Friday, December 26, 2008
Reboot
we don’t just need a bailout. We need a reboot. We need a build out. We need a buildup. We need a national makeover...Thomas Friedman NYT 12/25/08
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
INDIA'S 911 - MUMBAI - BOMBAY - 11/08
from the blogosphere...
Palling around with the West, India was dealt its share of 911...sadly. The reaction from the US, post 911, in Iraq was so badly managed that one wanders what India does in the short and long term. I think India says, No apologies for palling around with the West. I think India's Hinduism, Islam,etc encourages democratic governance but how does it deal with and minimize corrupt governance is extremely important.
Is it a clash of religions or geography? Some have faith in Obama in buidling bridges for India and Pakistan to meet; for the Kashmir issue in paricular. Obama has a bigger problem to solve in the Israel-Palestine pickle! How does he keep Israel safe and help Palestine run a proper government.
How one encourages peacefull dissent is critical.
Palling around with the West, India was dealt its share of 911...sadly. The reaction from the US, post 911, in Iraq was so badly managed that one wanders what India does in the short and long term. I think India says, No apologies for palling around with the West. I think India's Hinduism, Islam,etc encourages democratic governance but how does it deal with and minimize corrupt governance is extremely important.
Is it a clash of religions or geography? Some have faith in Obama in buidling bridges for India and Pakistan to meet; for the Kashmir issue in paricular. Obama has a bigger problem to solve in the Israel-Palestine pickle! How does he keep Israel safe and help Palestine run a proper government.
How one encourages peacefull dissent is critical.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
OBAMA WINS - RPK
To President-elect Barack Obama of the United States of America
Your election to be the next President of the United States is a sweet victory for all who espouse change, fairness and equality. The reality of a you being a first term African-American senator being elected to the highest office in the nation, by her citizens representing all races and religious backgrounds, brings much hope and inspiration to all of us in Malaysia.
We Malaysians have been dulled into a sense of complacency for far too long by the propaganda that change is risky, that the time-tested Barisan Nasional leadership knows what is best for the people, and that 'Ketuanan Melayu' is the only way to go. Your message of “We are the change we seek” is equally fitting for us in Malaysia. May this historic moment be the catalyst to open our people's and politicians' eyes, that change is possible, that no barrier is too great if we so desire to transform this wonderful country of ours into a land that every Malaysian can truly call home .
When you said “"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long “, the message resonates all too clear for us and we do hope that we in Malaysia can also rise above the racial and religious politics to ensure a safe place under the sun for every Malaysian, regardless of race, sex, and religion. We want to celebrate and value our own diversity, and where caring for each other overcomes distrust between one another
We congratulate you on your victory, and we hope that it will bring about positive changes for the world, and inspire all Malaysians to reclaim our rights to determine how we want our beloved nation to change and progress.
From: Marina and Raja Petra Kamarudin, and Malaysia-Today readers
Your election to be the next President of the United States is a sweet victory for all who espouse change, fairness and equality. The reality of a you being a first term African-American senator being elected to the highest office in the nation, by her citizens representing all races and religious backgrounds, brings much hope and inspiration to all of us in Malaysia.
We Malaysians have been dulled into a sense of complacency for far too long by the propaganda that change is risky, that the time-tested Barisan Nasional leadership knows what is best for the people, and that 'Ketuanan Melayu' is the only way to go. Your message of “We are the change we seek” is equally fitting for us in Malaysia. May this historic moment be the catalyst to open our people's and politicians' eyes, that change is possible, that no barrier is too great if we so desire to transform this wonderful country of ours into a land that every Malaysian can truly call home .
When you said “"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long “, the message resonates all too clear for us and we do hope that we in Malaysia can also rise above the racial and religious politics to ensure a safe place under the sun for every Malaysian, regardless of race, sex, and religion. We want to celebrate and value our own diversity, and where caring for each other overcomes distrust between one another
We congratulate you on your victory, and we hope that it will bring about positive changes for the world, and inspire all Malaysians to reclaim our rights to determine how we want our beloved nation to change and progress.
From: Marina and Raja Petra Kamarudin, and Malaysia-Today readers
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
RACE on voting - Obama
Guess u may have heard of the effect of RACE on voting and the so called Bradley effect. Perhaps.
But another effect of RACE is that; those middle/high class independent WHITE voters who will vote for OBAMA because of RACE; as they can finally say that RACE does not matter. Its a moral 'argument' a WHITE person would make internally. Imagine how proud this nation would be to finally vote a black person; and many whites (well except the right wingers) feel this way.
>>> When a man told him he was “scared” of an Obama presidency, Mr. McCain replied, “I want to be president of the United States and obviously I do not want Senator Obama to be, but I have to tell you — I have to tell you — he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.” The crowd booed loudly at Mr. McCain’s response.
But another effect of RACE is that; those middle/high class independent WHITE voters who will vote for OBAMA because of RACE; as they can finally say that RACE does not matter. Its a moral 'argument' a WHITE person would make internally. Imagine how proud this nation would be to finally vote a black person; and many whites (well except the right wingers) feel this way.
>>> When a man told him he was “scared” of an Obama presidency, Mr. McCain replied, “I want to be president of the United States and obviously I do not want Senator Obama to be, but I have to tell you — I have to tell you — he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of as president of the United States.” The crowd booed loudly at Mr. McCain’s response.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Warren Buffett
To help pay for the rescue, the government should raise taxes on the wealthy, Mr. Buffett suggested. “I’m paying the lowest tax rate that I’ve ever paid in my life,” he said. “Now, that’s crazy.”
comforting the comfortable while afflicting the afflicted
And in the process of comforting the comfortable while afflicting the afflicted, the McCain plan would also lead to a huge, expensive increase in bureaucracy: insurers selling individual health plans spend 29 percent of the premiums they receive on administration, largely because they employ so many people to screen applicants. This compares with costs of 12 percent for group plans and just 3 percent for Medicare.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/opinion/06krugman.html?em
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/06/opinion/06krugman.html?em
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Racism Without Racists
NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF said "One lesson from this research is that racial biases are deeply embedded within us, more so than many whites believe. But another lesson, a historical one, is that we can overcome unconscious bias. That’s what happened with the decline in prejudice against Catholics after the candidacy of John F. Kennedy in 1960"
I think "more so than the majority race want to believe" is an appropriate statement. Take any country and you will find racial biases deeply embedded within the majority race. That does not mean the minority races are immnune from racial biases.
But another lesson, a historical one, is that we can overcome unconscious bias!!
>>
Op-Ed Columnist
Racism Without Racists
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Published: October 4, 2008
One of the fallacies this election season is that if Barack Obama is paying an electoral price for his skin tone, it must be because of racists.
Skip to next paragraph
Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times
Nicholas D. Kristof
On the Ground
Nicholas Kristof addresses reader feedback and posts short takes from his travels.
Go to Columnist Page » On the contrary, the evidence is that Senator Obama is facing what scholars have dubbed “racism without racists.”
The racism is difficult to measure, but a careful survey completed last month by Stanford University, with The Associated Press and Yahoo, suggested that Mr. Obama’s support would be about six percentage points higher if he were white. That’s significant but surmountable.
Most of the lost votes aren’t those of dyed-in-the-wool racists. Such racists account for perhaps 10 percent of the electorate and, polling suggests, are mostly conservatives who would not vote for any Democratic presidential candidate.
Rather, most of the votes that Mr. Obama actually loses belong to well-meaning whites who believe in racial equality and have no objection to electing a black person as president — yet who discriminate unconsciously.
“When we fixate on the racist individual, we’re focused on the least interesting way that race works,” said Phillip Goff, a social psychologist at U.C.L.A. who focuses his research on “racism without racists.” “Most of the way race functions is without the need for racial animus.”
For decades, experiments have shown that even many whites who earnestly believe in equal rights will recommend hiring a white job candidate more often than a person with identical credentials who is black. In the experiments, the applicant’s folder sometimes presents the person as white, sometimes as black, but everything else is the same. The white person thinks that he or she is selecting on the basis of nonracial factors like experience.
Research suggests that whites are particularly likely to discriminate against blacks when choices are not clear-cut and competing arguments are flying about — in other words, in ambiguous circumstances rather like an electoral campaign.
For example, when the black job candidate is highly qualified, there is no discrimination. Yet in a more muddled gray area where reasonable people could disagree, unconscious discrimination plays a major role.
White participants recommend hiring a white applicant with borderline qualifications 76 percent of the time, while recommending an identically qualified black applicant only 45 percent of the time.
John Dovidio, a psychologist at Yale University who has conducted this study over many years, noted that conscious prejudice as measured in surveys has declined over time. But unconscious discrimination — what psychologists call aversive racism — has stayed fairly constant.
“In the U.S., there’s a small percentage of people who in nationwide surveys say they won’t vote for a qualified black presidential candidate,” Professor Dovidio said. “But a bigger factor is the aversive racists, those who don’t think that they’re racist.”
Faced with a complex decision, he said, aversive racists feel doubts about a black person that they don’t feel about an identical white. “These doubts tend to be attributed not to the person’s race — because that would be racism — but deflected to other areas that can be talked about, such as lack of experience,” he added.
Of course, there are perfectly legitimate reasons to be against a particular black candidate, Mr. Obama included. Opposition to Mr. Obama is no more evidence of racism than opposition to Mr. McCain is evidence of discrimination against the elderly or against war veterans. And at times, Mr. Obama’s race helps him: it underscores his message of change, it appeals to some whites as a demonstration of their open-mindedness, and it wins him overwhelming black votes and turnout.
Still, a huge array of research suggests that 50 percent or more of whites have unconscious biases that sometimes lead to racial discrimination. (Blacks have their own unconscious biases, surprisingly often against blacks as well.)
One set of experiments conducted since the 1970s involves subjects who believe that they are witnessing an emergency (like an epileptic seizure). When there is no other witness, a white bystander will call for help whether the victim is white or black, and there is very little discrimination.
But when there are other bystanders, so the individual responsibility to summon help may feel less obvious, whites will still summon help 75 percent of the time if the victim is white but only 38 percent of the time if the victim is black.
One lesson from this research is that racial biases are deeply embedded within us, more so than many whites believe. But another lesson, a historical one, is that we can overcome unconscious bias. That’s what happened with the decline in prejudice against Catholics after the candidacy of John F. Kennedy in 1960.
It just might happen again, this time with race.
I invite you to comment on this column on my blog, www.nytimes.com/ontheground, and to join me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kristof.
I think "more so than the majority race want to believe" is an appropriate statement. Take any country and you will find racial biases deeply embedded within the majority race. That does not mean the minority races are immnune from racial biases.
But another lesson, a historical one, is that we can overcome unconscious bias!!
>>
Op-Ed Columnist
Racism Without Racists
By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF
Published: October 4, 2008
One of the fallacies this election season is that if Barack Obama is paying an electoral price for his skin tone, it must be because of racists.
Skip to next paragraph
Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times
Nicholas D. Kristof
On the Ground
Nicholas Kristof addresses reader feedback and posts short takes from his travels.
Go to Columnist Page » On the contrary, the evidence is that Senator Obama is facing what scholars have dubbed “racism without racists.”
The racism is difficult to measure, but a careful survey completed last month by Stanford University, with The Associated Press and Yahoo, suggested that Mr. Obama’s support would be about six percentage points higher if he were white. That’s significant but surmountable.
Most of the lost votes aren’t those of dyed-in-the-wool racists. Such racists account for perhaps 10 percent of the electorate and, polling suggests, are mostly conservatives who would not vote for any Democratic presidential candidate.
Rather, most of the votes that Mr. Obama actually loses belong to well-meaning whites who believe in racial equality and have no objection to electing a black person as president — yet who discriminate unconsciously.
“When we fixate on the racist individual, we’re focused on the least interesting way that race works,” said Phillip Goff, a social psychologist at U.C.L.A. who focuses his research on “racism without racists.” “Most of the way race functions is without the need for racial animus.”
For decades, experiments have shown that even many whites who earnestly believe in equal rights will recommend hiring a white job candidate more often than a person with identical credentials who is black. In the experiments, the applicant’s folder sometimes presents the person as white, sometimes as black, but everything else is the same. The white person thinks that he or she is selecting on the basis of nonracial factors like experience.
Research suggests that whites are particularly likely to discriminate against blacks when choices are not clear-cut and competing arguments are flying about — in other words, in ambiguous circumstances rather like an electoral campaign.
For example, when the black job candidate is highly qualified, there is no discrimination. Yet in a more muddled gray area where reasonable people could disagree, unconscious discrimination plays a major role.
White participants recommend hiring a white applicant with borderline qualifications 76 percent of the time, while recommending an identically qualified black applicant only 45 percent of the time.
John Dovidio, a psychologist at Yale University who has conducted this study over many years, noted that conscious prejudice as measured in surveys has declined over time. But unconscious discrimination — what psychologists call aversive racism — has stayed fairly constant.
“In the U.S., there’s a small percentage of people who in nationwide surveys say they won’t vote for a qualified black presidential candidate,” Professor Dovidio said. “But a bigger factor is the aversive racists, those who don’t think that they’re racist.”
Faced with a complex decision, he said, aversive racists feel doubts about a black person that they don’t feel about an identical white. “These doubts tend to be attributed not to the person’s race — because that would be racism — but deflected to other areas that can be talked about, such as lack of experience,” he added.
Of course, there are perfectly legitimate reasons to be against a particular black candidate, Mr. Obama included. Opposition to Mr. Obama is no more evidence of racism than opposition to Mr. McCain is evidence of discrimination against the elderly or against war veterans. And at times, Mr. Obama’s race helps him: it underscores his message of change, it appeals to some whites as a demonstration of their open-mindedness, and it wins him overwhelming black votes and turnout.
Still, a huge array of research suggests that 50 percent or more of whites have unconscious biases that sometimes lead to racial discrimination. (Blacks have their own unconscious biases, surprisingly often against blacks as well.)
One set of experiments conducted since the 1970s involves subjects who believe that they are witnessing an emergency (like an epileptic seizure). When there is no other witness, a white bystander will call for help whether the victim is white or black, and there is very little discrimination.
But when there are other bystanders, so the individual responsibility to summon help may feel less obvious, whites will still summon help 75 percent of the time if the victim is white but only 38 percent of the time if the victim is black.
One lesson from this research is that racial biases are deeply embedded within us, more so than many whites believe. But another lesson, a historical one, is that we can overcome unconscious bias. That’s what happened with the decline in prejudice against Catholics after the candidacy of John F. Kennedy in 1960.
It just might happen again, this time with race.
I invite you to comment on this column on my blog, www.nytimes.com/ontheground, and to join me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kristof.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
VP Debate - Biden & Palin - Can I call you Joe? You can call me Sara!
So it seems we did not hear Gov Palin say 'You can call me Sara!; and this actually took place. We all heard her say, Can I call you Joe.
Mark Sheilds in PBS - Brooks & Shields with Jim Lehrer said Palin did say this; which we did not hear; and this was a Mccain-Palin tactic in getting Biden to address her as Sara;
Biden did not fall for it and called her Gov Palin throughout the debate. Palin did try numerously by calling Biden, Joe; hoping I think to get Biden to 'relax' and calling her Sara; and sounding condescending.
Mark Sheilds in PBS - Brooks & Shields with Jim Lehrer said Palin did say this; which we did not hear; and this was a Mccain-Palin tactic in getting Biden to address her as Sara;
Biden did not fall for it and called her Gov Palin throughout the debate. Palin did try numerously by calling Biden, Joe; hoping I think to get Biden to 'relax' and calling her Sara; and sounding condescending.
Monday, September 29, 2008
YOUTUBE - CSPAN - US 2008 Election
Sep 29 th
Ist debate = 620k
DNC - Obama = 634k
RNC - Palin = 412k
DNC Michelle Obama = 220k
DNC Bill Cllinton = 200k
RNC Mccain = 164k
DNC Hilary = 160K
DNC Dennis K = 140k + 91k + 68k = 300k (cspan and others)
Updated Sep 1st - DNC number
Michelle Obama 163k
Barrack Obama 167k -
Bill Clinton 145k
Dennis Kucnich 119k
Hilary Clinton 97k
Joe Biden 71k
Ist debate = 620k
DNC - Obama = 634k
RNC - Palin = 412k
DNC Michelle Obama = 220k
DNC Bill Cllinton = 200k
RNC Mccain = 164k
DNC Hilary = 160K
DNC Dennis K = 140k + 91k + 68k = 300k (cspan and others)
Updated Sep 1st - DNC number
Michelle Obama 163k
Barrack Obama 167k -
Bill Clinton 145k
Dennis Kucnich 119k
Hilary Clinton 97k
Joe Biden 71k
Wake up, America......Malaysia
Probably one of most passionate and fiery speeches ever! By Dennis Kuchnich at the DNC.
Original post 8/29/08.
ala Kucinich
Check out this 6 mins political speech; if its too long; goto min 4.35. Have fun.
Wake up Malaysia. This is not a call for you to take a new direction from right to left. This is call for you to go from down to up. Up with the rights of workers. Up with wages. Up with fair trade. Up with creating millions of good paying jobs, rebuilding our bridges, ports and water systems. Up with creating millions of sustainable energy jobs to lower the cost of energy, lower carbon emissions and protect the environment.
Up with health care for all. Up with education for all. Up with home ownership. Up with guaranteed retirement benefits.
Up with peace. Up with prosperity. Up with the Pakatan Rakyat Party. Up with DSAI
Wake up, Malaysia. Wake up, Malaysia. Wake up, Malaysia.
Original post 8/29/08.
ala Kucinich
Check out this 6 mins political speech; if its too long; goto min 4.35. Have fun.
Wake up Malaysia. This is not a call for you to take a new direction from right to left. This is call for you to go from down to up. Up with the rights of workers. Up with wages. Up with fair trade. Up with creating millions of good paying jobs, rebuilding our bridges, ports and water systems. Up with creating millions of sustainable energy jobs to lower the cost of energy, lower carbon emissions and protect the environment.
