I posted "Deja Vu?" earlier about the events in Kamunting lately (which I heard from a "passerby"), and about the "fishiness" in the silence of the MSM on this matter - in fact, even on the "not-so-MSM" online portals. It appears that I'm not alone here ....
HINDRAF have obtained reliable information from members of the public including sympathisers from the Malay Community that the underworld “3 Line and Mat Rempit ” gang are mobilising a large number of superbikers into Kamunting on Saturday, June 13, 2009 to “teach” the Indians a lesson as a result of the racial clash that sparked on June 8, 2009.
HINDRAF wishes to stress that we do not condone to any form of violence let it be from the Indians, Malays or any race for the matter. The racial attacks in Kamunting on June 8, 2009 and the ongoing unrelated, unprovoked attacks on innocent Malaysian Indians in Kamunting are being perpetrated by outsiders in gangs of superbikes believed to be members of the underworld Malay “3 Line and Mat Rempit” gangs.
Over the last 2 days Indians in groups (in Kamunting) of more than 3 are told to disperse by the police or face arrest but they seem to deliberately ignore the large groups of the underworld superbikers who are patrolling and intimidating the Malaysian Indian folks in Kamunting. A Hindu Temple namely the Madurai Veeran Temple in Batu 4, Kamunting was also torched by members of these underworld and Police is yet to investigate the report lodged by members of the said Temple .
The impartiality of the Royal Malaysian Police Force is questionable as they are fully aware of these gangs’ activities in arousing racial clashes in Kamunting and it appears that they are colluding with these gangsters in continuing their activities for motives only known to them. HINDRAF calls upon the IGP to act in accordance to the oath he had taken in providing protection to all citizens of the country and prevent Kamunting from turning into another Kg. Medan massacre that took place from 8/3/2001 to 23/3/2001 (15 days in a row without any interference from the Police Force to restore law and order) where hundreds were seriously injured and 6 lives were lost.
We call upon the IGP to take a pragmatic and realistic approach particularly in mobilizing his men on 13th June 2009 to prevent any untoward incident planned by the underworld gangs which could lead to unnecessary cost to innocent lives.
There has to be more patrols and protection to the people of Kamunting and those culprits who have been attacking innocent people over the last four days must be arrested immediately and charged in Court, failing which the confidence of the people in the Royal Malaysian Police Force would be eroded further.
"Scholars, intellectuals, editors, and pundits too must share the blame. When the nation sorely needs sober analyses and critical evaluations, they grovel themselves to be apologists and spinmeisters for the establishment. They do not serve the nation with such postures, nor are they being true to themselves or their calling." -Bakri Musa, Towards A Competitive Malaysia #107
Firstly, I'd like to apologize to Hakim Joe for not being able to answer him on Malaysia Today. As I logged in today to reply, it just so happens that my "login has been blocked" by the admin. Probably it's just a "technical error" - I wouldn't know. Anyway Hakim, I don't know who these guys (Elijah Kok and cllim123) you suggest are- it is possibly you who know who or where they are, or maybe even why they might have "been blocked". But I don't think I'm interested in being part of the comments section anymore .... getting too boring these days. Just like RPK, I too don't read the comments sections that much these days- too much of "hentam-keromo" comments, with little substance. Maybe I too was occasionally guilty of the same. It's time I "retired" myself from MT comments anyways ..... So, I wouldn't "contact administrator", as the popup suggested I do.
What a coincidence (not clairvoyance, okay)- I was telling a good friend of mine (let's just call that person- "nas") just last night, that there is a chance that I will get blocked by the MalaysiaToday Admin very soon, as I have been quite critical of the "slant" in certain columns of late. Possibly, what I commented yesterday (given below), touched a raw nerve somewhere ( i.e. beyond the "mamak" word), in highlighting the "spinmeistering" in MalaysiaToday. That means, saying something without actually mentioning it.
Maybe it was the words - "mamak teh tarik", or the "rat called Hadi" (to mean - just as TGNAziz's "Umno Puppets")- and once again, I wouldn't know. Though I understand the "currentnecessity of this tilt", I believe that there is no need to resort to "spin" - while thumping your chest about being some sort of psy-war expert for the gullible masses. However, true to the Malaysian fashion, they'll need "bogeymen" to put the blame on, for all these.
I said what I said in my comment, because I believe, there was a little spinning that needed to be cleared, in the way words are used to get certain subtle messages across. It was pathetic to see people resorting to wordplay, instead of saying it as it is.
