapore's GDP last year based on the official exchange rate was U.S$171.1 billion while Malaysia's was U.S$191.5 billion.
As for the future, it is expected the gap will continue to widen in favour of Singapore and the prospect looks bleak that Malaysia will ever catch up.In 2009, Singapore's GDP per capita was U.S$36,537(up from U.S $512 in 1965) compared with Malaysia's U.S$6,975 (U.S$335 in 1965 ).In the last decade, Malaysia's growth rate fell to an abysmal low of 4.7% while Singapore exceeded its targetted rate of 7.2% in the 1990s.
The emergence of Singapore as an economic power is partly attributed to the presence of 400,000 Malaysians including 150,000 who comutes daily to the republic.This list also includes about 386,000 Malaysians who have become permanent residents or citizens.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Prediction for Galas and Batu Sapi
My analyst of the result of the two by-elections is that B.n will win both election with a handsome majority. With resources and the various carrot dangling in front of voters I simply cannot see how the opposition can win in either of the by-election. So many goodies in kind and cash have been given to the voters in the two constituencies that voters will defintely feel obliged to vote for B.N.
If it was an urban electorate then offering of goodies may not influence the voting trends but here we are talking about Galas, a rural enclave of aborigines and malay settlement with a sprinkling of rural chinese township.In Batu Sapi, Musa Aman has used his resources to influence the rural malay votes and majority of the 65% muslim votes will certainly go for B.N.
From my observation,it is almost a certainty that B.N will win both bye-elections with a handsome majority.
If it was an urban electorate then offering of goodies may not influence the voting trends but here we are talking about Galas, a rural enclave of aborigines and malay settlement with a sprinkling of rural chinese township.In Batu Sapi, Musa Aman has used his resources to influence the rural malay votes and majority of the 65% muslim votes will certainly go for B.N.
From my observation,it is almost a certainty that B.N will win both bye-elections with a handsome majority.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Malaysia should only be Led by the Best
It was Mao tse Tong who made the famous saying that " I dont care whether the cat is black or white as long as it catches the mice'
.
Indeed this wise saying has found truth in India where today led by Prime Minister Mamohan Singh , a sikh, he has brought India to be an economic power when once it was considered the 'sick man of Asia'. Yes, India with its majority indians has found that it doesnt really matter that the cat is a sikh as long as he could bring India to heights of prosperity never experienced before in this populous nation of a few billion.
The most glowing example of course would be the current american President , Barack Obama, an American of kenyan descent.Why did majority white Americans choose a black American to be their President?Naturally it is the same principle that it happens the black cat was the one that was most apt to catch the mice.
Let us now examine the situation in Malaysia .Why do we keep choosing a cat that doesnt seems to be able to catch the mice?For 52 years we seem to have the same colour cat that enriches himself and his cronies and continually imposing racist policy so that they could continue to pillage the nation's coffers.
Once upon a time the White south African govt also perpetuated what was termed the 'apartheid ' policy which segregated and discriminated the race on the basis of their colour and race.The legality of that practice was also enshrined in their constitution. But the question is whether just because it is embodied in the constitution the racist and discriminatory clause should be there for posterity? Of course not because when the White regime was subsequently overthrown it also saw the end of the 'apartheid policy'.
In our Malaysian context, there is no doubt that article 153 of the federal constitution is both racist and discriminatory.That article was formulated almost half a century ago.It is beyond justifiable reason that article 153 should continue to exist in the constitution when its primary purpose is to discriminate against its own citizens?Our present constitution could probably be the only constitution in the world where its provision condone govt discrimination of its citizens. And it is indeed shameful that our leaders even deem it fit to continuosly harped on their rights and that the constitution enshrined that right specifically only to their own race to the exclusion of the other race who are also citizens of this country.
To suggest that because they were the earlier inhabitants of the country gives them that unalienable right to be more equitable then those that came subsequently is akin to saying that barack Obama and all the rest of the white Americans have lesser rights to Chief sitting Bull and his descendants. Like wise it is also akin to saying that the Australian aboriginies and the New Zealand Maoris have certain constitutional rights than their white counterparts who were all once upon a time mere immigrants .
Malyasians must come to the realisation that our country can only prosper if we have the right and best person to lead our nation.We cannot continue to be parochial and cloud our vision with prejudices of race and religion.
Frankly I dont give a damn whether the cat is black or white as long as it catches the mice.
.
Indeed this wise saying has found truth in India where today led by Prime Minister Mamohan Singh , a sikh, he has brought India to be an economic power when once it was considered the 'sick man of Asia'. Yes, India with its majority indians has found that it doesnt really matter that the cat is a sikh as long as he could bring India to heights of prosperity never experienced before in this populous nation of a few billion.
The most glowing example of course would be the current american President , Barack Obama, an American of kenyan descent.Why did majority white Americans choose a black American to be their President?Naturally it is the same principle that it happens the black cat was the one that was most apt to catch the mice.
Let us now examine the situation in Malaysia .Why do we keep choosing a cat that doesnt seems to be able to catch the mice?For 52 years we seem to have the same colour cat that enriches himself and his cronies and continually imposing racist policy so that they could continue to pillage the nation's coffers.
Once upon a time the White south African govt also perpetuated what was termed the 'apartheid ' policy which segregated and discriminated the race on the basis of their colour and race.The legality of that practice was also enshrined in their constitution. But the question is whether just because it is embodied in the constitution the racist and discriminatory clause should be there for posterity? Of course not because when the White regime was subsequently overthrown it also saw the end of the 'apartheid policy'.
In our Malaysian context, there is no doubt that article 153 of the federal constitution is both racist and discriminatory.That article was formulated almost half a century ago.It is beyond justifiable reason that article 153 should continue to exist in the constitution when its primary purpose is to discriminate against its own citizens?Our present constitution could probably be the only constitution in the world where its provision condone govt discrimination of its citizens. And it is indeed shameful that our leaders even deem it fit to continuosly harped on their rights and that the constitution enshrined that right specifically only to their own race to the exclusion of the other race who are also citizens of this country.
To suggest that because they were the earlier inhabitants of the country gives them that unalienable right to be more equitable then those that came subsequently is akin to saying that barack Obama and all the rest of the white Americans have lesser rights to Chief sitting Bull and his descendants. Like wise it is also akin to saying that the Australian aboriginies and the New Zealand Maoris have certain constitutional rights than their white counterparts who were all once upon a time mere immigrants .
Malyasians must come to the realisation that our country can only prosper if we have the right and best person to lead our nation.We cannot continue to be parochial and cloud our vision with prejudices of race and religion.
Frankly I dont give a damn whether the cat is black or white as long as it catches the mice.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Why zaid must be elected as PKR's no 2
There is a general euphoria that the next general election will be a momentous milestone for the opposition Pakatan Rakyat parties. Any one who has his or her pulse on the nation's heartbeat will surely know that Putrajaya is within sight of the opposition's grasp.
Only anything short of a miracle will prevent the opposition from taking power and control of Putrajaya and the inevitable decimation of the once mighty BN machinery. But like the glorious days of Rome before it collapsed under Nero the Mad Emperor, the next General election will witness the demise of the BN coalition.
The ushering in of a new era of governance by a previously untested entity certainly requires a lot of soul-searching. From the way the second sodomy trial of de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has been progressing, it is fait accompli that the government is hell bent on incarcerating the opposition leader before the 13th general election. That, of course, will be a fatal mistake of the BN government.
But taking out Anwar from the equation of being able to lead Pakatan after the capture of Putrajaya simply means some one has to fill the vacuum left by the departure of the de facto leader.
That explains why the person who fills in the position of deputy president of PKR is of vital importance because that person could, in most probability, become the next prime minister of our country.
Zaid has proved his mettle. He relinquished his ministerial post from the government on a matter of principle. His vision and articulations on national issues resonate with people of different race and religion.