Up with health care for all. Up with education for all. Up with home ownership. Up with guaranteed retirement benefits.
Up with peace. Up with prosperity. Up with the Pakatan Rakyat Party. Up with DSAI
Wake up, Malaysia. Wake up, Malaysia. Wake up, Malaysia.
Friday, September 19, 2008
We still remain unique in that we are the only nation that had successfully beaten back the communist insurgency.
By M. Bakri Musa
We are also told that Najib is a "British-trained economist! Take a few courses in economics in your undergraduate years and presto, you are an economist! This effusive praise and embellished accolade reflects the generosity of our culture. We are generous even in our praises, whether they are deserved or not.
Frankly, it is not too difficult to be "better" than the inept Abdullah. That is no praise!
Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat have every right to demand the reconvening of Parliament and to introduce his "no confidence" motion against Abdullah. In denying Anwar his demand, Abdullah merely reaffirms his weakness. Only the lame and the weak shy away from challenges.
Malaysians are not lame or limp. We successfully stood up against the British colonialists. We still remain unique in that we are the only nation that had successfully beaten back the communist insurgency. We are proud of our traditions and achievements. This is not the time to let the lame or the limp lead us. In fact, there is no such time.
We are also told that Najib is a "British-trained economist! Take a few courses in economics in your undergraduate years and presto, you are an economist! This effusive praise and embellished accolade reflects the generosity of our culture. We are generous even in our praises, whether they are deserved or not.
Frankly, it is not too difficult to be "better" than the inept Abdullah. That is no praise!
Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan Rakyat have every right to demand the reconvening of Parliament and to introduce his "no confidence" motion against Abdullah. In denying Anwar his demand, Abdullah merely reaffirms his weakness. Only the lame and the weak shy away from challenges.
Malaysians are not lame or limp. We successfully stood up against the British colonialists. We still remain unique in that we are the only nation that had successfully beaten back the communist insurgency. We are proud of our traditions and achievements. This is not the time to let the lame or the limp lead us. In fact, there is no such time.
Friday, September 12, 2008
ISA & MODERN MALAYSIA'S FIRST FREEDOM FIGHTER - RAJA PETRA KAMRUDIN
written by lokenpal, September 13, 2008 11:23:26
I HAVE GOT BIG BALLS, YOU HAVE GOT BIG BALLS,
BUT RPK HAS THE BIGGEST BALLS OF THEM ALL
- AC/DC
IN HONOR OF MODERN MALAYSIA'S FIRST FREEDOM FIGHTER - RAJA PETRA KAMRUDIN
who on 911, 2008 was arrested under the ISA - Internal Security Act.
>(The Star) KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has summoned Ilango Karuppannan, the charge d’affaires of the Malaysian embassy, to protest what it called the “crackdown on dissent” at a time when the opposition was attempting to form a new government.
According to the AFP, Ilango was summoned to the State Department after the three arrests under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on Friday.
”Peaceful expression of political opinions is a fundamental right and critical to a democracy,” a State Department official told AFP.
”The United States believes that the Malaysian Government should provide due process and treatment consistent with Malaysian law and international standards,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
”We expect that democratic countries that purport to advocate free expression of political views will not curtail such freedom,” the official said.
This is the second time Ilango was summoned to the State Department in a month.
The last time was when PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was charged with sodomy.
”The United States firmly believes that freedom of the press and freedom of speech are fundamental to a vibrant democracy,” the State Department official said.
On Friday, Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin, Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng and Seputeh MP and Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok were arrested under the ISA.
Three publications - Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan - have also been issued show-cause letters by the Home Ministry for breaching guidelines set by the Government.
I HAVE GOT BIG BALLS, YOU HAVE GOT BIG BALLS,
BUT RPK HAS THE BIGGEST BALLS OF THEM ALL
- AC/DC
IN HONOR OF MODERN MALAYSIA'S FIRST FREEDOM FIGHTER - RAJA PETRA KAMRUDIN
who on 911, 2008 was arrested under the ISA - Internal Security Act.
>(The Star) KUALA LUMPUR: The United States has summoned Ilango Karuppannan, the charge d’affaires of the Malaysian embassy, to protest what it called the “crackdown on dissent” at a time when the opposition was attempting to form a new government.
According to the AFP, Ilango was summoned to the State Department after the three arrests under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on Friday.
”Peaceful expression of political opinions is a fundamental right and critical to a democracy,” a State Department official told AFP.
”The United States believes that the Malaysian Government should provide due process and treatment consistent with Malaysian law and international standards,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
”We expect that democratic countries that purport to advocate free expression of political views will not curtail such freedom,” the official said.
This is the second time Ilango was summoned to the State Department in a month.
The last time was when PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was charged with sodomy.
”The United States firmly believes that freedom of the press and freedom of speech are fundamental to a vibrant democracy,” the State Department official said.
On Friday, Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamarudin, Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng and Seputeh MP and Selangor senior executive councillor Teresa Kok were arrested under the ISA.
Three publications - Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan - have also been issued show-cause letters by the Home Ministry for breaching guidelines set by the Government.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Normal Times - Marina Mahatir
Quite a nice piece by Marina....She said ...Lately I have become nostalgic for the 'normal times'. I'm not sure how to define that except to say that those were the times when we Malaysians hung out with each other without things like race and religion constantly hanging over our heads...
Monday, September 1, 2008
Communing over Cupcakes
(Wondermilk's delicious cupcakes with Bunga Raya and mini-Jalur Gemilangs on them)
http://rantingsbymm.blogspot.com/2008/09/communing-over-cupcakes.html
Hi folks, I meant to write something for Merdeka yesterday but my Merdeka Day wasn't very free so I never found the time. Today however, being the first day of Ramadhan and a public holiday, leaves some room for reflection and thoughts.
I started off my Aug 31 by sending out some smses to friends wishing them 'independence in mind and spirit'. I have to say that this year I wasn't inspired to send out many greetings at all. But I did decide to once again have my annual neighbourhood Merdeka tea party at home. Found some great Merdeka-themed cupcakes at Wondermilk in Damansara Uptown, fried some cempedak goreng and keropok lekor and that was more than enough to set the scene.
I live in a small cul-de-sac with only eight houses. Some of my neighbours have lived here all their lives while some are much newer. I have been here 14 years myself. This tea started last year for our 50th anniversary and I thought it was a new tradition well worth keeping. Besides, the string of flags I put up last year haven't come down yet!
My neighbours comprise four Indian families, one Chinese one and us, the sole Malay one. The other two houses are rented out and are currently empty or just rented out to people we haven't met yet. I can't say that we are a close-knit neighbourhood but since the tea last year (and another one on New Year's Day), we have gotten to know one another , which is nice.
At tea we chat about every day things, about our neighbourhood, about our kids and, being Malaysians after all, about food. It's lovely and friendly and makes me nostalgic for my childhood in Alor Setar when we knew our mixed neighbourhood as well.
One thing that always comes up is education. My neighbours have put their kids in national schools because they reasoned that if they survived it themselves, then their children can as well. But they have to put up with some ridiculous things.
My neighbour's son's school, for instance, insists on stereotyping their pupils by race when it comes to sports. So only Malays can play football while Punjabis must play hockey and Chinese play badminton. Even if the kids have no talent or interest for any of these games, those are the ones they have to play. One Punjabi child loved chess but was forced to play hockey!!! It somehow makes you understand a little better why we don't do well in sports internationally, if we insist on forcing square people into round holes they can't fit into.
The school must obviously be one that doesn't make sports a priority. Instead it's all about making sure that they get as many children scoring 5As in the UPSR as possible. With the exams a little more than a week away, children are given all sorts of Kelas Tambahan both in the afternoon and at night. The night ones can extend way past children's bedtimes, and it's not as if there is no homework to do as well. Some of the wiser parents have told their kids to relax and not stress themselves out too much but sometimes the kids put pressure on themselves to constantly be at their books, even having nightmares about their exams.
I really have to admire parents who have maintained their children in the national schools, especially when they are not Malays. My daughter spent eight months in a national school before we had to pull her out. We had become increasingly alarmed at the type of racial-toned language she had started to use. Obviously she was being indoctrinated every day with the idea of racial superiority of only one community, hers. We felt we could not counter this effectively ourselves so eventually transfered her to a private school. It's not perfect and we were very sad to have to do it but we really didn't want her to grow up in that toxic environment.
What is interesting is that I met the parents of one of her former schoolmates and they said that she loved the school. Thinking about it, I realised that perhaps in our schools today, Muslim kids and non-Muslim kids are having very different experiences. The Muslim kids were constantly subject to endless religious classes as well as constant talk about the difference ( and yes, the superiority) between them and their non-Muslim schoolmates. While non-Muslim kids generally have a more 'normal' school life where they are pretty much left alone to pursue all regular school activities so they like school better.
Lately I have become nostalgic for the 'normal times'. I'm not sure how to define that except to say that those were the times when we Malaysians hung out with each other without things like race and religion constantly hanging over our heads. When we weren't leaden with 'sensitivities' so much that they stifled normal relationships. I had no qualms in my childhood of going to play in my Chinese neighbour's home and eating whatever was on offer as long as it wasn't pork. But these days, people even hesitate to enter a non-Muslim home as if the air in it will somehow shake their faith. My Chinese and Indian friends knew what I could or could not eat and would simply point out what was Ok and what was not on the buffet table. I simply trusted their hospitality. I don't understand the constant air of suspicion that arises these days, especially among the young.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Communing over Cupcakes
(Wondermilk's delicious cupcakes with Bunga Raya and mini-Jalur Gemilangs on them)
http://rantingsbymm.blogspot.com/2008/09/communing-over-cupcakes.html
Hi folks, I meant to write something for Merdeka yesterday but my Merdeka Day wasn't very free so I never found the time. Today however, being the first day of Ramadhan and a public holiday, leaves some room for reflection and thoughts.
I started off my Aug 31 by sending out some smses to friends wishing them 'independence in mind and spirit'. I have to say that this year I wasn't inspired to send out many greetings at all. But I did decide to once again have my annual neighbourhood Merdeka tea party at home. Found some great Merdeka-themed cupcakes at Wondermilk in Damansara Uptown, fried some cempedak goreng and keropok lekor and that was more than enough to set the scene.
I live in a small cul-de-sac with only eight houses. Some of my neighbours have lived here all their lives while some are much newer. I have been here 14 years myself. This tea started last year for our 50th anniversary and I thought it was a new tradition well worth keeping. Besides, the string of flags I put up last year haven't come down yet!
My neighbours comprise four Indian families, one Chinese one and us, the sole Malay one. The other two houses are rented out and are currently empty or just rented out to people we haven't met yet. I can't say that we are a close-knit neighbourhood but since the tea last year (and another one on New Year's Day), we have gotten to know one another , which is nice.
At tea we chat about every day things, about our neighbourhood, about our kids and, being Malaysians after all, about food. It's lovely and friendly and makes me nostalgic for my childhood in Alor Setar when we knew our mixed neighbourhood as well.
One thing that always comes up is education. My neighbours have put their kids in national schools because they reasoned that if they survived it themselves, then their children can as well. But they have to put up with some ridiculous things.
My neighbour's son's school, for instance, insists on stereotyping their pupils by race when it comes to sports. So only Malays can play football while Punjabis must play hockey and Chinese play badminton. Even if the kids have no talent or interest for any of these games, those are the ones they have to play. One Punjabi child loved chess but was forced to play hockey!!! It somehow makes you understand a little better why we don't do well in sports internationally, if we insist on forcing square people into round holes they can't fit into.
The school must obviously be one that doesn't make sports a priority. Instead it's all about making sure that they get as many children scoring 5As in the UPSR as possible. With the exams a little more than a week away, children are given all sorts of Kelas Tambahan both in the afternoon and at night. The night ones can extend way past children's bedtimes, and it's not as if there is no homework to do as well. Some of the wiser parents have told their kids to relax and not stress themselves out too much but sometimes the kids put pressure on themselves to constantly be at their books, even having nightmares about their exams.
I really have to admire parents who have maintained their children in the national schools, especially when they are not Malays. My daughter spent eight months in a national school before we had to pull her out. We had become increasingly alarmed at the type of racial-toned language she had started to use. Obviously she was being indoctrinated every day with the idea of racial superiority of only one community, hers. We felt we could not counter this effectively ourselves so eventually transfered her to a private school. It's not perfect and we were very sad to have to do it but we really didn't want her to grow up in that toxic environment.
What is interesting is that I met the parents of one of her former schoolmates and they said that she loved the school. Thinking about it, I realised that perhaps in our schools today, Muslim kids and non-Muslim kids are having very different experiences. The Muslim kids were constantly subject to endless religious classes as well as constant talk about the difference ( and yes, the superiority) between them and their non-Muslim schoolmates. While non-Muslim kids generally have a more 'normal' school life where they are pretty much left alone to pursue all regular school activities so they like school better.
Lately I have become nostalgic for the 'normal times'. I'm not sure how to define that except to say that those were the times when we Malaysians hung out with each other without things like race and religion constantly hanging over our heads. When we weren't leaden with 'sensitivities' so much that they stifled normal relationships. I had no qualms in my childhood of going to play in my Chinese neighbour's home and eating whatever was on offer as long as it wasn't pork. But these days, people even hesitate to enter a non-Muslim home as if the air in it will somehow shake their faith. My Chinese and Indian friends knew what I could or could not eat and would simply point out what was Ok and what was not on the buffet table. I simply trusted their hospitality. I don't understand the constant air of suspicion that arises these days, especially among the young.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Vote Wisely?
This is my reply to an email with the subject 'Vote Wisely'
RE: Vote wisely - AMERICA IS NOT CUBA
From: LOGAN PAL (logan_pal@hotmail.com)
Sent:Fri 9/05/08 10:58 PM
To: xxxxxxx
My Friends;
Voting wisely and do not be afraid of change. The United of States of America is not Cuba or any country in this world. Coming here over a decade ago; I see and feel the sense of decency and fairness of Americans; Republicans, Democrats or Independent or otherwise. I will give my life "as a left-center leaning democrat" for this country to stop any MF terrorist wanting to do harm to this country. Obama-Biden do not alone run this country. The Congress, Justice and other systems of good governance and the CITIZENS. So do not try to imply some kind of fear in the people like saying 'what will it cost? Disagree on policy. Obama and Biden, in my opinion provide change in keeping us safe now and long term. (or Hilary - as she has more complex well defined policies for the country).
Energy policy - 101
Obama and the Democrats want to invest in alternative energy - really - solar/wind/etc. Imagine a technology which would help with stopping the $$$ going to undemocratic oil countries. This will take time 10-20 years. Now is CHANGE
STICK & CARROT 101
Obama foreign policy is this; Meeting Iran leader and telling him in his FACE. MF take it easy and renounce bad on Israel. Prosper peacefully. I think ones religion affects ones view; and being a Hindu I don't understood the concept of the Holy Land. Forgive my view. (Hindu family; Catholic school and lived in a Malay Muslim and Chinese country - Malaysia. If the MF does not want peace then send him a bad gift. There are bad people and we either kill them and convince their young from believing we are bad. Note: The energy policy ideas is so important as it would make the oil rich countries start educating their people (in democratic-economic ideas) to maintain economic and social growth.
Logan Palanisamy
ORIGINAL EMAIL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 11:02:09 -0700
> From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Vote wisely
> To: xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> The following letter appeared in Letters to the Editor in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond , VA on July 7,2008.
>
> Please read the following, and think about what this man has said. Do this BEFORE you cast your vote for the next president of the United States:
>
> Editor, Times-Dispatch:
>
> Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30, I celebrate my independence day, and on July 4, I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.
>
> On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United Sates to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.
>
> I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.
>
> When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said 'Praise the Lord.' And when the young leader said, 'I will be for change and I'll bring you change,' everyone yelled, 'Viva Fidel!'
>
> But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.
>
> Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?
>
> Would we?
>
> Manuel Alvarez Jr.
>
>
RE: Vote wisely - AMERICA IS NOT CUBA
From: LOGAN PAL (logan_pal@hotmail.com)
Sent:Fri 9/05/08 10:58 PM
To: xxxxxxx
My Friends;
Voting wisely and do not be afraid of change. The United of States of America is not Cuba or any country in this world. Coming here over a decade ago; I see and feel the sense of decency and fairness of Americans; Republicans, Democrats or Independent or otherwise. I will give my life "as a left-center leaning democrat" for this country to stop any MF terrorist wanting to do harm to this country. Obama-Biden do not alone run this country. The Congress, Justice and other systems of good governance and the CITIZENS. So do not try to imply some kind of fear in the people like saying 'what will it cost? Disagree on policy. Obama and Biden, in my opinion provide change in keeping us safe now and long term. (or Hilary - as she has more complex well defined policies for the country).
Energy policy - 101
Obama and the Democrats want to invest in alternative energy - really - solar/wind/etc. Imagine a technology which would help with stopping the $$$ going to undemocratic oil countries. This will take time 10-20 years. Now is CHANGE
STICK & CARROT 101
Obama foreign policy is this; Meeting Iran leader and telling him in his FACE. MF take it easy and renounce bad on Israel. Prosper peacefully. I think ones religion affects ones view; and being a Hindu I don't understood the concept of the Holy Land. Forgive my view. (Hindu family; Catholic school and lived in a Malay Muslim and Chinese country - Malaysia. If the MF does not want peace then send him a bad gift. There are bad people and we either kill them and convince their young from believing we are bad. Note: The energy policy ideas is so important as it would make the oil rich countries start educating their people (in democratic-economic ideas) to maintain economic and social growth.
Logan Palanisamy
ORIGINAL EMAIL
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 11:02:09 -0700
> From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Vote wisely
> To: xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> The following letter appeared in Letters to the Editor in the Richmond Times Dispatch, Richmond , VA on July 7,2008.
>
> Please read the following, and think about what this man has said. Do this BEFORE you cast your vote for the next president of the United States:
>
> Editor, Times-Dispatch:
>
> Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30, I celebrate my independence day, and on July 4, I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.