Anyway, I guess that is the last of my participation on Malaysia Today. It was good while it lasted. Maybe, it was a mistake for me to participate, and be critical these days- after all, RPK thinks I should "get professional help" for being critical ..... (ha, ha)
Indeed, RPK was right (some boot-polishers might add, "as usual" to these kinda words) - the quality of debates in the comments section has been quite pathetic. Those were the days when the comments were often very vibrant and gave food for thought (despite the occasional profanity, which RPK himself indulged in - without apologies). It was a time when MT provided issues and the time to debate matters, so as to get people thinking. But not anymore.
Now, I guess that's history...... and it seems like Mahathirists and "unitarians" would be more welcome in the "free forum" presented in MalaysiaToday today. Some may claim that this is part of the "psy-war" on the masses, or maybe simply self-preservation (some call it "sellout"). These days, it has become a "tabloid-like news portal" with umpteen updates per day, and no time for a well thought-out debate/ comments. Too many distraction s with "breaking news" stuff. It is a far cry from what it was before it became a pop phenomenon - but then again, I guess that's how things go ...... Besides the numerous idiotic comments that are there now, maybe we'll soon be getting commenters who start competing to be the first to comment as in CheDet.com of old - that will be the day, I guess ...... haha! Well ... what can you say, except that self-aggrandizement does take it's toll!
Maybe, in future, MT will end up being just another "tabloid" news portal with a diarrhoea of "hot news" overload, with little of the substance which gave it "character" in the past. Not much "zing" to it these days .... Aah .... nostalgia does creep in. But I guess I'll still be visiting for the "hot news" and "spins", just as I browse other MSMs online.....
p.s. Dear Pete, Remember your "Otak Udang" days? Interesting fella, this clown - wasn't he? "HakimJoe" is quite an interesting fella, too ....and so are a few other characters in the comments section. Miss those guys in the pre 2008 days who use to have heated debates, and yet remain civil (with the occasional outbursts, of course).(In fact, I even copied some of the interesting ones onto my hard drive & some onto this blog...) Quite unlikely, but do you remember the "spat" we had (one among many) when you were writing about the virtues of "Islamic government" and started calling me names?Well, what goes around comes around to haunt you, doesn't it? Strangely, it is the word "mamak" and not "Thamby". How about writing to a commenter by the name of "creeper" to tell him that you knew that he was "Chinese" from the way he used "513" instead of "May13"? I'm sure he was impressed with your amazing powers of deduction!! Haha! Don't worry Pete - we know that the agenda is still the "unity government" proposal. Just like TG Nik Aziz, I'd rather call it the "sell-out" (a la post 513) proposal.It does make me wonder why you cannot grasp the philosophical ramifications of such an endeavour (as I might've written in the comments section each time you proposed it). Nevertheless, good luck & enjoy your "mamak teh-tarik" yah? Cheers, mate!
************************************************
The following are a few comments (and my last) on MalaysiaToday:-
... written by cruzeiro, June 10, 2009 19:50:46 And Tok Guru Haji Hadi Awang graciously introduced the new Terengganu state government as the Barisan Alternatif government and not the PAS government. I thought that this was jolly nice of him.
Yeah ... I'm sure kids thought the same when Jack the Ripper handed them lollipops!! ============================================
I started getting feedback from Terengganu that the civil servants are not happy and that they are thinking of giving the state back to Umno. I triggered the alarm bells but my pompous ******* of a boss pooh-poohed my report.
Excuse me Pete - you lost me here. You mean that Anwar is to blame for that rat called Hadi's incompetence? How is it that the loss of Terengganu becomes your ex-boss's headache when he had only one miserable seat, and it was Hadi's govt that ruled? First you bang Anwar, then you bang Khalid, while your guru Hadi is blameless. Like as if they don't know how Umno has subverted the civil service since Mahathir's time! Duhh!! What's with this sudden warpath you take Pete? A little too much of "mamak teh tarik" perhaps - it can sometimes fuddle, muddle & eff-up your thinking, y'know. Oh yes, I forgot - Mahathir said Malaysians will be stupid while hiding the fact that they were forced to be stupid since his time in office .....
... written by cruzeiro, June 10, 2009 20:17:09
Ok - I just read your reply to Littlebird. So this boss of yours was "Haji", and not DSAI. Could it have been this "Haji Unity Hadi" by any chance?
