Merdeka the Drama - Scene 51, Act ii

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Bukit Bendera Umno appeals to retract Ahmad Ismail’s suspension

The Act will not focus on punishment,
but on helping to build and strengthen race relations......
'Under this Act, action can be taken against those who disrupt harmony
by causing racial tension and conflicts
that can also destabilise the country,' he said.
- NST, on Hamid Albar's statement with regard to "Race Relations Act".

What right does Congress have to go around making laws just because they deem it necessary?
- Marion Barry
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Raja Petra - purportedly, for insulting Islam, is languishing in the slammer, just as many more are for various other 'reasons'!
Is our Constitution so useless that we cannot even point out what was so wrong about what these victims did?
Or is it that those who weild power are simply mindless fools?
Considering the nature of The Constitution, I'm inclined to believe that the latter holds true.

They have released Tan and Teresa Kok (after wrongful detention under the colonial ISA) - but with no apologies. (She wishes to sue - but how can she win, when the law says that all it takes is that the powers that be, "deem" you to be potentially dangerous - and it's legal! That law needs no basis for an arrest - you can be arrested for being alive, and deemed dangerous after "someone" has a bad night out!)
Abraham Lincoln once said, "Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation, whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion, and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such a purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure."
I guess the same would apply in this case .... that is the power of ISA invoked at whims and fancies.

Nothing happened to abusive MPs in parliament.
Nothing happened when apparently, there were calls for chinese blood (at TPCA was it?).
Nothing happened when calls to use the Kris were made on national television.
Nothing happened after Kg. Medan.
Nothing happened after a racist teacher was rewarded for abusing children.
But now, we suddenly have our brainiacs being so consciencious - all Hail Mr. Hamid!
All we have from these mindlessly orchestrated evils, is the proposal for a new law, sold to the public as "Race Relation Act", when they don't even believe in a code of conduct for their minions in power!

Meanwhile, the the perpetrators of the apparently "strained ethnic relations" wayang kulit - those who incite, are running loose wanting to go on a roadshow. In fact, they even have the audacity to appeal against the slap on the wrist meted out grudgingly by an "enlightened leadership".
One other plastic faced clown has even announced his candidacy for a party post, when he has police reports lodged against him!!

Such is the sincerity of those in the corridors of power, when they announced their intentions on "the act".
Yes- it is just "act ii, scene 51" in the grand scheme of things, with airheads in starring roles (Toyol, Amat, Ali Ketam, Semi Value and Ah Tiong are cheap extras) in this spicy, thrilling, epic soap opera running for the last 51 yrs.
While Mr. Chris and a Madey (he's trying to introduce a JR character in the picture) have come up as the latest intellectual critics to this drama, some others are a little left out.
One M&M actor lost out on the casting couch, I guess and we all know the pretty face that got blown to bits in the supporting role.....
Some people didn't cash in ..... they are waiting to see if the next drama would be more lucrative - after all, there are new hands in the kitty now!

All we need is another Act that would be enforced selectively, and all will be fine and dandy all over again - that's the rationale of the geniuses at work in Putrajaya.
Some choose to believe that everything was so cool before this, and everybody was so happy - and only now there is a "deterioration of inter-ethnic relations" as a result of the actions of the people who are now in Kamunting.

Apparently, all of a sudden, there was a very real threat of open conflict!
Well friends, take a look at who "holds the power to guns" (not to mention waving the Kris or calling for blood) - and you'll know who are the ones who wish to rob the disarmed citizens on the pretext of "ethnic strife", as on 513!

Let's see what the next "act" brings ....

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Right discipline consists, not in external compulsion,
but in the habits of mind which lead spontaneously
to desirable rather than undesirable activities.....
A hallucination is a fact, not an error;
what is erroneous is a judgment based upon it.
-Bertrand Russell
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Teresa Kok Is Out!!

Click on Image for more at Malaysian Insider.

Petition to Mr. PM

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We endorse the Free Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Teresa Kok and Others Held Under the Internal Security Act Petition to Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Read the Free Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Teresa Kok and Others Held Under the Internal Security Act Petition

The Free Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Teresa Kok and Others Held Under the Internal Security Act Petition to Prime Minister of Malaysia was created by and written by Lim Teck Ghee (gheelim@yahoo.com).