>
> On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United Sates to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.
>
> I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.
>
> When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said 'Praise the Lord.' And when the young leader said, 'I will be for change and I'll bring you change,' everyone yelled, 'Viva Fidel!'
>
> But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.
>
> Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?
>
> Would we?
>
> Manuel Alvarez Jr.
>
>
Thursday, September 04, 2008
After Palin speech, Obama has record $10 million day
After Palin speech, Obama has record $10 million day
Posted: 08:50 PM ET
(CNN) – Barack Obama's campaign for president has raised $10 million since Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin spoke Wednesday night, the campaign announced, calling it a "one-day record."
Palin, the governor of Alaska, launched harsh attacks on Obama, accusing him of being two-faced and a political lightweight with no significant legislative accomplishments.
"Coverage of the Palin attacks on the news this evening just pushed us over $10 million," Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in an e-mail to reporters Wednesday night.
The Republican Party announced earlier in the day it had raised $1 million in the wake of Palin's speech.
Posted: 08:50 PM ET
(CNN) – Barack Obama's campaign for president has raised $10 million since Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin spoke Wednesday night, the campaign announced, calling it a "one-day record."
Palin, the governor of Alaska, launched harsh attacks on Obama, accusing him of being two-faced and a political lightweight with no significant legislative accomplishments.
"Coverage of the Palin attacks on the news this evening just pushed us over $10 million," Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in an e-mail to reporters Wednesday night.
The Republican Party announced earlier in the day it had raised $1 million in the wake of Palin's speech.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Bapa saya Pendatang. Bukan saya?
As per http://mt.m2day.org/2008/content/view/12109/84/
Bapa saya pendatang. Bukan saya?
What Indians and Chinese need to ask is how do more Malays do well so that the so called discrimination would end - verbally and socially. The non-malays have to also play a role in helping the poor; majority malays; with good governance systems. Malaysians Chinese and Indians have an attachment to China and India respectively. Hence, the perception is malays only have malaysia.
UMNO has left the poor majority malays behind; economically and socially. MCA & MIC are perhaps bigger culprits.
Pakatan Rakyat should refuse MCA & Gerakan as members of a coalition. UMNO would be standing alone, perhaps with MIC (lol). It is not politically sustainable for growth of a strong 2 party system.
UMNO/MCA/MIC should be rebranding themselves as a coalition of cultural organization of the polity. An interracial tolerant social group gone astray since Tunku, well maybe a while later...
Bapa saya pendatang. Bukan saya?
What Indians and Chinese need to ask is how do more Malays do well so that the so called discrimination would end - verbally and socially. The non-malays have to also play a role in helping the poor; majority malays; with good governance systems. Malaysians Chinese and Indians have an attachment to China and India respectively. Hence, the perception is malays only have malaysia.
UMNO has left the poor majority malays behind; economically and socially. MCA & MIC are perhaps bigger culprits.
Pakatan Rakyat should refuse MCA & Gerakan as members of a coalition. UMNO would be standing alone, perhaps with MIC (lol). It is not politically sustainable for growth of a strong 2 party system.
UMNO/MCA/MIC should be rebranding themselves as a coalition of cultural organization of the polity. An interracial tolerant social group gone astray since Tunku, well maybe a while later...
Sunday, August 31, 2008
2 Party in Malaysia?
Pakatan Rakyat should refuse MCA & Gerakan as members of a coalition. UMNO would be standing alone, perhaps with MIC (lol). It is not politically sustainable for growth of a strong 2 party system.
UMNO/MCA/MIC should be rebranding themselves as a coalition of cultural organization of the polity. An interracial tolerant social group gone astray since Tunku, well maybe a while later...
OK I am someone who believes BN can reform - REFORMASI...lol...2 Party in Malaysia?
See ANIL NETTO
UMNO/MCA/MIC should be rebranding themselves as a coalition of cultural organization of the polity. An interracial tolerant social group gone astray since Tunku, well maybe a while later...
OK I am someone who believes BN can reform - REFORMASI...lol...2 Party in Malaysia?
See ANIL NETTO
DNC 2008 - CSPAN
DNC 2008 - CSPAN - Public Service
CSPAN DNC video views numbers on youtube; which for opening day hype reduce by about 20% of Michelle's, and leaves Barrack having the highest. Bill will always be the wise one who suffered infidelity; and people will pay attention and listen to this guy when he speaks. Dennis was the best with, Wake up America speech.
Michelle Obama 160k
Barrack Obama 144k - CSPAN
Bill Clinton 142k
Dennis Kucnich 118k
Hilary Clinton 94k
Joe Biden 69k
Updated Sep 1st
Michelle Obama 163k
Barrack Obama 167k -
Bill Clinton 145k
Dennis Kucnich 119k
Hilary Clinton 97k
Joe Biden 71k
CSPAN DNC video views numbers on youtube; which for opening day hype reduce by about 20% of Michelle's, and leaves Barrack having the highest. Bill will always be the wise one who suffered infidelity; and people will pay attention and listen to this guy when he speaks. Dennis was the best with, Wake up America speech.
Michelle Obama 160k
Barrack Obama 144k - CSPAN
Bill Clinton 142k
Dennis Kucnich 118k
Hilary Clinton 94k
Joe Biden 69k
Updated Sep 1st
Michelle Obama 163k
Barrack Obama 167k -
Bill Clinton 145k
Dennis Kucnich 119k
Hilary Clinton 97k
Joe Biden 71k
Saturday, August 30, 2008
VP Pick - Obama - McCain ?
August 31st
It has been widely reported that Mcpain's pick of Sarah Palin were due to the following;
> Get Hilary's women supporters - 20% (those who still refuse to vote Obama) to support Mccain/Palin - not sure if successfull.
> Get the right wing excited of Palin who is anti-abortion and pro-gun - and they are excited.
But what all these reports fail to see is Karl Rove's plan; i.e. the men vote. More men would vote for Sarah Palin due to looks/beauty. The undecided men.
Update Sept 1st.
Palin's daughter pregancy out of wedlock. Not sure degree of negative effect on mccain Rep. onservatives. But the Reps. will find ways to get more support out of sympathy votes. Palin has some good accomplishments and the Dems need to discredit her policies views. Obama surely was tested about his past.
But it will take more than beauty or even brawn to beat Obama-Biden. Biden's choice was well thought out and sensitive to voters at large. Obama finally was more specific on his plans and took on McCain sometimes in sterness - Like he can give a punch. but Obama's temperament, judgment and reasoning was evident of his Presidency.
Obama needs to say or imply that he would appoint Hilary as a health czar-ina.
It has been widely reported that Mcpain's pick of Sarah Palin were due to the following;
> Get Hilary's women supporters - 20% (those who still refuse to vote Obama) to support Mccain/Palin - not sure if successfull.
> Get the right wing excited of Palin who is anti-abortion and pro-gun - and they are excited.
But what all these reports fail to see is Karl Rove's plan; i.e. the men vote. More men would vote for Sarah Palin due to looks/beauty. The undecided men.
Update Sept 1st.
Palin's daughter pregancy out of wedlock. Not sure degree of negative effect on mccain Rep. onservatives. But the Reps. will find ways to get more support out of sympathy votes. Palin has some good accomplishments and the Dems need to discredit her policies views. Obama surely was tested about his past.
But it will take more than beauty or even brawn to beat Obama-Biden. Biden's choice was well thought out and sensitive to voters at large. Obama finally was more specific on his plans and took on McCain sometimes in sterness - Like he can give a punch. but Obama's temperament, judgment and reasoning was evident of his Presidency.
Obama needs to say or imply that he would appoint Hilary as a health czar-ina.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
People of the world
Obama's speech in Berlin - July 25, 2008
Thank you to the citizens of Berlin and to the people of Germany. Let me thank Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Steinmeier for welcoming me earlier today. Thank you Mayor Wowereit, the Berlin Senate, the police, and most of all thank you for this welcome.
I come to Berlin as so many of my countrymen have come before. Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for President, but as a citizen – a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world.
I know that I don't look like the Americans who've previously spoken in this great city. The journey that led me here is improbable. My mother was born in the heartland of America, but my father grew up herding goats in Kenya. His father – my grandfather – was a cook, a domestic servant to the British.
At the height of the Cold War, my father decided, like so many others in the forgotten corners of the world, that his yearning – his dream – required the freedom and opportunity promised by the West. And so he wrote letter after letter to universities all across America until somebody, somewhere answered his prayer for a better life.
That is why I'm here. And you are here because you too know that yearning. This city, of all cities, knows the dream of freedom. And you know that the only reason we stand here tonight is because men and women from both of our nations came together to work, and struggle, and sacrifice for that better life.
Ours is a partnership that truly began sixty years ago this summer, on the day when the first American plane touched down at Templehof.
On that day, much of this continent still lay in ruin. The rubble of this city had yet to be built into a wall. The Soviet shadow had swept across Eastern Europe, while in the West, America, Britain, and France took stock of their losses, and pondered how the world might be remade.
This is where the two sides met. And on the twenty-fourth of June, 1948, the Communists chose to blockade the western part of the city. They cut off food and supplies to more than two million Germans in an effort to extinguish the last flame of freedom in Berlin.
The size of our forces was no match for the much larger Soviet Army. And yet retreat would have allowed Communism to march across Europe. Where the last war had ended, another World War could have easily begun. All that stood in the way was Berlin.
And that's when the airlift began – when the largest and most unlikely rescue in history brought food and hope to the people of this city.
The odds were stacked against success. In the winter, a heavy fog filled the sky above, and many planes were forced to turn back without dropping off the needed supplies. The streets where we stand were filled with hungry families who had no comfort from the cold.
But in the darkest hours, the people of Berlin kept the flame of hope burning. The people of Berlin refused to give up. And on one fall day, hundreds of thousands of Berliners came here, to the Tiergarten, and heard the city's mayor implore the world not to give up on freedom. "There is only one possibility," he said. "For us to stand together united until this battle is won…The people of Berlin have spoken. We have done our duty, and we will keep on doing our duty. People of the world: now do your duty…People of the world, look at Berlin!"
People of the world – look at Berlin!
Look at Berlin, where Germans and Americans learned to work together and trust each other less than three years after facing each other on the field of battle.
Look at Berlin, where the determination of a people met the generosity of the Marshall Plan and created a German miracle; where a victory over tyranny gave rise to NATO, the greatest alliance ever formed to defend our common security.
Look at Berlin, where the bullet holes in the buildings and the somber stones and pillars near the Brandenburg Gate insist that we never forget our common humanity.
People of the world – look at Berlin, where a wall came down, a continent came together, and history proved that there is no challenge too great for a world that stands as one.
Sixty years after the airlift, we are called upon again. History has led us to a new crossroad, with new promise and new peril. When you, the German people, tore down that wall – a wall that divided East and West; freedom and tyranny; fear and hope – walls came tumbling down around the world. From Kiev to Cape Town, prison camps were closed, and the doors of democracy were opened. Markets opened too, and the spread of information and technology reduced barriers to opportunity and prosperity. While the 20th century taught us that we share a common destiny, the 21st has revealed a world more intertwined than at any time in human history.
The fall of the Berlin Wall brought new hope. But that very closeness has given rise to new dangers – dangers that cannot be contained within the borders of a country or by the distance of an ocean.
The terrorists of September 11th plotted in Hamburg and trained in Kandahar and Karachi before killing thousands from all over the globe on American soil.
As we speak, cars in Boston and factories in Beijing are melting the ice caps in the Arctic, shrinking coastlines in the Atlantic, and bringing drought to farms from Kansas to Kenya.
Poorly secured nuclear material in the former Soviet Union, or secrets from a scientist in Pakistan could help build a bomb that detonates in Paris. The poppies in Afghanistan become the heroin in Berlin. The poverty and violence in Somalia breeds the terror of tomorrow. The genocide in Darfur shames the conscience of us all.
In this new world, such dangerous currents have swept along faster than our efforts to contain them. That is why we cannot afford to be divided. No one nation, no matter how large or powerful, can defeat such challenges alone. None of us can deny these threats, or escape responsibility in meeting them. Yet, in the absence of Soviet tanks and a terrible wall, it has become easy to forget this truth. And if we're honest with each other, we know that sometimes, on both sides of the Atlantic, we have drifted apart, and forgotten our shared destiny.
In Europe, the view that America is part of what has gone wrong in our world, rather than a force to help make it right, has become all too common. In America, there are voices that deride and deny the importance of Europe's role in our security and our future. Both views miss the truth – that Europeans today are bearing new burdens and taking more responsibility in critical parts of the world; and that just as American bases built in the last century still help to defend the security of this continent, so does our country still sacrifice greatly for freedom around the globe.
Yes, there have been differences between America and Europe. No doubt, there will be differences in the future. But the burdens of global citizenship continue to bind us together. A change of leadership in Washington will not lift this burden. In this new century, Americans and Europeans alike will be required to do more – not less. Partnership and cooperation among nations is not a choice; it is the one way, the only way, to protect our common security and advance our common humanity.
That is why the greatest danger of all is to allow new walls to divide us from one another.
The walls between old allies on either side of the Atlantic cannot stand. The walls between the countries with the most and those with the least cannot stand. The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and Muslim and Jew cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down.
We know they have fallen before. After centuries of strife, the people of Europe have formed a Union of promise and prosperity. Here, at the base of a column built to mark victory in war, we meet in the center of a Europe at peace. Not only have walls come down in Berlin, but they have come down in Belfast, where Protestant and Catholic found a way to live together; in the Balkans, where our Atlantic alliance ended wars and brought savage war criminals to justice; and in South Africa, where the struggle of a courageous people defeated apartheid.
So history reminds us that walls can be torn down. But the task is never easy. True partnership and true progress requires constant work and sustained sacrifice. They require sharing the burdens of development and diplomacy; of progress and peace. They require allies who will listen to each other, learn from each other and, most of all, trust each other.
That is why America cannot turn inward. That is why Europe cannot turn inward. America has no better partner than Europe. Now is the time to build new bridges across the globe as strong as the one that bound us across the Atlantic. Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation, strong institutions, shared sacrifice, and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It was this spirit that led airlift planes to appear in the sky above our heads, and people to assemble where we stand today. And this is the moment when our nations – and all nations – must summon that spirit anew.
This is the moment when we must defeat terror and dry up the well of extremism that supports it. This threat is real and we cannot shrink from our responsibility to combat it. If we could create NATO to face down the Soviet Union, we can join in a new and global partnership to dismantle the networks that have struck in Madrid and Amman; in London and Bali; in Washington and New York. If we could win a battle of ideas against the communists, we can stand with the vast majority of Muslims who reject the extremism that leads to hate instead of hope.
This is the moment when we must renew our resolve to rout the terrorists who threaten our security in Afghanistan, and the traffickers who sell drugs on your streets. No one welcomes war. I recognize the enormous difficulties in Afghanistan. But my country and yours have a stake in seeing that NATO's first mission beyond Europe's borders is a success. For the people of Afghanistan, and for our shared security, the work must be done. America cannot do this alone. The Afghan people need our troops and your troops; our support and your support to defeat the Taliban and al Qaeda, to develop their economy, and to help them rebuild their nation. We have too much at stake to turn back now.
This is the moment when we must renew the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. The two superpowers that faced each other across the wall of this city came too close too often to destroying all we have built and all that we love. With that wall gone, we need not stand idly by and watch the further spread of the deadly atom. It is time to secure all loose nuclear materials; to stop the spread of nuclear weapons; and to reduce the arsenals from another era. This is the moment to begin the work of seeking the peace of a world without nuclear weapons.
This is the moment when every nation in Europe must have the chance to choose its own tomorrow free from the shadows of yesterday. In this century, we need a strong European Union that deepens the security and prosperity of this continent, while extending a hand abroad. In this century – in this city of all cities – we must reject the Cold War mind-set of the past, and resolve to work with Russia when we can, to stand up for our values when we must, and to seek a partnership that extends across this entire continent.
This is the moment when we must build on the wealth that open markets have created, and share its benefits more equitably. Trade has been a cornerstone of our growth and global development. But we will not be able to sustain this growth if it favors the few, and not the many. Together, we must forge trade that truly rewards the work that creates wealth, with meaningful protections for our people and our planet. This is the moment for trade that is free and fair for all.
This is the moment we must help answer the call for a new dawn in the Middle East. My country must stand with yours and with Europe in sending a direct message to Iran that it must abandon its nuclear ambitions. We must support the Lebanese who have marched and bled for democracy, and the Israelis and Palestinians who seek a secure and lasting peace. And despite past differences, this is the moment when the world should support the millions of Iraqis who seek to rebuild their lives, even as we pass responsibility to the Iraqi government and finally bring this war to a close.
This is the moment when we must come together to save this planet. Let us resolve that we will not leave our children a world where the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands. Let us resolve that all nations – including my own – will act with the same seriousness of purpose as has your nation, and reduce the carbon we send into our atmosphere. This is the moment to give our children back their future. This is the moment to stand as one.
And this is the moment when we must give hope to those left behind in a globalized world. We must remember that the Cold War born in this city was not a battle for land or treasure. Sixty years ago, the planes that flew over Berlin did not drop bombs; instead they delivered food, and coal, and candy to grateful children. And in that show of solidarity, those pilots won more than a military victory. They won hearts and minds; love and loyalty and trust – not just from the people in this city, but from all those who heard the story of what they did here.
Now the world will watch and remember what we do here – what we do with this moment. Will we extend our hand to the people in the forgotten corners of this world who yearn for lives marked by dignity and opportunity; by security and justice? Will we lift the child in Bangladesh from poverty, shelter the refugee in Chad, and banish the scourge of AIDS in our time?
Will we stand for the human rights of the dissident in Burma, the blogger in Iran, or the voter in Zimbabwe? Will we give meaning to the words "never again" in Darfur?
Will we acknowledge that there is no more powerful example than the one each of our nations projects to the world? Will we reject torture and stand for the rule of law? Will we welcome immigrants from different lands, and shun discrimination against those who don't look like us or worship like we do, and keep the promise of equality and opportunity for all of our people?