... written by Littlebird, June 10, 2009 20:43:52 Well cruzeiro, it certainly looks like him, sounds like him but only Pete knows if its him.
...written by apa jadi, June 10, 2009 21:29:56 Hahaha....Cruz, good thing you brought out how Hadi "lost" Terengganu to BN. It actually slipped my mind. Now, he is talking about UNITY. Hehehe....I see a mole surfacing.
... written by Hakim Joe, June 11, 2009 00:49:40 Hey cruzeiro, where are your friends Elijah Kok and cllim123?
... written by Littlebird, June 11, 2009 08:34:40 Hi Pete, I wasn't mocking you but said it in a jest when I was replying cruzerio but I am out of line there. Apologies. Tuan Haji is not involved here and nothing you have written implicated him and moreover he was your teacher whom you have a lot of respect. Apologies, once again. Just little bit of lingam effect.
While the police chief says the situation has returned to normal after Monday's gang clash, a check by Malaysiakini reveals otherwise ================================
This long has been long delayed. Me heard about it when it occurred, from a "passer by" here in the Klang valley. It was rather peculiar that this news was pretty much blacked out in the media, and that a "gang clash" would lead to them attacking kids playing games in Cybercafes.
Call me paranoid, cynical or whatever - but it all seems to be very "fishy". Seemed to me more like an attempt at "raising tensions" by "certain quarters" in Perak (after the other failed attempts in other places in the past- as "reported" in certain blogs).
I wouldn't dwell on this though - which is what some people would want. Thank goodness - nobody retaliated under the impression that it was a race related incident. "It" will happen again ..... until these "certain quarters" get what power they lust after, I suppose.
Lately, there was plenty of pro BN propaganda on TV1 over the apparently "niat jahat" of oppostion members to undermine the institution of the monarchy. Then Sultan Azlan comes out with this statement about "questioning" certain issues. "Certain quarters" are possibly working hard at "raising tensions" when issues have died down. It appears that a certain community is being pumped with the siege-propaganda, so as to make them "rise in anger" - but I'm sure our Malaysian brothers are smarter than that. It is just these "certain quarters" who are being stupid and insist on living in the past.
It is now just about 7 years or so since English was made the medium for Science and Mathematics in schools. That was a well-thought policy by our former Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohammad. Everything was set in place and was running well. The children were doing well and were coping well. This was definitely a step in the right direction for their further education in the universities whether local or foreign.
Now all of a sudden, some language protagonists for what hidden agenda I have no idea whatsoever, have started making noise both in public and private. This has shaken our government so badly so much so they have been thrown off balance. It is all topsy-turvy as far as our children are concerned. It is one thing today and another tomorrow.
The writer I believe, had neglected to take into account important ramifications in the use of language as tool of national cohesion and identity. He brushed aside the concerns of the proponents of teaching Science and Maths in Malay in one broad sweep. He has gone so far as to label those who protested the current system, "Mat Rempits" - and that would include Malay literary laureates like Datuk Dr A. Samad Said. He also appears to have ignored the fact that the language of science wasn't "English" per se - until of course, it was adopted into the language (a characteristic not to alien from all other languages, including Malay). And even then, the "English" language of science, isn't exactly a language that can be used by any Ali, Ah Kow, or Muthu in his daily conversation.Below is my reply to his letter:
Dear Matthew, What you say is indeed true - that English is today the Lingua Franca of trade, science and technology. From that perspective, I'm in total agreement. However, that is just one side of the coin.
On the other side of it, one has to look at the dynamics that rule this nation. One has to ask if it is necessary to relegate BM into the language of only the arts, in order to achieve this excellence in English. Should that be the case, what then is going to preserve the language which is the foundation of our Malaysian culture and interaction? Is it to be doomed just as many other languages of the world which are simply "anthropological studies".
Fistly, remember that the language of Science & Maths isn't really "English" - it is a language that has been adopted and formulated by the relevant people, and adopted into English. Many great men of science and maths don't speak English.
This brings us then to the question of, how then does one learn the language of English? Through Science and Maths, or is it through the increased quality teaching and utilization of it? Expecting students to learn English from Maths & Science is akin to asking them to learn cooking using the keyboard (from the internet) - not impossible, but unlikely to produce chefs worth their salt. What happens to those who find English as good as Greek or Tamil? Are we to suggest cook the books so that they are given a false sense of security? Or are we to find a new bogeyman - as our "brilliant" politicos like Mahathir would suggest?
