Crouching Monkey, Wounded Tiger Pt. I

"It is as sudden as death. The only thing different is that you do not have to walk into a funeral home, peek into the box and say, 'Well, he was a nice guy'.
"It is like the phases of death. You have loss, anger, sadness, and then you come to accept it."

Brownlee, Jason. "Ruling Parties and Regime Persistence: Durable Electoral Authoritarianism in Egypt and Malaysia" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association, Philadelphia Marriott Hotel, Philadelphia, PA, Aug 27, 2003

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper demonstrates why electoral authoritarian systems benefit from party institutions that prevent leadership rifts by accommodating dissent and managing elite interests. I present Egypt and Malaysia’s experiences with ruling parties and regime persistence, the contrast outcome to incumbent defeat. By regulating leadership politics, the NDP in Egypt and UMNO in Malaysia have held together a dominant cadre and repeatedly blocked opposition forces from winning control of government.

Barclay, Pascael. "Do Authoritarian Elections Matter? Political Business Cycles in Electoral Authoritarian Regimes" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the ISA's 49th ANNUAL CONVENTION, BRIDGING MULTIPLE DIVIDES, Mar 26, 2008

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Do elections in authoritarian regimes matter? It is often assumed that they are mere window dressing. Yet it is also possible that these elections have independent effects, which make authoritarian leaders care about the elections, despite their ability to manipulate the results through fraud and repression. One way to discover whether authoritarian elections matter is to examine political business cycles (PBCs) in electoral authoritarian (EA) regimes. This study shows that PBCs occur cross-nationally in authoritarian regimes that hold regular elections, but only when the incumbent faces a challenger. In fact, government consumption increases by .43% in election years in competitive elections. Although this number is small, elections have the largest impact on government spending of the variables included in the model. Also, evidence from case studies portray PBCs in authoritarian regimes as targeted and informal. Therefore, in the case of informal spending, much pre-electoral spending may not be captured by overall government consumption or, in the case of targeted spending, the magnitude of the increase for certain groups will similarly not be captured by this aggregate variable. From the evidence presented in this study, we can conclude that PBCs occur in competitive authoritarian settings, indicating that dictators care about electoral returns.

Thompson, Mark. and Kuntz, Philipp. "To Steal or not to Steal: Authoritarian Regime Behavior after Electoral Defeat" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association, Hilton Chicago and the Palmer House Hilton, Chicago, IL, Sep 02, 2004

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: The terrain that authoritarian regimes enter after electoral defeats has been roughly surveyed but not yet well mapped. We show that there are other outcomes than the two options of stealing an election and retaining office or accepting defeat and surrendering power. There is also the possibility of regimes stealing elections but losing power after failing to effectively repress popular protest. In other cases, non-democratic rulers have accepted defeat but still maintained ultimate political power. We then offer a few explanations for these different paths. We coin the term “electoral sultanism” to stress the importance of personalistic interests in explaining electoral theft. Parallel to this was the argument that regimes with stronger institutional interests are more likely to concede that the opposition has won because regime members are better able to defend vital interests outside of power. Whether regimes hold onto power after accepting defeat depends basically upon the scope of the election. Conceding defeat in polls that are constitutionally limited because they are local, or only referenda, or constrained in their impact due to “dual power” in the state does not lead to the loss of power and can even contribute to authoritarian consolidation. Only conceding defeat in national elections for the highest office makes a withdrawal from power inevitable. Limited polls have been stolen nonetheless because autocrats estimated the costs in acknowledging defeat - a loss of reputation or the creation of “oppositional islands” - as too high.

"Anjing Tersepit" Psyche in UMNO Baru / Govt?

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"All political revolutions, not affected by foreign conquest, originate in moral revolutions.
The subversion of established institutions is merely one consequence of the previous subversion of established opinions. "
-John Stuart Mill
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The recent 12GE results have opened the Pandora's AMNO's Box in Bodohland- especially that of AMNO Baru's politics and mindset.
They appear to want a change in "leadership" but don't appear to want to change their attitude or the system within, and are thus quite confused and clueless.

