The "Social Contract" - A Malaysian "Cold War"?

"A country that exists in a permanent state of war cannot exist as a democracy"
-Chris Hedges

There has been a lot of talk about the "social contract" that was formulated by the "Alliance" under Tun Razak, during the post 5.13 period.

Just what is this "social contract"?

To me, it appears that the deal was actually a "ceasefire of sorts", in an unofficial "war" declared by the "young turks" of UMNO, who had decided to revolt against the principles of democracy that the nation was built upon. This ceasefire, was a unilateral declaration, just as the "war" that they had declared upon the "pendatang", with their eye on the 'pot of of gold'.

It was possibly a conspiracy by an elite group of Malay leaders, who were hungry for power, and thirsting for wealth. Without a doubt - they too had legitimate grouses, just as Hindraf did when they conspired to revolt against nobody specific, refuses to condemn the leadership directly, but 'only the policies' - while setting the stage for the demise of the "old guard". The ball was set rolling, after the act of "giving independence" to Singapore, in order to weaken the "opposition" and Tunku's leadership.

The "social contract" was nothing but the "fair" distribution of the spoils of war, with the "co-conspirators", having to agree to "unwritten rules on a level playing field" , possibly while under threat. One thing is for sure - Penang grudgingly agreed to be "bought over", while some other parties did so with much gratitude, in return for being propped up by the 'conspirators'. The media then, only had to disseminate the propaganda of "cooperation" to pacify a nervous rakyat, in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

This had launched a kind of "cold war" that existed in the political circles, that depended on the "unspoken agreements", wherein each group has to take care of his own selfish interests, with or without the approval of "other parties". This had also facilitated the consolidation of power among certain groups who were until then regarded as the "underworld". There was a "war" on the (probably small-time, recalcitrant and dissenting) "triads" launched amidst much fanfare, during the aftermath of the events described. (Tun Hanif, UTK and DSP Kulasingam could probably tell us a lot of "grandfather stories" on these matters!).

A "deal" was also struck with the communist insurgents, who agreed to lay down arms - I really wonder what they got in return (other than possible economic rewards), when they were ready to kill for their beliefs just a while earlier .......

Tun Razak did his job well, when he planned and executed the development schemes which were to transform Malaysia. As a result of this "fair distribution of wealth", the initial few years had to do justice to the bloodletting of 5.13 - and it was indeed given a kind face for all to see. Dato' Hussein Onn simply carried on the policies of Tun Razak, giving due recognition to all the different branches of Government and rule of law, while Dato' Harun was "penalised". It was after the exit of DHO, that the economic policies of Tun Razak had matured, and ripened for the picking - and what a picking it was, done with total abandonment and disregard for the Law!

The Law was now an instrument to protect and enrich the elite, and not the people/ the dispossessed/ the minority. It was an instrument used to blindfold the majority, unleash tyranny upon the minority while "keeping" the elite. Any dissenting voice was considered an enemy of the state, declared to be subversive and a security threat, requiring "drastic measures" to be silenced.

All the rhetoric about the Chinese and Indian domination of the economy was nothing but hogwash of political rhetoric, as there wasn't much wealth to speak of in those days, anyway. This was only a psychological war that was unleashed in the Malay mind- a delusion, using an ideology of racism as its cornerstone, which remains to this day. The same rhetoric is played out time and again for the unthinking masses, who swallow the drivel dished out by the mainstream media and political stalwarts - lock, stock and barrel.

All this is done, while 'they' throw the peanuts that are eagerly lapped up (by those regarded as monkeys by the elite) as rewards, for their emotional outbursts in response to the "state propaganda", while the "pickings" went on. This had also created ill feeling among most of the "Nons" (and many Malays too) who were sidelined, suppressed and repressed as a result of the policies that were purportedly, "affirmative".

While this "picking" was going on, the masses were fed with more reasons to perpetuate this "psychological war" that was destroying the very fabric of the nation. To advance this siege mentality and deepen the "divide", so as to prolong the "picking", a new dimension/paradigm was added to fuel the war - Religion.

All of a sudden, there was a surge in the number of "Bumiputras" who were eligible for UMNO Baru membership, with Religion being used to perpetuate "certain policies" that undermined the rule of Law, as per the constitution. The Executive was now supreme- not the Federal Constitution and the Judiciary no longer independent. To serve the "masters", what we had now was two parallel legal systems, thus creating conflict, discord and division among the people.It had somehow transformed itself into the monster of a psychological war- of Muslims versus Kafir, to join the worldwide bandwagon of "Islamic Revivalism" (initiated by the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt and Palestinian conflict).

What we have seen in this beautiful nation since its formation, is a series of events that perpetuates and fuels the feeling of animosity among various groups, who then have politicians to "kowtim" in order to portray an image of "unity and cooperation" for posterity. Meanwhile, the boil festers at the back of it all, creating the need for "repressive" laws to maintain the "peace, stability and harmony" of the volatile nation. This perpetual state of "psychological war", works to the benefit of the elite who can rule with ease in a divided society, vulnerable to "destabilizing factors" of sectarian politics.

The result of all this is a fractured society, which is vulnerable to the dictates of the "iconic rulers" who act with total impunity, on a people groping for leadership. In such a society, there can be no democracy - only a Fascist dictatorship, that has to rule with an iron fist and repression, as in many a third world nation (eg Pakistan and other "whatever-stans") which would otherwise have to be ruled by primitive tribal laws.

With the current state of affairs, Malaysia will soon be governed by dictatorial regimes or dynasty, playing to the feudal mindset perpetuated by "Ketuanan Melayu". With "Ketuanan Melayu", there can be no Democracy - only a dictatorship.

The Malays have to decide, if that is what they want for their future - the ball is on their court, and UMNO Baru's. If they feel the opposition cannot run the country, the UMNO Baru stalwarts/ 'young turks' should see the need for "separation of powers" for proper governance and progress of the nation. There has to be a balance of these powers, with a visible and viable opposition within the hierarchy, if not in the opposition or parliament, to promote free speech and debate of substance.

Malaysia is today a nation in a permanent state of "cold-war with itself" - and right now, democracy is dead.
It is up to the Malays to decide if they want to revive democracy and progress, or regress into a state like Pakistan or Saddam's Iraq.

God

Millennium issue

God

Dec 23rd 1999
From The Economist print edition

After a lengthy career, the Almighty recently passed into history. Or did he?

WHEN your friends start looking for proofs of your existence, you’re heading for trouble. That was God’s situation as the millennium got into its stride.

Few ordinary folk, though they had different names for him, doubted the reality of God. He was up there somewhere (up, not down; in his long career, no one ever located him on the seabed), always had been, always would be. Yet not quite so far up, in the churches and monasteries of Europe, many of its cleverest men would soon be racking their brains for ways of proving it.

Anselm, for instance, and others centuries later, such as Descartes, reckoned if you could think of God, then there must be a God to think of. Thomas Aquinas saw everything in motion, so there must be someone to give the first push. Others felt that a universe so elegantly designed as ours plainly must have a designer. And so on, and ingeniously on.