On issues of vital importance he was not afraid to be vocal and candid. That is a mark of a great leader To deprive this man of serving this nation is not only a loss to PKR but a catastrophic loss to the nation at a time when our nation is in dire shortage of charismatic leaders.
I do not wish to disparage his opponent's ability to be a deputy president and I do not wish to undermine his ability to lead the nation if there are calls to do so. Azmin Ali's loyalty to Anwar and the party is without question. He is young and has tremendous energy to garner support from the grassroots but when it comes to articulation of national issues I cannot remember a single occasion when he has made a stand.
A leader who lacks the ability to articulate important issues publicly cannot be expected to lead. A person without vision cannot lead a nation because of his impairment to discern the path and route he has to take.
As a concerned citizen of this country, I humbly appeal to those who are empowered to elect the next deputy president of PKR to make your choice wisely because your choice could possibly determine the next elected prime minister of our country.
Only anything short of a miracle will prevent the opposition from taking power and control of Putrajaya and the inevitable decimation of the once mighty BN machinery. But like the glorious days of Rome before it collapsed under Nero the Mad Emperor, the next General election will witness the demise of the BN coalition.
The ushering in of a new era of governance by a previously untested entity certainly requires a lot of soul-searching. From the way the second sodomy trial of de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has been progressing, it is fait accompli that the government is hell bent on incarcerating the opposition leader before the 13th general election. That, of course, will be a fatal mistake of the BN government.
But taking out Anwar from the equation of being able to lead Pakatan after the capture of Putrajaya simply means some one has to fill the vacuum left by the departure of the de facto leader.
That explains why the person who fills in the position of deputy president of PKR is of vital importance because that person could, in most probability, become the next prime minister of our country.
Zaid has proved his mettle. He relinquished his ministerial post from the government on a matter of principle. His vision and articulations on national issues resonate with people of different race and religion.
On issues of vital importance he was not afraid to be vocal and candid. That is a mark of a great leader To deprive this man of serving this nation is not only a loss to PKR but a catastrophic loss to the nation at a time when our nation is in dire shortage of charismatic leaders.
I do not wish to disparage his opponent's ability to be a deputy president and I do not wish to undermine his ability to lead the nation if there are calls to do so. Azmin Ali's loyalty to Anwar and the party is without question. He is young and has tremendous energy to garner support from the grassroots but when it comes to articulation of national issues I cannot remember a single occasion when he has made a stand.
A leader who lacks the ability to articulate important issues publicly cannot be expected to lead. A person without vision cannot lead a nation because of his impairment to discern the path and route he has to take.
As a concerned citizen of this country, I humbly appeal to those who are empowered to elect the next deputy president of PKR to make your choice wisely because your choice could possibly determine the next elected prime minister of our country.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Malaysia Needs a kemal Ataturk
It is most gratifying to read professor Dr. Mohamad Tajuddin article entitled 'non-muslims in mosques:the prophet's practice' in Malaysiakini.
Gratifying because there are still good malay muslim religious scholars who are prepared to defend the gentle face of Islam despite the vehement onslaught of some islamist muftis who virtually crucified Y.B Teo Nie Ching for being present in a mosques.
How did Harussani the controversial Perak Mufti concluded that Teo's presence in the mosques was haram in accordance with islamic precepts? If a Mufti cannot even give the correct interpretation of a religious norm then its about time we start questioning his credential of his position as a mufti.
I salute Prof. Mohamad brave stand on this issue because he went on further to rebuke some malays by saying that ' my fellow muslims who are malays would stoop so low to policising Islam in this manner that put all muslims in a bad light'
Instead of showing leadership at a time when partisan poltics should be discarded in search for the truth, our leaders have joined in the fray to criticise Teo's presence in the mosques in order to use Islam for their political mileage. This only portrays the quality of leadership( we have) who would not hesitate to exact and compromise on their principles in order to obtain support from the malay community nothwithstanding whether the religious interpretation was correct or not.
What Malaysia needs today is someone in the mould of the great turkish statesman, Mustafa kemal Ataturk. He was a revolutionary statesman, writer and founder of the Republic of Turkey as well as its first President.(wikipedia).His transformation of the Ottoman empire was awe inspiring and till today after almost a century his legacy is still fiercely protected by the military. What distingush his transformation from many other muslim countries was his radical departure of ensuring that ' Islamic Law was clearly separated from the secular law of the nation and confined to its religious domain'
Can Malaysia and its leaders follow in the foot steps of this great muslim statesman:?The lack of charasmatic leaders in our midst sadly depicts our nation's fraility in any such transformatiom.
Instead, we have leaders who are unprincipled and dishonourable men who don the robes of piousness and give religious interpretations merely to suit their own political agendas.
It is thus fitting to quote Prof. Mohamad's words that 'islam is being racialised or 'melayunized' to rally support for private agendas of political leaders with questionable repute". Those words, I believe were spoken sincerely by a good muslim without fear or favour.
Gratifying because there are still good malay muslim religious scholars who are prepared to defend the gentle face of Islam despite the vehement onslaught of some islamist muftis who virtually crucified Y.B Teo Nie Ching for being present in a mosques.
How did Harussani the controversial Perak Mufti concluded that Teo's presence in the mosques was haram in accordance with islamic precepts? If a Mufti cannot even give the correct interpretation of a religious norm then its about time we start questioning his credential of his position as a mufti.
I salute Prof. Mohamad brave stand on this issue because he went on further to rebuke some malays by saying that ' my fellow muslims who are malays would stoop so low to policising Islam in this manner that put all muslims in a bad light'
Instead of showing leadership at a time when partisan poltics should be discarded in search for the truth, our leaders have joined in the fray to criticise Teo's presence in the mosques in order to use Islam for their political mileage. This only portrays the quality of leadership( we have) who would not hesitate to exact and compromise on their principles in order to obtain support from the malay community nothwithstanding whether the religious interpretation was correct or not.
What Malaysia needs today is someone in the mould of the great turkish statesman, Mustafa kemal Ataturk. He was a revolutionary statesman, writer and founder of the Republic of Turkey as well as its first President.(wikipedia).His transformation of the Ottoman empire was awe inspiring and till today after almost a century his legacy is still fiercely protected by the military. What distingush his transformation from many other muslim countries was his radical departure of ensuring that ' Islamic Law was clearly separated from the secular law of the nation and confined to its religious domain'
Can Malaysia and its leaders follow in the foot steps of this great muslim statesman:?The lack of charasmatic leaders in our midst sadly depicts our nation's fraility in any such transformatiom.
Instead, we have leaders who are unprincipled and dishonourable men who don the robes of piousness and give religious interpretations merely to suit their own political agendas.
It is thus fitting to quote Prof. Mohamad's words that 'islam is being racialised or 'melayunized' to rally support for private agendas of political leaders with questionable repute". Those words, I believe were spoken sincerely by a good muslim without fear or favour.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Thursday, September 02, 2010
EPF To Invest $4.88 billion in U.k properties
How could the govt in general and the finance ministry in particular allow the $4.88 billion of Malaysian funds from the EPF coffers be allowed to be invested in U.K properties at the time when FDIs are at a record low and the flght of local funds have contributed to a slowdown in our economic growth.?
It seems so contradictory that at a time when the govt is trying its level best to attract foreign investment in the country, it has by the same insane act allowed the flight of $4.88 billion of the country's wealth. We are not talking about private investment which the govt may not have any control over its decision to invest abroad but here is EPF funds which are directly under the finance ministry control exiting a substantial amount of money to be invested abroad. Needless to say such a phenomenal sum could easily be a stimulus package to help the U.K economy but the question is why was it not invested in Malaysian properties so that it will help to provide a stimulus to our own property market?
Any investment of public funds abroad should be viewed with utmost suspicions.Away from the glare of public local watch dogs, oversea investments have a tendency to mire in losses caused by dishonest schemes and dubious deals. It is not uncommon for most of these investments to end up in substantial losses.