People of Berlin – people of the world – this is our moment. This is our time.
I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions.
But I also know how much I love America. I know that for more than two centuries, we have strived – at great cost and great sacrifice – to form a more perfect union; to seek, with other nations, a more hopeful world. Our allegiance has never been to any particular tribe or kingdom – indeed, every language is spoken in our country; every culture has left its imprint on ours; every point of view is expressed in our public squares. What has always united us – what has always driven our people; what drew my father to America's shores – is a set of ideals that speak to aspirations shared by all people: that we can live free from fear and free from want; that we can speak our minds and assemble with whomever we choose and worship as we please.
Those are the aspirations that joined the fates of all nations in this city. Those aspirations are bigger than anything that drives us apart. It is because of those aspirations that the airlift began. It is because of those aspirations that all free people – everywhere – became citizens of Berlin. It is in pursuit of those aspirations that a new generation – our generation – must make our mark on history.
People of Berlin – and people of the world – the scale of our challenge is great. The road ahead will be long. But I come before you to say that we are heirs to a struggle for freedom. We are a people of improbable hope. Let us build on our common history, and seize our common destiny, and once again engage in that noble struggle to bring justice and peace to our world.
Thank you to the citizens of Berlin and to the people of Germany. Let me thank Chancellor Merkel and Foreign Minister Steinmeier for welcoming me earlier today. Thank you Mayor Wowereit, the Berlin Senate, the police, and most of all thank you for this welcome.
I come to Berlin as so many of my countrymen have come before. Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for President, but as a citizen – a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world.
I know that I don't look like the Americans who've previously spoken in this great city. The journey that led me here is improbable. My mother was born in the heartland of America, but my father grew up herding goats in Kenya. His father – my grandfather – was a cook, a domestic servant to the British.
At the height of the Cold War, my father decided, like so many others in the forgotten corners of the world, that his yearning – his dream – required the freedom and opportunity promised by the West. And so he wrote letter after letter to universities all across America until somebody, somewhere answered his prayer for a better life.
That is why I'm here. And you are here because you too know that yearning. This city, of all cities, knows the dream of freedom. And you know that the only reason we stand here tonight is because men and women from both of our nations came together to work, and struggle, and sacrifice for that better life.
Ours is a partnership that truly began sixty years ago this summer, on the day when the first American plane touched down at Templehof.
On that day, much of this continent still lay in ruin. The rubble of this city had yet to be built into a wall. The Soviet shadow had swept across Eastern Europe, while in the West, America, Britain, and France took stock of their losses, and pondered how the world might be remade.
This is where the two sides met. And on the twenty-fourth of June, 1948, the Communists chose to blockade the western part of the city. They cut off food and supplies to more than two million Germans in an effort to extinguish the last flame of freedom in Berlin.
The size of our forces was no match for the much larger Soviet Army. And yet retreat would have allowed Communism to march across Europe. Where the last war had ended, another World War could have easily begun. All that stood in the way was Berlin.
And that's when the airlift began – when the largest and most unlikely rescue in history brought food and hope to the people of this city.
The odds were stacked against success. In the winter, a heavy fog filled the sky above, and many planes were forced to turn back without dropping off the needed supplies. The streets where we stand were filled with hungry families who had no comfort from the cold.
But in the darkest hours, the people of Berlin kept the flame of hope burning. The people of Berlin refused to give up. And on one fall day, hundreds of thousands of Berliners came here, to the Tiergarten, and heard the city's mayor implore the world not to give up on freedom. "There is only one possibility," he said. "For us to stand together united until this battle is won…The people of Berlin have spoken. We have done our duty, and we will keep on doing our duty. People of the world: now do your duty…People of the world, look at Berlin!"
People of the world – look at Berlin!
Look at Berlin, where Germans and Americans learned to work together and trust each other less than three years after facing each other on the field of battle.
Look at Berlin, where the determination of a people met the generosity of the Marshall Plan and created a German miracle; where a victory over tyranny gave rise to NATO, the greatest alliance ever formed to defend our common security.
Look at Berlin, where the bullet holes in the buildings and the somber stones and pillars near the Brandenburg Gate insist that we never forget our common humanity.
People of the world – look at Berlin, where a wall came down, a continent came together, and history proved that there is no challenge too great for a world that stands as one.
Sixty years after the airlift, we are called upon again. History has led us to a new crossroad, with new promise and new peril. When you, the German people, tore down that wall – a wall that divided East and West; freedom and tyranny; fear and hope – walls came tumbling down around the world. From Kiev to Cape Town, prison camps were closed, and the doors of democracy were opened. Markets opened too, and the spread of information and technology reduced barriers to opportunity and prosperity. While the 20th century taught us that we share a common destiny, the 21st has revealed a world more intertwined than at any time in human history.
The fall of the Berlin Wall brought new hope. But that very closeness has given rise to new dangers – dangers that cannot be contained within the borders of a country or by the distance of an ocean.
The terrorists of September 11th plotted in Hamburg and trained in Kandahar and Karachi before killing thousands from all over the globe on American soil.
As we speak, cars in Boston and factories in Beijing are melting the ice caps in the Arctic, shrinking coastlines in the Atlantic, and bringing drought to farms from Kansas to Kenya.
Poorly secured nuclear material in the former Soviet Union, or secrets from a scientist in Pakistan could help build a bomb that detonates in Paris. The poppies in Afghanistan become the heroin in Berlin. The poverty and violence in Somalia breeds the terror of tomorrow. The genocide in Darfur shames the conscience of us all.
In this new world, such dangerous currents have swept along faster than our efforts to contain them. That is why we cannot afford to be divided. No one nation, no matter how large or powerful, can defeat such challenges alone. None of us can deny these threats, or escape responsibility in meeting them. Yet, in the absence of Soviet tanks and a terrible wall, it has become easy to forget this truth. And if we're honest with each other, we know that sometimes, on both sides of the Atlantic, we have drifted apart, and forgotten our shared destiny.
In Europe, the view that America is part of what has gone wrong in our world, rather than a force to help make it right, has become all too common. In America, there are voices that deride and deny the importance of Europe's role in our security and our future. Both views miss the truth – that Europeans today are bearing new burdens and taking more responsibility in critical parts of the world; and that just as American bases built in the last century still help to defend the security of this continent, so does our country still sacrifice greatly for freedom around the globe.
Yes, there have been differences between America and Europe. No doubt, there will be differences in the future. But the burdens of global citizenship continue to bind us together. A change of leadership in Washington will not lift this burden. In this new century, Americans and Europeans alike will be required to do more – not less. Partnership and cooperation among nations is not a choice; it is the one way, the only way, to protect our common security and advance our common humanity.
That is why the greatest danger of all is to allow new walls to divide us from one another.
The walls between old allies on either side of the Atlantic cannot stand. The walls between the countries with the most and those with the least cannot stand. The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and Muslim and Jew cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down.
We know they have fallen before. After centuries of strife, the people of Europe have formed a Union of promise and prosperity. Here, at the base of a column built to mark victory in war, we meet in the center of a Europe at peace. Not only have walls come down in Berlin, but they have come down in Belfast, where Protestant and Catholic found a way to live together; in the Balkans, where our Atlantic alliance ended wars and brought savage war criminals to justice; and in South Africa, where the struggle of a courageous people defeated apartheid.
So history reminds us that walls can be torn down. But the task is never easy. True partnership and true progress requires constant work and sustained sacrifice. They require sharing the burdens of development and diplomacy; of progress and peace. They require allies who will listen to each other, learn from each other and, most of all, trust each other.
That is why America cannot turn inward. That is why Europe cannot turn inward. America has no better partner than Europe. Now is the time to build new bridges across the globe as strong as the one that bound us across the Atlantic. Now is the time to join together, through constant cooperation, strong institutions, shared sacrifice, and a global commitment to progress, to meet the challenges of the 21st century. It was this spirit that led airlift planes to appear in the sky above our heads, and people to assemble where we stand today. And this is the moment when our nations – and all nations – must summon that spirit anew.
This is the moment when we must defeat terror and dry up the well of extremism that supports it. This threat is real and we cannot shrink from our responsibility to combat it. If we could create NATO to face down the Soviet Union, we can join in a new and global partnership to dismantle the networks that have struck in Madrid and Amman; in London and Bali; in Washington and New York. If we could win a battle of ideas against the communists, we can stand with the vast majority of Muslims who reject the extremism that leads to hate instead of hope.
This is the moment when we must renew our resolve to rout the terrorists who threaten our security in Afghanistan, and the traffickers who sell drugs on your streets. No one welcomes war. I recognize the enormous difficulties in Afghanistan. But my country and yours have a stake in seeing that NATO's first mission beyond Europe's borders is a success. For the people of Afghanistan, and for our shared security, the work must be done. America cannot do this alone. The Afghan people need our troops and your troops; our support and your support to defeat the Taliban and al Qaeda, to develop their economy, and to help them rebuild their nation. We have too much at stake to turn back now.
This is the moment when we must renew the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. The two superpowers that faced each other across the wall of this city came too close too often to destroying all we have built and all that we love. With that wall gone, we need not stand idly by and watch the further spread of the deadly atom. It is time to secure all loose nuclear materials; to stop the spread of nuclear weapons; and to reduce the arsenals from another era. This is the moment to begin the work of seeking the peace of a world without nuclear weapons.
This is the moment when every nation in Europe must have the chance to choose its own tomorrow free from the shadows of yesterday. In this century, we need a strong European Union that deepens the security and prosperity of this continent, while extending a hand abroad. In this century – in this city of all cities – we must reject the Cold War mind-set of the past, and resolve to work with Russia when we can, to stand up for our values when we must, and to seek a partnership that extends across this entire continent.
This is the moment when we must build on the wealth that open markets have created, and share its benefits more equitably. Trade has been a cornerstone of our growth and global development. But we will not be able to sustain this growth if it favors the few, and not the many. Together, we must forge trade that truly rewards the work that creates wealth, with meaningful protections for our people and our planet. This is the moment for trade that is free and fair for all.
This is the moment we must help answer the call for a new dawn in the Middle East. My country must stand with yours and with Europe in sending a direct message to Iran that it must abandon its nuclear ambitions. We must support the Lebanese who have marched and bled for democracy, and the Israelis and Palestinians who seek a secure and lasting peace. And despite past differences, this is the moment when the world should support the millions of Iraqis who seek to rebuild their lives, even as we pass responsibility to the Iraqi government and finally bring this war to a close.
This is the moment when we must come together to save this planet. Let us resolve that we will not leave our children a world where the oceans rise and famine spreads and terrible storms devastate our lands. Let us resolve that all nations – including my own – will act with the same seriousness of purpose as has your nation, and reduce the carbon we send into our atmosphere. This is the moment to give our children back their future. This is the moment to stand as one.
And this is the moment when we must give hope to those left behind in a globalized world. We must remember that the Cold War born in this city was not a battle for land or treasure. Sixty years ago, the planes that flew over Berlin did not drop bombs; instead they delivered food, and coal, and candy to grateful children. And in that show of solidarity, those pilots won more than a military victory. They won hearts and minds; love and loyalty and trust – not just from the people in this city, but from all those who heard the story of what they did here.
Now the world will watch and remember what we do here – what we do with this moment. Will we extend our hand to the people in the forgotten corners of this world who yearn for lives marked by dignity and opportunity; by security and justice? Will we lift the child in Bangladesh from poverty, shelter the refugee in Chad, and banish the scourge of AIDS in our time?
Will we stand for the human rights of the dissident in Burma, the blogger in Iran, or the voter in Zimbabwe? Will we give meaning to the words "never again" in Darfur?
Will we acknowledge that there is no more powerful example than the one each of our nations projects to the world? Will we reject torture and stand for the rule of law? Will we welcome immigrants from different lands, and shun discrimination against those who don't look like us or worship like we do, and keep the promise of equality and opportunity for all of our people?
People of Berlin – people of the world – this is our moment. This is our time.
I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we've struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We've made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have not lived up to our best intentions.
But I also know how much I love America. I know that for more than two centuries, we have strived – at great cost and great sacrifice – to form a more perfect union; to seek, with other nations, a more hopeful world. Our allegiance has never been to any particular tribe or kingdom – indeed, every language is spoken in our country; every culture has left its imprint on ours; every point of view is expressed in our public squares. What has always united us – what has always driven our people; what drew my father to America's shores – is a set of ideals that speak to aspirations shared by all people: that we can live free from fear and free from want; that we can speak our minds and assemble with whomever we choose and worship as we please.
Those are the aspirations that joined the fates of all nations in this city. Those aspirations are bigger than anything that drives us apart. It is because of those aspirations that the airlift began. It is because of those aspirations that all free people – everywhere – became citizens of Berlin. It is in pursuit of those aspirations that a new generation – our generation – must make our mark on history.
People of Berlin – and people of the world – the scale of our challenge is great. The road ahead will be long. But I come before you to say that we are heirs to a struggle for freedom. We are a people of improbable hope. Let us build on our common history, and seize our common destiny, and once again engage in that noble struggle to bring justice and peace to our world.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Friday, August 01, 2008
Politicians soiling the pages of holy books - Farish Noor
Politicians soiling the pages of holy books and defiling religion for the sake of realpolitik
Some Questions for the Wise Men of PAS
Written by Farish A. Noor SEE http://www.othermalaysia.org/
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
As if this country hasnt got enough problems to worry about, what with the impending global recession, Malaysia's inevitable slowdown and the fear of capital flight from the country and the region as a whole; now we have to deal with the very real and somewhat nasty prospect of an Islamic state being smuggled through the back door (apologies for the metaphor) while the Islam Hadari ship of state remains stuck in the doldrums of non-governance.
According to the Star's report today (30th July 2008), the Spiritual Leader (Murshid'ul Am) of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party PAS Nik Aziz Nik Mat has stated that 'PAS will propose the implementation of Hudud Law and Qisas (law of retaliation) if the proposed PAS-UMNO merger becomes a reality'.
That, of course, is precisely what Malaysia needs at the moment and it is bound to be the ultimate cure for all our economic and structural-institutional ills. One can imagine the miraculous transformation of the Malaysian economy instantaneously, and the hordes of eager foreign investors who will be falling over themselves in their mad rush to invest in Malaysia as soon as we start implementing Islamic law and imposing Hudud punishments. Why, after all, would one want to visit boring Singapore or dull Bali when they can come to Malaysia to see public whippings and beheadings as proscribed by the conservative interpretation of Hudud punishments as understood by some of our home-grown Islamists?
What is even more startling is the simple fact that the simple-minded people in UMNO seem to be playing with fire without taking into account the attendant risk that one can get burned, sometimes severely. Malaysia's Islamisation experiment began in the 1980s with both UMNO and PAS trying to out-Islamise each other, while struggling for the same Malay-Muslim vote base. Now this grotesque war of ideas has taken on tragic-comic proportions and the Islamic revolution, so to speak, is about to devour its own children.
For jaded cynics like myself who have had enough with politicians soiling the pages of holy books and defiling religion for the sake of realpolitik, this is the straw that has broken this camel's back. I have seen religio-politics gone badly wrong all over Asia: at the hands of Hindu fundamentalists in India, Buddhist fundamentalists in Sri Lanka, Muslim fundamentalists in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The thought that three decades of development can only bring us to this, a watered-down toothless Islam Hadari with no critical acumen and reconstructive potential and an Islamic state being snuck in via the Trojan horse of a Malay-Unity merger between PAS and UMNO reeks to the heavens of majoritarian supremacy more than anything else.
So, before I pack up my books again and head off to saner climes, I would like to ask the wise men of PAS these questions:
1. What, in the respected opinion of the esteemed men of knowledge who lead PAS, is the correct Hudud punishment for someone who kills a Mongolian model and then has her blown to bits by explosives (C4, for instance)?
2. In the learned opinion of the respected men of knowledge of PAS, what should an Islamic PAS-UMNO government do with weapons that were bought from Russia, a state that was known for its rather nasty habit of murdering Muslim Chechnyans?
3. Would the wise men of PAS consider buying some more armaments from our beloved Russian allies in the future when they come to power as the bedfellows of UMNO, such as, perhaps, used Kalashnikovs or other weapons of destruction that were perhaps also used to kill Muslims in Chechnya too?
4. The UMNO-led government has been praised by Washington as a key strategic ally in the 'War on Terror' and its leaders have demonstrated their eagerness to work with other developed Western powers in this war. PAS, on the other hand, declared the Taliban to be their brothers in 2002. Will the new PAS also join hands with UMNO in the great Washington-led Crusade against Islami c terror when they come to power?
5. PAS in the past condemned the UMNO-led government for its alleged dealings with Israel. If PAS comes to power, will the learned wise elders of PAS find the necessary scriptural sources to help promote further dealings with Israel too?
6. Between 2004 to 2008, the wise men of PAS declared that Islam Hadari was fundamentally un-Islamic and when PAS came to power in several states in 2008 it even declared that it would no longer help promote the idea of Islam Hadari. Now that PAS may be on the threshold of its new honeymoon period with its beloved UMNO, will PAS finally admit the error of its ways and accept that Islam Hadari is indeed the truest expression of normative Islam and do its utmost to promote Islam Hadari to its own misguided followers?
7. PAS's leaders have claimed that they wish to further the Islamic cause by getting closer to power. Will they now help to Islamise the Internal Security Act and other repres! sive laws to show that the ISA is, after all, compatible with Islam (especially Islam Hadari)?
8. When PAS ousted its fourth President Asri Muda at the PAS assembly of 1982, its new Ulama leaders condemned Asri as a ethno-nationalist who sold the party to UMNO and debased its Islamist ideology with ideas of racial communitarianism. Now will the same leaders of PAS please apologise to the departed Asri Muda and accept that Asri was right after all, and that the Ulama's ideology of Islamism was in fact an abberation that confused the minds of Muslims?
Comments
loken palanisamy - apakhabar |2008-08-02 09:52:22
Dr Farish,
Despite saner climes, your writings bring perspective.
