Saturday 3 May 2008

Reply to TDM's Criticism on CheDet.com

"Politically, the opposition is the enemy. Being forced to work with the opposition is not undemocratic but it shows up the weakness of the Government.
A weak government is not good for multi-racial Malaysia. It leads to unwarranted challenges against its authority. Governments cannot please everybody."
- Tun Dr. Mahathir (CheDet.co.cc)

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

Dear TDM,

It is unbecoming of you to make sweeping statements based on personal sentiments and presumptions. That too, without really articulating your reasons for these statements.

I tell you most solemnly, Dear Sir - You lie.
You lie to yourself, and the people, when you imply that the Opposition are the "enemy".
Before I go further, allow me to say that I truly appreciate the positive, during your leadership - for that, I humbly thank you. What I wish to address are the negative, though.

The problem here Tun Sir, is that you perceive that the Government and party as your personal political tools despite your verbose DENIALS. Hence, the Opposition is your personal political enemy who can render you relatively powerless to manipulate the state and constitution at your pleasure.

However, you do desire also, one that is toothless, so as to permit an authoritarian Government which can disregard this "strong and toothless opposition" at liberty.
Since you appear to advocate this (strangely) "strong opposition", could you elaborate as to how this “strong opposition” in an authoritarian state should do its job with a “strong Govt” which it is powerless to oppose?


What you have expressed, is not of national interest, dear Sir. It is one of personal nature, as the "opposition" is only a "political enemy" to you, and your party's grip on power!
It is simply, only your perception that they are "enemies", which you impose upon the people who have chosen them.
You have effectively rendered the rakyat who disagree with you, "enemies".
It means you cannot accept any other opinion.


It also means, that you believe that you can only accept and work with those who say "Yes, Master!" - anybody else is the enemy! That should explain your style of governance for 22yrs, shouldn't it, Tun Sir?
However, you now go on to accuse AAB of being the same?

If you truly had a vision of building a stable state, you would have advocated a strong opposition that is a viable alternative to the elected government. You would recommend working with the people's representatives, and transcend partisan politics wherever possible.

This competition between the parties for excellence, would lead to a more secure future with a wider choice of quality leaders, as opposed to the litter of imbeciles that you left behind for AAB. Now you have conveniently dumped the blame on him, so that he becomes the nation's punching-bag.
What you propose Tun Sir, sets the stage for a corrupt and despotic regime that wouldn't relinquish its grip on power despite electoral defeat, as we see now in Zimbabwe, under your good friend - Mr Robert Mugabe.

Could you explain how you have come to the conclusion, that a Multi-racial Malaysia which has embraced and accepts (rather than "tolerates") its diversity, is a threat to a government that is willing to work with an opposition (or vice versa)?

You definitely wouldn't desire a harmonious state, where the government is controlled by the people who are confident of themselves.
In fact, you would prefer "strong government" that requires repressive laws to control an irrational and emotional people prone to "perceived insecurities", as a result of "fear mongering".

In short, what you propose is a "Nanny-state" that controls an infantile/insecure citizenry, that live in fear and mutual suspicion, with a “strong opposition” of clowns for posterity.
This of course what you consider the noble "Asian Values".

Sorry Sir - Malaysians aren't as infantile as you presume them to be - provided you choose to play up these fears of "May 13"(that has been the BN mantra) thru a servile media, as an excuse for what you propose.

No offense Tun Sir, but just as an irritable bladder in prostatism, your arguments don't hold no water!

What you propose is nothing but a formula for the slow destruction of a state that is governed by the sheer arrogance of power.
What it breeds is nothing more than an intellectually bankrupt future generation, which is what have today.

You question, "Why are these conciliatory gestures towards the Judiciary made now, and not in 2004?"
Allow me to do the honor of enlightening you, Tun Sir.

First and foremost, let me say that it is always better late than never.

May I ask, if not NOW, then when? Does it matter if it is done now becos the Rakyat have asserted themselves, and the govt has a smaller majority?
The Rakyat have spoken. They voted for change.
Now efforts are made towards achieving this - why do you oppose it? The Rakyat appreciate it, no matter how small the gesture may be - why don't you?

Why do you presume that the "opposition" would always do the wrong thing?

Your argument that the constitution can be changed only with a strong 2/3 majority is deeply flawed, Tun Sir. If the "opposition" feels that the proposal for amendments to constitution is warranted and reasonable, I'm quite certain that they would support it.