Don't get me wrong ..... I'm very much for the teaching of S & M in English - but not at the price of relegating the use and progress of Malay, which is essential for nation building. The neglect of the use of Malay in this arena, would create much resentment among those who believe that it has the potential for development into something to be reckoned with. This faith/confidence may not seem to be too realistic at present. However, who's to say what the future holds, should the Umno/NEP crutch/patronage formula be abolished and freedom is granted once again to the Malay literati?
What's important here is recognizing the value of choice for the students. The students should be given a choice when making decisions on the path they wish to tread in achieving the excellence you speak of. They should have the options open to them, rather than having the curriculum dictated to them. This way, neither side is neglected, and are in open and fair competition. This competition, will also challenge the students to push the limits of excellence in their own fields of their choice, so as to make themselves a viable option.
This then allows us, brings us to the option of having a dual-streaming system in our mainstream education system, which I feel is the best option, wherein all sides win.
Having said all these, I recollect what Mahathir said - "Malays and Malaysians in the future are going to be stupid". Well I have some "shocking news" for you, Mahathir Sir - Malaysians have been forced to be progressively stupider, ever since your reign as the Education Minister!!
"When shame is jettisoned, the mind becomes an "incredible" thing"
“I feel very sorry. In future, all Malays and Malaysians will be stupid.” - Mahathir
"When the issue of the Unity Government first surfaced more than a year ago we should have maturely and rationally debated the matter and tell the political leaders what we thought of the idea." "What has the fact that he is Mamak got to do with it?" "So why should PAS not also make secret deals if that is the best route to attaining power?" - RPK, The Barisan Nasional Disease
========================================
Yup- why shouldn't PAS plan their own form of deceit, together with their grandiose plans on a racist/sectarian platform, right? After all they too are politicians who are interested in only one thing - power (albeit, wearing the Islamists' robes and goatees). Well I wouldn't say the same about TG Nik Aziz, though - he is a man of principles who has my utmost respect, even if I may disgree with him on various matters.
When the idea of an Unity Government was laid out in MT time and again, I was one of those who opposed it - mea culpa, mate. The reason for this was, simply the fact that it was such a bankrupt idea that did not address the philosophical ramifications of doing so. That too, it was laced with a very subtle threat of a "May 13", should it not materialize. It was simply a short cut to perpetuate the status quo of racism and apartheid that is loved by the privileged elite, while the commoner is left in the dark.
Since it did not materialize, one side has now resorted to indulging in political blackmail, sabotage and subversion, which it is well known for. This side, does not believe in strengthening itself or puging itself from the evils that it it is plagued with, but resorts to weakening the opposition through the workings of its grimy hands which incidentally, many have been coerced into bowing to and kissing. But hey - that's politics, apparently. Incidently, so is war.
Today we have RPK lament the poor quality of "debate" on Malaysia Today, while suggesting that the comments section be closed down. It is quite "striking" that he has pointed out the word "mamak" (yeah - of all things!!), which is hardly derogatory, as an example of the way readers comment. This, is after all the vulgarities spouted by "somebody" many a time. And this "somebody" actually took pride in the fact that it was an "oh so, so totally no holds barred section", in which anything goes!! You can mention any profanity you like - but of course the word mamak is an exception here. That's forbidden. Taboo.
That's is all because of just one man, who remains the epitome of the hypocrisy which many of us choose to pander to- simply becos we are enslaved by his charisma (and probably money/ power). Especially when it is with reference to a racist hypocrite whom I'd love to hate, and yet cannot, but really admire for his political mastery at manipulating the Malay mindset. Despite not being a true blue Malay (just like many others, I think), he had single-handedly turned the many among the Malay masses, into a community of mindless racists, subservient to material gain at the expense of morality and ethics. It was all done in the interest of making the Malay community masters over the "nons" - and him being a "mamak" had nothing to do with it, mind you!!
Never mind if it all sounds like the crab is teaching it's offspring to walk straight- but it has to be taboo. We can even advocate colluding with pirates in the name of "educating" them or preaching salvation - even if it is an abomination.
Yes - "teh tarik" (the mamak variety or the holier-than-thou variety) with some people can do that to you sometimes...... and even make you suggest playing marbles with the devil. In fact, after the "teh tarik", we can even suggest that the the politicians who fervently invoke godly verses pray for a Unity Govt in the hereafter -form a unity government between heaven and hell. Better still, cut the deal on their evil platform, when the dark side is stronger that you! And Voila! We then don't have to worry about retribution in the hereafter do we?!