Its alarming but is PAS like Taliban? Perhaps a softer version. I am curious what you think of the positives of PAS in being noncorrupt and ethical; that non muslims places of worship are 'treated' better in Kelantan.
How PKR & DAP work with the 'home-grown Islamists' PAS is interesting and challenging. Politically the DAP/PKR supporters understand that PAS is morally obligated to pursue an Islamic State. Isn't there a more modern version of Islamic value system that non Muslims and Muslim find acceptable or reasonable.
btw; I understand the need of the separation of State and 'Religion' in Governance.
Some Questions for the Wise Men of PAS
Written by Farish A. Noor SEE http://www.othermalaysia.org/
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
As if this country hasnt got enough problems to worry about, what with the impending global recession, Malaysia's inevitable slowdown and the fear of capital flight from the country and the region as a whole; now we have to deal with the very real and somewhat nasty prospect of an Islamic state being smuggled through the back door (apologies for the metaphor) while the Islam Hadari ship of state remains stuck in the doldrums of non-governance.
According to the Star's report today (30th July 2008), the Spiritual Leader (Murshid'ul Am) of the Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party PAS Nik Aziz Nik Mat has stated that 'PAS will propose the implementation of Hudud Law and Qisas (law of retaliation) if the proposed PAS-UMNO merger becomes a reality'.
That, of course, is precisely what Malaysia needs at the moment and it is bound to be the ultimate cure for all our economic and structural-institutional ills. One can imagine the miraculous transformation of the Malaysian economy instantaneously, and the hordes of eager foreign investors who will be falling over themselves in their mad rush to invest in Malaysia as soon as we start implementing Islamic law and imposing Hudud punishments. Why, after all, would one want to visit boring Singapore or dull Bali when they can come to Malaysia to see public whippings and beheadings as proscribed by the conservative interpretation of Hudud punishments as understood by some of our home-grown Islamists?
What is even more startling is the simple fact that the simple-minded people in UMNO seem to be playing with fire without taking into account the attendant risk that one can get burned, sometimes severely. Malaysia's Islamisation experiment began in the 1980s with both UMNO and PAS trying to out-Islamise each other, while struggling for the same Malay-Muslim vote base. Now this grotesque war of ideas has taken on tragic-comic proportions and the Islamic revolution, so to speak, is about to devour its own children.
For jaded cynics like myself who have had enough with politicians soiling the pages of holy books and defiling religion for the sake of realpolitik, this is the straw that has broken this camel's back. I have seen religio-politics gone badly wrong all over Asia: at the hands of Hindu fundamentalists in India, Buddhist fundamentalists in Sri Lanka, Muslim fundamentalists in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The thought that three decades of development can only bring us to this, a watered-down toothless Islam Hadari with no critical acumen and reconstructive potential and an Islamic state being snuck in via the Trojan horse of a Malay-Unity merger between PAS and UMNO reeks to the heavens of majoritarian supremacy more than anything else.
So, before I pack up my books again and head off to saner climes, I would like to ask the wise men of PAS these questions:
1. What, in the respected opinion of the esteemed men of knowledge who lead PAS, is the correct Hudud punishment for someone who kills a Mongolian model and then has her blown to bits by explosives (C4, for instance)?
2. In the learned opinion of the respected men of knowledge of PAS, what should an Islamic PAS-UMNO government do with weapons that were bought from Russia, a state that was known for its rather nasty habit of murdering Muslim Chechnyans?
3. Would the wise men of PAS consider buying some more armaments from our beloved Russian allies in the future when they come to power as the bedfellows of UMNO, such as, perhaps, used Kalashnikovs or other weapons of destruction that were perhaps also used to kill Muslims in Chechnya too?
4. The UMNO-led government has been praised by Washington as a key strategic ally in the 'War on Terror' and its leaders have demonstrated their eagerness to work with other developed Western powers in this war. PAS, on the other hand, declared the Taliban to be their brothers in 2002. Will the new PAS also join hands with UMNO in the great Washington-led Crusade against Islami c terror when they come to power?
5. PAS in the past condemned the UMNO-led government for its alleged dealings with Israel. If PAS comes to power, will the learned wise elders of PAS find the necessary scriptural sources to help promote further dealings with Israel too?
6. Between 2004 to 2008, the wise men of PAS declared that Islam Hadari was fundamentally un-Islamic and when PAS came to power in several states in 2008 it even declared that it would no longer help promote the idea of Islam Hadari. Now that PAS may be on the threshold of its new honeymoon period with its beloved UMNO, will PAS finally admit the error of its ways and accept that Islam Hadari is indeed the truest expression of normative Islam and do its utmost to promote Islam Hadari to its own misguided followers?
7. PAS's leaders have claimed that they wish to further the Islamic cause by getting closer to power. Will they now help to Islamise the Internal Security Act and other repres! sive laws to show that the ISA is, after all, compatible with Islam (especially Islam Hadari)?
8. When PAS ousted its fourth President Asri Muda at the PAS assembly of 1982, its new Ulama leaders condemned Asri as a ethno-nationalist who sold the party to UMNO and debased its Islamist ideology with ideas of racial communitarianism. Now will the same leaders of PAS please apologise to the departed Asri Muda and accept that Asri was right after all, and that the Ulama's ideology of Islamism was in fact an abberation that confused the minds of Muslims?
Comments
loken palanisamy - apakhabar |2008-08-02 09:52:22
Dr Farish,
Despite saner climes, your writings bring perspective.
Its alarming but is PAS like Taliban? Perhaps a softer version. I am curious what you think of the positives of PAS in being noncorrupt and ethical; that non muslims places of worship are 'treated' better in Kelantan.
How PKR & DAP work with the 'home-grown Islamists' PAS is interesting and challenging. Politically the DAP/PKR supporters understand that PAS is morally obligated to pursue an Islamic State. Isn't there a more modern version of Islamic value system that non Muslims and Muslim find acceptable or reasonable.
btw; I understand the need of the separation of State and 'Religion' in Governance.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
July 4th - 2008
The US Independence day reminds me of Malaysia's challenges in this globalized world. Its not coincidence that the US & Malaysia national flags are quite alike!
What I am thinking is the Government we have in Malaysia in term of Governance. I can only pray that Malaysia learns the right lessons. A wake up call among the majority Malays (60%), Chinese (30%), Indians (8%) took place in the May 2008 general election.
Global economic competition is going to test the best of countries. Governance matters most and will be the differentiator in how well we (the Government) manage economic and social policies.
Malay dilemma is still an interesting political process.
1. How do Malays feel about State and Religion been different aspects of political life?
2. Who represent Malays; UMNO or PAS & PKR?
3. Can DAP represent the Malay?
4. Can PAS represent the non Malay?
5. What role can the King (and I also mean RPK) play?
What I am thinking is the Government we have in Malaysia in term of Governance. I can only pray that Malaysia learns the right lessons. A wake up call among the majority Malays (60%), Chinese (30%), Indians (8%) took place in the May 2008 general election.
Global economic competition is going to test the best of countries. Governance matters most and will be the differentiator in how well we (the Government) manage economic and social policies.
Malay dilemma is still an interesting political process.
1. How do Malays feel about State and Religion been different aspects of political life?
2. Who represent Malays; UMNO or PAS & PKR?
3. Can DAP represent the Malay?
4. Can PAS represent the non Malay?
5. What role can the King (and I also mean RPK) play?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
More Phony Myths - By MAUREEN DOWD
Op-Ed Columnist
More Phony Myths - By MAUREEN DOWD
Published: June 25, 2008 NYTIMES
WASHINGTON
Karl Rove was impressed with Barack Obama when he first met him. But now he sees him as a “coolly arrogant” elitist.
This was Rove’s take on Obama to Republicans at the Capitol Hill Club Monday, according to Christianne Klein of ABC News:
“Even if you never met him, you know this guy. He’s the guy at the country club with the beautiful date, holding a martini and a cigarette that stands against the wall and makes snide comments about everyone who passes by.”
Actually, that sounds more like W.
The cheap populism is really rich coming from Karl Rove. When was the last time he kicked back with a corncob pipe to watch professional wrestling?
Rove is trying to spin his myths, as he used to do with such devastating effect, but it won’t work this time. The absurd spectacle of rich white conservatives trying to paint Obama as a watercress sandwich with the crust cut off seems ugly and fake.
Obama can be aloof and dismissive at times, and he’s certainly self-regarding, carrying the aura of the Ivy faculty club. But isn’t that better than the aura of the country clubs that tried to keep out blacks? It’s ironic, and maybe inevitable, that the first African-American nominee comes across as a prince of privilege. He is, as Leon Wieseltier of The New Republic wrote, not the seed but the flower of the civil rights movement.
Unlike W., Obama doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder and he doesn’t make a lot of snarky remarks. He tries to stay on a positive keel and see things from the other person’s point of view.
He’s not Richie Rich, saved time and again by Daddy’s influence and Daddy’s friends, the one who got waved into Yale and Harvard and cushy business deals, who drank too much and snickered at the intellectuals and gave them snide nicknames.
Obama is the outsider who never really knew his dad and who grew up in modest circumstances, the kid who had to work hard to charm whites and build a life with blacks and step up to the smarty-pants set.
He might be smoking, but it would be at a cafe, hunched over a New York Times, an Atlantic magazine, his MacBook and some organic fruit-flavored tea, listening to Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks” on his iPod.
Rove was doing a variation on the old William Buckley line: “I would rather be governed by the first 2,000 names in the Boston telephone book than by the 2,000 members of the Harvard faculty.”
Conservatives love playing this little game, acting as if the “elite” Democratic candidates are not in touch with people like themselves, even though the guys doing the attacking — like Rove, Limbaugh, O’Reilly and Hannity — are wealthy and cosseted.
Haven’t we had enough of this hypocritical comedy of people in the elite disowning their social status for political purposes? The Bushes had to move all the way to Texas from Greenwich to make their blue blood appear more red.
Everyone who ever became president was in the elite one way or another, including Andrew Jackson.
Rove and Co. are nervous because they see that Obama, in rejecting public financing, is not going to be a chump, like some past Democratic candidates.
For some of Obama’s critics, it’s a breathtaking bit of fungible principles, as though Gandhi suddenly donned a Dolce & Gabbana, or Dolce & Mahatma, loincloth.
But even as the Republicans limn him as John Kerry, as someone who is too haughty and too “foreign,” Obama is determined not to repeat what Kerry thinks was a big mistake: not having enough money to compete against the Republicans in 2004.
Charlie Black crassly argued in Fortune that a terrorist attack would “be a big advantage” for John McCain. And what’s scary is, Black is the smartest adviser McCain’s got.
It’s hard to believe that if Americans get attacked after all these years of getting strip-searched at the airport, they’re going to be filled with confidence at the performance of the Republicans on national security. And at least Obama wants to catch Osama and doesn’t think he’s getting his directions on war from “a higher Father.”
Rove’s mythmaking about Obama won’t fly. If he means that Obama has brains, what’s wrong with that? If he means that Obama is successful, what’s wrong with that? If he means that Obama has education and intellectual sophistication, what’s wrong with that?
Many of Obama’s traits are the traits that people in the population aspire to.
It looks as if Rove is on the verge of realizing his dream of creating a permanent position for the Republicans.
Unfortunately for him, it’s in the minority.
More Phony Myths - By MAUREEN DOWD
Published: June 25, 2008 NYTIMES
WASHINGTON
Karl Rove was impressed with Barack Obama when he first met him. But now he sees him as a “coolly arrogant” elitist.
This was Rove’s take on Obama to Republicans at the Capitol Hill Club Monday, according to Christianne Klein of ABC News:
“Even if you never met him, you know this guy. He’s the guy at the country club with the beautiful date, holding a martini and a cigarette that stands against the wall and makes snide comments about everyone who passes by.”
Actually, that sounds more like W.
The cheap populism is really rich coming from Karl Rove. When was the last time he kicked back with a corncob pipe to watch professional wrestling?
Rove is trying to spin his myths, as he used to do with such devastating effect, but it won’t work this time. The absurd spectacle of rich white conservatives trying to paint Obama as a watercress sandwich with the crust cut off seems ugly and fake.
Obama can be aloof and dismissive at times, and he’s certainly self-regarding, carrying the aura of the Ivy faculty club. But isn’t that better than the aura of the country clubs that tried to keep out blacks? It’s ironic, and maybe inevitable, that the first African-American nominee comes across as a prince of privilege. He is, as Leon Wieseltier of The New Republic wrote, not the seed but the flower of the civil rights movement.
Unlike W., Obama doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder and he doesn’t make a lot of snarky remarks. He tries to stay on a positive keel and see things from the other person’s point of view.
He’s not Richie Rich, saved time and again by Daddy’s influence and Daddy’s friends, the one who got waved into Yale and Harvard and cushy business deals, who drank too much and snickered at the intellectuals and gave them snide nicknames.
Obama is the outsider who never really knew his dad and who grew up in modest circumstances, the kid who had to work hard to charm whites and build a life with blacks and step up to the smarty-pants set.
He might be smoking, but it would be at a cafe, hunched over a New York Times, an Atlantic magazine, his MacBook and some organic fruit-flavored tea, listening to Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks” on his iPod.
Rove was doing a variation on the old William Buckley line: “I would rather be governed by the first 2,000 names in the Boston telephone book than by the 2,000 members of the Harvard faculty.”
Conservatives love playing this little game, acting as if the “elite” Democratic candidates are not in touch with people like themselves, even though the guys doing the attacking — like Rove, Limbaugh, O’Reilly and Hannity — are wealthy and cosseted.
Haven’t we had enough of this hypocritical comedy of people in the elite disowning their social status for political purposes? The Bushes had to move all the way to Texas from Greenwich to make their blue blood appear more red.
Everyone who ever became president was in the elite one way or another, including Andrew Jackson.
Rove and Co. are nervous because they see that Obama, in rejecting public financing, is not going to be a chump, like some past Democratic candidates.
For some of Obama’s critics, it’s a breathtaking bit of fungible principles, as though Gandhi suddenly donned a Dolce & Gabbana, or Dolce & Mahatma, loincloth.
But even as the Republicans limn him as John Kerry, as someone who is too haughty and too “foreign,” Obama is determined not to repeat what Kerry thinks was a big mistake: not having enough money to compete against the Republicans in 2004.
Charlie Black crassly argued in Fortune that a terrorist attack would “be a big advantage” for John McCain. And what’s scary is, Black is the smartest adviser McCain’s got.
It’s hard to believe that if Americans get attacked after all these years of getting strip-searched at the airport, they’re going to be filled with confidence at the performance of the Republicans on national security. And at least Obama wants to catch Osama and doesn’t think he’s getting his directions on war from “a higher Father.”
Rove’s mythmaking about Obama won’t fly. If he means that Obama has brains, what’s wrong with that? If he means that Obama is successful, what’s wrong with that? If he means that Obama has education and intellectual sophistication, what’s wrong with that?
Many of Obama’s traits are the traits that people in the population aspire to.
It looks as if Rove is on the verge of realizing his dream of creating a permanent position for the Republicans.
Unfortunately for him, it’s in the minority.
USA - First Black vs First Women - Obama wins
June 3rd
Obama's win is revolutionary, being the first Black candidate for US Presidency, and his inspirational campaigns moved many. Hilary campaigned well and displayed revolutionary ideas on Health Care/Economy.
The Democratic Party is divided and how Obama and Hilary work towards a common cause is interesting. Hilary would be good as a Health Care Czar. Who Obama picks as VP would be decisive and my prediction is Senator Jim Webb.
The DNC race showed race and sex is an open debate. Question your pastor and your husband for bad news/views! Well maybe Obama had to question about his pastor, like McCain, and these guys will have to talk about it again and again..
I think Hilary did not question her husband. Celebrating the good economics times only does not remove Bill Clinton’s indiscretion. She should have talked about it, "how he failed the country, and taking responsibility. But she is different; Hilary Rodham first and Hilary Clinton second". It’s a personal question which she failed to answer, even though no one asked her about it. Well Chelsea Clinton was asked. The people wanted to feel her pain and relate to her, which she failed and lost to Obama.
Change without work/process is like asking for rain without thunder and lighting (Quote?). Obama needs to embrace Hilary's policy ideas/details to beat Mccain and be the next US president.
Obama has to relate more to older voters and saying 'Hilary's plan on health care is better' sure would sway many seniors.
Independents seem to sway between McCain and Obama. Guess with the coming debates and political spin we shall see who comes out looking presidential.
Women voter are also key.
Obama - Webb looks like a sure win.
Obama's win is revolutionary, being the first Black candidate for US Presidency, and his inspirational campaigns moved many. Hilary campaigned well and displayed revolutionary ideas on Health Care/Economy.
The Democratic Party is divided and how Obama and Hilary work towards a common cause is interesting. Hilary would be good as a Health Care Czar. Who Obama picks as VP would be decisive and my prediction is Senator Jim Webb.
The DNC race showed race and sex is an open debate. Question your pastor and your husband for bad news/views! Well maybe Obama had to question about his pastor, like McCain, and these guys will have to talk about it again and again..
I think Hilary did not question her husband. Celebrating the good economics times only does not remove Bill Clinton’s indiscretion. She should have talked about it, "how he failed the country, and taking responsibility. But she is different; Hilary Rodham first and Hilary Clinton second". It’s a personal question which she failed to answer, even though no one asked her about it. Well Chelsea Clinton was asked. The people wanted to feel her pain and relate to her, which she failed and lost to Obama.
Change without work/process is like asking for rain without thunder and lighting (Quote?). Obama needs to embrace Hilary's policy ideas/details to beat Mccain and be the next US president.
Obama has to relate more to older voters and saying 'Hilary's plan on health care is better' sure would sway many seniors.
Independents seem to sway between McCain and Obama. Guess with the coming debates and political spin we shall see who comes out looking presidential.
Women voter are also key.
Obama - Webb looks like a sure win.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
PAS, Don’t fall for UMNO’s Trap! - Farish A. Noor - June 17- 08
PAS, Don’t fall for UMNO’s Trap!