Is it becos you have been indoctrinated into the idea that MPs should “toe the Party line” even if it is a bad idea? Or is it becos, the MPs should posses a siege mentality, to remain on a party leash and should not transcend partisan politics in the interest of the people?
Unless of course, you believe that the state benefits from the countless number of amendments and subversion of the constitution (that is rendered to being toilet paper) by this “strong government” and a helpless but “strong opposition”.


Any support coming from the opposition, is deemed suspect - even if it means supporting the leadership. Considering the "talent" that you have left behind for AAB to work with, I'm not surprised that Pakatan Rakyat supports AAB. But of course, that is something you wouldn't like to see, as you've been calling for AABs head for some time now.

Yes, Tun Sir - You have every right to be concerned about the party that you "helped revive in 1987" after abandoning the democratic principles upon which it was built, and criticize as a citizen. And also about the precedent set, wherein the power is centralized to the President, and the members are powerless!
You have every right to be concerned about the pre-existing "little Napoleons" who started baring their teeth, after you handed over power to AAB. Indeed, you have every right to criticize the leadership that your "system of governance" helped create for AAB.
You have every right to be concerned about how AAB has failed to rein in the little Napoleons that you had created (unwittingly, or by design).
However you can rest easy & need not worry about AAB not having anyone to criticize him - we have enough capable MPs on the opposition bench, members of civil society movements, and a more liberal media for that.
We don't need any has beens stooping so low, as to come back to save his legacy of "Virtuous Govt" - thank you, Sir.

Yes Tun Sir – the system of political patronage and feudal mindset built on politics of fear that you propose to be perpetuated, has to be dismantled. It is the cancer that is tearing the nation apart.
The people need to be given the freedom to voice out their opinions, in a climate of trust, instead of suspicion and fear, which perpetuates a siege mentality.
The Nanny-state of “Asian Values” that you propose doesn't work, unless you desire an insecure and timid public - A public that surrenders their rights to “leaders” willingly amidst plenty of chest-thumping patriotism, “to keep the peace, harmony & tolerance”, while the state decides if your convictions are criminal, even if doesn't hurt a fly.


It strikes me that you have a desire to be considered a liberal (as Machiavelli might recommend) by advocating a "strong opposition" in an authoritarian state!
How sweet of you .... ;-)

You want a “strong opposition” but no opposition to your plans in parliament, regardless of the consequences.

Like another reader said in your comments section, “Is that an oxymoron, or what?” Have a coffee, think about it or simply sleep on it, Sir.
I'm sure you'll think of something .....

Thank You.

32 comments:

  1. Excellant!! Hope to see this comment in chedet's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bulls Eye!

    Unfortunately i don't think that TDM can even comprehend the part he played...the illusion he so carefully created has completely taken him over.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Maaf lah but your blog aint that popular,I can see in your writing that you hate smart Malay like TDM ,you are in the same boat with loser like Kit Siang ,Karpal Singh who cant stand TDM till now even he's no longer in power.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Excellent..!! well written. Clear and self explanatory.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sock it to the old delusional stubborn man. He could have retired in a burst of glory and ride into the horizon of history as a legendary PM. But no, he just keep on shooting and barking at Abdullah, bursting his bubbles and legacy. He even played a part in the downfall of BN becos people are so fed up of all this shit. What a loser.

    ReplyDelete
  6. wow! such an eloquent and refined reply to the article, and one with such stately composure that rightfully portrays the TDM character as some puny egocentric/insecure khaki economy general in comparison. and you knocked the nail right on the head, spot on

    nevertheless, such a splendidly written article, and not incorrect too.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fuyoo Dr. U really can write. I mean u really put things in such a clear and so easy to comprehend. And how right you are! Really u are something man. Tabik hormat sama u.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Time for TDM to grow up. People do not listen to him anymore. Only those who want to make a political come back stick to him. The more he talks the more people going to realise what a monster he was.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You question, "Why are these conciliatory gestures towards the Judiciary made now, and not in 2004?"
    Allow me to do the honor of enlightening you, Tun Sir.

    First and foremost, let me say that it is always better late than never.

    May I ask, if not NOW, then when? Does it matter if it is done now becos the Rakyat have asserted themselves, and the govt has a smaller majority?
    The Rakyat have spoken. They voted for change.
    Now efforts are made towards achieving this - why do you oppose it?

    I say friend, if the govt. becomes clean, how am I going to explain all that money my family and I have.

    ReplyDelete
  10. What can I say besides BRILLIANT.

    ReplyDelete
  11. He still believes that he had governed Malaysia very well.The reason he had managed to score some points was because there was no capable leaders before him.He however has left behind plenty of corrupted and incompetent ministers to screw up this country.