The weak neo-Fascist cabinet line-up, is nothing but a superficial face-saving gesture at "Reform" of an administration in denial, conflict and under siege.

As a result, the Government/ AMNO Baru appears to have entered a phase wherein they behave like "anjing tersepit" - hence they appear to be lashing out in confusion at anything and everything, while scrambling and grappling in the dark for direction.

The unrelenting search for political scapegoats & bogeymen today, while denying the sins of the past is the communicable disease that has afflicted AMNO Baru - but there's plenty of anger and rhetoric about "reform", though .....
Some other Fascists are furious ........ and they wanna prove themselves as the real Fascists with teeth. They're baying for blood like hyenas and They need prey.
They need to subdue the People of Bodohland, who have woken up and aren't so bodoh after all!
Without a subdued people this is no longer Bodohland! They need to return Bodohland to its former Fascist "glory" .......

Let us see what our "prominent politikus"/ agencies have said of late ......

1. Mr.Badwa believes that he has a strong mandate as in the valid BN majority in parliament. Mahatheeran believes that one needs the 2/3 majority to be PM.
   
2. So, Mahatheeran says Mr.Badwa is shameless to hold on to his post.
3. Mr.KaTie, after having lost Selangor says, ""Dalam blog saya yang kini mencapai hits lebih 40,000 .....", declaring himself a full fledged blogger of repute (and all he has done is request "feedback" from people, who weren't really giving much feedback)!! LOL. ..... quite a "pencapaian"!
   
4. Mr.KaTie said that there was "interference" in selection of election candidates.
   
5. Mr.Chris says that nomination for AMNO Baru candidates in recent elections had no "middleman" influence, as alleged by Mahatheeran.
   
6. While acknowledging that reforms were needed in AMNO Baru Youth, Mr.Chris also says that Mr. Phuart himself needs to reform with the whole party hierarchy - but he supports the current hierarchy.
7. AMNO Baru Ketua Kampungs tender resignation from posts, but wish to be on Federal payroll for duties of a different description - that's where our taxes go.
8. Some agencies/ depts wish to prosecute non-Muslims for "Khalwat" in Civil Courts - (if that isn't a brain-dead idea, I really don't know what is!) while pedophiles, rapists and murderers run free.
   
9. Then, we also have a campaign by a Dr. Must-Shittah who wants to "save" a British prostitute (who is apparently the daughter of a Pakistani tutor-cum-child molester), while neglecting the economic plight of Malaysian "working girls". This Dr. Shittah definitely deserves the Pea-Brain Award for 2008, up hers!
   
10. No "Opposition" politician can be invited by schools for functions, unless approved by Mr. Chris or his "machais".
11. Mr. SuKun tells LGE to stop "harping" on land scams that are "being investigated" by ACA. Meanwhile, Mr.Cutting and Uncle Sam are silent after being neutered.
    
12. The Ex-Putri [Non-Wanita AMNO Baru but AMNO Baru member??!!] Minister says, Tourism MoUs with Tourism Action Councils in "Opposition"-ruled states will be terminated, but "will appoint commitee members from tourism community" to help develop tourism in these states.
13. Mahatheeran promotes the "rising son" (the failed Tongkang Medivest entrepreneur, who "does a Che Det" while hiding behind Daddy), saying that AAB should "stop listening to family".
14. Zaid says that Govt should apologize to Tun Salleh for the 1988 Judicial Crisis. Others say Mahatheeran should apologize ......
    
15. Mahatheeran says everything in the 1988 Judicial crisis was "Legal" (not necessarily "right") - hence not wrong (that's what Hitler said about his anti-semitic laws....), and no need for apologies - interesting.....
16. Mahatheeran says he resigned "respectably" when the time was due .....
17. Mahatheeran now says, Mr.Badwa is "shameless"!!
    
18. Mahatheeran also supports The Disgraced Coolie's calls for an EGM and wishes to contest for Presidency!
19. Mahatheer promotes the obedient son (who "does a Che Det") while saying that Mr.Badwa should "stop listening to family".
20. Mahatheeran drops initial overt support for Mr.Badwa, then the "mongolian candidate", and now "doesn't know why" he has changed his mind to anybody else. He has also changed his mind about the ground rules of the AMNO Baru elections - it was good in his time, apparently! (I wonder what else is coming.... and we say AAB flip-flops ....)
21. And the great "A-moral but legally upright" Mahatheeran says - Mr.Badwa is "shameless" .......
    