Written by Farish A. Noor
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Civil society, and the actors who occupy that public domain, exists for a number of reasons and one of the reasons is to keep all politicians and political parties in check. It would appear that the work of civil society actors in Malaysia today has been cut out thanks to the murky goings-on within and between the political parties of Malaysia on both sides of the political fence.
Hardly three months have passed since the landmark results of the 8th March Federal elections and already we see Malaysia transformed as never before: Despite winning 79 Parliamentary seats the UMNO party that has been in power for more than half a century is showing signs of internal division and fragmenting before our very eyes; bringing with its collapse the very real possibility of change in the mindset of millions of ordinary Malaysian citizens who were told for so long that the sun of the Barisan Nasional would never set. Well, with BN MPs running helter-skelter in all directions at the moment, it would appear as if that claim is about to be tested in no uncertain terms.
What is worrying, however, is the fact that the Pakatan Rakyat coalition is still in its infant stages and does not have the luxury of time on its side. Should the BN government fall, and that prospect seems more likely by the day, the PR should be ready to assume office at a moment’s notice. This can only be done if and when the PR gets its act together and all component parties of the PR agree once and for all that they will abide by the terms they had set for themselves; which includes the PR manifesto and the standards of the People’s Declaration which they had all assented to.
Now the problem that faces the PR is that for too long the component parties have grown accustomed to their own version of narrow communitarian based politics, identifying specific and exclusive racial and religious communities as their target constituencies and primary vote base. What is even more worrying is the tendency for some of the leaders of the PR component parties to continue operating on the basis of the idea that their primary political constituency has remained unchanged; thereby making the fatal assumption that the Malaysian public and the Malaysian electorate hasn’t evolved over the years. Now the last time a right-wing politician worked on such a silly assumption he did something even sillier: namely take out a keris in public and started waffling about racial dominance and the special status of his ethnic-religious constituency. And see what happened: the same politician’s party was thumped at the polls and lost every single Malay-majority urban seat on the West coast, thereby proving that the Malays were no longer susceptible to this sort of juvenile antics and emotional manipulation. Padan Muka.
Looking at the Pakatan Rakyat coalition today, we sadly see rather similar tactics being used by some leaders of the PR, and in particular by some of the leaders of PAS. First came the claim that the PR in Selangor should start ‘Islamising’ the public space of Selangor and promoting faith and piety among the Muslims of the state, which begs the question: Since when did the PR become a missionary pietist movement and who said that PAS leaders of the PR in Selangor were voted to become our religious mentors and moral guardians?
Now it would appear that there have been calls by some of the leaders of the Youth Wing of PAS for the PR to start Islamising the five states whose assemblies are under the control of the PR, with Kelantan to serve as the model.
Now let us repeat this again for the umpteenth time: The vote for the PR at the recent elections was not a vote for an Islamic state, or an endorsement for any kind of communitarian or sectarian politics, be it on religious or ethnic grounds. The Malaysian public – who remain the real power brokers in Malaysia today – have signalled their utter disgust and frustration with the slow pace of reform that was meant to be the starting point of the Badawi administration but which ended with pointless projects such as an Islamic theme park and crystal mosque instead.
Nor is there any indication that the Muslims of Malaysia have called for any form of theocratic governance in the country, for their rejection of the state’s Islam Hadari project may actually suggest that many of them are fed up with the politicisation of religion by this stage.
So when is PAS – or rather some of the more vocal and hot-headed leaders of PAS – going to realise that for it to become a truly national party with national ambitions, it has to adapt to the reality of a plural, multicultural and multireligious Malaysia where there are not only differences between Muslims and non-Muslims, but also – crucially – differences among Muslims as well? Who and what gave these PAS leaders the licence to assume that all Muslims in Malaysia want an Islamic state, and more importantly their version of an Islamic state? What on earth makes them think that the rest of Malaysia wants to be like Kelantan?
Whenever any leader or any party in the PR makes demands like these, it goes against the collective spirit of the PR, narrows the universalist scope of the PR manifesto and betrays the spirit of the People’s Declaration – which, need we remind them, they all signed and agreed to. The negative consequences of such unilateralism are manifold, and can be summed up thus:
Firstly, it reinforces the BN’s claim that the PR is at best an instrumental coalition that will break apart because there will never be any real compromise and co-operation between PAS and the other parties;
Secondly, it sends shivers down the spines of many non-Muslim Malaysians who – for better or worse – have their own misgivings about the idea of any religious state (Islamic or otherwise) in what they hope to see evolve into a secular, democratic, free and equal Malaysia;
Thirdly, it also alienates Malaysian Muslims who – this writer included – also have deep misgivings about the abuse of religion for political ends and who do not want to live in an Islamic state where our personal lives, private space and right of speech and thought on religious matters are decided by Islamist politicians from a party we are not even members of;
Fourthly, it will provide ample materiel for Malaysia-bashers who would jump at the opportunity to rubbish the PR government (if it comes to power) and to make outlandish claims that Malaysia has fallen under the heels of PAS and is about to be transformed into some Iranian-like theocracy;
Fifth, - and perhaps this is the most dangerous consequence of all – such unilateral moves on the part of this handful of PAS leaders will pave the way for UMNO to open its doors to PAS, and to invite PAS to abandon the PR and opt for joining the BN instead, ostensibly for the sake of ensuring Malay-Muslim unity, and more importantly Malay-Muslim dominance.
Now of all the worst-case scenarios to contemplate, this is the most worrisome. During the election campaign of March 2008, UMNO’s posters in Trengganu were already paving the way for a PAS cross-over to the BN, with slogans like ‘If you want to really promote Islam, then join the BN/UMNO’. Since March there has been speculation about PAS leaders who have been in negotiations with UMNO, a fact that some of them have admitted; and talk about a PAS hop-over to UMNO/BN should the PR be successful in winning over more MPs from East Malaysia or the non-Malay component parties of the BN.
Now if this were to indeed happen, then we would be left with two political coalitions: The PR that is more pluralist but with a significantly small Malay-Muslim component, and a BN that is less pluralist but with a strong Malay-Muslim component. This may suit the needs and interests of some of the more religiously conservative and racially-minded members of the PR, but it would spell disaster for the country as Malaysia would, for all intents and purposes, be split along both racial and religious lines: the teleological conclusion to five decades of divisive racial and religious politics finally playing itself out in the fragmentation of the nation as a whole. In such a situation, the PR would indeed break apart, but the highest cost (both political and ethical) will be incurred on PAS – that would henceforth be seen and justly condemned for betraying the People’ Declaration and selling themselves to serve their own short-sighted sectarian ends.
Tuan Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat – who knows better for he was one of those who entered the BN in the 1970s when PAS was brought into the coalition by Asri Muda – is right when he reminds the members and leaders of his own party not to fall into the trap of the BN/UMNO, and to abide by the terms and agenda of the PR. Nik Aziz remembers how PAS was sold short, betrayed and ultimately hung to dry by UMNO; and how it took the party 12 years to put itself back together before they finally regained control of Kelantan in 1990.
The ‘Young Turks’ of PAS today would do well to listen to the wise counsel of the man who is, after all, their spiritual leader and guide, for Nik Aziz knows what he is talking about on this matter. Should PAS’s leaders continue to make such unilateral demands, they will only be helping UMNO/BN weaken the collective resolve and accommodative spirit that brought the Pakatan Rakyat together in the first place, and by doing so be helping further UMNO/BN’s objective of maintaining its hegemonic grip on the country. And so for all our sakes – the Malaysian people’s and for PAS’s sake as well – do rein in these wild horses and keep the PR convoy in line. The road to a plural, democratic, inclusive and equal Malaysia is and can only be a long one, and we don’t need hot-headed unilateralists to take us off track. The March 2008 elections was an election for a new Malaysia, and not a theocratic sectarian state, be it in the communitarian mould of UMNO or PAS.
Written by Farish A. Noor
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Civil society, and the actors who occupy that public domain, exists for a number of reasons and one of the reasons is to keep all politicians and political parties in check. It would appear that the work of civil society actors in Malaysia today has been cut out thanks to the murky goings-on within and between the political parties of Malaysia on both sides of the political fence.
Hardly three months have passed since the landmark results of the 8th March Federal elections and already we see Malaysia transformed as never before: Despite winning 79 Parliamentary seats the UMNO party that has been in power for more than half a century is showing signs of internal division and fragmenting before our very eyes; bringing with its collapse the very real possibility of change in the mindset of millions of ordinary Malaysian citizens who were told for so long that the sun of the Barisan Nasional would never set. Well, with BN MPs running helter-skelter in all directions at the moment, it would appear as if that claim is about to be tested in no uncertain terms.
What is worrying, however, is the fact that the Pakatan Rakyat coalition is still in its infant stages and does not have the luxury of time on its side. Should the BN government fall, and that prospect seems more likely by the day, the PR should be ready to assume office at a moment’s notice. This can only be done if and when the PR gets its act together and all component parties of the PR agree once and for all that they will abide by the terms they had set for themselves; which includes the PR manifesto and the standards of the People’s Declaration which they had all assented to.
Now the problem that faces the PR is that for too long the component parties have grown accustomed to their own version of narrow communitarian based politics, identifying specific and exclusive racial and religious communities as their target constituencies and primary vote base. What is even more worrying is the tendency for some of the leaders of the PR component parties to continue operating on the basis of the idea that their primary political constituency has remained unchanged; thereby making the fatal assumption that the Malaysian public and the Malaysian electorate hasn’t evolved over the years. Now the last time a right-wing politician worked on such a silly assumption he did something even sillier: namely take out a keris in public and started waffling about racial dominance and the special status of his ethnic-religious constituency. And see what happened: the same politician’s party was thumped at the polls and lost every single Malay-majority urban seat on the West coast, thereby proving that the Malays were no longer susceptible to this sort of juvenile antics and emotional manipulation. Padan Muka.
Looking at the Pakatan Rakyat coalition today, we sadly see rather similar tactics being used by some leaders of the PR, and in particular by some of the leaders of PAS. First came the claim that the PR in Selangor should start ‘Islamising’ the public space of Selangor and promoting faith and piety among the Muslims of the state, which begs the question: Since when did the PR become a missionary pietist movement and who said that PAS leaders of the PR in Selangor were voted to become our religious mentors and moral guardians?
Now it would appear that there have been calls by some of the leaders of the Youth Wing of PAS for the PR to start Islamising the five states whose assemblies are under the control of the PR, with Kelantan to serve as the model.
Now let us repeat this again for the umpteenth time: The vote for the PR at the recent elections was not a vote for an Islamic state, or an endorsement for any kind of communitarian or sectarian politics, be it on religious or ethnic grounds. The Malaysian public – who remain the real power brokers in Malaysia today – have signalled their utter disgust and frustration with the slow pace of reform that was meant to be the starting point of the Badawi administration but which ended with pointless projects such as an Islamic theme park and crystal mosque instead.
Nor is there any indication that the Muslims of Malaysia have called for any form of theocratic governance in the country, for their rejection of the state’s Islam Hadari project may actually suggest that many of them are fed up with the politicisation of religion by this stage.
So when is PAS – or rather some of the more vocal and hot-headed leaders of PAS – going to realise that for it to become a truly national party with national ambitions, it has to adapt to the reality of a plural, multicultural and multireligious Malaysia where there are not only differences between Muslims and non-Muslims, but also – crucially – differences among Muslims as well? Who and what gave these PAS leaders the licence to assume that all Muslims in Malaysia want an Islamic state, and more importantly their version of an Islamic state? What on earth makes them think that the rest of Malaysia wants to be like Kelantan?
Whenever any leader or any party in the PR makes demands like these, it goes against the collective spirit of the PR, narrows the universalist scope of the PR manifesto and betrays the spirit of the People’s Declaration – which, need we remind them, they all signed and agreed to. The negative consequences of such unilateralism are manifold, and can be summed up thus:
Firstly, it reinforces the BN’s claim that the PR is at best an instrumental coalition that will break apart because there will never be any real compromise and co-operation between PAS and the other parties;
Secondly, it sends shivers down the spines of many non-Muslim Malaysians who – for better or worse – have their own misgivings about the idea of any religious state (Islamic or otherwise) in what they hope to see evolve into a secular, democratic, free and equal Malaysia;
Thirdly, it also alienates Malaysian Muslims who – this writer included – also have deep misgivings about the abuse of religion for political ends and who do not want to live in an Islamic state where our personal lives, private space and right of speech and thought on religious matters are decided by Islamist politicians from a party we are not even members of;
Fourthly, it will provide ample materiel for Malaysia-bashers who would jump at the opportunity to rubbish the PR government (if it comes to power) and to make outlandish claims that Malaysia has fallen under the heels of PAS and is about to be transformed into some Iranian-like theocracy;
Fifth, - and perhaps this is the most dangerous consequence of all – such unilateral moves on the part of this handful of PAS leaders will pave the way for UMNO to open its doors to PAS, and to invite PAS to abandon the PR and opt for joining the BN instead, ostensibly for the sake of ensuring Malay-Muslim unity, and more importantly Malay-Muslim dominance.
Now of all the worst-case scenarios to contemplate, this is the most worrisome. During the election campaign of March 2008, UMNO’s posters in Trengganu were already paving the way for a PAS cross-over to the BN, with slogans like ‘If you want to really promote Islam, then join the BN/UMNO’. Since March there has been speculation about PAS leaders who have been in negotiations with UMNO, a fact that some of them have admitted; and talk about a PAS hop-over to UMNO/BN should the PR be successful in winning over more MPs from East Malaysia or the non-Malay component parties of the BN.
Now if this were to indeed happen, then we would be left with two political coalitions: The PR that is more pluralist but with a significantly small Malay-Muslim component, and a BN that is less pluralist but with a strong Malay-Muslim component. This may suit the needs and interests of some of the more religiously conservative and racially-minded members of the PR, but it would spell disaster for the country as Malaysia would, for all intents and purposes, be split along both racial and religious lines: the teleological conclusion to five decades of divisive racial and religious politics finally playing itself out in the fragmentation of the nation as a whole. In such a situation, the PR would indeed break apart, but the highest cost (both political and ethical) will be incurred on PAS – that would henceforth be seen and justly condemned for betraying the People’ Declaration and selling themselves to serve their own short-sighted sectarian ends.
Tuan Guru Nik Aziz Nik Mat – who knows better for he was one of those who entered the BN in the 1970s when PAS was brought into the coalition by Asri Muda – is right when he reminds the members and leaders of his own party not to fall into the trap of the BN/UMNO, and to abide by the terms and agenda of the PR. Nik Aziz remembers how PAS was sold short, betrayed and ultimately hung to dry by UMNO; and how it took the party 12 years to put itself back together before they finally regained control of Kelantan in 1990.
The ‘Young Turks’ of PAS today would do well to listen to the wise counsel of the man who is, after all, their spiritual leader and guide, for Nik Aziz knows what he is talking about on this matter. Should PAS’s leaders continue to make such unilateral demands, they will only be helping UMNO/BN weaken the collective resolve and accommodative spirit that brought the Pakatan Rakyat together in the first place, and by doing so be helping further UMNO/BN’s objective of maintaining its hegemonic grip on the country. And so for all our sakes – the Malaysian people’s and for PAS’s sake as well – do rein in these wild horses and keep the PR convoy in line. The road to a plural, democratic, inclusive and equal Malaysia is and can only be a long one, and we don’t need hot-headed unilateralists to take us off track. The March 2008 elections was an election for a new Malaysia, and not a theocratic sectarian state, be it in the communitarian mould of UMNO or PAS.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Ketuanan Melayu - Father & Son Letters.
RPK asked "Why am I republishing them? You figure that one out". ((Father and son debate revisited. Friday, 18 April 2008)) - RPK
I think RPK is trying to calm the excitement of the recent election wins. KM is still a sensitive issue! Even a father and son have widely opposing views.
This is my figuring out...
Ketuanan Melayu (KM) can only be discussed with some degree of bias on the part of the writer/reader. So does a non-Malay have more merit than a Malay in discussing KM issues? (I hope it does not)
Anyway, I write on that premise!
It has always been the case, an accepted fact of life. Life was not bad and growing up was fun (in hindsight). Reality hit us in on may 13 1969 inter-racial riots. Fear, sadness and confusion was the order of the day. Pity the Chinese for bearing the brunt; some Malays suffered, perhaps a handful of Indians.
Now, about 40 years later, we find ourselves asking if history would repeat itself. The recent May 2008 election showed that at least some historical events dont repeat itself. People do learn. This in comforting.
KM aka NEP is a delicate and complex socio-economic public policy, unique to Malaysia. This policy has failed dramatically in changing the majority Malay's socio-economic status. Fundamental changes in the socio economic behaviour of Malays were not addressed effectively, in terms of education. Governance matters were neglected for short term success. Picture perfect concrete jungles rose from the ashes of may 13. The era of Mahatir, Ling & Samy was in full bloom.
While individual KM success was beginning to take hold/foot; the everday Malay was not enjoying the benefits of the KM. The poor non-Malay was in the same boat.
World events did not help Malaysia's race relations. 911, Iraq war & Bali bombing sent shivers down people's spine on the dangers of extremism and extreme actions.
It will take another father and son to be agreeable....more soon....Ketuanan Makan (KM) is calling. It is not a joke!
I think RPK is trying to calm the excitement of the recent election wins. KM is still a sensitive issue! Even a father and son have widely opposing views.
This is my figuring out...
Ketuanan Melayu (KM) can only be discussed with some degree of bias on the part of the writer/reader. So does a non-Malay have more merit than a Malay in discussing KM issues? (I hope it does not)
Anyway, I write on that premise!
It has always been the case, an accepted fact of life. Life was not bad and growing up was fun (in hindsight). Reality hit us in on may 13 1969 inter-racial riots. Fear, sadness and confusion was the order of the day. Pity the Chinese for bearing the brunt; some Malays suffered, perhaps a handful of Indians.