Maybe it is not to late to reverse the EPF decision to invest abroad and to instead direct its investment locally. Failure to do this could predictably caused the EPF to lose a substantial amount of employees funds caused by the fiasco of a failed oversea investment.
It seems so contradictory that at a time when the govt is trying its level best to attract foreign investment in the country, it has by the same insane act allowed the flight of $4.88 billion of the country's wealth. We are not talking about private investment which the govt may not have any control over its decision to invest abroad but here is EPF funds which are directly under the finance ministry control exiting a substantial amount of money to be invested abroad. Needless to say such a phenomenal sum could easily be a stimulus package to help the U.K economy but the question is why was it not invested in Malaysian properties so that it will help to provide a stimulus to our own property market?
Any investment of public funds abroad should be viewed with utmost suspicions.Away from the glare of public local watch dogs, oversea investments have a tendency to mire in losses caused by dishonest schemes and dubious deals. It is not uncommon for most of these investments to end up in substantial losses.
Maybe it is not to late to reverse the EPF decision to invest abroad and to instead direct its investment locally. Failure to do this could predictably caused the EPF to lose a substantial amount of employees funds caused by the fiasco of a failed oversea investment.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
UMNO's Strategy to destabilise Pakataan Penang
Which is more serious? A school prinicipal making a blatant racial derogatory statement which was made in a public assembly or a mosque sermon made by a iman beseeching God to convert Lim GuanEng to be a muslim?
Yet in the eyes of the police which immediately formed a special team to investigate the mosque sermon allegations , a iman making a plea to God to effect a divine intervention to convert Lim Guan Eng was more of a serious offence.Hardly a single day after Penang UMNO chief Hamidi made the allegations, hell broke loose. Even the P.M commented that the police should investigate the matter.
At the same time it took almost one week for the DPM ,Muhyiddin to suggest the formation of a task force to investigate whether indeed the Principal of the school did make a derogatory statement .Why do we need a task force when the principal made the racial slur in front of an audience of a few hundred and subsequently tried to make restitution by making an apology to all the students.in the schools?.All the DPM had to confirm the allegations was to seek verification from the teachers who were present in the assembly to find out the truth. Once again the DPM has been found to be incompetent and once again this is confirmation that he is not equip to be our next P.M.
Once again we can see UMNO's attempt to destabilise the Pakatan Rakyat 's govt of Penang but ironically its attempt this time has alienated the very people it seek to win support. The malays in Penang has now come to the realisation that a non -malay Chief Minister can act fairly towards the malay community and that they do not have to rely on UMNO to be their sole protector of their race and religion..
In its first term , the Pakatan govt has given more funds for mosques and religious schools than the previous administration had ever given to the muslim community.. Although public tenders were made for state govt contracts, more bumi contractors were able to secure more contracts on a competitive basis. This process eliminated commision for middleman politicians and was thus a savings for the contractors and the govt.
Ultimately, UMNO must realised the futility in its efforts to destablise the Pakatan Rakyat states. It must come to its senses that the people will not allow or tolerate cosmetic changes.Its only option is to effect total changes in its governance or face total oblivion in the next election.
Yet in the eyes of the police which immediately formed a special team to investigate the mosque sermon allegations , a iman making a plea to God to effect a divine intervention to convert Lim Guan Eng was more of a serious offence.Hardly a single day after Penang UMNO chief Hamidi made the allegations, hell broke loose. Even the P.M commented that the police should investigate the matter.
At the same time it took almost one week for the DPM ,Muhyiddin to suggest the formation of a task force to investigate whether indeed the Principal of the school did make a derogatory statement .Why do we need a task force when the principal made the racial slur in front of an audience of a few hundred and subsequently tried to make restitution by making an apology to all the students.in the schools?.All the DPM had to confirm the allegations was to seek verification from the teachers who were present in the assembly to find out the truth. Once again the DPM has been found to be incompetent and once again this is confirmation that he is not equip to be our next P.M.
Once again we can see UMNO's attempt to destabilise the Pakatan Rakyat 's govt of Penang but ironically its attempt this time has alienated the very people it seek to win support. The malays in Penang has now come to the realisation that a non -malay Chief Minister can act fairly towards the malay community and that they do not have to rely on UMNO to be their sole protector of their race and religion..
In its first term , the Pakatan govt has given more funds for mosques and religious schools than the previous administration had ever given to the muslim community.. Although public tenders were made for state govt contracts, more bumi contractors were able to secure more contracts on a competitive basis. This process eliminated commision for middleman politicians and was thus a savings for the contractors and the govt.
Ultimately, UMNO must realised the futility in its efforts to destablise the Pakatan Rakyat states. It must come to its senses that the people will not allow or tolerate cosmetic changes.Its only option is to effect total changes in its governance or face total oblivion in the next election.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Scholarshps should only be given based on merit.
I am perplexed that Malay Consultative council (MPM) comittee member, Professor Kamarudin Kachar could even come out with a suggestion that PSD scholarship should be given out on the basis of racial quotas. How ridiculous it is of him to suggest that meritocracy should not be the sole criteria in determining the award of scholarships and that instead it should be given 67% of all scholarships based on the country's racial ratio.
One could easily forgive the statement if it had come from an ordinary person with very little education but to come from some one who is a Professor and supposedly a personage of high academic excellence only serves to reflect the quality and character of our academicians who had perhaps for a long time benfitted from a racial quota system based mainly on race rather than merit.
Because of this flawed method of allocating scholarships to undeserving students based on racial quotas our standard of tertiary education has degenerated to a sub-standard level. Students graduating from such a flawed system are unemployable and in the long run is a burden to society.
Tertiary education cannot be considered as a right that must be freely given on the basis of race but in this age of globalisation, scholarships should only be given strictly on the basis of merit and nothing else. Scholarships cannot be viewed as a charitable gesture given merely to appease pro malay agenda. The ramification of simply giving scholarships other than based on the criteria of merit will create a pool of graduates which are substandard and unemployable.In the long run this pool of undergraduates will only be a burden to society and to the country.
It is inconceivable that a person of Professor Kamarudin Kachar background should opine that racial quotas should form the basis of selecting candidates for scholarships.Professor Kamarudin certainly must have profited from such a selection process and that explains his earnest endeavour to propagate the racial quotas selection meth
One could easily forgive the statement if it had come from an ordinary person with very little education but to come from some one who is a Professor and supposedly a personage of high academic excellence only serves to reflect the quality and character of our academicians who had perhaps for a long time benfitted from a racial quota system based mainly on race rather than merit.
Because of this flawed method of allocating scholarships to undeserving students based on racial quotas our standard of tertiary education has degenerated to a sub-standard level. Students graduating from such a flawed system are unemployable and in the long run is a burden to society.
Tertiary education cannot be considered as a right that must be freely given on the basis of race but in this age of globalisation, scholarships should only be given strictly on the basis of merit and nothing else. Scholarships cannot be viewed as a charitable gesture given merely to appease pro malay agenda. The ramification of simply giving scholarships other than based on the criteria of merit will create a pool of graduates which are substandard and unemployable.In the long run this pool of undergraduates will only be a burden to society and to the country.
It is inconceivable that a person of Professor Kamarudin Kachar background should opine that racial quotas should form the basis of selecting candidates for scholarships.Professor Kamarudin certainly must have profited from such a selection process and that explains his earnest endeavour to propagate the racial quotas selection meth
Saturday, July 17, 2010
MCA's great service will be disolving itself.
Chua Soi Lek as President Of MCA will be doing a great service to the chinese community if he disband the MCA party and donate the $2 billion in assets of the party to a foundation that will help the chinese community in the development of chinese schools and scholarships for worthy and needy students.