Yet why bother with proof, if everyone knew it anyway? One, because great brains are like that; two, because not everyone did. Out there were the gentiles, Saracens and such. But did not they too say, “There is no God but God”? Yes, but they didn’t mean what good Christians meant. They must be taught better. And there God’s troubles began.

He let Hindus paint him as what, to others, looked like a blue-faced flute-player with an interest in dairy-farming

They were largely his own fault. Like many great personalities, he had countless admirers who detested each other—and he let them do so. For one of infinite knowledge, he was strangely careless how he spread what bits of it to whom. To some he dictated the Bible; to Muhammad the Koran. He was much concerned with the diet of Jews. He let Hindus paint him as what, to others, looked like a blue-faced flute-player with an interest in dairy-farming. Each set of believers had its version of what he was like and what he had said. No wonder cynics began to hint that, if believers differed so widely, belief might be a mistake.

The believers then made things worse. For soon it was not sets but sub-sets. Christians nationalised God, as Jews had long since, like some coal mine. He’s on our side, the English told the French. No, ours, Joan of Arc hit back. Next, the Reformers privatised him: unser Gott, fine, yet not the king’s or the church’s, but each man’s own. From this umpteen versions of what “he” might amount to, or think, were apt to spring, and did. Close kin could disagree. As late as 1829, a bishop warned Britain’s House of Lords of divine retribution if it granted civic rights to Jews; happily, their lordships, aware that stupidity thrived in God’s house as in their own, took the risk. In the 1840s American Methodism split, north against south, arguing whether his word condemned slavery or justified it.

Nor did the rivals seem even to believe their own versions. The Christians turned not cheeks but swords against Muslims, Jews and each other. Muslims, while averring that “in religion there is no compulsion”, did the like to them and to Hindus, and put to death apostates from Islam. For centuries, such rivalries led to torrents of blood. Was this a good God at work? Tantum religio potuit suadere malorum, the Roman poet Lucretius had written: that’s where superstition leads. It was no disproof of clerical logic, but it was a reasonable point.

And in time reason began to take a hand. God, OK, but less mumbo-jumbo, said a platoon of English “deists” in the early 18th century; we can reach him without revelation, let alone incense. This was a risky step, as French and German thinkers were soon to prove. If human reason was so powerful, did man need God? No, said Enlightened men like Diderot (to be silenced, but not convinced, when the mathematician Euler told him “a + bⁿ over n = x, donc Dieu existe”). The French revolution buried God, albeit Napoleon soon dug him out.

Darwin did not help, blowing apart the first book of the Bible

Darwin did not help, blowing apart the first book of the Bible. Nor did critical 19th-century German micro-examination of what was left. Still less did men like Marx, who saw the close links between the ruling class and the ruling churches, and was eager to blow up both; come the 20th century, the Soviet Union did so, literally. Religion was the opium of the people, give them the adrenalin of communism instead. God was dead, as Nietzsche had announced; and even if the superman Nietzsche envisaged to replace him somehow never got born, communist man could do it.

Trouble was, communist man didn’t; the people did not agree; and the corpse just wouldn’t lie down. He popped up in the oddest places. “You don’t find many atheists in a landing-craft heading for Normandy,” recorded a padre aboard one such in June 1944; even though the Almighty was about to let many of their joint flock be turned into fish-food. A French journalist, no less, was ready in the 1960s with the best possible evidence, if it was true: a book entitled “God exists, I have met him”. (Or could it have been “her”, as even the current pope was heard to hint recently?)

And this was in the cynical, questioning, anti-authoritarian West. Ever fewer westerners share the church’s—or the synagogue’s—beliefs, and far fewer still attend their services. Yet outside the rarefied world of thinkers, remarkably few deny the possibility of a supreme being; less than 10% of Americans. In Muslim and Hindu societies, the thought is barely heard.

The test will come on Judgment Day, when man, we are told, will meet his maker. Or will it be God meeting his?

By Toutatis! - It isn't "Just 'Another' Name"!

The earlier post I made was regarding the issue about the Catholic Herald being reprimanded and being denied the licence, should it not comply with conditions (orders, rather) imposed on them.
It had upset me for two reasons - firstly, that "they" should deny the Catholics the licence to print at their whim and fancy, and secondly, that they might attempt to restrict our communication with our young ones and East Malaysians.
Little did I know that the issue was about something as silly as the word (or name, rather) used to describe GOD.
Now, what we have is a festering boil, that threatens to inflame religious sentiments, passions and emotions. Considering the abundance of intellectuals in the Christian clergy, I'm quite surprised that the Church Fathers didn't see it coming!
What we have also on our hands is a potentially lethal debate, which if not handled in a delicate manner, may get "out of hand".
Before I jumped the gun to write on this issue, I decided to wait and see - firstly for the "full story", and secondly if this was an issue that was "hot" in the Catholic community. Last but not least - just spend Christmas without this issue bugging me.
So, it turned out that the issue was "god" himself- Ha, Ha!!!
My opinion on this matter wouldn't exactly be the opinion of "mainstream" Catholics (- after all, I was once told by a priest that I'd "definitely go to hell" for asking too many questions).
I thought a bit, and decided not no write much about such a nonsensical issue. As a matter of fact, I too was initially quite upset to hear it being used in churches/ prayers, without really understanding the context of usage. As of now, I don't really have much problems with it, despite knowing for a fact that the Arabic word for "God" is actually "I-LLah", although "Allah" is also used interchangeably.
The way I look at it, it's just a matter of semantics.
Some look upon the word "Allah" as a word for "God"; and others, look upon it as a name for their God - it's as simple as that.
So Jo Bahrum, you wanna advertise your pea-brain, by all means go ahead - but know for sure, that you'll be offending a significant population, by restricting their freedom to worship the way they choose to. Go patent the Arabic word if you like - makes no difference to me ..... just allow Herald print in BM.
By Toutatis - I'm sure my God is bigger than the word "Allah"!

B. Malaysia/Melayu Not Permitted by Morons???

I have just received this SMS on another incident, viz:

"HERALD the weekly paper of the Catholic Church facing problem in renewing permit. Told not to have Bahasa section as condition for approval. All these years they had four sections – languages. BM to reach East Malaysians and youths educated in BM."

The Prime Minister should immediately address these obstacles to greater national unity, so that Malaysia can revert to the previous position where religious polarization was a serious problem in nation-building so that religious festivals can continue to be an occasion to unite all Malaysians rather than divide them.

Lim Kit Siang

==========================

I read the above in the latest section of MT - I was strangely, extremely upset!

The following was my immediate reaction to the report on Malaysia Today just now, and I'll write about it, once I can verify the truth in this news. (anyway, the comments were deleted as the language was rather "offensive")
Since there are many spin doctors out there out to create problems among races/ religions (and I think you know whom I'd think of), I'd have to check this out first.
If it were to be true, I hold my ground - otherwise, my humble apologies to those concerned.
==================

WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU MORONS??
You want me to be taught in BM, learn BM, speak BM, write BM, But I can't print what I like, which is for my own people, in BM????
Bloody hell man - I'll Boycott your b$#*dy BM cr@p, you id"$#ts of $#!!