Achtung! - Bee En Downfall Parody

Just had to have it here so that I can watch it again.
What can I say .... it was hilarious and an excellent piece of work.
You guys who haven't seen it - Have Fun!

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PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA, 18 SEPTEMBER 2008

Today Pakatan Rakyat leaders have submitted a letter to the Prime Minister requesting him to call an emergency session of Parliament to deliberate a motion of censure against the leadership of YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi no later than Tuesday 23 September 2008.

This is in accordance with Order 11(3) of the Standing Orders of Parliament and warrants an immediate response given the gravity of today’s political impasse. A delay in his response would be interpreted as nothing short of a further sabotage of the democratic process and abuse of Executive Power.

The Prime Minister’s haggling on the syntax of our first letter is puerile at best. The intent of our meeting as described in that letter was clearly to discuss the future course of the nation’s leadership – though in deference to his position and in accordance with acceptable norms we remain considerate and polite in our approach.

I find the Prime Minister’s comment about me in his press conference yesterday to be reckless and irresponsible in light of the disastrous outcome of last Friday’s ISA raids.

He has conflated what is essentially an issue of democracy, freedom and the rule of law with national security. The use of the ISA to harass and detain duly elected political opponents is a grave transgression of the law and its continued use would further erode confidence in the current government and exacerbate political instability.

As the incumbent Prime Minister actively holding office and exercising all Executive powers, and as the outgoing Finance Minister, we hold him fully accountable for the current political turmoil and mismanagement of the nation’s economy. His accusation that I have had an adverse impact on the nation’s economy is entirely without basis.

I have met with the key fund managers in the region, representing over USD 1 trillion in assets, and on multiple occasions they were unanimously in support of comprehensive reforms in Malaysia including judicial independence, a free media, a more professional police force and anti-corruption agency, investor friendly laws and assurances on the non-interference of politicians in the governance of Bank Negara. These are policies Pakatan Rakyat has promised to implement– and initiatives that the current administration has done virtually nothing to advance since March 8th.

ANWAR IBRAHIM
Leader of Opposition
De-facto leader, Keadilan

Body Language 101.

A picture definitely says a thousand words.
Here's a fantastic Snapsot from The Sun, of the 'banker & defender' of Malaysia:

PUTRAJAYA (Sept 17, 2008): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today described Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as a "threat to the nation's economy and maybe safety".
- http://www.sun2surf.com/

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As a guideline to "body language", one could refer to this
Comment on MT:

http://www.learnbodylanguage.org/body_language_lying.html

Liars are normally under stress.
The first thing to make clear is that body language and facial expressions are good indicators of when a person is lying but the indicators are not foolproof.

Here is what to watch for when a person is lying to you when face-to-face: (Also make sure you don't do these things!)

* Voice is higher pitched.
* Untrue answers to questions are slightly delayed.
* Body and face become stiffer.
* Hand-to-face touching increased, especially nose rubbing and mouth covering.
* Face and hands becomes a bit paler as blood is withheld from extremities. (A sign of high stress.)
* Nostrils may open wider ('flare').
* Breathing deeper and maybe audible.
* Lips become thinner and tighter.
* Shoulders pulled up and elbows pulled in to sides more. Body takes up less space.
* Forehead tightens up a little in area between eye brows.
* Eye contact breaks away from you and eyes may squint or close.
* Heart rate increases.
* Hand palms turned down or closed, and not revealed to you.

My God! This is our PM and DPM!

Thank You SUN - you surely got the right picture, for a picture paints a thousand words.

Quo Vadis, DSAI?

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"We have the Numbers"
-DSAI

"The most important thing about power is to make sure you don't have to use it."
-Edwin Land

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So he says .... and I believe it.
The numbers though, aren't likely to be such that the majority would be "unshakeable". This can be quite "unsettling", especially with the numerous (possibly) "uncooperative" elements in the instruments of state. Without a doubt - he has the pop appeal, and should by right be in power.