MCA as it is will not survive the next election and most likely will see its demise as a chinese political party purportedly representing the chinese community. The truth of the matter which is obvious to every one except MCA leaders who are enjoying ministerial status and other perks offerred to MCA apointees is that MCA has long ago lost its mass appeal to the chinese community. MCA leaders must accepts the current reality that it no longer can claim to speak on behlaf of the chinese community..The fact that it can even elect a tainted person involved in pornogaphy to be their President speaks volume as to how it has degenerated as aparty that lacks moral but also display a lack of charismatic leadership to lead the party from its present crisis.
MCA has evovlved itself in the same mould as UMNO. Its members are in the party not for the community but more for their own personal interest.Therefore its not surprising for Chua Soi Lek to appoint his own son to be the Deputy Minister in the cabinet when there are countless other more suitable candidates who could easily excel over his son.The practice of course is not only confine to MCA. MIC has Vel Pari, Gerakan has Lim Keng Yaik's son, and in Sarawak Mahmud Taib's son, Sulaiman Taib. The whole gamut of nepotism in political apointees is quite endemic in B.N's circle.
As the saying goes that you can fool some people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time . Yes B.N and their coterie of members have been fooling the people for the best part of 50 years and alas the majority of the people have now realised the motives of these so called leaders who have put their self interest ahead of public interest.
No matter how MCA may want to repackage themselves in order to win over the chinese support, the sad undeniable truth is that it is too late for any remedy to be effective. MCA is a lost cause and it would be doing the chinese community a great favour if it dissolves iteslf and use the funds it has accumulated to help the community in other ways. MCA is no longer relevant to the chinese cause and its only possible way to survive is to continue to hang on to the coat tail of UMNO's malay support in the constituency it is contesting.
MCA as it is will not survive the next election and most likely will see its demise as a chinese political party purportedly representing the chinese community. The truth of the matter which is obvious to every one except MCA leaders who are enjoying ministerial status and other perks offerred to MCA apointees is that MCA has long ago lost its mass appeal to the chinese community. MCA leaders must accepts the current reality that it no longer can claim to speak on behlaf of the chinese community..The fact that it can even elect a tainted person involved in pornogaphy to be their President speaks volume as to how it has degenerated as aparty that lacks moral but also display a lack of charismatic leadership to lead the party from its present crisis.
MCA has evovlved itself in the same mould as UMNO. Its members are in the party not for the community but more for their own personal interest.Therefore its not surprising for Chua Soi Lek to appoint his own son to be the Deputy Minister in the cabinet when there are countless other more suitable candidates who could easily excel over his son.The practice of course is not only confine to MCA. MIC has Vel Pari, Gerakan has Lim Keng Yaik's son, and in Sarawak Mahmud Taib's son, Sulaiman Taib. The whole gamut of nepotism in political apointees is quite endemic in B.N's circle.
As the saying goes that you can fool some people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time . Yes B.N and their coterie of members have been fooling the people for the best part of 50 years and alas the majority of the people have now realised the motives of these so called leaders who have put their self interest ahead of public interest.
No matter how MCA may want to repackage themselves in order to win over the chinese support, the sad undeniable truth is that it is too late for any remedy to be effective. MCA is a lost cause and it would be doing the chinese community a great favour if it dissolves iteslf and use the funds it has accumulated to help the community in other ways. MCA is no longer relevant to the chinese cause and its only possible way to survive is to continue to hang on to the coat tail of UMNO's malay support in the constituency it is contesting.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
What is A.P?
BLAME THIS ON MAMAK MAHATHIR
What is AP?
An ad in UK says:
Toyota Estima Emina 2.4 Latest Edition.
5 Doors, Automatic, MPV, Petrol, 49,000 miles, Pearl White, 02 Reg year 2002, Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Braking System, Central Locking, Compact Disc Player, 8 Seats, Electric Mirrors, Electric Windows, Adjustable Seat Height, Adjustable Steering Column, Air Bag, Alarm,
£8,595
This car will sell for RM160,000 in KL.
But £1 = RM4.794
£8,595 = RM41,204.
So cheap? Cannot be!
OK. The pound took a dip. Let's use the old old rate of £1= RM7
Then £8,595 = RM60,165
So cheap? Really? Why are we Malaysians paying
RM160,000?
The costing is:
Vehicle CIF ── RM60,000
Duty.Taxes/profit ── RM60,000
The other RM40,000 ? Goes to the notorious AP.
If I sell 1 AP per month, my income is higher than the monthly salary of a CEO of a listed company. More than 1.5 times the annual salary of a fresh graduate.
If I sell 2 APs per month, I am a millionaire by definition: million dollar income.
Why you stupid people want to go to U, struggle for 3-4 years, and get paid less than what He makes with 1-AP?
Now I know why AP extended again and again, and again...
Monday, July 12, 2010
MCA should Disband or be Prepared for its Demise.
Chua Soi Lek as President Of MCA will be doing a great service to the chinese community if he disband the MCA party and donate the $2 billion in assets of the party to a foundation that will help the chinese community in the development of chinese schools and scholarships for worthy and needy students.
MCA as it is will not survive the next election and most likely will see its demise as a chinese political party purportedly representing the chinese community. The truth of the matter which is obvious to every one except MCA leaders who are enjoying ministerial status and other perks offerred to MCA apointees is that MCA has long ago lost its mass appeal to the chinese community. MCA leaders must accepts the current reality that it no longer can claim to speak on behlaf of the chinese community..The fact that it can even elect a tainted person involved in pornogaphy to be their President speaks volume as to how it has degenerated as aparty that lacks moral but also display a lack of charismatic leadership to lead the party from its present crisis.
MCA has evovlved itself in the same mould as UMNO. Its members are in the party not for the community but more for their own personal interest.Therefore its not surprising for Chua Soi Lek to appoint his own son to be the Deputy Minister in the cabinet when there are countless other more suitable candidates who could easily excel over his son.The practice of course is not only confine to MCA. MIC has Vel Pari, Gerakan has Lim Keng Yaik's son, and in Sarawak Mahmud Taib's son, Sulaiman Taib. The whole gamut of nepotism in political apointees is quite endemic in B.N's circle.
As the saying goes that you can fool some people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time . Yes B.N and their coterie of members have been fooling the people for the best part of 50 years and alas the majority of the people have now realised the motives of these so called leaders who have put their self interest ahead of public interest.
No matter how MCA may want to repackage themselves in order to win over the chinese support, the sad undeniable truth is that it is too late for any remedy to be effective. MCA is a lost cause and it would be doing the chinese community a great favour if it dissolves iteslf and use the funds it has accumulated to help the community in other ways. MCA is no longer relevant to the chinese cause and its only possible way to survive is to continue to hang on to the coat tail of UMNO's malay support in the constituency it is contesting.
MCA as it is will not survive the next election and most likely will see its demise as a chinese political party purportedly representing the chinese community. The truth of the matter which is obvious to every one except MCA leaders who are enjoying ministerial status and other perks offerred to MCA apointees is that MCA has long ago lost its mass appeal to the chinese community. MCA leaders must accepts the current reality that it no longer can claim to speak on behlaf of the chinese community..The fact that it can even elect a tainted person involved in pornogaphy to be their President speaks volume as to how it has degenerated as aparty that lacks moral but also display a lack of charismatic leadership to lead the party from its present crisis.
MCA has evovlved itself in the same mould as UMNO. Its members are in the party not for the community but more for their own personal interest.Therefore its not surprising for Chua Soi Lek to appoint his own son to be the Deputy Minister in the cabinet when there are countless other more suitable candidates who could easily excel over his son.The practice of course is not only confine to MCA. MIC has Vel Pari, Gerakan has Lim Keng Yaik's son, and in Sarawak Mahmud Taib's son, Sulaiman Taib. The whole gamut of nepotism in political apointees is quite endemic in B.N's circle.
As the saying goes that you can fool some people some of the time but you cannot fool all the people all the time . Yes B.N and their coterie of members have been fooling the people for the best part of 50 years and alas the majority of the people have now realised the motives of these so called leaders who have put their self interest ahead of public interest.