...

written by cruzeiro, December 19, 2007 | 21:13:26
YOU B#@$DY LOST MY VOTE FOR SURE - AND I"LL CAMPAIGN AGAINST YOU RACISTS EXTREMIST B%$#@RDS!!!
==============================

Sorry for the FRENCH, guys ;-)

A Malaysian Disease of Fear and Apathy

“So long as the people do not care to exercise their freedom, those who wish to tyrannise will do so; for tyrants are active and ardent, and will devote themselves in the name of any number of gods, religious and otherwise, to put shackles upon sleeping men.”
- Voltaire

There have been many “unsettling events “ of late in Malaysia. All events are attributed to the “weak leadership” of the person in authority, ie the PM, AAB. Many whack him with glee so as to give vent to the anger and frustration that they feel. They curse him, call him all sorts of names, belittle him, smear his family/ wife, laugh at his “ideas” or at him sleeping, cry foul with the projects he launches or actions he takes and what not.
Some even go so far as to belittle the Raja-raja Melayu for not doing anything to improve the state of the nation!
IMHO, he's not to blame for his incompetence, idiocy or corruption (as those who accuse him) – the ones who are to be blamed are people like me, the citizens of this nation, for putting him there. He is simply exercising the powers bestowed upon him – just as we have surrendered it to his office with chest-thumping “patriotism”, during the time of his predecessor.

Yes – we asked for it, and he's simply handing it to us on a silver platter. I'm not writing this to defend or criticise him . This is just attempt to illustrate an attitude that has been prevalent in Malaysia, for the past few decades. It is more of “introspection” on my part, after reading what RPK has written in Heal Thyself. What he said is indeed very true – Malaysians are a shameless and thankless lot who just love to complain about a system that deprives them of their rights, but don't wish to do anything about it, except whine. Malaysians are still in slumberland like suckling babies, where their human rights are concerned. Malaysians are still consumed by their own selfish desires, which helps the agendas of the tyrants and exploiters. Malaysians are quite an ignorant and gutless lot (and that includes me, to a debatable extent). Malaysians are only interested in “cari makan” and having fun while the going is good. Malaysians are generally “morally corrupt”, so much so, they do not believe in standing up for their rights – more so among the Bumiputras of a very dominant political party.

It is because “we” do not see the need for the people to assert their rights and do not see the need for counter-checks on the government, for fear of dispossession – a fear that is exploited by those in power.
It is this fear, the fear of being labeled as anarchists, seditious and a traitor, the fear of losing their “rice bowl”, the fear of retribution and persecution that is instrumental in “keeping them in place” for the benefit of despots.
Lenin once said: "I think we must stick the convict's badge on anyone and everyone who tries to undermine Marxism ... even if we don't go onto examining his case". (It makes me wonder if our “leaders” seek to emulate Lenin).
It is these fears that actually rule the minds and hearts of all Malaysians today, to varying degrees (including me!), save a few (like Raja Petra, Bakri Musa, Kadir Jasin, Anwar Ibrahim, LKS, Hadi etc) who are courageous enough to stand up in the face of threats of “pantang dicabar” and being called “monyet” by some colorful characters.

This was quite evident from the many people who came forward to complain about the recent rallies by Bersih and Hindraf. (Even though I support their right to march/ rally/ protest, I do not however approve of Hindrafian ideas or methods, although there are legitimate concerns that they wish to highlight – but that is a different story).
We even had a coalition of (apparently) hundreds of NGOs called DAMAI that materialized out of the blue, in support of the high-handedness of the “system”!
They who condemn the rallies are the kinds of people who set the stage for tyranny, despotism, cronyism and corruption (at least, I believe in the freedom of expression, albeit peacefully, whether right or wrong).
These guys come out shamelessly (in fact, proudly) to run down the idea of “freedom of expression”, desiring or preferring the idea of “peace, prosperity and order” as defined by their masters. In fact, these guys would meekly do anything at the bidding of their masters, as Pavlov's experimental dog.
The leaders of these organisations are either totally ignorant of the principles of Democracy, or are aware, but knowingly choose to ignore their moral duties in return for financial or other forms of rewards/ awards. They have sold-out their moral duties of being a counter-check mechanism to the authorities.

Allow me to quote Dr. Cooray in his very interesting thesis, The Australian Achievement: From Bondage To Freedom:

“All persons (individuals, institutions and government) are subject to law.
Supremacy of the law is a fundamental concept in the western democratic order. The rule of law requires both citizens and governments to be subject to known and standing laws. The supremacy of law also requires generality in the law. This principle is a further development of the principle of equality before the law. Laws should not be made in respect of particular persons. As Dicey postulated, the rule of law presupposes the absence of wide discretionary authority in the rulers, so that they cannot make their own laws but must govern according to the established laws. Those laws ought not to be too easily changeable. Stable laws are a prerequisite of the certainty and confidence which form an essential part of individual freedom and security. Therefore, laws ought to be rooted in moral principles, which cannot be achieved if they are framed in too detailed a manner.
The idea of the supremacy of law requires a definition of law (to which the above principles may go some way). This must include a distinction between law and executive administration and prerogative decree. A failure to maintain the formal differences between these things must lead to a conception of law as nothing more than authorisation for power, rather than the guarantee of liberty, equally to all.
The rule of law ensures that individuals have a secure area of autonomy and have settled expectations by having their rights and duties pre-established and enforced by law.”

The “troubles” that we face today, is the consequence of events that began a couple of decades ago- it has drained the coffers and it has begun “hurting”. As TDM said, “The people deserve the Govt that they have/ get” - I don't know if he borrowed the quote, but that is definitely the truth.
Malaysians deserve the plunder that they bargained for, as they sold their souls for peanuts. So much so, some newer “leaders” actually believe that the people are monkeys who should be spanked, should they speak up!

“The people” have chosen an elite that has no respect for the law, to run the country. These elite have manipulated the law to suit their interests, and in return, have “paid-off” their supporters, using policies, projects and financial “incentives” that feed and inflate their (the supporters') egos to bursting point.
This has been a fact of life for the “chosen ones” for the past three decades, and has resulted in them being politically subservient to their “masters”.
As a result, what we have today, is a tyranny that uses (abuses, rather) methods and principles of democracy, in order to subvert democracy itself – it is the tyranny of the elite using the majority, to subjugate the minority.
The very principles and spirit of the constitution is subverted by numerous amendments and newer laws, to facilitate the elites' grip on power. As a result, the highest body or authority in the land is the executive, and not the law – the law is there to protect the the executive, and not the people.
The law is subject to the executive as in a dictatorship, and not vice versa, as in a democracy. The people, bribed into submission, have willingly given up their rights to the elite “group of rulers”, for pittance in return, as what happened in UMNO Baru during its formation.