Now, about 40 years later, we find ourselves asking if history would repeat itself. The recent May 2008 election showed that at least some historical events dont repeat itself. People do learn. This in comforting.
KM aka NEP is a delicate and complex socio-economic public policy, unique to Malaysia. This policy has failed dramatically in changing the majority Malay's socio-economic status. Fundamental changes in the socio economic behaviour of Malays were not addressed effectively, in terms of education. Governance matters were neglected for short term success. Picture perfect concrete jungles rose from the ashes of may 13. The era of Mahatir, Ling & Samy was in full bloom.
While individual KM success was beginning to take hold/foot; the everday Malay was not enjoying the benefits of the KM. The poor non-Malay was in the same boat.
World events did not help Malaysia's race relations. 911, Iraq war & Bali bombing sent shivers down people's spine on the dangers of extremism and extreme actions.
It will take another father and son to be agreeable....more soon....Ketuanan Makan (KM) is calling. It is not a joke!
After Bad-awi Who? Is this his last Nap?
Malaysian 5th PM - Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Is this his last nap (ok..stand) as PM? There is wideapread speculation that the PM is in his last throes.
You have Pakatan Rakyat - PK, lead by DSAI & waiting to seize control, with a somewhat people and blog led electoral revolution. see top 5 malaysian political blogs and rpk revolution.
Former PM and UMNO 'outcaste', Dr M is raising all kinds of criticism of AAB; is it to ensure his own legacy is not tainted or for the nation's benefit (which depends how one views him). He even launched a blog on may 1st - http://www.chedet.com/. DAP Chairman Karpal Singh does not think the opposition needs unsolicited support from Dr M. I think our longest serving PM had no choice because no one else was listening to him. UMNO had distanced itself. Note: Dr M said he still supports umno. He appears a complex contradictory character?
Within his own party UMNO, former finance minister Razaleigh Hamzah (or Ku Li) is staging a presidential run. He now admits he was also at fault for losing the 2/3 rd majority. I think he smartely was low-key during the campaign period. He needed the 'shake up' in order to attempt a comeback. Some bloggers think he (& DrM) has some explaining to do wrt accusation of the 80's scandals at bank bumiputra, etc. Ku Li would be admired if he spoke of reforming BN, but he is kind of undefined to most people.
Najib is playing it safe and backs AAB. Perhaps Najib is fated to be the deer in the "Gajah bertarung lawan gajah, pelanduk mati di tengah-tengah" Elephants wage war against elephants, deers die in the midst. People are confused with najib because they cannot really relate with him or know what he stands for, other then the obvious. At least AAB was conceived as being 'clean', initially. Even KJ had a persona of being smart & cocky, initially.
AAB's failures does not take away the fact that he freed DSAI. Do you think this action by AAB, would inadvertently spell his political demise either ceremonially or otherwise? We will let history explain/decide who rekindled DSAI career. KJ appears immatured politically and I wont count him out; in the long term.
The ball (and do they have the balls) is in BN's hand, at least for the moment. DSAI is ready. Can BN change, radically, i.e. UMNO, MCA & MIC individually and mutually.
Lets see whats been happening since the last election;
>KJ now agrees the keris waving was wrong. (and Hisahmudin).
(I think this was not the main or important reason. Its economics mismanagment that the everyday malaysian feel and see. Address crime first, while reforming police, and a rather long list of other issues, perhaps then KJ-BN has a chance in the next election. I wouldn't count KJ out!
>The lawyers gave the PM a standing ovations?
>Some MP forget to send questions in?
>No songkok for me DAP? ok now?.
> CM Penang - LGE is a fine politician - flying economy like the people.
>Publishing licenses given/returned.
>Pakatan Rakyat, stumbles but appears to get it together. Revolution of sorts when PKR-PAS-DAP are working it out. People are learning that PAS politician are ethical-non-corrupt and more accepting of other religions; although they disagree with PAS on the 'Islamic State' debate.
>Are the 5 oppostion states going to get the $$ from federal government?
>Rocky Bru meets KJ on World Press Freedom; and says "Will he walk the talk?"-may 8.
>Muhyiddin says "Why should the position of party president be so sacred, sacrosanct ? that nobody can challenge?
>More shouting matches in parliment....
Hope BN changes fundamantally or the next election it would lose power or sooner, as DSAI and DrM also believe.
I think whatever policy changes takes place in the coming periods of political spin; (for that matter even abolishing ISA) would not help or safe AAB. Its economics stupid. The PM and BN allies have no reasonable plans in taking Malaysia into a globalized, educated and competitive nation of fair and just governance.
It appears DSAI has the political will, economics smarts and moral courage in undertaking those challenges.
BTW, I dont think Badawi is Bad-awi
You have Pakatan Rakyat - PK, lead by DSAI & waiting to seize control, with a somewhat people and blog led electoral revolution. see top 5 malaysian political blogs and rpk revolution.
Former PM and UMNO 'outcaste', Dr M is raising all kinds of criticism of AAB; is it to ensure his own legacy is not tainted or for the nation's benefit (which depends how one views him). He even launched a blog on may 1st - http://www.chedet.com/. DAP Chairman Karpal Singh does not think the opposition needs unsolicited support from Dr M. I think our longest serving PM had no choice because no one else was listening to him. UMNO had distanced itself. Note: Dr M said he still supports umno. He appears a complex contradictory character?
Within his own party UMNO, former finance minister Razaleigh Hamzah (or Ku Li) is staging a presidential run. He now admits he was also at fault for losing the 2/3 rd majority. I think he smartely was low-key during the campaign period. He needed the 'shake up' in order to attempt a comeback. Some bloggers think he (& DrM) has some explaining to do wrt accusation of the 80's scandals at bank bumiputra, etc. Ku Li would be admired if he spoke of reforming BN, but he is kind of undefined to most people.
Najib is playing it safe and backs AAB. Perhaps Najib is fated to be the deer in the "Gajah bertarung lawan gajah, pelanduk mati di tengah-tengah" Elephants wage war against elephants, deers die in the midst. People are confused with najib because they cannot really relate with him or know what he stands for, other then the obvious. At least AAB was conceived as being 'clean', initially. Even KJ had a persona of being smart & cocky, initially.
AAB's failures does not take away the fact that he freed DSAI. Do you think this action by AAB, would inadvertently spell his political demise either ceremonially or otherwise? We will let history explain/decide who rekindled DSAI career. KJ appears immatured politically and I wont count him out; in the long term.
The ball (and do they have the balls) is in BN's hand, at least for the moment. DSAI is ready. Can BN change, radically, i.e. UMNO, MCA & MIC individually and mutually.
Lets see whats been happening since the last election;
>KJ now agrees the keris waving was wrong. (and Hisahmudin).
(I think this was not the main or important reason. Its economics mismanagment that the everyday malaysian feel and see. Address crime first, while reforming police, and a rather long list of other issues, perhaps then KJ-BN has a chance in the next election. I wouldn't count KJ out!
>The lawyers gave the PM a standing ovations?
>Some MP forget to send questions in?
>No songkok for me DAP? ok now?.
> CM Penang - LGE is a fine politician - flying economy like the people.
>Publishing licenses given/returned.
>Pakatan Rakyat, stumbles but appears to get it together. Revolution of sorts when PKR-PAS-DAP are working it out. People are learning that PAS politician are ethical-non-corrupt and more accepting of other religions; although they disagree with PAS on the 'Islamic State' debate.
>Are the 5 oppostion states going to get the $$ from federal government?
>Rocky Bru meets KJ on World Press Freedom; and says "Will he walk the talk?"-may 8.
>Muhyiddin says "Why should the position of party president be so sacred, sacrosanct ? that nobody can challenge?
>More shouting matches in parliment....
Hope BN changes fundamantally or the next election it would lose power or sooner, as DSAI and DrM also believe.
I think whatever policy changes takes place in the coming periods of political spin; (for that matter even abolishing ISA) would not help or safe AAB. Its economics stupid. The PM and BN allies have no reasonable plans in taking Malaysia into a globalized, educated and competitive nation of fair and just governance.
It appears DSAI has the political will, economics smarts and moral courage in undertaking those challenges.
BTW, I dont think Badawi is Bad-awi
Friday, May 23, 2008
Acquired Intense Denial Syndrome - AIDS
By RPK May 23rd >>
Did the Umno people not see the Indians from Hindraf wearing PAS T-shirts and carrying PAS flags in a Chinese temple in Port Kelang while shouting ‘Allah Akbar’ during the DAP ceramah? Did the Umno people not see the Malays from Kampong Raja Uda in Port Kelang vote for an Indian Member of Parliament and a Chinese State Assemblyman, both from DAP, when since Merdeka of 51 years ago they had always voted Barisan Nasisonal (and the Alliance Party before that)? Did the Umno people not see the God of Money statue in Kuala Kedah hold a PKR flag in one hand and a PAS flag in the other when this temple had been a MCA stronghold since Merdeka of 51 years ago? Did the Umno people not see the Malays in Kampong Baru open the doors of their houses so that the Hindraf Indians who were being chased by the police after being tear-gassed could seek refuge? Did the Umno people not see the PAS Malays drag the Indians and Chinese blinded by tear-gas into the Jamik Mosque so that they could escape retaliation from the police during the 10 November 2007 Bersih march?
No, this is not about the Chinese and Indians voting opposition to kick the Malays out. It was also not about the Chinese and Indians ganging up on the Malays. It was about the Malays, Chinese and Indians uniting under the umbrella of People’s Power. The Indians call it Makkal Sakhti. The Malays call it Suara Rakyat, Suara Keramat. In English that means the people’s voice is a sacred voice. And from that was born People’s Power or Makhal Sakhti.
Did the Umno people not see the Indians from Hindraf wearing PAS T-shirts and carrying PAS flags in a Chinese temple in Port Kelang while shouting ‘Allah Akbar’ during the DAP ceramah? Did the Umno people not see the Malays from Kampong Raja Uda in Port Kelang vote for an Indian Member of Parliament and a Chinese State Assemblyman, both from DAP, when since Merdeka of 51 years ago they had always voted Barisan Nasisonal (and the Alliance Party before that)? Did the Umno people not see the God of Money statue in Kuala Kedah hold a PKR flag in one hand and a PAS flag in the other when this temple had been a MCA stronghold since Merdeka of 51 years ago? Did the Umno people not see the Malays in Kampong Baru open the doors of their houses so that the Hindraf Indians who were being chased by the police after being tear-gassed could seek refuge? Did the Umno people not see the PAS Malays drag the Indians and Chinese blinded by tear-gas into the Jamik Mosque so that they could escape retaliation from the police during the 10 November 2007 Bersih march?
No, this is not about the Chinese and Indians voting opposition to kick the Malays out. It was also not about the Chinese and Indians ganging up on the Malays. It was about the Malays, Chinese and Indians uniting under the umbrella of People’s Power. The Indians call it Makkal Sakhti. The Malays call it Suara Rakyat, Suara Keramat. In English that means the people’s voice is a sacred voice. And from that was born People’s Power or Makhal Sakhti.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Dr M and the Race card.
My comment to DrM's article http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/7587/84/
The Malays will never lose their political power, as they have the numbers. DrM and UMNO has failed to help the average Malay economically. Malay customs of ethics and sopan were thrown out of the window for a system of crony capitaism. Even then, DrM failed to establish good governance; essential in GOVERNMENT.
The race card is not going to work, as they have spoken during the last election.
AAB and BN allies have no reasonable plans in taking Malaysia into a globalized, educated and competitive nation of fair and just governance.
It appears DSAI has the political will, economics smarts and moral courage in undertaking those challenges
The Malays will never lose their political power, as they have the numbers. DrM and UMNO has failed to help the average Malay economically. Malay customs of ethics and sopan were thrown out of the window for a system of crony capitaism. Even then, DrM failed to establish good governance; essential in GOVERNMENT.
The race card is not going to work, as they have spoken during the last election.
AAB and BN allies have no reasonable plans in taking Malaysia into a globalized, educated and competitive nation of fair and just governance.
It appears DSAI has the political will, economics smarts and moral courage in undertaking those challenges
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Parliment Session - LKS - KJ - Can Man Condemn One to Hell/Heaven?
Lim Kit Siang was formidable in the last Parliment session of speeches & shouting matches. Responses from both BN and the opposition appeared confusing with minimal reasonable debates. Tian Chua was kind of shy and spoke well in malay. Some BN politician were respectful.
Khairy Jamaluddin, was I think trying to be philosophical when he said that man cannot condemn one to hell; as 'implied' by rpk article, 'Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell;..which pissed LKS..shouts could be heard...not sure who/what else. LKS made fun of oxford grads...and being the richest unemployed (person)..see LKS
Anyway long story minimized; LKS should have said 'Yes man (legal system) can condemn one to hell in death penalty for violent crimes committed by man'. 'As far as going to heaven; that God/Tuhan decides' Not GOVERNMENT'.
Can't we have a civil debate!
Khairy Jamaluddin, was I think trying to be philosophical when he said that man cannot condemn one to hell; as 'implied' by rpk article, 'Let’s send the Altantuya murderers to hell;..which pissed LKS..shouts could be heard...not sure who/what else. LKS made fun of oxford grads...and being the richest unemployed (person)..see LKS
Anyway long story minimized; LKS should have said 'Yes man (legal system) can condemn one to hell in death penalty for violent crimes committed by man'. 'As far as going to heaven; that God/Tuhan decides' Not GOVERNMENT'.
Can't we have a civil debate!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
John Hilly - Serious Dilemma?
My comments as per an article (see below) by anil netto
Serious dilemma though; but the recent reasonably fair and 'non-violent' elections is good news for global business/investors. The election voting patterns reveal citizenry maturity and understanding of policy and economic needs/issues.
I think pragmatic investors would view positively of the so called 'GOV-IN-WAIT' led by DSAI; at least in the long term. The challenges noted by John Hilly are reasonable views but fails to highlight the strong two party system emerging in Malaysia. The capital flight probably is temporary, and may be good if its bad capital in the first place.
The MEA is not abandoning NEP, but merges with some of NEP's core principles of helping the poor and uneducated (I believe)
The unique nature of malaysia, being a majority muslim country with secular traditions provides a great oportunity geopolitically in building bridges between nations; post 911 era of exremism and extreme action.
It appears DSAI has the political will and moral courage in undertaking those challenges.
LP 4/29/08
The following text is part of what was reported in an srticle by anilnetto in http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/6848/84/
So will the end of the NEP lead to radical changes towards a people-led economy? Not necessarily, warns political scientist John Hilley, author of the book 'Mahathirism, Hegemony and the New Opposition'.
For one thing, the international private sector would view the removal of the racially-divisive NEP as another 'necessary step' on the road to a more open free-market, deregulated economy, he said. ''And this begs the bigger question, and problem, for the opposition (PR) of how to advance policy ideas that don't just abandon 'outdated' social instruments for more market 'solutions'.''
This he said was a serious dilemma for any socially ambitious 'government-in-waiting', fearful of anxious marketeers and capital flight. ''The blackmail threats and constraints of the global neoliberal (dis)order cannot be easily dismissed,'' he told IPS in e-mailed comments. ''Yet, until there are imaginative efforts to craft and pursue people-led economics, the same social divisions, inequalities and business-first agenda will prevail.''
Policies that would promote social investment and poverty-focused spending would thus probably be welcomed by the public. What is lacking though is the political will and radical creativity to realise such policies, pointed out Hilley, adding that the post-election phase ought to be used to explore and build credible alternatives to those proclaimed by corporate interests and the 'market evangelists'.
He stressed that the key impetus for meaningful economic change would have to come from civil society itself -- active NGOs, reformist lobbies, community groups, academic activists and others -- rather than ''a hopeful reliance on politicians whose idea of 'economic delivery' becomes mediated by political office and tamed by the 'realistic' demands of big business''.
Serious dilemma though; but the recent reasonably fair and 'non-violent' elections is good news for global business/investors. The election voting patterns reveal citizenry maturity and understanding of policy and economic needs/issues.
I think pragmatic investors would view positively of the so called 'GOV-IN-WAIT' led by DSAI; at least in the long term. The challenges noted by John Hilly are reasonable views but fails to highlight the strong two party system emerging in Malaysia. The capital flight probably is temporary, and may be good if its bad capital in the first place.
The MEA is not abandoning NEP, but merges with some of NEP's core principles of helping the poor and uneducated (I believe)
The unique nature of malaysia, being a majority muslim country with secular traditions provides a great oportunity geopolitically in building bridges between nations; post 911 era of exremism and extreme action.
It appears DSAI has the political will and moral courage in undertaking those challenges.
LP 4/29/08
The following text is part of what was reported in an srticle by anilnetto in http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/6848/84/
So will the end of the NEP lead to radical changes towards a people-led economy? Not necessarily, warns political scientist John Hilley, author of the book 'Mahathirism, Hegemony and the New Opposition'.
For one thing, the international private sector would view the removal of the racially-divisive NEP as another 'necessary step' on the road to a more open free-market, deregulated economy, he said. ''And this begs the bigger question, and problem, for the opposition (PR) of how to advance policy ideas that don't just abandon 'outdated' social instruments for more market 'solutions'.''
This he said was a serious dilemma for any socially ambitious 'government-in-waiting', fearful of anxious marketeers and capital flight. ''The blackmail threats and constraints of the global neoliberal (dis)order cannot be easily dismissed,'' he told IPS in e-mailed comments. ''Yet, until there are imaginative efforts to craft and pursue people-led economics, the same social divisions, inequalities and business-first agenda will prevail.''
Policies that would promote social investment and poverty-focused spending would thus probably be welcomed by the public. What is lacking though is the political will and radical creativity to realise such policies, pointed out Hilley, adding that the post-election phase ought to be used to explore and build credible alternatives to those proclaimed by corporate interests and the 'market evangelists'.