These are just a few things that have been happening in Bodohland.
Now, with a Pakatan Rakyat coalition to contend with, I really wonder what else would be in store for the nation as a whole in time to come ......

"Somebody" is subverting the AMNO Baru Federal Govt,
and "somebody" else is subverting the "Opposition" State Govts.
- I'm pretty sure though, that Pakatan Rakyat isn't party to either of these subversions at present .....

This is simply the royal rumble, bloodlust & chaos in al-AMNO Baru's Bodohland ....... what else can we expect from these "anjing tersepit", huh?

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"May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower


Note:
All names and incidents mentioned above (except for the quotations, Zaid, Tun Salleh and Pakatan Rakyat which were added for "realism") are purely a figment of a CruzinThot imagination - any other similarities with people or organisations dead or alive, is purely coincidental.

Razak's UMNO, Mahathir's UMNO Baru Dilemma.

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Let the people think they govern
and they will be governed.
-- William Penn
_____________________________

The rise of UMNO was none other than an elaborate scheme involving some Malay aristocrats and the British.
Laws were formulated after the great 1947 Hartal (still enforced today) to suppress dissent and handicap other parties (and render them enemies of state). Those who fell in line and "toed the line" were rewarded, while the rest were "punished".
Among those who were "punished" was non other than the Father of UMNO himself, who dreamed of a nation based on trust and cooperation.

Razak wouldn't let it be, though - He knew how the party and state worked (stuff he learnt well from the Brits and Japanese).
He was a visionary, no doubt (although being one that differed greatly, from that of Onn Jaafar and Tunku). Tunku was simply Razak's poster-boy he knew nothing about the workings of the state - it was Razak who wielded power.
Razak did his homework well in planning for his rise to power and the continuation of his legacy (some say that he rigged all elections in the party to favor him!!).
And Mahathir was his "anointed".

We've had 'watershed' moments almost every decade since Merdeka was proclaimed.
1957 - Merdeka
1969 - May 13, Mahathir sacked (followed by meteoric rise through the ranks upon his return in '72 under Razak - possibly planned?)
1978 - Mahathir becomes DPM (then
1988 - Mahathir-UMNO-Judicial Crisis/ UMNO Baru
1998 - Asian Financial Crisis/ Anwar Saga
2008 - BN electoral losses/ return of Anwar and what else?

What has happened recently is nothing short of a watershed in our Nation's history. The mighty BN/ UMNO Baru machinery was no match for the people's voice.
So, what happens next?

We are now faced with stark choices as a result.
It is primarily the question of the (UMNO pretender's) political/ cultural hegemony - Are we willing to do away with it?

There are still many among us who still want to believe that the divisive race based politics is the only way forward - even if it is only for selfish interests. More so among a people who pine for sectarian glory that existed only in UMNO (Baru) myths.
UMNO Baru philosophy for nationhood appears to me, as simplistic and silly as this - "Everything, has everything to do with Power, Money, Race & Religion" .... period.
Let us not fool ourselves into believing the propaganda "BS" that UMNO Baru is Onn Jaafar's UMNO of old that "fought for Merdeka".

The two entities are as different as night & day - It is simply a tall tale that the some aristocrats would want 'peasants' to believe - and there definitely are a whole lot of peasants out there who swallow it all up lock, stock & barrel.
To these peasants, ignorance is bliss, and denial is sweet.
Over 25 years, peasants have been programmed to think that there can be no alternative to what we had for 50 yrs, and all that mattered was that the "stability & peace & status quo" at all costs.
To them, there's supposed to be nothing worth more than going about with their daily routine in "peace, harmony and stability" .... and so they unwittingly become their own oppressors.

In the last Elections, that appeared to change somewhat although not significant enough- some have started thinking again, even though with misgivings and a heart bleeding for the UMNO of old.