Then there is another group of people, (I refer to my earlier post) who give accolades upon accolades to the “wise, patient, and benevolent” leadership for a the momentary “glory” of seeing their names or photographs being published in the mainstream tabloids/ media.
It really beats me as to what they could possibly gain from such an endeavor.
Understandable, it may be, if these guys get paid by the thousands for betraying the constitution and the idea of freedom.
But these guys do it for absolutely nothing at all!! It really beats me as to what the driving factor may be.
With guys like these around, is it any wonder, as to why the country is the way it is?
These guys have effectively given up their rights as individuals, as citizens and as human beings with a moral code, in order to suck up to the ruling powers!
They forget that it is the ruling powers who are the ones that should be sucking-up to them, as it was they who put the government there.
The law is there to protect the people, and not the ruler – if it were to be vice versa, what we get is an autocracy, where the executive dictates the law.
If it were vice versa, what we would have is a bunch of thugs, out to rape the nation.
Men who wield power aren't angels – and therefore, we need law and rules to keep them in check.
It would be unwise of the people, to give too much power to the executive.

Sadly, this is what many Malaysians subscribe to, in their ignorance of their rights as citizens of a democratic nation – this is what is lauded as “Asian Values”. This was what led to the downfall of every known civilisation (asian or not) – and yet, it is what they have chosen to have.

Someone once said, “It would take the 'devil in you' to succeed in anything that you seek to achieve”. One thing is for sure – this “devil” has been effectively suppressed by the “rulers” through various forms of gratification that have been declared legal.
It would definitely take a lot more than what is being dished out by the system, for the Malaysians to awaken the “devil” within.
Although still quite silent, the "devil" has definitely begun to stir, with the help of some angels......

Malaysian Star "Conventional Wisdom".

Here are two letters from The Star tabloid today, which I wish to comment about:

Peace is paramount
I CONGRATULATE the Government for taking the bold step to arrest the Hindraf leaders under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
Although some people don’t agree to the use of the ISA – at one time me included ....(blah, blah , blah .....)
Since Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi became Prime Minister he has been .... ( praise, praise, praise ....)Pak Lah is a man who ...... (praise, love and accolades, blah, blah, blah ad nauseaum, ad infinatum) ....Malaysia is a very peaceful country and has been like this since independence and will remain so forever.........
Every race in this country wants to go on with life in peace and harmony and don’t want anything else.
MOHD GHAZALI OSMAN,
Ipoh.

Prove rigging or let EC do its job
THERE we have it in “Prove rigging and I will step down, says EC chief”.
That is a brave statement and not many would come out with it, if they have something to hide.
So need we create chaos and take to streets? To me it is merely a waste of time.
This commission has conducted some ten general elections and has a good track record. Let us trust it.
I call on the commission to look at the minor deficiencies pointed out.
BULBIR SINGH,
Seremban.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Todays Star newspaper published two very significant, "unblushing letters of approval", with regard to events of late.

First and foremost was from En Ghazali from Ipoh - firstly he congratulates the govt for arresting Hindraf leaders under the draconian ISA, he then goes on to shower a diarrhoea of praise upon the wise and magnanimous leadership, evoking nausea upon the readers (unless of course they belong to the same tribe homo erectus as the writer).

Then we have Bulbir - the veteran Star-child, the wise geriatric, the "voice of the masses" - who commends the EC chairman for his "brave statements" coming while he hides behing "mummy's skirts". He says that to protest on the streets is a waste of time, especially when the EC has conducted ten GEs, and has a "good track record" (of gerrymandering). He even has the audacity to silently go along with the gerrymandering and calls upon all and sundry to "trust it"!
To lend some element of credibility to his words of wisdom, he calls upon the EC to "look into the minor deficiencies pointed out".

Bulbir, Ghazali - I only have one advise for the both of you - go live in a cave with those of your own kind, smoke some weed, get high and live healthily on nuts and fresh air like squirrels (not that your thinking skills prove otherwise) - everything will be just fine, enjoy peace and harmony, forget your rights (you can even forget you're human, if you like) - as doing anything constructive will be just "a waste of time", while you wait for the earth to swallow you up in due time.

These guys - (Bulbir actually) have regularly contributed to Star as a voice of the public, with nauseating comments that praises the govt policies, even if they are infantile at best. I seriously wonder if guys like Bulbir are paid agents for the tabloid. I still recollect a full page article on this dinosaur from a bygone age in the tabloid.

These guys, believe that dissent is in itself harmful. They also believe that the "boss is always right". Why can't they just understand, that to demand "dignity of the human spirit" is a very important element of democracy?

What they need to understand is the fact that if one dissents, it does not mean that one proposes anarchy. It was also asked by a certain politician, if there's any nation which allows protests, which is actually progressive and prosperous. I do not wish to start naming them ..... it would be an insult to one's knowledge of the first world's socio-political environment to illustrate it to one incapable of thinking.

This guy, must be totally out of touch with reality - the most advanced countries, do allow dissent and protests! What was he thinking?! The countries that descend into war and chaos are ones that suppress and repress dissent, as they are incapable of dealing with differences of opinion. These are the nations that are run by autocrats/ dictators who don't have a succession plan for the leadership, as they effectively banish all thinking men. Apparently, our leadership seeks to emulate these guys - no wonder all the talk about Asian and Islamic Values ....

It appears that it is actually what the leadership of this nation desires - a nation of simpletons, of unthinking Ghazalis and Bulbirs- who would praise the leadership for the spit and excrement that they shower upon the rakyat in return for the taxes they impose upon us. To be critical is unpatriotic, to demand transparency is pointless, to protest injustices is a waste of time ......

Ghazali is probably a beneficiery of the NEP - and as such, I can to a certain extent, understand his logic (though far from it).
But you Bulbir, you are either a two-faced moneylender paying off some "godfathers", or are senile and probably suffering from Alzheimer's Disease - I certainly hope that you don't advertise your incontinence in the tabloids - you insult your bloodline, the 5 Ks of your Religion, and the Ten Gurus that you're supposed to honour (and Seremban also, of course) ....

A Malaysian Dilemma

Over the last year or so, I have been writing down my thoughts on the socio political scenario of Malaysia as a Nation, which I started publishing on this blog only in June.
If anything, my knowledge of Malaysian history and culture is at best, that of an amateur- my opinions are in no way the gospel truth, and are therefore, debatable. I'm however quite certain that there are truths to my perceptions which justify thought and debate.

Knowing this, I have been going through these jottings of mine over the last year, and have found that I have not changed my opinions thus far. If I were to put the archived articles I posted in a the proper order (more or less) to reflect my sentiments, it would be as follows:

1. Where is the Spirit of Merdeka?
2. A Malay Mindset For a Better Malaysia
3. The Malaysian Race "Revolution" - "Buang"-isation.
4. Religion - The Politician's Playground
5. The state of NEP, and its fallout.
6. The Matrix: Morpheus, Neo and the Red Pill.
7. Malay matrix?
8. 5.13 revisited- MT
9. Ethnic Envy and The NEP - a reply
10. What has come of “Us”?
11. Reply To Dr. Dzul
12. The PAS factor - A Viable Alternative?
13. The PAS "Cooperation" and Vote.
14. Class Politics - the Other Option?
15. Guilt Concealed By Fear
16. Now Does Our World Descend - E.E. Cummings

What exactly made me start blogging these things, I cannot say - but most likely, it was the frustration that I feel, at being a voiceless second class "citizen" of this beautiful country. That of course, is not taking Malaysia Today into account - Malaysia Today made me realize that I could share, discuss and debate these ideas with like minded (or otherwise) people.