However, that isn't all that matters - even though that is what "Democracy" is supposed to be. Power in a state also depends on the confidence that one can instill in the "institutions of state" and the elite.
Having had a government that functioned as a "nanny" that controlled all facets/institutions state (more so over the last 25yrs), it would be tough for Anwar to take over without a significantly overwhelming electoral majority. In fact, it would be somewhat "destabilising", as these institutions, have their "own anxieties" too. They fear a "social revolution" and a purge along the lines of certain other states, resulting in flight of opportunities and capital.

They basically fear the unknown.

First and foremost, DSAI needs to allay the fears of "the elite" and the civil service (with are beholden to Umno) that there wouldn't be a witch-hunt, should he come to power. After all, (right or wrong) vendetta cannot be ruled out, and we imagine/know of many a skeleton that has been in the closets for decades - hence the fears of the "stakeholders".
Also it would be advisable to consider what Henry Wallace said i.e., "A fascist is one whose lust for money or power is combined with such an intensity of intolerance toward those of other races, parties, classes, religions, cultures, regions or nations as to make him ruthless in his use of deceit or violence to attain his ends."

We are in a Catch-22 situation.
Should he not move fast enough, the damage to the instituions of state and socio-economic status would be disastrous - and many would suffer (including ISA detainees).
If he did though, and if I were to speculate, it wouldn't be to far-fetched to say that chaos would would ensue, should Anwar rush it - after all, the "stakeholders" are still quite uncomfortable with his meteoric rise and return to power.

This is what RPK was most concerned about, when he proposed a "Unity Government" with the BN - the "realpolitik" so to speak.
Considering the circumstances, such an "arrangement" doesn't sound too feasible, as it is well known how some parties practise their hegemony and strive to emasculate and corrupt their "allies".

The powers that be (and many people) aren't too comfortable with the political changes that have happened at lightning speed, after the sloth for the last 10yrs. Rather than be in too much of a rush, I'd rather they (PR) consolidate their own electoral pact/ victory and learn the "tricks of the trade while patiently do some quality "head-hunting".
In fact, it is paramount that they actually come to a better "social contract" so as to agree on a modus operandi to achieve their aims in a more subtle manner, for a more sustainable future.

If there was anything I would like to say to DSAI, it would go along these lines -

"Why don't you take it easy for a while DS. Patience DS, patience - don't rush it ........ but fight you must.
While you are indeed quite "seasoned" with undoubted leadership qualities, bear in mind that most of your allies have never tasted power before - let them learn. Too much power, too fast can have a corrupting effect, no matter how virtuous one may be.

Yes many with vested interests will goad you on, and the people will support you as long as the "euphoric wave" persist - but it would be better if you ride on a wave of credibility. Thus far we have got little beyond the tsunami of dissatisfaction (aided by TDM and Umno internal conflict) to speak of.

Moreover, the "victory" that you have achieved was to a certain extent, a victory as a result of "rebellion" of sorts. The electoral pact, is just that - a pact, and not an alliance. The defeat that BN has faced was nothing less than death itself - and don't expect them to give in without fighting tooth and nail. In such a position as they are in, it can be quite expected that they'd "fight dirty".

You are a leader that Malaysia has been wanting for 50yrs - don't let it go to waste, DS. The people need you. If you can deliver, even half of what you have promised, rest assured that the people will not desert you. Be patient DS.
After all, you did already achieve the inconceivable in such a short time. Try to get into a comfortable position with your allies, before you move on to the next level .... no need for a "unity govt". Get used to being in the opposition, with the new breed of leaders.
I do understand that it's imperative that the ISA detainees be released - but it's the "tension" created and the nervousness of a shaky government that has partly led to this predicament. Why don't we at least try other ways to get them out? We haven't exhausted all options, have we?
Let the "stakeholders" (the people and the elite) trust you more, and be more comfortable with the changes that we expect. With the forces of globalization, Malaysia has to change - with or without you, or else we are doomed.

While most Malaysians do support your ideals DS, it would be wise to keep in mind that the uncertainties you propose, makes them nervous.

What's the big deal if it is done a little slower while educating the public on your ideals, with a little less "stress"? It would probably speak more of your (PR's) resilience in the face of adversity. It would in fact be a more stabilizing factor, should you be able to garner a greater groundswell of support among the Malay electorate.

What I say may be wrong, but isn't too far from the truth - I believe it is worth considering."

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"Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe."
-Voltaire

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