He stressed that the key impetus for meaningful economic change would have to come from civil society itself -- active NGOs, reformist lobbies, community groups, academic activists and others -- rather than ''a hopeful reliance on politicians whose idea of 'economic delivery' becomes mediated by political office and tamed by the 'realistic' demands of big business''.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Poll: Latest > Clinton-Obama-McCain
As per the AP & IPS poll >
Clinton Has Better Chance Than Obama Of Beating McCain
See http://www.ap-ipsosresults.com/
Clinton Has Better Chance Than Obama Of Beating McCain
See http://www.ap-ipsosresults.com/
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Polls and Changing Views
Polls often don't lie (as it is a mathematical improbability for polls to be wrong; if it takes into account random and representative samples); eXcept during the Florida 2000 hanging chads elections when 'the error rate' was not predicted accurately. Who would have thought the error rate for invalid ballots would have been that high.
Someone somewhere really thought through this process and knowingly did not ;clean' the ballot machines since the last elections (perhaps since 1996). Do you how many chads were clogging the machines? The error rate also includes some voting incorrectly for Buchanan instead of Gore due to ballot format changes (butterfly ballot).
All one needed was increase the error rate by 1% or 2 %. By the way there is many differing views if the error rates were higher than normal.
Anyway who is leading; Hilary/Obama or Mccain? I think getting an opinion now is misleading as one views the contest between 2 individuals or parties. When one party is still deciding who represents them in the contest, polling views tend to premature.
For example if I am an undecided independent, and like both Obama and Maccain; when asked now whom I would vote, then Maccain would most probably be my answer. Now if Obama is confirmed winner on the DNC party now, then Obama would be my answer. This is indeed a complex yet simple decision making behaviour.
Someone somewhere really thought through this process and knowingly did not ;clean' the ballot machines since the last elections (perhaps since 1996). Do you how many chads were clogging the machines? The error rate also includes some voting incorrectly for Buchanan instead of Gore due to ballot format changes (butterfly ballot).
All one needed was increase the error rate by 1% or 2 %. By the way there is many differing views if the error rates were higher than normal.
Anyway who is leading; Hilary/Obama or Mccain? I think getting an opinion now is misleading as one views the contest between 2 individuals or parties. When one party is still deciding who represents them in the contest, polling views tend to premature.
For example if I am an undecided independent, and like both Obama and Maccain; when asked now whom I would vote, then Maccain would most probably be my answer. Now if Obama is confirmed winner on the DNC party now, then Obama would be my answer. This is indeed a complex yet simple decision making behaviour.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Sentul Soul-Brother - ADOI
Thursday, December 6, 2007 By Kit Leee - The digital reincarnation of a national bestseller by KIT LEEE (now known as ANTARES). {176 pages, published in 1989}
An·tar·es Audio Help (ān-târ'ēz, -tār'-) Pronunciation Key
n. A giant red binary star, the brightest in the constellation Scorpio, about 424 light-years from Earth. - see http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ANTARES
ADOI > a story titled The Sentul Soul-Brother.ADOI A great site.
Sentul is one of those rambling, run-down districts of Kuala Lumpur that sprang up like riverbank moss along the railway line and just kept growing - even when the trains stopped running. Named after a fruit tree (Sandoricum indicum), the area teems with life and has a tenacious vitality of its own, tinged with a nostalgic sense of lawlessness. Sentul, after all, was Sherwood Forest to a Robin-style hood named Jimmy Nelson (a dark Eurasian, some say) whose criminal heyday was the 1940s. All the cops had a healthy respect for him, I'm told.
If KL were New York then Sentul would be Harlem - yeh, dis is da place where all da Soul-Brothers hang out. It's one of the few places left in the city, at any rate, where one might expect to see dancing in the streets. Only last Thaipusam, in fact, I witnessed an eruption of spontaneous dancing as the spectacular neon-lit juggernaut of Murugan was escorted to its ceremonial sanctum in the Mariamman temple. It was invigorating to see such exuberance and festivity. That's what SOUL is all about, when it comes down to it.
And if the young men of Sentul find it easier to identify with Bob Marley and Eddie Murphy and Prince rather than Samy Vellu, the reasons are quite obvious. For the Sentul Soul-Brother that whole estate-mandur routine holds little appeal. Being treated like a nigger is a definite drag - but being mistaken for a baaaaad-ass nigger is cool.
Some might think it's not such a good thing that these modern youth should forget their roots. Well, if you were a Brahmin, Ksattriya or Vaeshya (Scholar-Priest, Warrior, or Farmer-Merchant caste) there may be valid reasons to hang on to your cultural roots - but if you were descended from a debt-slave tradition of estate and railway labourers you'd understandably prefer Prince Rogers Nelson as an icon. Or even Alex Peters (the celebrated pub musician). I'm not sure if Alex himself hails from Sentul but I know he has a massive following there. A few years ago there was even a Sentul-based group of Soul-Brothers (and Sisters) who called themselves the Gravediggers. When they weren't following Alex Peters around as his unofficial entourage the Gravediggers would perform frenetic dance feats at parties or on the pavements. I wonder where they are now. A few, I'm sure, have become DJs. Disc Jockeys seem to have a fun deal - plenty of booze and broads, a dash of glamour. And you get paid to rap.
Others, perhaps, have got into disco party catering - you know, throw in some edibles with the decibels. And a whole bunch of Soul-Brothers are probably saving up to buy themselves some musical instruments - dreaming of the day they can quit their jobs at A&W and do a slot on Muzik Muzik. Why not? The Alley Cats have made it - and they aren't even from Sentul.
GLOSSARY
Thaipusam - annual Hindu celebration of Lord Murugan's birthday which attracts at least half a million devotees (and tourists) to Batu Caves; Murugan is also known as Subramaniam.
Samy Vellu - the most durable politician in Malaysia, cabinet minister since 1979, who worked his way to the top from very humble rubber estate origins; often called 'Semi Value' or The Highwayman because of all the toll roads he introduced.
mandur - Malay term for estate overseer, probably derived from 'commander.'
Muzik Muzik - popular TV programme of the late 1980s showcasing up-and-coming Malaysian musical talents.
Posted by Antares at 3:58 PM 0 comments
Labels: Batu Caves, debt-slavery in Malaya, ethnic Indians in Malaysia, Jimmy Nelson, Lord Murugan, Samy Vellu, Sentul, Thaipusam
An·tar·es Audio Help (ān-târ'ēz, -tār'-) Pronunciation Key
n. A giant red binary star, the brightest in the constellation Scorpio, about 424 light-years from Earth. - see http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ANTARES
ADOI > a story titled The Sentul Soul-Brother.ADOI A great site.
Sentul is one of those rambling, run-down districts of Kuala Lumpur that sprang up like riverbank moss along the railway line and just kept growing - even when the trains stopped running. Named after a fruit tree (Sandoricum indicum), the area teems with life and has a tenacious vitality of its own, tinged with a nostalgic sense of lawlessness. Sentul, after all, was Sherwood Forest to a Robin-style hood named Jimmy Nelson (a dark Eurasian, some say) whose criminal heyday was the 1940s. All the cops had a healthy respect for him, I'm told.
If KL were New York then Sentul would be Harlem - yeh, dis is da place where all da Soul-Brothers hang out. It's one of the few places left in the city, at any rate, where one might expect to see dancing in the streets. Only last Thaipusam, in fact, I witnessed an eruption of spontaneous dancing as the spectacular neon-lit juggernaut of Murugan was escorted to its ceremonial sanctum in the Mariamman temple. It was invigorating to see such exuberance and festivity. That's what SOUL is all about, when it comes down to it.
And if the young men of Sentul find it easier to identify with Bob Marley and Eddie Murphy and Prince rather than Samy Vellu, the reasons are quite obvious. For the Sentul Soul-Brother that whole estate-mandur routine holds little appeal. Being treated like a nigger is a definite drag - but being mistaken for a baaaaad-ass nigger is cool.
Some might think it's not such a good thing that these modern youth should forget their roots. Well, if you were a Brahmin, Ksattriya or Vaeshya (Scholar-Priest, Warrior, or Farmer-Merchant caste) there may be valid reasons to hang on to your cultural roots - but if you were descended from a debt-slave tradition of estate and railway labourers you'd understandably prefer Prince Rogers Nelson as an icon. Or even Alex Peters (the celebrated pub musician). I'm not sure if Alex himself hails from Sentul but I know he has a massive following there. A few years ago there was even a Sentul-based group of Soul-Brothers (and Sisters) who called themselves the Gravediggers. When they weren't following Alex Peters around as his unofficial entourage the Gravediggers would perform frenetic dance feats at parties or on the pavements. I wonder where they are now. A few, I'm sure, have become DJs. Disc Jockeys seem to have a fun deal - plenty of booze and broads, a dash of glamour. And you get paid to rap.
Others, perhaps, have got into disco party catering - you know, throw in some edibles with the decibels. And a whole bunch of Soul-Brothers are probably saving up to buy themselves some musical instruments - dreaming of the day they can quit their jobs at A&W and do a slot on Muzik Muzik. Why not? The Alley Cats have made it - and they aren't even from Sentul.
GLOSSARY
Thaipusam - annual Hindu celebration of Lord Murugan's birthday which attracts at least half a million devotees (and tourists) to Batu Caves; Murugan is also known as Subramaniam.
Samy Vellu - the most durable politician in Malaysia, cabinet minister since 1979, who worked his way to the top from very humble rubber estate origins; often called 'Semi Value' or The Highwayman because of all the toll roads he introduced.
mandur - Malay term for estate overseer, probably derived from 'commander.'
Muzik Muzik - popular TV programme of the late 1980s showcasing up-and-coming Malaysian musical talents.
Posted by Antares at 3:58 PM 0 comments
Labels: Batu Caves, debt-slavery in Malaya, ethnic Indians in Malaysia, Jimmy Nelson, Lord Murugan, Samy Vellu, Sentul, Thaipusam
Thursday, April 24, 2008
DAP's true color
This my comments to RPK's article
DAP's true colors are in harmony with PKR & PAS. No party is perfect and DAP needs to understand what RPK is trying to imply. How often do you see DAP calling for certain Muslim 'extremist' detainees to be freed. Do we know whether these guys are 'bad' and is ISA the method to solve this type of criminal problem.
As per RPK there are hundreds (even thousands) of ISA victims and we dont even know who or why. There were even times we would remain in quite approval when a PAS guy was ISA-ed.
Politician better start admitting that there are humans and prone to mistakes. We cannot change our race-relations if we dont see our true color.
Anyway, I have a sudden urge to hear this Marley song.......
Until the philosophy which hold one race
Superior and another inferior
Is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned
Everywhere is war, me say war
That until there are no longer first class
And second class citizens of any nation
Until the colour of a man's skin
Is of no more significance than
the colour of his eyes
Me say war
That until the basic human rights are equally
Guaranteed to all, without regard to race
Dis a war
That until that day
The dream of lasting peace, world citizenship
Rule of international morality
Will remain in but a fleeting illusion
To be persued, but never attained
Now everywhere is war, war
And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes
that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique & Kamunting
South Africa sub-human bondage
Have been toppled, utterly destroyed
Well, everywhere is war, me say war
War in the east, war in the west
War up north, war down south
War, war, rumours of war
And until that day, the Asian continent
Will not know peace, we Malaysians will fight
We find it necessary and we know we shall win
As we are confident in the victory
Of good over evil, good over evil, good over evil
Good over evil, good over evil, good over evil
DAP's true colors are in harmony with PKR & PAS. No party is perfect and DAP needs to understand what RPK is trying to imply. How often do you see DAP calling for certain Muslim 'extremist' detainees to be freed. Do we know whether these guys are 'bad' and is ISA the method to solve this type of criminal problem.
As per RPK there are hundreds (even thousands) of ISA victims and we dont even know who or why. There were even times we would remain in quite approval when a PAS guy was ISA-ed.
Politician better start admitting that there are humans and prone to mistakes. We cannot change our race-relations if we dont see our true color.
Anyway, I have a sudden urge to hear this Marley song.......
Until the philosophy which hold one race
Superior and another inferior
Is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned
Everywhere is war, me say war
That until there are no longer first class
And second class citizens of any nation
Until the colour of a man's skin
Is of no more significance than
the colour of his eyes
Me say war
That until the basic human rights are equally
Guaranteed to all, without regard to race
Dis a war
That until that day
The dream of lasting peace, world citizenship
Rule of international morality
Will remain in but a fleeting illusion
To be persued, but never attained
Now everywhere is war, war
And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes
that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique & Kamunting
South Africa sub-human bondage
Have been toppled, utterly destroyed
Well, everywhere is war, me say war
War in the east, war in the west
War up north, war down south
War, war, rumours of war
And until that day, the Asian continent
Will not know peace, we Malaysians will fight
We find it necessary and we know we shall win
As we are confident in the victory
Of good over evil, good over evil, good over evil
Good over evil, good over evil, good over evil
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Unsolicited support of Dr Mahathir
Does the non-BN parties need the unsolicited support of Dr Mahathir? DAP Chairman Karpal Singh does not think so.
Guess KS believes that the opposition's recent victories validates the people support of them; and this has nothing to do with Dr M's oppostion to the PM.
Karpal pointed out that Dr Mahathir's abuse of power when he was prime minister was conceded by Umno leaders, including Abdullah."He had publicly stated that Dr Mahathir was responsible for Operasi Lallang.
For full story and comments see http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/5885/84/
I think Dr M had no choice to provide unsolicited support,because no one else was listening to him. UMNO had distanced itself.
Just hope Dr M learns to apologize for his mistakes. By the way there was some degree of postive effect in the 08 election due to Dr M's oppostion to AAB.
Anyway, I think RPK played a significant role in this revolutinary elections.Here's why
Guess KS believes that the opposition's recent victories validates the people support of them; and this has nothing to do with Dr M's oppostion to the PM.
Karpal pointed out that Dr Mahathir's abuse of power when he was prime minister was conceded by Umno leaders, including Abdullah."He had publicly stated that Dr Mahathir was responsible for Operasi Lallang.
For full story and comments see http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/5885/84/
I think Dr M had no choice to provide unsolicited support,because no one else was listening to him. UMNO had distanced itself.
Just hope Dr M learns to apologize for his mistakes. By the way there was some degree of postive effect in the 08 election due to Dr M's oppostion to AAB.
Anyway, I think RPK played a significant role in this revolutinary elections.Here's why
Monday, April 21, 2008
HINDRAF, OVERDRAFT & BANKDRAFT
RPK was making a joke on one of his rallies B4 the election. See Youtube. He said;
The Indian have HINDRAF
The Chinese want BANKDRAFT
The Malay want OVERDRAFT
See HERE. for his comments on april 21. Parts of it read as follows;
Hey, let’s cut this racial crap. Let’s get rid of all this bullshit. We will fight for the release of the HINDRAF 5 because they are innocent victims, not because they are Indians. What’s with this FREE THE HINDRAF 5 campaign? Hey, I too support the HINDRAF 5. I too want them freed. But I do not agree to a FREE THE HINDRAF 5 AND ONLY THE HINDRAF 5 campaign. I want to see a FREE ALL ISA DETAINEES AND ABOLISH THE ISA campaign. Is that too much to ask for?
I think its only fair what RPK is asking
The Indian have HINDRAF
The Chinese want BANKDRAFT
The Malay want OVERDRAFT
See HERE. for his comments on april 21. Parts of it read as follows;
Hey, let’s cut this racial crap. Let’s get rid of all this bullshit. We will fight for the release of the HINDRAF 5 because they are innocent victims, not because they are Indians. What’s with this FREE THE HINDRAF 5 campaign? Hey, I too support the HINDRAF 5. I too want them freed. But I do not agree to a FREE THE HINDRAF 5 AND ONLY THE HINDRAF 5 campaign. I want to see a FREE ALL ISA DETAINEES AND ABOLISH THE ISA campaign. Is that too much to ask for?
I think its only fair what RPK is asking
Zorro has a stiff neck?
My comments on Zorro blog read as follows;
Zorro,
I think the stiff neck is due to looking up in one direction for a long time and singing out loud at the party; @ "20,000 SAY WHY NOT: YOU READY? WE READY!" . The pain must have been worth it. God bless for raising awareness and for being the disciplined master at la-salle sentul. I like you better now than b4. lol. April 17, 2008 5:28 AM
Zorro's response
Loganpal, thanks for visiting and appreciate your insights. It was sure worth it, the discomfort. Come over to the Press Club any Friday and share a few pints for old times sake. April 17, 2008 9:38 AM
I think Zorro's stiff neck picture { See article here }is a metaphor, perhaps due to the following event he blogged on April 14 rally;
Since we were below the grandstand we helped the media up onto the grandstand. However, the RTM and TV3 crew were not allowed into the press conference. I thought that was not nice.Those boys were just doing their job and we have a choice not to tune in. Whatever, just my dua sen.
I think Zorro is reasonable and we should not witch hunt or stiff anyone, if & when PKK-PAS-DAP rule
Zorro,
I think the stiff neck is due to looking up in one direction for a long time and singing out loud at the party; @ "20,000 SAY WHY NOT: YOU READY? WE READY!" . The pain must have been worth it. God bless for raising awareness and for being the disciplined master at la-salle sentul. I like you better now than b4. lol. April 17, 2008 5:28 AM
Zorro's response
Loganpal, thanks for visiting and appreciate your insights. It was sure worth it, the discomfort. Come over to the Press Club any Friday and share a few pints for old times sake. April 17, 2008 9:38 AM
I think Zorro's stiff neck picture { See article here }is a metaphor, perhaps due to the following event he blogged on April 14 rally;
Since we were below the grandstand we helped the media up onto the grandstand. However, the RTM and TV3 crew were not allowed into the press conference. I thought that was not nice.Those boys were just doing their job and we have a choice not to tune in. Whatever, just my dua sen.
I think Zorro is reasonable and we should not witch hunt or stiff anyone, if & when PKK-PAS-DAP rule
MIGRANT EXPRESS
As per http://www.nst.com.my/ on April 21st
So this is how illegal workers go on vacation. Appears funny, but its rather sad, isn't it?
So this is how illegal workers go on vacation. Appears funny, but its rather sad, isn't it?