The allies of this UMNO Baru entity are actually (willingly) blind to the fact that it is parasitic in nature. It survives on rhetoric that appeals to the "basic instincts" & "siege mentality" amongst the members and electorate, devoid of ideas on Nationhood. They are all ultimately reduced to sectarian parties begging for handouts, to enrich themselves and facilitate UMNO Baru's hegemony.
This might, incidently explain its current leadership, membership, representation, conflicts, dilemma/ crises.

How does it work?
Besides the "peasants who only end their days as "runners", first & foremost it courts a potential threat to the planned leadership with "promises".
It then "kills off" the intellectuals within its ranks who may rock the boat - unless they are willing to be docile, obedient and mindless zombies to ascertain the planned leadership. (They will of course be used to propagate its feudal system)
Then comes the so-called "allies" .....
UMNO Baru's survival depends on its ability to suck the political life/will out of its "allies", based on the hallowed "social contract". The allies are tempted into the BN with promises of material gain and are thus "drugged, neutered and corrupted" into impotence, while remaining there grinning for posterity.

Contrary to their convictions - The impotence of UMNO Baru's allies, their tendency for racist delusions and the absence of Malay intellectuals are its Achilles Heel.
The very fact that a septuagenarian is the alternative candidate attests to this fact - there simply isn't any other viable candidate that's trustworthy enough!

These would be the main contributing factors to the impending "implosion" of UMNO Baru, which effectively translates into the collapse of the Alliance/ BN juggernaut - and of course the rise of BR.



Further reading:
Where is the Spirit of Merdeka?
A Social Contract of "Asian Values".
"Asian Values" 101
The "Social Contract" - A Malaysian "Cold War"?
Progress of a Nation - the flip-side.
Class Politics - the Other Option?
A Malaysian Disease of Fear and Apathy


***The above is a personal perspective on the Malaysian political scene and as such may be debatable, depending on the shades through which one looks.

Mahathirisms.

Here are a few Mahathirisms to consider from BBC & Wikiquote:-

"There were times when I was elated with what I thought was my success. But mostly I feel disappointed, because I achieved too little result from my principal task, the task of making my race a race that is respected, a race that is honorable, a race that is highly regarded." - June 21, 2002,

"It is good governance by good people that we need. And feudal kings, even dictators, have provided and can provide good governance." - April 26, 2002, speech.

On Bumiputras........

"The Malays are spiritually inclined, tolerant and easy-going. The non-Malays, and especially the Chinese, are materialistic, aggressive and have an appetite for work. For equality to come about, it is necessary that these strikingly contrasting races adjust to each other." - 1970 book, "The Malay Dilemma."

"They know it, they see it right before their eyes but they learn nothing. Next time they will do it again."

".....We tell them if you use crutches, you will not be able to stand up. Throw away the crutches, stand up straight because you still have the capacity."

"........ I know very well the meaning of crutches but somehow or rather they want the easy way out. If I get an AP and I sell it and make some money, it’s all right, they say."

"..... But every one of them sold their contracts. Sold and sold and sold until finally the last man could not sell and had to do the work. He then found he would make terrible losses and so he tried to cut corners, used bad materials and the labs collapsed."

On Muslims....

Disunited, confused about Islam, fighting each other for power and lacking in essential knowledge and skills... Muslims today have reached the lowest point of their development. - January 2003

"We [Muslims] are actually very strong, 1.3 billion people cannot be simply wiped out." - OIC Conference, Oct 16,2003

On Jews ......

The Jews for example are not merely hook-nosed, but understand money instinctively.
- 1970, the Malay Dilemma

"But today the Jews rule the world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them. They invented socialism, communism, human rights and democracy so that persecuting them would appear to be wrong so they may enjoy equal rights with others. With these they have now gained control of the most powerful countries. And they, this tiny community, have become a world power"
- OIC Conference, Oct 16,2003

"The Jews robbed the Palestinians of everything, but in Malaysia they could not do so, hence they do this, depress the ringgit."

"We may suspect that they, the Jews, have an agenda, but we do not want to accuse. And incidentally, we are Muslims, and the Jews are not happy to see the Muslims progress." - Oct. 10, 1997, speech during Asian financial crisis.