No matter how MCA may want to repackage themselves in order to win over the chinese support, the sad undeniable truth is that it is too late for any remedy to be effective. MCA is a lost cause and it would be doing the chinese community a great favour if it dissolves iteslf and use the funds it has accumulated to help the community in other ways. MCA is no longer relevant to the chinese cause and its only possible way to survive is to continue to hang on to the coat tail of UMNO's malay support in the constituency it is contesting.
Why cant Malays unite under PKR
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin recently reminded Malays that they have to remain united or face losing political power. But why is it necessary for Malays to remain united under Umno? Can't the Malays be united under PKR?
For 52 years, the Malays have placed their trust in Umno and this party have betrayed the trust bestowed upon them. The majority of the rural poor have remained poor and left out of the economic development while the small minority of Umno cronies has prospered with lucrative contracts and other government licences.
So why should the Malays remain united under Umno as hinted by the DPM when there is a prospect of Malays remaining united under the new banner of PKR?
DPM and Umno are synonymous. They want to remain in power so that they can continue to pillage the nation's coffers. On the one hand they warned Malaysians to do away with subsidies because the country was going bankrupt and on the hand they gave extra allocations of RM500,000 each to their MPs under the pretext they have a lot of money in the government coffers.
As if that was not enough of a contradiction, they then went on a spending spree of purchasing defence equipment to a tune of a few billion ringgit and even speculated that they could have spent another RM800 million building a new Parliament building.
The only explanation is that after 52 years, BN in general and Umno in particular have not changed their way of doing things. They are still mired in their old ways of plotting and scheming to have their hands in every pie so that they can enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of the rakyat's interest.
There is now a genuine fear amongst Umno's inner circle that their time at Putrajaya is almost up. There is a distinct and realistic expectation that they will be driven from office after the next general election.
And that could possibly explain the earnest compulsion to extract whatever they can from the country's coffers before they make their departure. Perhaps it would be even more appropriate to liken it to a last 'hooray'.
For 52 years, the Malays have placed their trust in Umno and this party have betrayed the trust bestowed upon them. The majority of the rural poor have remained poor and left out of the economic development while the small minority of Umno cronies has prospered with lucrative contracts and other government licences.
So why should the Malays remain united under Umno as hinted by the DPM when there is a prospect of Malays remaining united under the new banner of PKR?
DPM and Umno are synonymous. They want to remain in power so that they can continue to pillage the nation's coffers. On the one hand they warned Malaysians to do away with subsidies because the country was going bankrupt and on the hand they gave extra allocations of RM500,000 each to their MPs under the pretext they have a lot of money in the government coffers.
As if that was not enough of a contradiction, they then went on a spending spree of purchasing defence equipment to a tune of a few billion ringgit and even speculated that they could have spent another RM800 million building a new Parliament building.
The only explanation is that after 52 years, BN in general and Umno in particular have not changed their way of doing things. They are still mired in their old ways of plotting and scheming to have their hands in every pie so that they can enrich themselves and their cronies at the expense of the rakyat's interest.
There is now a genuine fear amongst Umno's inner circle that their time at Putrajaya is almost up. There is a distinct and realistic expectation that they will be driven from office after the next general election.
And that could possibly explain the earnest compulsion to extract whatever they can from the country's coffers before they make their departure. Perhaps it would be even more appropriate to liken it to a last 'hooray'.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Najib Spent $8billion On Armoured Vehicles
Rakyat diutamakan
Barisan Nasional beli kenderaan berharga 8 billion
8 billion = RM 8,000,000,000
8 billion = RM 1,000,000,000 X 8
8 billion = RM 1,000,000 x
Tony Pua slams BN's decision to buy 256 vehicles for 8 billion ringgit
by Hemananthani Sivanandam
KUALA LUMPUR (April 22, 2010): Opposition leaders are urging the government to review and cancel the contract to purchase 257 8x8 Armoured-Wheeled Vehicle (8x8 AWV) for an "astronomical" amount of RM8 billion.
Tony Pua
"We would like to state upfront that we are disgusted by the transaction. The amount is shocking as each of these non-combat vehicles is priced at a ridiculous RM31.1 million," said Tony Pua (DAP-PJ Utara).
On Tuesday, DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech)’s chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil announced at a press conference during the 12th Defence Services Asia 2010 Exhibition that the government has given Deftech a letter of intent, entrusting it to develop the 8x8 AWV programme with the support of the Defence Ministry, Malaysian Army and the Malaysian Defence Industry Council.
"We have an order for 257 8x8 AWV units but right now, we are going to come up with the prototypes meant for testing purposes by the army before we develop the whole range of armoured vehicles," Mohd Khamil was quoted saying.
Pua said the amount was shocking as other armoured vehicles in other countries cost far less.
"The Portugese army bought 353 Pandur II 8x8 armoured vehicles for the amount of 364 million euros (RM1.56billion) or an average of 1.03 million euros or only RM4.41 million each.
"In 2009, the U.S Army has awarded a US$2.2 billion contract to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, one of the best military vehicle and equipment manufacturer in the world for 724 Light Armoured vehicles (LAV) equivalent of US$3.04 million or only RM9.9million each meant for Saudi Arabia.
"Even the best-in-class main battle tank produced in the United States , M1Abrams M1A2 deployed extensively in Iraq , Kuwait , Saudi Arabia and Australia cost only US$6.1 million or approximately RM19.7 million.
"Despite the price-tag, Deftech admits that they are only at the stage of developing a prototype. The prototype hasn’t been tested but the contract is already out" Pua told reporters at Parliament lobby today.
Pua also said the Barisan Nasional government is "clearly missing the woods for the trees" in the financial management of the country.
"At the same time when the Ministry of Finance has issued strict treasury circulars for all ministries to reduce their operational expenditure by as much as 20%, the Ministry (of Defence) commits to a purchase that completely mocks the attempt by the government to be thrifty," said Pua.
"We hope the Ministry of Defence will now inform us that this is another decimal point error in the contract value," said Pua jokingly. -- theSun
The question here is not whether we need the AWV but rather why are we paying exorbitant price (again!) for something not proven or tested ? Maybe somewhere, someone is getting huge commission for these purchases.
The longer we keep the present government, the faster the country will go bankrupt due to corruption. Then with diminished natural resources, human expertise (due to migration), lack of foreign investments and coupled by tidak-apa attitude of the people, how in this world can Malaysia survive ?
Barisan Nasional beli kenderaan berharga 8 billion
8 billion = RM 8,000,000,000
8 billion = RM 1,000,000,000 X 8
8 billion = RM 1,000,000 x
Tony Pua slams BN's decision to buy 256 vehicles for 8 billion ringgit
by Hemananthani Sivanandam
KUALA LUMPUR (April 22, 2010): Opposition leaders are urging the government to review and cancel the contract to purchase 257 8x8 Armoured-Wheeled Vehicle (8x8 AWV) for an "astronomical" amount of RM8 billion.
Tony Pua
"We would like to state upfront that we are disgusted by the transaction. The amount is shocking as each of these non-combat vehicles is priced at a ridiculous RM31.1 million," said Tony Pua (DAP-PJ Utara).
On Tuesday, DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech)’s chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil announced at a press conference during the 12th Defence Services Asia 2010 Exhibition that the government has given Deftech a letter of intent, entrusting it to develop the 8x8 AWV programme with the support of the Defence Ministry, Malaysian Army and the Malaysian Defence Industry Council.
"We have an order for 257 8x8 AWV units but right now, we are going to come up with the prototypes meant for testing purposes by the army before we develop the whole range of armoured vehicles," Mohd Khamil was quoted saying.
Pua said the amount was shocking as other armoured vehicles in other countries cost far less.
"The Portugese army bought 353 Pandur II 8x8 armoured vehicles for the amount of 364 million euros (RM1.56billion) or an average of 1.03 million euros or only RM4.41 million each.