There was a time, when I thought that all was well and good. However, this "good feeling" was gradually eaten away by the realities that I saw (and faced to a lesser extent) over the years, after I had started working for myself. It was almost an awakening of sorts, to the realities that one is faced with, when you are forced into "awareness" of the differences (and not similarities) between us Malaysians.

Yes - Malaysia is still a great place to live and work. However there is this nagging feeling of discomfort, when we hear the racist rhetoric of the politicians, and policies of race based preferences, justified in the name of affirmative action - when the reality is actually, a process of legalized "wealth acquisition", and not wealth creation by the minority elite.

We (Malay or otherwise) who are deprived of these "benefits" due to reasons known to those concerned, have chosen to create our own rice bowl and lament the system of apartheid, that has been touted as the creation of a "level playing field", which is actually tilted in favour of the ruling elite.

The delusion that I once had of a progressive, just and promising land of opportunity has since vanished into thin air. The reality today is - I have to silently agree to Ketuanan Melayu, and make a living while I still can. For all I know, I might one day be forced to leave this lovely country by the "Bumiputras".

No I do not blame the Malays for it - only certain greedy gangsters who insist on indoctrinating the Malays that they cannot live without the "crutch" called NEP. Those who insist on paralyzing the Malay mind.
Those who subtly, sow envy, distrust, greed and hatred into the beautiful and loving Malay people, for those of other races and religions/ belief/ lifestyles.
Those who use God to highlight differences, rather than similarities.

There was a time when I would've bet my life on the delusion that I would never have to do such a thing as migrating or being an economic refugee - today, I'm not so sure anymore. Despite the love I have for this country, I would be lying to myself if I didn't admit that my confidence has been greatly shaken by events of the last 20 yrs. Seldom do I feel that my country loves me, despite my service to society, despite not being a beneficiery of the NEP, despite paying my taxes, despite being proud to call myself a Malaysian.

When I hear parliamentarians shouting that this is an Islamic nation, you should leave the country if you aren't happy, do not question the NEP (aka Malay supremacy) - I recall Hitler and his "Aryan Supremacy" racist rhetoric, in search of a scapegoat for the humiliation of the German race.
Little do I understand, as to why I, who was born and bred here, should be referred to as a "pendatang", when I haven't taken anything, but have only contributed to the country! It is humiliating, to say the least when a "leader" tells you indirectly that you're not wanted in this land.

I have Malay employees working very well with me - and I'm certain that I'm not biased. In fact, I have been accused of showing favoritism to Malays, and thus was "boycotted" by many of my own race. I'm also certain that the benefits I provide my employees are far better than that provided by some Malays for their Malay employees.

Why then am I a "pendatang", when an illiterate immigrant who robs the Malay of opportunities (and husbands too) is considered a "bumiputra"?

The way I look at it, the thorn in our society is nothing more than the NEP - it is the humiliation of the failure of this plan, that makes the leaders scramble for scapegoats, just as Adolf Hitler did prior to his rise to power. The NEP has only created a super rich elite, and an unsustainable middle-class among the Malays. Those who did not enjoy the fruits of NEP - the majority, are left high and dry. This failure is conveniently blamed on the non-Bumiputras, for not being "supportive".
The leaders seem to be able to play the race-card very well, by keeping a segment of society deprived of economic benefits - it is these people who are instrumental in perpetuating the delusion of "volatile race relations" that requires repressive laws, that determine the one and only viable leadership.

To also perpetuate the idea of Malay supremacy, they (the Malays) are also subtly encouraged to despise the idea of working for a private enterprise under a "pendatang" or "Kufr". The ideas of efficiency or merit are lost with those indoctrinated with these propaganda. As a result many are taught to believe that it is their God-given right to sit in command above the non-bumiputra or Kufr.
That it is their right to have preferential treatment in all matters, rich or poor, big or small. The criteria are only two very basic, simple and easily identifiable things, in all matters - race and religion.

We are constantly "reminded" by racists, that we should be thankful for being allowed to live in peace. Threats of the Malays running "amok" with the parang or kris has become commonplace, in a nation that has been starved of accountability for the failures of the leadership over the last 20 yrs.
It scares me to think that the Malays could fall for the hate ideology that is being propagated by "leaders" in the name of Race, Religion and Country. The possibility of this happening would definitely be very real should there be sufficient frustration among the people who have once tasted the comforts of some promised "security"- bumiputra or otherwise - as a hungry and angry man is most vulnerable to suggestion, political spin, chauvinism and would see no reason during his frenzy.

The only way out of this predicament is for the powers that be to responsibly democratize the nation, subscribe to values of freedom of expression/ information, accountability, meritocracy and a very positive affirmative policy, with a little less of religiosity (not spirituality).
Or else, sooner or later, despite all the racist rhetoric, the people will surely be fighting for a lost cause, and Malaysia would be ripe for economic colonization as it was under the East India Company 50 years ago.
This time around, the economic invaders would definitely rob the nation blind - this time in the name of globalisation or religion.
Listen then, if you have big ears .......

Malaya - The Last Resort?

Who will provide the grand design?
What is yours and what is mine?
'Cause there is no more new frontier
We have got to make it here

We satisfy our endless needs and
justify our bloody deeds,
in the name of destiny and the name
of God

And you can see them there,
On Sunday morning
They stand up and sing about
what it's like up there
They call it paradise
I don't know why
You call someplace paradise,
kiss it goodbye.

• The Last Resort, Eagles

Of late, there has been a lot of racist and ultra-religious hate rhetoric being spewed by our so called leaders, which I thought was juvenile at best.

The way I look at things, despite being treated as second class citizens, this country is what it is today, because of our forefathers who actually helped build this beautiful country of ours. Anything or anyone that says otherwise, is nothing but a blatant liar.

Any racist rhetoric, is nothing but an attempt by the powers that be, to distort the truth, so as to cover their inferiority complex and greed for money and power, and brainwash the lovely Malaysians with an ideology of hate.

This ideology of hate has manifested itself in more ways that one in all sectors of society. I couldn't help but feel sad for our nation as a whole, as I heard the story of a University Malaya Lecturer who lost all her Malay friends (and they were her best friends), due to the change in their mindset, towards that of chauvinistic attitude propagated by our politicians and religious leaders. The other story I heard was that of an “Indian” executive, who was fired using trumped up charges, simply because he wasn't a “bumiputra” - apparently all he could say at the end of it all was, “Do you know how much I contributed to the Company?”

Sadly, I wondered if I too would one day be faced with this predicament ...... the day when Ketuanan Melayu rears its ugly head, just as Hitlers “Aryan supremacy” ideology once struck fear in the hearts of the Jews of Europe prior to and during WW-II.

Later, as I listened to events and the song above, I couldn't help but reminisce about the stories that my Mum and Dad told me when I was just a “starstruck” kid, listening with wonder about the “adventures” that my folks had in the “good old days”.

My dad used to relate that he had to make his own sandals in his younger days so as to be able to trek his way to school. Poverty, disease and hunger in “pre-independence Kerala” was the norm, and they had to escape the cycle of misery that all who stayed back for the love of the “Motherland” had to face under the yoke of the British Raj.