On Europeans .....

They are very clever, brave and have an insatiable curiosity... unfortunately they are also very greedy and like to take forcibly the territories and rights of other people.

The culture and the values which they will force us to accept will be hedonism, unlimited quest for pleasure, the satisfaction of base desires, particularly sexual desires. Our way of life must be the same as their way of life. Asian values do not exist to them. -June 2003

"The Sept. 11 attack on America, which supported Israel, has made an excuse for the Anglo-Saxon Europeans to return to their old violent ways. Their strategy to fight terrorism is through attacking Muslim countries and Muslims, whether they are guilty or not." - June 19, 2003, speech.

On Australia..........

This country stands out like a sore thumb trying to impose its European values in Asia as if it is the good old days when people can shoot aborigines without caring about human rights. - December 2002

"... white trash of Asia".

"If Australia wants to be a friend to Asia, it should stop behaving as if it is there to teach us how to run our country. It is a small nation in terms of numbers and it should behave like a small nation and not be a teacher."

On America .....

"American voters are not astute and will be fooled by President George W. Bush's propaganda."

"The American people are, by and large, very ignorant and know nothing about the rest of the world.... Yet they are the people who will decide who will be the most powerful man in the world".

"I've never seen anybody so rude" - on Al Gore's speech at the KL APEC summit.

The Party-Hopping Madness.

Pardon me - it isn't the fun kind of party gate-crashing that we speak of here, but the Political Party Hopping, that's done in search of "greener pastures".
A newspiece of late, says that some young political upstart in PKR appears to condone the "Party Hopping" activities.
It is possibly a mental disease that's akin to "opportunistic infection" in the world of politics. To say that it is an acceptable "occupational hazard" would be immoral. No Disease such as this is "Acceptable".
All efforts towards containment & eradicating this extremely dangerous communicable disease should be made (through "Pendidikan Moral untuk Politikus" classes, if not by legislation- if necessary).
It it plainly a despicable act - it only means that the "hopper" is corrupt morally and/or financially.

This behaviour (should the Hopper be an MP), has to be condemned by all parties.
Party Hoppers should be condemned if he refuses to give up the seat he contested for, under another Party platform.
It is only right that he/she seeks a new mandate from the people he represents in a by election. The same should also be done, should a party "sack" the MP's membership.
Just becos UMNO Baru did encourage such conduct, doesn't mean it is acceptable.
Just becos UMNO Baru/BN would stand to gain by this condemnation, doesn't mean it should be condoned.

This is what was said on The People's Parliament recently:-
‘Party-hopping is part and parcel of the democratic process’ - so says PKR Youth deputy chief Khairul Annuar Ahmad Zainuddin, according to a report in Malaysiakini yesterday.
Yeah right!!
Let me tell you this Khairul - If at all you did say this, SHAME ON YOU.
You had better clarify your position.
It may be part and parcel of Democracy, but it doesn't make the act morally acceptable.
Democracy does not spell out the fine print of technicalities, like a legal contract.
Just like the Law, It is an IDEA that can be twisted to your convenience, should you not understand its "spirit".
For you to say that a despicable act is part and parcel of Democracy only means that you accept cheating, and do not understand the spirit of Democracy.

Zaid Ibrahim should table the bill to enact anti-defection laws ASAP, to discourage such immoral behaviour among MPs who are entrusted with a people's mandate.
The vote that is cast, although should ideally be defined as that for a candidate, isn't quite the case in third-world nations like Malaysia.
More often than not, the voters don't even know who the candidate is! More so, when the media is so biased and freedom of information is restricted. Mr. Loh Gwe Burne (I hope the spelling is correct) would be a fine example - from the "famous" cameraman of Lingam-gate to MP, in a blink. Nobody knows jack about this cameraman, other than the fact that he's a businessman based in China (or is it Taiwan?).
That is why Party Symbols and "Iconic Leaders" are extremely important in third-world democracies- people identify more readily with images, rather than ideas of individuals.