"In 2009, the U.S Army has awarded a US$2.2 billion contract to General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, one of the best military vehicle and equipment manufacturer in the world for 724 Light Armoured vehicles (LAV) equivalent of US$3.04 million or only RM9.9million each meant for Saudi Arabia.
"Even the best-in-class main battle tank produced in the United States , M1Abrams M1A2 deployed extensively in Iraq , Kuwait , Saudi Arabia and Australia cost only US$6.1 million or approximately RM19.7 million.
"Despite the price-tag, Deftech admits that they are only at the stage of developing a prototype. The prototype hasn’t been tested but the contract is already out" Pua told reporters at Parliament lobby today.
Pua also said the Barisan Nasional government is "clearly missing the woods for the trees" in the financial management of the country.
"At the same time when the Ministry of Finance has issued strict treasury circulars for all ministries to reduce their operational expenditure by as much as 20%, the Ministry (of Defence) commits to a purchase that completely mocks the attempt by the government to be thrifty," said Pua.
"We hope the Ministry of Defence will now inform us that this is another decimal point error in the contract value," said Pua jokingly. -- theSun
The question here is not whether we need the AWV but rather why are we paying exorbitant price (again!) for something not proven or tested ? Maybe somewhere, someone is getting huge commission for these purchases.
The longer we keep the present government, the faster the country will go bankrupt due to corruption. Then with diminished natural resources, human expertise (due to migration), lack of foreign investments and coupled by tidak-apa attitude of the people, how in this world can Malaysia survive ?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Why Do we Need a New Istana?
UMNO & Istana negara
UMNO-Led Govt's RM 1.1 BILLION "I Scratch-Your-Back-You-Scratch-Mine" Policy with our MONARCHY
Read here more article in " The NUTGRAPH"
Quote
"... WHY do we need a NEW Istana?
Let alone one that sits on 96.52 hectares of land, and, in these severe financial times, one that is reportedly costing the rakyat RM1.1 BILLION ?
Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, ALL ROYAL PROJECTS are obliged to be conducted by OPEN tender. (But) Projek Istana Negara was NOT , and the costs have suffered as a result.
Initially slated to cost around RM400 million, our new Istana Negara is about to cost the nation RM1.1 billion instead.
In Malaysia, asking for monarchical accountability of their expenses will probably be construed as derhaka, or hasutan against our royal institution.
Are the royal family not, according to the precepts of constitutional monarchy, legally bound to the Malaysian constitution, and thus at least financially accountable to the people?
Should WE, the people, not have some say in HOW we ourselves are financing our Supreme Heads of State?"
This New ISTANA will Cost Taxpayers RM 1.1 BILLION to house the Monarch in the Midst of Ordinary Malaysians' Current Financial Difficulties
IF you drive down Jalan Duta in Kuala Lumpur today, along the road that runs from the Sri Hartamas housing estate to the foot of the majestic Masjid Kuala Lumpur, most of the journey will be flanked on your right by a large TEMPORARY WALL .
That WALL girds the borders of the NEW Istana Negara construction site, slated for completion in 2009 or 2010.
This new Istana (palace) will house each of our nine Malaysian sultans during their five-year stints as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Something about the interminable length of the drive past that long white wall made me ask myself:
Why do we need a new Istana? Let alone one that sits on 96.52 hectares of land, and, in these severe financial times, one that is reportedly costing the rakyat RM1.1 billion?
To give you some idea of what 96.52 hectares of land is, here are some real-world expressions of the size of the new palace.
ONE Jalan Duta Royal Istana is equivalent to:
2.3 MidValley Cities,
4.9 KLCC parks,
209 Khir Toyo mansions, and
3,472 average semi-D houses (at 3,000 sq ft each).
Our present Istana Negara, on Jalan Istana, is a historic building dating back to 1928, and it sits on 11 hectares of land.
Our new Istana therefore represents a (9) nine-fold increase in the amount of land that has been set aside for our Malaysian royalty.
What's Wrong With the Present Istana on 11-Hectares of Prime Land ?
Too Small?
Let's not forget, we live in a constitutional monarchy. That means that our monarchs are accountable to us (Malaysian taxpayers).
ACCOUNTABILITY is what I want to talk about in this article.
I want to do this by taking a short detour to modern day Britain.
British Monarchy and its Subjects
Some time ago, the Guardian reported on a series of parliamentary discussions over the state of the British royal family's finances.
The royal family was deemed exempt from all public spending cuts necessitated by the financial crisis. In fact, they even appeared to be seeking a raise on their yearly allowance, which at present stands at around £7.9 million per annum. Despite their present £21 million surplus in royal reserves, Buckingham Palace officials claimed, in an annual report on royal finances in June, that without a raise, they would be £40 million in the red by 2019.
It is worth noting that there have been a recent slew of drastic cuts in public spending in the UK. This includes a one-year pay freeze for five million public sector workers, and a withdrawing of middle-class tax benefits.
In view of all this, the royal exemption has been perceived by many Members of Parliament (MPs) as gratuitous mollycoddling.
As Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker said,
"When we are looking at potentially painful cuts in public services, the royal family should not be feather-bedded in this way. I am talking about the taxpayer paying for Prince Andrew's flights to take part in golf matches."
There are two points I wish to make about this Guardian article.
Firstly, I was struck by the liveliness of the comments section, expressing an extraordinary range of opinions on the British monarchy. These range from the critical to the defensive; from the reasoned to the illogical; from the constructive to the banal.
"Welfare bums," one commentator wrote, "they should get a real job."
Another declared: "The Queen, defender of the Faith — worth every penny!" Yet another scoffed: "Parasites at worst, anachronisms at best."
One voice among the yowling anti-royals said staunchly: "I support the royal family one hundred percent. Firstly, they do bring in money via tourists... But more importantly, they support many charities and sports organisations [and they] represent our country's heritage and tradition, and an age lost in the last fifty or so years. I would be deeply saddened to see that gone."
My second point concerns the relative transparency of the state of British royal finances.
It is possible for ANY British citizen to access information about royal expenditure. It is possible, in other words, for the public to have some sense of how much of their tax dollars are being used to finance the royal family, and indeed, for some people to complain about it.
Accountability is at the heart of all attacks and defences of the British monarchy. Its naysayers claim there is not enough of it; its defenders retort that they are more financially accountable than many heads of states would be in a republic.
Royal accountants state, a bit defensively, that the British monarchy supposedly cost each British taxpayer only 69p in the 2008 to 2009 fiscal year.
In the UK, open public debate has NOT resulted in anarchy and the monarchy's dissolution. Rather, it has resulted in a monarchy that has incentive to remain relevant to the people over whom it constitutionally governs, and also continues to be, on the whole, well loved by the majority of British.
Malaysian Taxpayers and the Malaysian Royalties (the Sultans and the Agung)
Where in Malaysia can we have such an open, fearless debate on our monarchical institutions?
That begs the question: Are our royals afraid of what the people think of them that they need to be protected from public opinion?
In Malaysia, I, for one, have no idea how much the rakyat spends on our constitutional monarchs. And I am quite sure that there have been no studies or inquiry commissions into this. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, asking for monarchical accountability of their expenses will probably be construed as derhaka, or hasutan against our royal institution. There are not even, so far as I am aware, any polls of enquiry regarding the general popularity of the various monarchs and their families, let alone published accounts of royal expenditure.
Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, all ROYAL projects are obliged to be conducted by OPEN tender.
But as PAS's Mahfuz Omar has pointed out, Projek Istana Negara was not, and the project's costs have suffered as a result.
Initially slated to cost around RM400 million, our new Istana Negara is about to cost the nation RM1.1 billion instead.
Are the royal family not, according to the precepts of constitutional monarchy, legally bound to the Malaysian constitution, and thus at least financially accountable to the PEOPLE?