    ReplyDelete
  12. TDMM might not had comprehended the parts he played but he was very clear and sure of the means he employed used. All that he had done go to show he is a true student of Machiavelli. To him every mean is the right mean as long as the aim is achieved. This man had employed and is still employing any mean convenient to attain his aims.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Excellent article and so eloquently written!!

    To anonymous, writing the truth does not mean hating smart Malays like TDM. Do you like being ruled by corrupted leaders who can bankrupt the country? Do you like leaders who rule by fear?? Can you accept a "great Chinese PM" who does a great job exactly like TDM? Would you then call this "pseudo- Chinese PM" smart or corrupted?? Even the Chinese rakyat would have voted this leader out of power and condemned him!!

    The rakyat of all races loves smart Malays who are really smart, honorable and more so if they are God-fearing and can lead the country by their high moral values and principles for the good of the people and not themselves/cronies!!

    I've always wondered how TDM will view Malaysia politics after his retirement as no doubt, he is a very smart Malay, and I am very glad he can see the consequences of his own deliberate actions over the years of power.

    Meanwhile, keep on writing for your readers' pleasure, CruzinThots

    ReplyDelete
  14. Excellent.. hope this woke TDM up. Always thinks he is right. lock up those that oppose his suggestion.

    Is this DICTATORSHIP Practise by TDM?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Cruz,
    Can't agree with you more. Thanks to the many bypass operations (If he really did it) that he has lived this long to see this piece being said to him.
    It is not that we need to silence him but he must realize that the Michiavelian ways of his days wasn't left unnoticed.
    When peoples of his kind are gone, our future generations will live to see a truly Malaysian Malaysia. We have to accept the fact that we are multi racial and everyone should contribute for the benefit of all Malaysians.
    I maybe perceived as a traitor to my race but my conscience is clear.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beg your pardon Cruz if I find your note a little shallow and vitriolic. You have not given much historical backdrop to the discussion, just spouted a lot of rhetoric!

    In the first place, your logic that Tun is commenting such and such because he hungers for power does not hold water - he is not in power and cannot regain power owing to his own poor health.

    Your ideas are also not backed by experience unlike Tun Dr M's, so I dare say that I would like to take this idea that the opposition can work with BN in amending laws when needed with a pinch of salt lah - prove first la, then we can talk.

    And all this talk about Tun Dr M destroying UMNO in 1987 (he didn't, 11 members from the opposing Musa Hitam camp did) and damaging the judiciary (which he didn't - the judges were dismissed following a clash with the Kings) shows that you lack reading sir - at least of real history rather than propaganda.

    Please read a little more sir before you lose more credence...

    www.thoughtsintangents.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. that certainly is a well-written letter, first off.

    I just hope Mahathir himself will get to read this, considering his blog is basically swamped by hundreds of comments. But this one gets the point across. Good one!

    Mahathir should refrain from making writings that would inflict more damage to whatever our government has to already deal with.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Cruzin,

    This post is to highlight the other equation of the honourable Tun's article.

    Was there a multi racialism in the first place with or without a two third majority in the Malaysian parliament?'.

    Let me reiterate my stand.I do believe a singular entity,like BN,having a two third majority in the parliament is a thing of the past.Future governance and leadership of Malaysia is heading for an alliance of multi parties whether with two third majority in the parliament or not.Someday in the near future we may even see an alliance of UMNO with PAS to form a government.This is the global trend of parliamentarian politics.As in the the words of the honorable Tun himself,'there is no permanent friends or enemies in politics'.Hence we are actually talking of strong leaders aren't we?

    Now,that begets the real question. That of multi racialism.Many here takes it to imply being an equitable society and a fair playing ground for all races.Was there a multi racialism with BN holding a two majority in the parliament all these years?Obviously the Malaysian minority race voters in 2008 thought not.And rejected the very parties within the BN which were supposedly to be their representatives of their respective races.

    Than that begets the real question.Can Malaysia be a multi racial country at all.The answer actually lies in the neighboring country-Singapore.The current rulers of Singapore advocated "Malaysia for Malaysians' while within the fold of Malaysia.But is Singapore for Singaporeans after 40 years of self rule?.Singapore despite its declining birth rate for the past 20 or more years,it had always maintained its racial balance as 75%/14%/7%...... ratio ; and almost tripled its population! And it is no secret that a large proportion of Singapore filling that 75% came from Malaysia(read as Malaysian Chinese) .So what is good for the goose was not good for the gander,sort of.And many of the Singaporeans who were ex Malaysian minority practices or at least privy to the very 'evil' they were up against or not wanting to be part of.This is the reality.