That would be good, wouldn't it?
As for Mahathir's stupid quote in today's Star about Malays and Malaysians, I might just have some shocking news for him- many Malays and Malaysians have been forced to be STUPID since his 22 years! And yet - we have prominent people, pandering to his alternatives .......
"When shame is jettisoned, the mind becomes an "incredible" thing"
"Even Umno doesn't understand it". - Hadi Awang
*****************************************
Abdul Hadi Awang, returned unopposed as PAS president Even PKR and DAP agree about the unity government talks because they feel that whatever is good for the rakyat should be prioritised. I thank those in PR who understand about the talks to unite the rakyat and all political parties.
Umno claims to be Islamic, so there is nothing wrong with engaging them. What cannot be done today doesn’t mean it cannot be done in the future.
***********************************
The following is a piece that is dedicated to those who fit the bill, in their blind, unfettered, unblushing ambition to achieve a national stature - without apologizing for telling blatant lies to their ignorant sheep, in the name of God. With apologies to the author of "Creed", Steve Turner - here it goes .....
We believe in NEP, Ketuanan and God We believe everything is OK as long as you don't hurt anyone to the best of your definition of hurt, and to the best of your knowledge.
We believe in religion before, during, and after politics. We believe in the therapy of apostasy. We believe that voyeurism is fun. We believe that gender segregation and persecution is OK. We believe that dissent is taboo.
We believe that everything's getting worse despite evidence to the contrary. The dissenters must be investigated And you can prove anything with evidence.
We believe there's something in skullcaps, goats, beards and robes. Jibby is a good man just like Harun, Mahathir, and ourselves. He is a good moral leader though we think His good morals are bad.
We believe that all politicians are basically the same- at least the ones that we know of were. They all believe in power, money and sex. They only differ on matters of business, NEP, Ketuanan, equality, human rights, and justice.
We believe that after death comes the 76 virgins Because when you ask the holy ones what happens, they say the same. Even if 76 virgins is not the end, if the if the holy ones have lied, then its compulsory heaven for all submitters to the holy ones excepting perhaps Chin Peng, Kit Siang, Karpal and Kafirs
We believe in being the Masters What's selected is Unity Govt. What's Unity Govt is normal. What's normal is good.
We believe in total disregard for common sense. We believe there are direct links between religion and bloodshed. Men should beat their women into pulp and hide them in the cellar, And the Kafirs would be sure to follow.
We believe that Umno is essentially good. It's only their behavior that lets them down. This is the fault of Kafirs. Kafirs are the fault of conditions. Conditions are the fault of Kafirs.
We believe that each man must submit to the truth that we think is right for him. Reality will adapt accordingly. The universe will readjust. History will alter. We believe that there is no absolute truth excepting the truth that there is only our absolute truth.
We believe in the rejection of alien creeds, And the reject the flowering of individual thought.
*********************************
P.S. If chance be the Father of all flesh, disaster is his rainbow in the sky and when you hear - Death to Infidels!! State of Emergency! Sniper Kills Ten! Troops on Rampage! Whites go Looting! Bomb Blasts School! It is but the sound of our skullcapped Jihadi in his robes and bandana, worshiping his maker.
“I would stay asleep my whole life if I could dream myself into a company of players.”
~ Viola de Lesseps. Shakespeare in Love (1998)
"Even Umno doesn't understand it." He was asked by a reporter to clarify if PKR and DAP had agreed to it, and he replied, "Yes, they accept. I have told them of it and they accept it ... for the good of the country." - TNG Later, Lim released a media statement that said he did know know what Hadi actually said but stressed that the proposal of a unity government between PR and BN was never discussed at any PR leadership meeting. -TNG
"It's not about sharing power with Umno, not about joining Umno. It's just about discussion on current issues for the benefit of the people and the nation," Nasharudin said at a press conference after PAS's 55th muktamar ended today. -TNG
HINDRAF have obtained reliable information from members of the public including sympathisers from the Malay Community that the underworld “3 Line and Mat Rempit ” gang are mobilising a large number of superbikers into Kamunting on Saturday, June 13, 2009 to “teach” the Indians a lesson as a result of the racial clash that sparked on June 8, 2009.