Should WE , the PEOPLE , not have some say in how we ourselves are financing our Supreme Heads of State?
UMNO-Led Govt's RM 1.1 BILLION "I Scratch-Your-Back-You-Scratch-Mine" Policy with our MONARCHY
Read here more article in " The NUTGRAPH"
Quote
"... WHY do we need a NEW Istana?
Let alone one that sits on 96.52 hectares of land, and, in these severe financial times, one that is reportedly costing the rakyat RM1.1 BILLION ?
Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, ALL ROYAL PROJECTS are obliged to be conducted by OPEN tender. (But) Projek Istana Negara was NOT , and the costs have suffered as a result.
Initially slated to cost around RM400 million, our new Istana Negara is about to cost the nation RM1.1 billion instead.
In Malaysia, asking for monarchical accountability of their expenses will probably be construed as derhaka, or hasutan against our royal institution.
Are the royal family not, according to the precepts of constitutional monarchy, legally bound to the Malaysian constitution, and thus at least financially accountable to the people?
Should WE, the people, not have some say in HOW we ourselves are financing our Supreme Heads of State?"
This New ISTANA will Cost Taxpayers RM 1.1 BILLION to house the Monarch in the Midst of Ordinary Malaysians' Current Financial Difficulties
IF you drive down Jalan Duta in Kuala Lumpur today, along the road that runs from the Sri Hartamas housing estate to the foot of the majestic Masjid Kuala Lumpur, most of the journey will be flanked on your right by a large TEMPORARY WALL .
That WALL girds the borders of the NEW Istana Negara construction site, slated for completion in 2009 or 2010.
This new Istana (palace) will house each of our nine Malaysian sultans during their five-year stints as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Something about the interminable length of the drive past that long white wall made me ask myself:
Why do we need a new Istana? Let alone one that sits on 96.52 hectares of land, and, in these severe financial times, one that is reportedly costing the rakyat RM1.1 billion?
To give you some idea of what 96.52 hectares of land is, here are some real-world expressions of the size of the new palace.
ONE Jalan Duta Royal Istana is equivalent to:
2.3 MidValley Cities,
4.9 KLCC parks,
209 Khir Toyo mansions, and
3,472 average semi-D houses (at 3,000 sq ft each).
Our present Istana Negara, on Jalan Istana, is a historic building dating back to 1928, and it sits on 11 hectares of land.
Our new Istana therefore represents a (9) nine-fold increase in the amount of land that has been set aside for our Malaysian royalty.
What's Wrong With the Present Istana on 11-Hectares of Prime Land ?
Too Small?
Let's not forget, we live in a constitutional monarchy. That means that our monarchs are accountable to us (Malaysian taxpayers).
ACCOUNTABILITY is what I want to talk about in this article.
I want to do this by taking a short detour to modern day Britain.
British Monarchy and its Subjects
Some time ago, the Guardian reported on a series of parliamentary discussions over the state of the British royal family's finances.
The royal family was deemed exempt from all public spending cuts necessitated by the financial crisis. In fact, they even appeared to be seeking a raise on their yearly allowance, which at present stands at around £7.9 million per annum. Despite their present £21 million surplus in royal reserves, Buckingham Palace officials claimed, in an annual report on royal finances in June, that without a raise, they would be £40 million in the red by 2019.
It is worth noting that there have been a recent slew of drastic cuts in public spending in the UK. This includes a one-year pay freeze for five million public sector workers, and a withdrawing of middle-class tax benefits.
In view of all this, the royal exemption has been perceived by many Members of Parliament (MPs) as gratuitous mollycoddling.
As Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker said,
"When we are looking at potentially painful cuts in public services, the royal family should not be feather-bedded in this way. I am talking about the taxpayer paying for Prince Andrew's flights to take part in golf matches."
There are two points I wish to make about this Guardian article.
Firstly, I was struck by the liveliness of the comments section, expressing an extraordinary range of opinions on the British monarchy. These range from the critical to the defensive; from the reasoned to the illogical; from the constructive to the banal.
"Welfare bums," one commentator wrote, "they should get a real job."
Another declared: "The Queen, defender of the Faith — worth every penny!" Yet another scoffed: "Parasites at worst, anachronisms at best."
One voice among the yowling anti-royals said staunchly: "I support the royal family one hundred percent. Firstly, they do bring in money via tourists... But more importantly, they support many charities and sports organisations [and they] represent our country's heritage and tradition, and an age lost in the last fifty or so years. I would be deeply saddened to see that gone."
My second point concerns the relative transparency of the state of British royal finances.
It is possible for ANY British citizen to access information about royal expenditure. It is possible, in other words, for the public to have some sense of how much of their tax dollars are being used to finance the royal family, and indeed, for some people to complain about it.
Accountability is at the heart of all attacks and defences of the British monarchy. Its naysayers claim there is not enough of it; its defenders retort that they are more financially accountable than many heads of states would be in a republic.
Royal accountants state, a bit defensively, that the British monarchy supposedly cost each British taxpayer only 69p in the 2008 to 2009 fiscal year.
In the UK, open public debate has NOT resulted in anarchy and the monarchy's dissolution. Rather, it has resulted in a monarchy that has incentive to remain relevant to the people over whom it constitutionally governs, and also continues to be, on the whole, well loved by the majority of British.
Malaysian Taxpayers and the Malaysian Royalties (the Sultans and the Agung)
Where in Malaysia can we have such an open, fearless debate on our monarchical institutions?
That begs the question: Are our royals afraid of what the people think of them that they need to be protected from public opinion?
In Malaysia, I, for one, have no idea how much the rakyat spends on our constitutional monarchs. And I am quite sure that there have been no studies or inquiry commissions into this. Unfortunately, in Malaysia, asking for monarchical accountability of their expenses will probably be construed as derhaka, or hasutan against our royal institution. There are not even, so far as I am aware, any polls of enquiry regarding the general popularity of the various monarchs and their families, let alone published accounts of royal expenditure.
Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, all ROYAL projects are obliged to be conducted by OPEN tender.
But as PAS's Mahfuz Omar has pointed out, Projek Istana Negara was not, and the project's costs have suffered as a result.
Initially slated to cost around RM400 million, our new Istana Negara is about to cost the nation RM1.1 billion instead.
Are the royal family not, according to the precepts of constitutional monarchy, legally bound to the Malaysian constitution, and thus at least financially accountable to the PEOPLE?
Should WE , the PEOPLE , not have some say in how we ourselves are financing our Supreme Heads of State?
Monday, June 14, 2010
UMNO's Provocation
By PHILIP BOWRING, The New York Times
One ought to be able to laugh at the absurdity of it. But the message is one of ignorance, religious and racial prejudice and political opportunism.
Last week, the Malaysian government declared that Christians in one part of the country could use “Allah” as the word for God when speaking Malay, but that those in most of the country could not. This is the same government that is currently running a public relations campaign called One Malaysia emphasizing the common identity of the nation’s racial and religious mix.
In reality, a government dominated by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) is using spurious religious/linguistic arguments to shore up its support among a majority Malay electorate, which has been fed for years with preferences and privileges.. Meanwhile, non-Malay money and talent exits the country.
The government had earlier tried to stop the use of the word Allah by all Christians. This was successfully challenged in the High Court. But instead of letting the matter rest, the government declined to back down, setting the scene for the fire bombing of churches. While these could not be laid directly at the door of UMNO, hotheads in the party may well have taken their cue from what non-Muslims see as a deliberate attempt to stir up ethnic/religious issues for political gain. Last year it was Hindus who were the target of Malay provocation.
UMNO political calculation demands that the organization sticks to its demands about the use of the word Allah in peninsular Malaysia , where all Malays are deemed Muslims and where Christians are ethnic Chinese or Indian, but not in the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak where there are large communities of Malay-speaking Christians. The UMNO-led coalition needs the support of the multi-ethnic parties in those states.