    So what is multi racialism in the context of Malaysia to the Malaysian Chinese?

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous (04/05/08 16:42) said...
    Maaf lah but your blog aint that popular,I can see in your writing that you hate smart Malay like TDM , .....
    ----------------------------

    Dear Sir,
    You don't have to worry about it.
    I don't bear any hatred for Malays, Half-Malays, or Half-Malayalees.
    All I mentioned were my perception of his ideas, just as he perceives the rakyat who voted for the "opposition" as enemies.
    As for the the lack of popularity, I'm quite comfortable with it - I only write what's on my mind, and nothing more. Popularity has never been my motive.
    Thank You.
    ===============

    A M Ubaidah S said...
    In the first place, your logic that Tun is commenting such and such because he hungers for power does not hold water. .....

    And all this talk about Tun Dr M destroying UMNO in 1987 ....
    ---------------------

    Dear Ubaidah,
    Allow me to say that I never said such things as you may allege.

    You have allowed your thoughts go on a tangent, as per your blog's name.

    Please- I never explicitly said here, that he destroyed UMNO, nor did I say he didn't - read again, what I wrote- it was only your perception (a freudian slip, maybe?)

    As for the possibility of him "regaining power", now that definitely is food for thought (I'm sure our politicians who espouse "asian values" are good for it!) , isn't it?
    As for your advice to read up more - I appreciate that - one can never have read enough.
    Thank you, Ubaidulla.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Excuse me sir, you seemed confuse between the term repressive and strong Government. There was no mention in TDM's article of propagating a repressive Government.

    Strong government does not mean a bully and reactive Government. It a Government means confident, capable, respect, in control, capacity, ...

    Whilst a weak Government is typically the leadership and administration of Pak Lah - can't handle criticism, have no confidence in to face up questions from the floor, press conference, questions in Parliament, planning emphasis that change from RMK9 to Corridors, lost the confidence of the people and can't win elections, incapable of defending Government's policies, poor decision making ability, etc.

    You are being rathe rpersonal rather than objective.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dear Husin,
    I agree that he did not explicitly say that he wishes a strong govt to "propagate" a repression.

    That was simply a conclusion that was drawn from what he implied, in saying that he wanted a govt with a 2/3 majority (that can have a monopoly on power) & can disregard the "strong but toothless" opposition which he desires, in passing bills in parliament without much debate.

    Moreover his track record & conduct in manipulating the media & constitution, the contitutional crises, "Ops Lalang" and the rape of the Judiciary during his time speaks volumes, with regard to what he means.
    It was the direct result of his definition of this "strong govt", that needed PPPA, OSA, ISA to survive.

    What he desires isn't really a strong govt - what he speaks of, is only a 'spin', about the need for authoritarian govt in an insecure, frightened and paranoid citizenry which can be intimidated into silence.
    What he would desire is the need for suspicion, distrust and envy among the different communities to maintain that "status quo".
    This is why he loves to speak about the "Race & Religion" issue at the first given opportunity.

    Never did I say that Pak Lah's govt was "strong" or good. It is not about Pak Lah's Govt, here - It is about what TDM is cribbing over, when he was the "root cause" of the rot within an undemocratic UmnoBaru which he created (rather than "helped revive").
    He has left behind a rot for Pak Lah to handle, and become a convenient punching bag!

    How is it that he has come to the conclusion that MPs wouldn't or should transcend partisan politics even if it good for the nation?
    How is it that he deems them to be effective when they are powerless?
    How is it that he claims that a "strong govt" needs a 2/3 majority to be effective?
    Does he not know that there are numerous examples of strong & stable govts with less than 2/3 majority in parliament?
    These are questions that came to mind when I read what he wrote.
    There wasn't anything personal, here.

    A nation shouldn't depend too much on the govt in matters of economy. The govt be dissociated from "business" as far as possible, as in most successful democracies, where govts come and go.
    This isn't the case in Malaysia, however - the Govt (thru proxies) has a great deal of business interests in the monopolies that "rule" the nation, in the name of NEP (or MDP) which "bloomed" under TDM.

    It is also my opinion that it is only a weak and intellectually/ideologically bankrupt govt with an insecure, politically illiterate and vulnerable citizenry (as UmnoBaru/BN might desire), that needs this magical 2/3 figure in parliament to be effective.

    So pardon me if I say that it is nothing personal, Husin - it's a question of statecraft.
    That it was "personal", is simply your perception.

