A Foreigner's Perception of Malaysian Politicians

The following was "lifted" from Din Merican's blog.
This was in response to Dr. Anees's experience in the well known Matress case masterminded by "you-know-who".
(To think that all the mindless membership of Umno Baru and the hordes of idol-worshippers commenting on CheDet.com are oblivious to these facts - is quite a scary thought!!).
Read how accurate his assessment of Mahathirism is ......

3 | Abubakar

October 25th, 2008 at 5:43 pm

Din,

I’m a Somali living in Malaysia who follows the local scene here very much. I would have to admit that Tun Dr M’s greatest disadvantage is his pure, unadulterated hatred for anyone who disagrees with him. Never have I see a human being whose sole motivation, drive and engine is pure hatred. Just visit his blog which is read by friends and foes, locals and foreigners and I must tell you it epitomizes him in every way.

Since he started it after complaining of UMNO media strangulation, did you see an article that he has written concerning the poor, the needy, the widows, the orphans, the handicapped, the downtrodden, the wayfarers, compassion, empathy, sharing, sacrifice, charity, morality, accountability, God’s fear and Judgement, forgiveness, patience (etc)? No.

Always it is about some people, blaming others, calling them names, dishing out unvanished, pure hatred. Blaming others for this and that and exonerating himself from all blame? Surely, at this age? You can’t build a society and a nation through hate, vengeance, intense anger and mean spirit. You would have to remind the people the higher purpose of life for them to get motivated and work harder for the less fortunate and for themselves. Finger pointing, blaming others, planting defeatist culture in the Malays, reducing them to mad people (we are sensitive, we will run amok society that makes even foreigners despise the Malays) will not help this society and nation.

My people (the Somalis) suffered from cruel leadership and when the hatred became too much, we turned to each other and till today, we the only nation with no Central govt. The Malays share with us almost every trait, veru feudal, manipulated easily, territorial, misuse of Islam for expediency, rigid explanation of Islam and too much interest in outward Islam than inward Islam that strengthens the hearts, our only difference is that the Malays have the Chinese and the Indians around that make sthem watch out for the “enemies.”

For us, we didn’t have that and that’s why we turned to each other. If God has loved the Malays and Malaysia, it is because He brought other people here. If some Malays regret the presence of the Chinese and Indians, ask us the Somalis and you will know what it means to be an incestous (homogenous) society and you will praise the Almighty day in day out. If it was possible, I would have shipped the Chinese and Indians to Somalia to create diversity in my nation but it is wishful thinking.

The other person who makes me cringe in shame is one Curry[Khairy] Jamaluddin. Never have I seen a more uncouth, uncultured, degenerate, pugancious, ill, nefarious and utterly infantile being than this young man. I have a big heart who tries to understand everyone and put itself in their place, but I don’t think my heart can accommodate one Curry Jamaluddin. He is a primate and deserves the worst treatment (though I hate it because we are Muslims and human beings) but honestly he is too much.

In the news today ...

Naina Merican Zindabad!
Hidup GPMS!

(don't you just love the trio's - or three stooges- pic from Husin?)

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Reezal Merican Naina Merican (pic) is now the political secretary to the Prime Minister. Reezal was previously the political secretary to the Finance Minister. The change in portfolio is effective Sept 18, said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. On Sept 17, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi swapped his finance portfolio with his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s defence portfolio.
- StarOnline

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Lets forget about his personal life - who cares if he needs 10 wives or 25 harems....
This is what Umno-reform.com says (translation of Khairy Chronicles, I guess), of Mr Naina .... sorry - Reezal Merican
(GPMS president, and potential Umno youth No.2) & the US$50billion "loan" (with links to letter Here & here).
Read also what Husin Lempoyang has to say about Reezal and guys.
(don't you love the trio's pic above from Husin?)
On another note,
Khairy Jamaluddin is just one nomination shy of qualifying to contest for the Umno Youth chief post.

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And - Facing journalists, Zaki "just smiled and put his finger on his mouth to" say ....
Sshhhhh!! - "No comments".
No comment on appointment as CJ By FLORENCE A.SAMY- staronline

Let's all wait patiently as he requests - not that we have much of a choice here ....
He might be planning to pull a rabbit out of his hat " after launching
‘Words, Phrases & Maxims - Legally and Judicially Defined.’"
.... sshhhh.
I'm sure everybody would be pleased with the upcoming show.... ;-)

Seeking Escape & Comfort in Lies ....

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

We do not err because truth is difficult to see.
It is visible at a glance.
We err because this is more comfortable.

--Alexander Solzhenitsyn

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I was reading this post on Din Merican's blog, written by John Lee (of Infernal Ramblings, I presume) entitled Draconian Laws: The Truth and Our Economy.

(I can hardly believe that such observations come from one as young as 18. Commentaries from John have been quite sharp even 2 yrs ago in MT discussions.)
What struck me as quite significant was the following:-

"This climate of fear we live in is not something we can tolerate just because we can still put food on the table and send the kids to school. It cuts to something fundamental about us as human beings. We have a right to know, and a right to believe. "

Towards the end of last year (published in MT before its newer format) - I had written something along these lines in A Malaysian Disease of Fear and Apathy. As true as some of the observations may have been, I'm a little more "compassionate" (for lack of a better word) with regard to the predicament of most Malaysians today. Taking into consideration the complexity of issues that plague the common man's life, one cannot be too judgemental.
As one of the participants at the vigil said, "we cannot blame them. they have 'issues' - let them do what they can....".
So much for social awareness ....

If there's to be reform, Umno wants it done the Umno way, or no way. They believe that their right to rule is sacrosanct and democracy is but a charade. Thanks to Mahathir.