Khairul - I call upon you to retract your statement, and make it clear that you would reject new turncoats & "CHEATING MPs" into your fold, or you would be no better.
DSAI should also make a stand, and reject the corrupt UMNO-B /BN modus operandi and culture once and for all. (We all know what happened in Sabah '94 during the UMNO Baru venture, and it isn't what we want).
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On another note - the word is out (rumours lah!), that bets are now being placed on the timing of AAB's resignation "due to ill health". Apparently the dates around the second half of April and early May are getting the highest bets!

Is this the end of KJ? Are we gonna see the rise of the aristocratic Dynasties? Will TDM be back in action via his proxies? Or is it gonna be the new philandering Neo-Con (could be conservative, conmen or convict) Capitalist Malay?
Let's just wait and see .... who knows - DSAI may just get the PMship on a silver platter should UMNO Baru implode!

"Reeducating" Malaysians?

"Speaking A New Language"-
This was the article by Bob Teoh/ MySinchew that was published in Malaysia Today lately.

To quote Bob,
"For a start, we have to get use to speaking a new language. Whereas in the past, politics was very simplistic. It’s either the Government or the Opposition. An superficial dichotomy that conceals our lack of understanding of what a constitutional monarchy is all about......."

For far too long, Malaysians have been hoodwinked and made to believe that "democracy, power sharing and stability" is epitomized by the so called social contract and NEP that was peddled by the Alliance/ BN politicians. Ethics, Morality and Justice were thus sacrificed at this much worshiped altar of "prosperity" (albeit, of the elite). We are in effect actually poorer, debt laden, sick (physically/ spiritually) and trapped in the shiny cages of our own making, despite working harder and longer hours for a "better" life.

The people always wanted a change for the better. The people wanted justice. The people had had enough of the disillusionment of divisive politics and economic plunder.
The opportunity for change came in the persona of Anwar Ibrahim who had with the assistance of other activists forged an understanding among the then fractured Opposition parties, on a platform of good governance, instead of the old "R&R" ideology.
Malaysians in general (until the 12 GE), chose to live in silent resignation, with what was nothing more than a single party state, that lived on the ideology of corruption, ethnocentric chauvinism, religiosity and segregation- under a cloud of fear and apathy.
The disregard for race or religion in the voting patterns of the Rakyat took everybody (more so, the powerful politicians/ warlords) by total surprise. 'They' surely thought, that the sectarian distrust that has been meticulously nurtured for 50 yrs was deeper than that! 'They' miscalculated and misjudged the people - the people actually had more in common than 'they' (even the opposition) thought.

All the people needed were a reassurances and a gentle push from the politicians/ activists, regardless of creed or color, that they would be willing to see reason and work together as a team for the good of the nation as a whole - and not for a selfish sectarian interests.
That together with the expression of discontent - political and economic, on the streets and in cyberspace - had set the ball rolling for the wave to manifest itself in the form the tsunami that we witnessed during the 12GE.

However, the reality of it all appears to be quite hard to swallow in more ways than one.

After the "tsunami", the governments - both at the federal and state level are definitely attempting to speak a different "language" (maybe just a different accent, though), i.e politically and economically.
Gone is the media attention that was given to the racist "hawks" and religious extremists, which served to whip up sentiments of hatred. Gone are the arrogant rhetoric that have served to alienate the rakyat on the basis of their heritage .
'They' are a little more conciliatory in their ways at present, despite playing up the loss of power as, loss of political dominance for a certain ethnic group.

The state governments of Penang, Kedah , Perak, Selangor and (not so much in) Kelantan however, have some difficulty in adjusting to the new political equilibrium. They somehow seem to revert to ideas of "R&R" in staking their claims for "representation", time and again.
The idea of "meritocracy" would definitely take time to be fully accepted - old habits die hard. More so when we have agent provocateurs among politicians and the MSM, who attempt to provoke sectarian sentiments among a still very gullible, chauvinistic, arrogant and narrow-minded public.

Time could heal the wounds of distrust and suspicion that has been cultivated over the last 50 yrs, although there are attempts made certain quarters to inflame it further.