They chose to switch their allegiances to a nation that was just budding after the turmoil of the Japanese invasion – they chose a Malaya that was still having Malaria epidemics, still dependant on wells for water, and the “petromax lamp” if not candles for light. They had chosen an impoverished but fertile frontier, which appeared to have unlimited potential and promise, with an easy going, friendly, pious, beautiful and loving people for “hosts”.

They chose a Malaya where a wooden house on stilts and a motorcycle to call your own, was a dream come true. And even if it was hell that they had to face, together with the others of different ethnicities, they were willing to walk through it, to achieve their dreams.

They had chosen to build a life in a new frontier through plain hard effort and work, faced with stark realities and choices in a new world – armed with nothing but sacrifice, some knowledge and the spirit of enterprise – all fired up to build a dream, a nation, in the spirit of “Merdeka”. They had chosen, never to turn their back on a small, new and beautiful nation in the making.

It was apparently quite a hard time that they all went through, when they first chose to pack up and migrate for good, and never to turn back. They had chosen a path, to break away from the mindset that held many immigrant workers and families, who still had their allegiances to the culture and mindset of colonial India. This was their “last resort” and they had to make it here.

It is quite difficult for me to imagine the “quantum leap” in mindset that my parents had to undertake, in order to achieve what they had in those days.

My dad came first, to first attain a stable job – I still remember that his first job was in Borneo Motors as a “fitter”, with a lucrative salary of 5cents/ day. From there, he moved on into the estates.

Papa was later introduced to the new “rubber estates” when he was still in his early twenties. He was apparently “spotted” and and started out as some thing like a trainee/ cadet “conductor” (at least, that is what I vaguely recall – gotta confirm it, though).

Papa then went back to his hometown in Kerala, got married to mum, and soon enough, was back in Malaya, reassuring my mum in this brave new world.

Mum, I presume, probably wasn't too happy initially, with the isolation that she experienced at that age, but persevered in her commitment towards building a life, by being supportive of Papa. Those were the days when women were so totally committed to their wedding vows and family, that all personal interests took second place.

My dad meanwhile worked just as hard if not harder at performing his duties as the breadwinner, husband and father.

I suppose, he knew the value of honesty, dedication, perseverance, education, language and the written word. In order to do justice to his talents and his desire to progress, he made great strides in learning “Queens English” and good letter writing skills through books he bought or borrowed.

These qualities probably did not go unnoticed by Mr. Perkins, his boss. Papa's command of his duties and his ability to learn fast possibly caught the attention of the “white Tuan” Planters ...... and he rose the ranks exceptionally fast, and before long, he was a planter himself!

Papa would surely mention Mr.Perkins (the Tuan Planter) at the first opportunity, should one ask about his exploits. I'm quite certain that Mr. Perkins played a pivotal role in his education and promotions. I still recollect his visits to Mr. Perkins' mansion overlooking a lagoon somewhere in Port Dickson, long after Mr. Perkins' retirement – there were also Mr. Perkins' dogs (all Alsatians) named Brandy, Whisky and Soda!

The psychological “evolution” that he underwent during that time was nothing short of phenomenal – even his writing bore no semblance whatsoever, of one who grew up learning the twisted Indian (Malayalam, in this case) script. The same could be said of his accent, to a lesser extent. This is something that still fascinates me to this day, if I where to compare him to his peers.

Papa also developed a taste for scotch, which he enjoys to this day (which Mum would nag about)! As a result, I occasionally end up in the “firing line” when I try to secretly give him a Chivas off and on, and get found out by Mummy. (Of course I try to explain that a “medical dose” of a spiritual drink is always good for the heart, mind and soul ......).

Actually, I find their arguments over Mr. Chivas extremely amusing – two old folks who have endeared themselves to each other through all the trials and troubles of life, and yet cannot see eye to eye on issues about Chivas and Co.!

So Pa, Ma – for all that you have done, your sacrifices, the values that you instilled in me (even if we still fight and argue about it) and for making me who I am today – A big Chivas Cheers, Love, hugs and Kisses to the idols of my life!

Also Ma, Pa - I just hope that the day wouldn't come, when I have to say in frustration, “Do you know how much I contributed to the Country?” I also hope, you do not live to see your dreams for this beautiful nation dashed.

Malaysia, My heart bleeds for you .....

Daulat Tuanku!

Just Another Bigger and Better Show!

Exhibitors are gearing up to give their best
in the Star Education Fair 2008 with five taking up 14 booths each.

On cloud nine – in a Sukhoi
At Lima 2007, Lt-Kol Norazlan and three fellow pilots
became the first Malaysians to pilot the Sukhoi aircraft.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Khairy : Government
must not meet Hindraf

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Abdul Hamid confirmed as CJ

Zaki, 62, made history
on Sept 5 by being the first lawyer
to be appointed directly
to the Federal Court.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail
described the duo as “excellent choices”,
expressing confidence that they would be able to
restore public
confidence
in the judiciary.
On Zaki, the A-G said

his good interacting skills
honed in the private sector
would be a great advantage.
The AG's (Gani Patail) most famous quotable quote is supposedly* -
"They threw bricks at his head."

Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan,
in the congratulating the duo, admitted that
she was rather surprised
at the elevation of Zaki
to the judiciary’s second-highest position.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Poll: Malaysians most confident of their elections
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are not only the
strongest supporters of democracy
in Asia but are also
the most confident
that their country's
elections
are fairand free,
according to a recent study by TNS and Gallup International.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Saadon Aksah/ES
Harakah English Section

Coalition for a free and fair election (Bersih)
is planning a second demonstration
in front of Parliament here on Dec 11,
to protest against a
Constitutional amendment
done "in haste".


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

EC: It’s a good boost to image

Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid
Abdul Rahman is glad that Malaysians have responded positively towards the
way the general election is conducted in the country.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

ACA sets up ops room in states for polls
The Anti-Corruption Agency has set up special operation rooms
at its 16 branches nationwide to receive reports on corruption and
investigate cases in preparation for the general election.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Government ‘fighting graft well’
Fifty-three per cent of Malaysians surveyed for the Global Corruption
Barometer 2007 said the Government was effective in fighting corruption.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Malaysiakini web site, Petaling Jaya - October 31, 2003 Malaysian opposition front lodges police report against ex-PM Mahathir
31 October: Youth leaders of the opposition Barisan Alternatif [BA, Alternative Front] today submitted a litany of complaints to the police on alleged wrongdoings by former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad during his 22-year tenure in office.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mustapa: Students must know dangers of corruption.
Anti-Corruption Agency director-general
Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Hamdan said in 2003, a survey was conducted
among students and results showed that
30% of the respondents said they would
succumb to corruption if the opportunity arose.
"With this secretariat, we hope to reach out to the students at universities
get the message across about
the dangers of corruption
as many do not know
of the consequences,"
said Ahmad Said.



xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

-IGP: Hindraf trying to garner support from terrorist groups
-Tabling of police panel bill delayed
-Cops still hunting 16 gang leaders in Sarawak
-Gang on farm-robbing spree
-Model released on police bail
-Woman murdered, left naked at budget hotel
-Girl jumps out of window to escape sexual predators
-MB denies taking a second wife
-Johor on red alert ....