The word Allah has always been used without Muslim objection by Christians in the Arab world, as well as those in Malay-speaking Indonesia , where there are 10 times as many Muslims as in Malaysia . The word is itself derived from pre-Islamic Semitic language roots. Even Malaysia ’s strictly Islamist opposition party, Parti Islam (PAS), agrees that all Abrahamic faiths are entitled to use the word Allah.
But such facts are of little relevance to UMNO politicians determined to drum up any issue that can be used to show their commitment to defending Malay and Muslim privileges and thus retain the support of a Malay majority against the appeal both of PAS and the multi-ethnic Keadilan party of the former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
UMNO cannot claim to be a party of the pious. Half a century in power has turned it into a vast patronage machine that enriches the Malay elite, providing support for luxurious lifestyles. Its insistence that all Malays are Muslims (and cannot convert) is an attempt to give religious backing to the message of Malay racial preference. That is barely in accord with the universalist notions of global Islam but keeps the loyalty of many Malays otherwise resentful of growing income gaps.
However, the racial and religious divides among the opposition still make an UMNO-led government seem a better choice than the alternatives — most likely ones in which the fundamentalism of PAS would replace the opportunism of UMNO. So despite the deterioration of communal relations in peninsular Malaysia , no major changes are in sight.
This carries two main dangers. The first is the continuing large scale exodus of capital and of talented non-Malays. Five years of generally good prices for its main commodity exports, oil, gas and palm oil, have delivered huge trade surpluses and a current account surplus of more than 10 percent of gross domestic product. But economic growth has been slow due to very weak private investment, only partly offset by large government deficit spending. Once a major recipient of foreign capital, Malaysia is now a source of flight capital. This is only sustainable while commodity prices remain at double levels of five years ago and three times those in 2002.
A longer term danger, at least as perceived by some leading Malays, such as the former Finance Minister Tunku Razaleigh, is that a combination of religious intolerance and resentment of federal exploitation of their natural resources will generate secessionism in the Borneo states. They joined Malaysia in 1963 without much enthusiasm but as the best option open to them as the British withdrew from empire. They do not want their traditions of racial and religious diversity to be poisoned by peninsular prejudices. Their separate treatment on the Allah issue will have some immediate benefits for Kuala Lumpur , but can only underscore just how different they are.
In short, the episode is sad commentary on a nation whose mix of races, its fine infrastructure and wealth of resources has held such promise. If only there really were One Malaysia.
The idea was to use the Catholics to start trouble , shoot the population, get rid of the chinese and indians ALONG THE WAY...take over using emergency powers. This is primarily to distract the population regarding the stealing ot jet engines, the murder of tiong, Altuntaya and the pKFZ scandal running to billions. The mamak used this tactic very sneakily to cover his tracks using ISA/ OSA too. However UMOONO failed to get a larger majority of good Malays and good Muslims who now know that they are playing a dangerous game to seize power.
UMOONO does not care about the population. They have enough money to enjoy and have gala time. If the country and people . suffer .so what. They are rich and can get away anytime. It is power that they want now to hold on in order that they can cover-up their dastardly deeds as long as possible...that is the game..the POWER game.....as long as they are in control even the LAW CANNOT GET THEM. IT IS TIME THAT MALAYS break away from UMOONo's strangle and siege and act independently using their conscience and freedom given in the constitution. They have to think for the nation.
One ought to be able to laugh at the absurdity of it. But the message is one of ignorance, religious and racial prejudice and political opportunism.
Last week, the Malaysian government declared that Christians in one part of the country could use “Allah” as the word for God when speaking Malay, but that those in most of the country could not. This is the same government that is currently running a public relations campaign called One Malaysia emphasizing the common identity of the nation’s racial and religious mix.
In reality, a government dominated by the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) is using spurious religious/linguistic arguments to shore up its support among a majority Malay electorate, which has been fed for years with preferences and privileges.. Meanwhile, non-Malay money and talent exits the country.
The government had earlier tried to stop the use of the word Allah by all Christians. This was successfully challenged in the High Court. But instead of letting the matter rest, the government declined to back down, setting the scene for the fire bombing of churches. While these could not be laid directly at the door of UMNO, hotheads in the party may well have taken their cue from what non-Muslims see as a deliberate attempt to stir up ethnic/religious issues for political gain. Last year it was Hindus who were the target of Malay provocation.
UMNO political calculation demands that the organization sticks to its demands about the use of the word Allah in peninsular Malaysia , where all Malays are deemed Muslims and where Christians are ethnic Chinese or Indian, but not in the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak where there are large communities of Malay-speaking Christians. The UMNO-led coalition needs the support of the multi-ethnic parties in those states.
The word Allah has always been used without Muslim objection by Christians in the Arab world, as well as those in Malay-speaking Indonesia , where there are 10 times as many Muslims as in Malaysia . The word is itself derived from pre-Islamic Semitic language roots. Even Malaysia ’s strictly Islamist opposition party, Parti Islam (PAS), agrees that all Abrahamic faiths are entitled to use the word Allah.
But such facts are of little relevance to UMNO politicians determined to drum up any issue that can be used to show their commitment to defending Malay and Muslim privileges and thus retain the support of a Malay majority against the appeal both of PAS and the multi-ethnic Keadilan party of the former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
UMNO cannot claim to be a party of the pious. Half a century in power has turned it into a vast patronage machine that enriches the Malay elite, providing support for luxurious lifestyles. Its insistence that all Malays are Muslims (and cannot convert) is an attempt to give religious backing to the message of Malay racial preference. That is barely in accord with the universalist notions of global Islam but keeps the loyalty of many Malays otherwise resentful of growing income gaps.
However, the racial and religious divides among the opposition still make an UMNO-led government seem a better choice than the alternatives — most likely ones in which the fundamentalism of PAS would replace the opportunism of UMNO. So despite the deterioration of communal relations in peninsular Malaysia , no major changes are in sight.
This carries two main dangers. The first is the continuing large scale exodus of capital and of talented non-Malays. Five years of generally good prices for its main commodity exports, oil, gas and palm oil, have delivered huge trade surpluses and a current account surplus of more than 10 percent of gross domestic product. But economic growth has been slow due to very weak private investment, only partly offset by large government deficit spending. Once a major recipient of foreign capital, Malaysia is now a source of flight capital. This is only sustainable while commodity prices remain at double levels of five years ago and three times those in 2002.
A longer term danger, at least as perceived by some leading Malays, such as the former Finance Minister Tunku Razaleigh, is that a combination of religious intolerance and resentment of federal exploitation of their natural resources will generate secessionism in the Borneo states. They joined Malaysia in 1963 without much enthusiasm but as the best option open to them as the British withdrew from empire. They do not want their traditions of racial and religious diversity to be poisoned by peninsular prejudices. Their separate treatment on the Allah issue will have some immediate benefits for Kuala Lumpur , but can only underscore just how different they are.
In short, the episode is sad commentary on a nation whose mix of races, its fine infrastructure and wealth of resources has held such promise. If only there really were One Malaysia.
The idea was to use the Catholics to start trouble , shoot the population, get rid of the chinese and indians ALONG THE WAY...take over using emergency powers. This is primarily to distract the population regarding the stealing ot jet engines, the murder of tiong, Altuntaya and the pKFZ scandal running to billions. The mamak used this tactic very sneakily to cover his tracks using ISA/ OSA too. However UMOONO failed to get a larger majority of good Malays and good Muslims who now know that they are playing a dangerous game to seize power.
UMOONO does not care about the population. They have enough money to enjoy and have gala time. If the country and people . suffer .so what. They are rich and can get away anytime. It is power that they want now to hold on in order that they can cover-up their dastardly deeds as long as possible...that is the game..the POWER game.....as long as they are in control even the LAW CANNOT GET THEM. IT IS TIME THAT MALAYS break away from UMOONo's strangle and siege and act independently using their conscience and freedom given in the constitution. They have to think for the nation.
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