Raja Petra on the other hand, has been rather uncompromising in his push for meritocracy, regardless of gender, race or religion. As noble and admirable as such idealism may be, in reality though they can have some destabilising effects on a people who have been lulled into accepting such a "status quo" for far too long.
It would take some time before the idea can be accepted as one that is "non-threatening" to many Malaysians, who have thus far been indoctrinated to perceive "favouritism" as a right, and not a privilege.
Just as weaning off drugs in substance abusers can be traumatic, so will the sudden withdrawal of "perceived privileges".

Without a doubt - NEP (though noble in its ideals) as it has been implemented, was and is, nothing but "Money Politics" at a higher level. It is an evil that has been perpetrated in the name of Malay nationalism to buy votes, and has done well to corrupt the ruling elite.
It has corrupted the philosophy, values and hearts of a vast majority of Malaysians, despite having been cheated through & through by the main beneficiaries. A million excuses are found by each and every businessman (bumi or not), to "reason" away the corruption that they indulge in. For all practical purposes, corruption has become part of the Malaysian culture.

It would therefore be wise for the newly elected governments and Wakil Rakyats to exercise extreme caution when indulging in "NEP/ 'R&R' rhetoric" - as it is a potent tool for the robber barons/oligarchs, to destabilize the nation for siezing control.

In their enthusiasm to "set things right" (whichever way you look at it), Caution should also be exercised in attempting to "seize control" of government by unethical means (e.g. courting defections/ unwarranted demonstrations) - and that goes for all parties.
It only means that you tolerate (though you may not acknowledge "acceptance" overtly) the unethical practices.

Zaid Ibrahim's call for anti-defection laws is therefore very much warranted, as is his call for a public apology from the Govt with regard to the "Mahathir-Judiciary '88 saga".
In saying that the pain of reopening the case should be spared - Zaid Sir, remember your words, - "Whatever the reason may be, our judges must remember that they owe allegiance primarily to our Constitution, and their responsibility is to interpret the law". Ironic isn't it, Sir - that you should now 'sort-off' contradict yourself, now that you have been made a Minister?

This isn't a time for molly-coddling and denial. An apology would otherwise ring hollow, and would only be an expression of Hypocrisy.
A crime of astronomical proportions was commited. The perpetrators have to be identified (even if gradually or belated) and Justice has to be served (even if just for the record with suspended sentences) - Or else all attempts at restoring the Judiciary would be an exercise in futility, as it reflects "tolerance".
The pain that we go through as a result, would serve as a reminder to future generations and despots of its repercussions, should they be tempted to meddle with the Law - which has to be the highest and most respected Body in the state.
We don't need anymore "fear of pain", denials, excuses and window dressings for our crimes and failures, that would remind us of Mahathirism .

"Withdrawals" from the absence of "perceived privileges" in a changing world, and healing of 25 year old socio-political wounds would be slow and painful, not just for the "Bumiputra", but for all Malaysians - but it must come to pass, for the sake of the children.

Hence, the leaders that we have elected should be responsible in their horse-trading/ power-play and administration, while the people need to be patient in allowing reason and justice to be the order of the day.
It would be best that emotions pertaining to "R&R" factors and feudal mindsets, be cast aside during this period of healing.

UMNO/ UMNO Baru's Definition of "Progress".

“Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.”
-Samuel Johnson


Sepuluh Tahun Sebelum Merdeka from fahmi reza on Vimeo.



Zaid Ibrahim was recently interviewed by MalaysiaKini, on his views with regard to the state of affairs of the national politics, specifically that of UMNO Baru.
He has been a strong critic of the UMNO Baru culture/system and methods of doing things. He was denied a seat to contest in the recent elections, in which BN/ UMNO Baru and their allies literally "bit the dust", and are now made to "eat humble pie".

He apparently believes that he should reform UMNO Baru from within, as a member ......
Just as many other UMNO Baru members, he speaks of the democratic "good ol'days" of Tunku, forgetting (or deliberately ignoring the fact in denial?) that,
UMNO Baru isn't UMNO.
He also appears to acknowledge though that TDM had killed UMNO ....

The irony of it all, is the fact that TDM is today being recognized by the deluded members of "UMNO" as the hero, and AAB the "villain"!