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

One number for distressed folk to call for help
15999 – this is the number to call
if you are a victim of
domestic violence, child abuse or a natural disaster.

This hotline, called Talian Nur, will be the lifeline providing early intervention for these victims.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

NOTE: The above is a "cut & paste" job of segments of highly "credible" news items and images available online. The writer/ publisher of the above shall not be responsible for any conclusions drawn by readers, as neither the words nor the order of the words in sentences were altered in any way (except for font size).
(*This is an opinion expressed by an acquaintance of mine).

Cheap Parliament Dramatics!!

With great amusement, I read the antics of two YBs from Parit Sulong and Sri Gading, on the topics of Crosses at "mission" schools. Both these guys definitely need to be nominated for an award - the other nominees for which would probably be Nazri, Zam, Sami Vellu, Sothi, Badrudin, Bung Mokhtar and last but not least, Uncle Lim himself.

Both the "promonent" MPs apparently come from Batu Pahat - which makes me wonder if the had planned it in advance over a teh tarik ......

It is inconceivable to me that these two could actually believe that the crosses in the "Mission" schools are actually detrimental to the education standards in our schools
(Just today, I had a client complain that she finds it difficult to pay for the necessary tuitions - all becos, the teachers seem to be busy attending "Kursus", instead of teaching!)

Anyway, Parit Sulong was later quoted in The Sun to have said, "I was merely voicing the concerns of the public at large". Robin Hood ..... sorry ..... Syed Hood also "said he does not have any problems with mission schools and backed this up by saying that his eldest daughter used to study in the Batu Pahat Convent Primary School. (Why didn't he say so in the first place? Why then were the stories about "church songs", and holidays brought up, I wonder...) Maybe he probably had a "wayar putus", and wasn't able to articulate his thoughts in his mother tongue - that argument, I can accept!

Maybe they wanted to draw the ultra-orthodox, religious Kampung folks' attention by drawing on these issues. But then again, maybe it was a tactic to appear to be more "Islamic" than PAS, in keeping with the spirit of never ending competition of "out-Islamizing" each other. An "achievement" in this competition would definitely be the ultimate "wet-dream" for the politician, if there can ever be one ..... it opens many doors to rise in the echelons of power.

I suppose they too wish to be in the limelight even if it is for the most idiotic reasons - that seems to be the current trend of events .... maybe it is a new competition among BN MPs - I wouldn't know. It has to be the reason- there is no other rational reason. After all we need to distract the voters by hook or crook .... or else they may realize that "the emperor wears no clothes"!

To help them along, we need the DAP MPs screaming their guts and spewing bile at the BN MPs, so as to add to the dramatics. Meanwhile, PAS, despite being the most powerful political party in the opposition, sits as though totally clueless on issues affecting the nation. (It must be noted that they however have only 6 parliamentary seats, to DAPs 12).

It is not uncommon for one MP or other to start a shouting match with his "opponent" and ultimately end the "discussion"/ "debate" with something inconsequential. Shouting in parliament seems to have become an indispensable method of "civil behaviour", for one to get his points across or create a chaotic verbal pandemonium.

Addressing their peers in parliament as "racist", "monyet", "berok", "bodoh", "rambut putih", "one-eye-jack", "pondan", telling "others' to "keluar Malaysia", calling for a fight and sexist remarks are all fair game. Rude and provocative questioning of BN MPs/ ministers by the opposition bench(mainly Uncle Lim) seems to be acceptable and even maybe, "warranted". In fact, sometime I can't help believing that there's a cynical smile on Uncle Lim's face as he stokes the fire!

I really wonder if there are "envelopes passed" behind the scenes to facilitate these clownings in the "most august" House, in order to distract the observers, the media and the rakyat.

Anyway, in my opinion, many MPs probably need to attend "kursus" as penalty for "misbehaviour" to rectify their conduct in parliament, and to give any meaning to the title - YB. One thing is for sure - they all definitely need a kursus to articulate their thoughts in fluent and polite Malay.

And we definitely need an award - at least online,(maybe Bart Simpson's Krusty the clown Award?) for the most "resourceful Clown" in Parliament - Maybe Kickdefella or Mob's Crib can design it, and RPK can conduct a poll for the winner monthly, quarterly or annually. We could add on other awards for the most "brilliant ideas", most "engaging debate", best/bravest fighter/ Kicker and what not.......

Not Child's Play: A Teddy-Bear Intifada

http://www.hudson.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=publication_details&id=5326

From the December 3, 2007 National Review Online

December 4, 2007
by Paul Marshall



Editor's note: There is rioting in Sudanese streets calling for the death of a woman over a teddy bear named Mohammed. What can we in the West possibly do with this — nationally, individually? How do we help? What must we learn from it? National Review Online asked a group of experts and commentators.



Paul Marshall
British teacher Gillian Gibbons's sentence for blasphemy, and the subsequent demonstrations calling for her death, is one of a series of such incidents that, by their very absurdity, have shone media attention on the perils of accusations of blasphemy, apostasy, and insulting Islam. We need this attention to lead the West to become aware of and address the far wider and more serious political repercussions of such accusations in the Muslim world and beyond.

Examples could be taken from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and elsewhere, but Sudan provides enough of its own. In 2005, Mohammed Taha, who edited the al-Wifaq newspaper in Sudan's capital, reprinted an article that debated the background of Mohammed. He was charged with blasphemy, though the charges were later dropped. However, in 2006 his body was found in a Khartoum street. He had been beheaded.

In the early 1990s, Gaspar Biro, the courageous United Nations Special Rapporteur on Sudan, produced a series of reports documenting the National Islamic Front government's massacres, slavery, draconian penal code, and other depredations. In 1994, the NIF (an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood) called his work "a vicious attack on the religion of Islam." In 1995, Sudanese officials said "we don't want to speculate about his fate if he is to continue offending the feelings of Muslims worldwide." These accusations of blasphemy were deemed dire enough that the U.N. General Assembly described it as "an unacceptable threat against his person."

Perhaps the most striking instance was Mahmoud Mohamed Taha. He was one of the country's leading Islamic scholars, and a co-founder of the Republican Brotherhood, which pushed, on Islamic grounds, for an open and democratic society. A major opponent of the regime, in January 1985 he was tried and executed on charges that amounted to apostasy because of his views on Islamic teaching.

As these examples show, a major function of blasphemy laws is silencing those who want to debate and discuss the meaning of Islam, particularly those who favor open and democratic societies.

How do we respond? Well, first, with diplomatic pressure to have Ms. Gibbons released, which appears to be progressing. But it is vital not to treat blasphemy accusations and convictions as merely idiosyncratic vagaries of Muslim regimes that simply require a humanitarian response on behalf of the unfortunates involved. Blasphemy charges are the front line of the war of ideas within Islam. If there is to be debate within Islam, we need to work to remove such laws.

A good place to start is for the U.S. to seriously campaign against the ongoing, partly successful, multi-year effort by the Organization of the Islamic Conference to have the United Nations condemn "blasphemy" in the international sphere (an effort couched in the language of combating 'Islamophobia'). A good occasion for this campaign is the preparatory meetings for the 2009 U.N. conference on "Racism," which, under the leadership of Iran, Libya, and Pakistan, is set to condemn all "insults to Islam," whether those purportedly by Ms. Gibbons, or those of political targets such as Gaspar Biro or the Tahas.