    Thanks for the comments , though!
    Cheers, mate!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  23. You are one smart guy who deserve better in this country. I hope these comments are truly yours as I suspect che det is actually Matthias Chang.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh man, Nik ..... Thanks, but please don't do that - you're embarassing me!

    Of course I think & write myself - it's my hobby.
    Anyway, I can't afford a ghost writer (unlike some people you mention) ..... Yep- I too have the same suspicions about chedet.com - the writing/argumentative styles are quite similar, although Marina says he does it himself.
    Maybe, just maybe - one learnt it from the other?

    ReplyDelete
  25. WHY DONT U JUST STICK TO URSELF NOTHING BUT JUST AS AN ORDINARY GP
    (CALL URSELF A PHARMACIST?). UR OPINION IS FIT TO BE THROWN STRAIGHT INTO THE WASTE BASKET... BORED.......

    ReplyDelete
  26. Anonymous above,
    What are you talking about, buddy?
    Have a Prozac, & take a break - you'll feel better.
    Anyway, I've got a keyboard that works - let me know if you need one.
    (BTW, In here everybody is ordinary - If you're looking for extra-ordinary stuff, please go to anime/movie blogs.)

    Note:
    In future, all comments written in uppercase will be deleted.

    ReplyDelete
  27. and again your blog is not popular. yr article bout TDM is just a way of expressing your anger to him. no more than that. dear all, be a great leader to your family first b4 posting any critics to TDM. adios.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Dear anonymous above,
    It isn't popular?
    That's fine with me .... you got a problem with that? I'm sorry, but I cannot afford talented ghost writers like some people.
    The idea is to debate an ideas, (if you know what that means) - not a popularity contest, bro!

    Me expressing "anger"?
    Maybe so, maybe not - if that's how you choose look at it ... call it what you like! It's a free world (in cyberspace at least).

    I don't claim to know it all - unlike "some people", though.
    Moreover, whatever I write on this blog does not necessarily be "convictions" or "the absolute truth" - it can be subject to debate.

    I'd be honoured, should you enlighten me and other readers, instead of just cribbing that this blog isn't popular and that I'm "angry" ...

    ReplyDelete
  29. There are many colors not just black and white. If we live in the world of black and white, it must been very boring. So too with one's opinion/tots. In between TDM opinion and your opinion, I rather opted to agree with TDM's bcoz of his calibre,experiences, ex-PM,a doctor, a saviour and world's respects and recognitions. Some countries know Mahathir better than Malaysia. So keep your opinion to yourself la coz like dog barking a hill-you are not going to change anything, just barking, barking, barking. Worst you spitted on-the- face the person brings what we are today and what you are today. TDM is not my greatest idol but I am very grateful to God that he born here and led Msia for 22 glorious years. Japanese said if their Constitution allow a foreigner be a PM, Mahathir will be a PM of Japan. What a praise!!! And you can not be smarter than him. Nuff said.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Dear Adnan,
    I'm quite tickled that you're so incensed by what I wrote ....
    Isn't a foregone conclusion that some will agree and some wouldn't, with both TDM and my rationale/ perceptions?

    In the first place I never said I was "correct" in all I said - my opinions are open to debate.
    In fact, you could possibly influence my opinions should you use some of the grey matter you have.
    But of course that isn't what Mahathirism would encourage (despite all the preaching) - Mahathirism says that "it's a sin to think".

    Why don't you actually make an effort to think and argue some points, instead of being mentally enslaved by the drivel of "constitutionally Malay" Malabaris who spit on your faces, or Japs who have been paid off?

    You're a piece of work, adnan....
    You get sodomized, don't even know it and then you thank the perpetrator for it!

    Hell man - I could get a Jap to say the same about The Infamous Bung, if I pay him enough .... What makes you think TDM has been short of funds?
    Ooops - my apologies .... you haven't started thinking as yet.

    BTW - FYI, the only thing I got for sure from TDM, was - racism, bigotry and apartheid.
    I'm a legacy of hard work since colonial days - not favours.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  31. it looks as if this article is also written by those who are not satisfied with things that doesn't go accordingly to thier expectations...personal unsatisfactory..

    ReplyDelete
  32. Dear Mr. Anonymous "personal unstisfactory",

    Allow me to assist you.
    I'm sure what you meant to say was:
    "It looks like this article was written by one who isn't satisfied with things that didn't go according to his expectations ... personal dissatisfaction ..

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

    Okay - you're definitely spot on, buddy!
    Anyway, FYI, I'm not alone in my dissatisfaction .....
    ;-)

    ReplyDelete

NOTE: We do not live in a Legal vacuum.
A pseudonym/ nickname with comments would be much appreciated.