Many still believe in their heart of hearts, that they belong to the very organisation that has long since ceased to exist .... and somehow still think that Datuk ONN Jaafar is the "father" of UMNO Baru, when it is actually TDM.

As to why they prefer to think that it is one & the same, I don't understand.
Could it be that it was the Political power & the perpetuated pretense that gave it absolute control over the gullible members and the nation at large?
Are the members willing or unwitting accomplices to the conspiracy of deception - The way "they" had hijacked the history of Malaya and the struggle for "Merdeka"?

(For more on the history of Malaya, please click here for Farish Noor's take on it, and here for the YouTube presentations of "10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka" that have 4-5 parts).
For a peek at the UMNO Baru "feudal" and undemocratic culture, please click here.
Read also "The rebel in Onn Jaafar", where the writer says Datuk Onn believed that "Cooperation with the non-Malay constituents was a political necessity if he hoped to successfully champion the interests of the Malay community."

In the interview mentioned below, Zaid appears to reinforce the perception that the ideals that UMNO had stood for are dead, and has long been buried.
And that it was the dictatorial powers of the executive (aka "Asian Values?) that kept it (UMNO Baru) going in a direction that spelled disaster for the Malays and the Nation (which includes everybody else) as a whole.

Here's what Datuk Zaid had to say in an interview with MalaysiaKini -

Q.
How will the general election results affect Umno elections, which is due this year?

A.
I'm sure there will be some impact but will there be one (contest for top posts)?
The last time Umno had an election for the top two posts was when
Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah challenged and lost to Dr Mahathir Mohamed
in 1987. That was what we call an election.
But then Dr Mahathir, to make sure he stayed in power, used the power he had got to destroy the judiciary. And he used all his powers to kill Umno. That was the last time…

So for 20 years, Umno has not had a proper choice of leaders.
They are all anointed and decided. It's almost like a dynasty.
Since then, members have not had the opportunity to speak up. And the leaders did not get the feedback.

This has resulted in a defeat like in the last elections where when the
emperor has no clothes but no one will say it.

If there is one lesson to learn from this election is to put back democracy into Umno. Let Umno be the party of the old days.

It was not perfect but Tunku (Abdul Rahman) was more open about things and Tun Abdul Razak's days saw elections among small groups of people.

But would Umno change as a result of this elections? I don't know.

I hope that they take the positive side of things and regroup and articulate what are the issues affecting us all. Slogans don't count anymore. For example, if people say they don't want corruption, they don't want corruption. Putting on a button which says "Tak Nak Rasuah" is not going to help. You can't say everything is to defend Umno's interest. We have to identify those interests and how we are going to defend them. How do you make sure that the bumiputeras are going to be taken care of and not be abused.

But a party decided by dynasty rule where an emperor decides everything is not going to work.

As much as it is a major setback, it can be reversed. They still have to wait to see how DAP performs in a coalition. At the rate they are going, they are not doing very well. It's still early days.
The strength of BN is on Umno.

Umno must lead by example and MIC will also have democracy. And then MIC can't say that only Samy Vellu can lead. That sort of arrogance irritates people. At least MCA limits their leaders to two terms.

*For more on the interview, please click here ; (and here for the YouTube presentation).

**As of today, Zaid has been appointed as a Minister (for law in the PM's Dept) in the new cabinet line up despite the fact that UMNO Baru had suspended him (as the fall guy?) for 18mths on allegations of corruption, for which he has refused to admit or apologize.
Zaid Ibrahim, is a Kuala Lumpur lawyer.
His fights a tough battle for democracy in UMNO Baru.
As an outspoken member of Malaysia's long-ruling, conservative United Malays National Organisation (Baru), he has run into trouble as he pushed for more human rights, judicial reform and greater democracy.
Zaid, 57--a former member of parliament and also the majority owner of Malaysia's largest law firm, the 140-lawyer Zaid Ibrahim & Co. in Kuala Lumpur--set up the Kelantan Foundation for the Disabled in 1998.Zaid Ibrahim has recently been listed as one of Asia's foremost philanthropists.