— Paul Marshall is senior fellow at Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom and is writing a book on blasphemy. The new edition of his World survey of Religious Freedom will be published by Rowman and Littlefield in January.

Festival of Rights 2007

The PAS "Cooperation" and Vote.

"So this is how liberty dies. With thunderous applause."
-George Lucas , Senator Amidala in Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)


Recently, on Malaysia Today, there was an article entitled An Open Letter to PAS, Keadilan and DAP. Although it sounded like a "balanced" letter, I do have some serious misgivings over his stand and logic, where PAS is concerned (so much so, I seriously doubt that his name is RAJAN).

Allow me to quote a few words from Rajan in the letter:
"Their pure existence as a political party was from this platform. Asking them to forgo this call, however bitter it may be for many of us, is similar to asking them to close shop."

Now I have a few questions ....
Has the "Islamic State" been on the agenda of PAS from the very beginning?
If so, how was it defined just 40yrs ago, and how is it defined now?
I'm a little confused .... when Raja Petra writes that it is about "values" and not about laws/ fatwas, and an "Ulama" says that it is all about laws and edicts - "Islamic" this & that, or "unIslamic" this & that.

Bear in mind that the definition of "Islamic State" is what matters here. To my knowledge, the current definition of Islamic State varies significantly from that, prior to the Islamic rhetoric of the post 1967 Yom Kippur war and the Iranian revolution of the 70s. Those were the days of Dato Asri in PAS. The days when the Islamic extremist of the day, would be an "unIslamic" dove by todays standards.

Those were the days when when Mak Yong, Wayang Kulit and other forms of art (performing and non-performing) were very much part of the rich local (Kelantan) culture.

We now fast forward to the 80s, with the rise of Dr. Mahathir (aka Che Det) to power in UMNO, along with the Ulamaks in PAS, with much fanfare in both parties - both promising great things, with cliches for their mottos.

Strangely, both sides took away civil liberties as a price for imposing their agendas while pulling wool over the eyes of the public. On one side, was the death of the independent press/ judiciary/ democracy which were considered "pesky"; and on the other, death of commerce, industry, lifestyles and arts which were considered "unIslamic".

Let us move on to the legacy of the current PAS leadership - a write-up about Kelantan on the BBC website in 2005, would be a timely reminder for those who wish to extol the virtues of "cooperation" with PAS for the sole intent of voting out the current Government.

Lest the proponents of this "cooperation" forget, may I remind you - that the reason we oppose actions of a government isn't necessarily to vote it out, but to demand better governance.

Moreover, I still don't understand why PAS has to "close shop" should it give up the idea of an Islamic state - it is a party that takes part in democratic elections - and that isn't a very "Islamic" virtue by some standards!
And who ever said that they cannot be Islamic in a modern democracy?
Based on "Islamic values" (as opposed to Arabic tribal values), a democracy is in spirit, a very Islamic thing to propose.
In fact, in terms of fundamental liberties and rights, some Muslim Ulamas do agree that the "great Satan", the US of A, is in fact more Islamic than the so called Islamic nations with Syariah laws!
Having said that, does the current PAS leadership approve of the fundamental liberties of a person, Muslim or otherwise? Do they believe in equal rights and freedom of choice for all?
These are questions that one should ask oneself before suggesting that PAS shouldn't be asked to give up their stand on the "Islamic State", for these are questions which are fundamental to any democracy.

The next issue is that of the meaning of the vote, that one may give PAS - is it a signal of approval of the PAS manifesto, or is it just a rebellion against the current system?
I believe it is the latter.
However, with the increasing political manifestation of the Islamist agenda in the parliament and on the street, would it not whip up the competition among Malay dominated parties to "out-Islamize" the other?
Would it increase the "Islamisation" fervour among the powers that be, akin to Mahathirs introduction of the Syariah courts to "neutralize" PAS?
In fact, a vote for PAS with its "values", may signal to the BN govt of the day, that the non-muslims have no problems with the PAS brand of Islamic politics- and this can have undesirable and disastrous effects.

This brings me to the next point - Rajan said,
"Thus all of us especially the DAP icons should remain silent on this matter and work towards the main objective – secure the parliament. If DAP and the non–Muslims fears that once the election is won, PAS and KeADILAN will join together to press for an Islamic state then Barisan is still here. Barisan by itself is not bad."

What Rajan says here is this,- "Hey DAP! I think you should bet your @$$ on PAS - but if you get buggered, that's your friggin' problem man - I'll then vote BN!"

Come on - what a juvenile logic to be used on DAP.
That was definitely a low-down, cheap shot!
Which party in their right mind would do such a thing? Let's get real here - If at all they wish to work with an "enemy", the least they would wanna do is make sure their credibility doesn't get shot.

It would've been more logical for him to appeal to PAS to give up on the Islamic state agenda (at least temporarily), to work with a logical DAP+PKR +PSM alliance, based on social democratic principles!
In fact, PAS could pull out of the alliance, if it decides to impose an agenda which isn't acceptable to other parties. It may even rejoin BN if it wishes do so - after all, it was a breakaway from UMNO, and a one time BN member party.

As far as the NEP is concerned, it is what it is - so no point in saying that you want it, but not the way it is. What Rajan tries to say (presumably) is, we need fair distribution of wealth and opportunities for all, in all sectors, with affirmative action for the poor regardless of race. For a start, I suggest that we get rid of this evil of racial and religious profiling, except in warranted medical or criminal cases.

Let's move on to the issue of "gerrymandering"........

After the Bersih march, what is the ultimatum that Bersih has given? Would they still participate in the elections? If so why? After all, you've agreed that you're all being taken for a ride.

I presume, should reform not be instituted, Bersih would call for a boycott!
Logically speaking, they should - after all, who would wanna "turun padang" and play a game where the home team gets to sell tickets to only its own supporters, with its own players acting as linesmen and referee (plus having the ability to shift the goalpost at its whim and fancy)!

Without reform, any participation of any opposition party in the elections, would definitely lend Nazri's much publicized phrase of "wayar putus" much credibility. It would strip all opposition parties of what little credibility left in them, for being hypocrites.

Nothing short of a total boycott from them (the opposition) would be acceptable, should the reasons for the Bersih rally be ignored - not even the lame excuse of putting up independents by proxy, "to deny BN an uncontested victory".

What has the opposition got to fear should their victory ring hollow? It would only open the floodgates for more agitation from the electorate .....
The opposition has to stop playing politics for the sake of selfish, financial or sectarian interests, and make national interests their priority, based on logical and viable principles.

Malaysia in in a very precarious state of affairs, and badly needs proper governance, as mentioned by DSAI on Al-Jazeera. With good governance, Malaysia would definitely realize its true potential as an economic powerhouse and paradise, simply by virtue of its strategic location, if not for anything else.

The alternative we have as a nation, is nothing but a failed state.

Allow me to sign off with a beautiful quote :

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

- Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790), Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759