It is unlikely that there will be any reform in the near future.
Umno CANNOT reform, as corruption as others may see it, is how it lives. It feeds and breathes corruption. It was how they have managed to "buy out" the conscience of the people it professes to defend, and have rendered them handicapped without the Umno system.
Reforms or not - AAB would be out by December, whatever he may say - his words weren't worth the spit he wasted since day one anyway. The "Pak Lah camp" is already beginning to complain about the disease they promoted at one time - they now begin to put on the face of righteousness, and posture when their political demise is imminent.
Khairy now speaks of "a common destiny" - sounding almost like a Pakatan member.
Rais Yatim complains about "money politics".

Out of the blue, Mukhriz is smiling now.
Mahathir is on the rise - although his "expired" bypass graft wouldn't last much longer (with or without stem cell infusions or "bird's nest" tonics). We are already seeing certain aspects of his methods being enforced. If he believes that he can leave behind "stability", he's just seeking warmth in his winter years.
The damage is done, and there isn't much that he can do to repair it - he's left behind a "leadership" devoid of any substance, through his anti-intellectual policies. The civil service, once the pride of the nation, is today a source of shame. The judiciary is in tatters, while less said about the police, the better.

Meanwhile - Our "economic fundamentals are strong & resilient" despite FDI losses.
RPK is still detained without trial under ISA.
Utusan starts hate mongering. Malaysiakini gets "fixed-up".
6 yr olds are arrested for pleading with the PM.
Everything has been declared to be "in order" with Istana Zakaria.
5 billion of the rakyats' money is to be taken from EPF to prop up "blue chips" on the KLSE.
The markets are in turmoil.
There is a severe erosion of confidence. A gloom has descended upon Malaysia.
And Hope is dissipating - Despair is in the air.

Most Malaysian's actually support this movement for reform and A New Malaysia as a result of the "awareness campaigns" by various quarters -
most significant of which was the "Hindraf" movement, despite not really being an Organisation per se (whatever Hamid Albar may say).
However, for many a Malaysian, there's always a "But", and "what if" to their argument when it comes to participation in the activism - whether it is to Uphold the Supremacy of the Federal Constitution, free RPK, abolish ISA, demand accountability or an independent judiciary.

There is this "reduced vibrancy" even in the blogs - it may just be my perception though ...
Haris hasn't posted since Zaki was appointed CJ of Federal Courts - last post was on the 20th.
Silence since ..... I wonder why.
(Update:- Two posts were made today. I stand corrected.)
Aisehman has gone offline "after 5 yrs of blogging"- possibly disheartened with the media spin on the Media statement from the Conference of Rulers.
He said in his (probably not the last) farewell -"I disagree the strongest with the implicit argument that due to “the historical background and social condition of the country”, the principle of equality must take a back seat.That is my opinion." (But of course he still gives in to Royal wisdom as he understood it, and said "Daulat Tuanku").
MT goes on like a news portal with plenty of bad news & crappy discussions, instead of the lively, attractive and stimulating so-po discussion forum it used to be.
Zorro and some others seem to have got better though ...

The power of the written word takes time to manifest. The resurgence campaign for reform is at its infancy on the web. The realisation is barely catching on, and these guys have taken a break - probably they need some time to reflect and reboot for a "phase 2".
They must have put so much hope in the conscience of powerless or corrupt people, to advice the leaders/ rulers - so as not to confuse or disillusion the people.
What the Sultans said was that they will abide by "a social contract" - they did not say that it was any different from the Federal Constitution. Sultan Azlan Shah never spoke of a post-independence Umno-style "social contract" - he specifically mentioned that the social contract he refers to is that of our founding fathers of "the pre-Independence" era, which culminated in the Federal Constitution. It is what I spoke of in my earlier post.
If the online journalists/ bloggers just back off without making an effort to interpret and articulate their thoughts on the matter, so as to create awareness & advance the cause, all would definitely be definitely lost.

Of course I understand the frustration they feel. However, being people whom the public look upon for leadership of sorts, they probably should keep those feelings to themselves and venture on - that's just my opinion, though.
I seriously doubt that RPK would've given up so easily, as it is precisely what the pirates want you to do. Only then can they perpetuate the plunder.....

"Let it be, we don't want any trouble. We have to appear to love what they give us. It's okay to lie to ourselves today for that meal and bed", say the anxious and virtuous "silent majority"....
The people (like smitten lovers) are taking comfort in the sweet nothings, drivel and lies spun out by the subservient MSM. "Most" want the "good times" to keep rolling through the NEP, even if it means sacrificing their future, humanity or their conscience.
They don't want to rock the "money" boat, when it comes to principles of humanity and nationhood. Bottomline is the tummy today - to hell with tomorrow .....
The little that they have is too precious to them. They are all looking towards self-preservation. They need to feed and educate their loved ones. They need to make a future for their children. They need their little escapes from reality - whatever they may be.

It is the perfect setting to breed "religious activism/escapism" among a disillusioned people. Ask Zulkifli Nordin - the thorn in PKR's side. He'll tell you that neither party want to appear "less Islamic", and would shudder at the prospect of losing out on "being Islamic" cool. That might explain the "anti-tomboy" fatwa of late.
People would seek solace in religion to revive the eroding "hope" - which can keep them going for yet another day. Should these guys "get out of hand", the authorities have a very good reason to impose "draconian measures" at their whims and fancies, to get the people to toe the line.
After all, it's for the peace & security of the nation, and Hamid Albar says,"People ask:“Show us how peace and security is threatened?” How can we show that?
It’s not something that is tangible, that we wait for the thing to happen".
It's like Minority Report the movie - but the Malaysia Boleh spirit puts Hollywood to shame with this reality show!

Whatever lah - I'll still reach for my little escape, whether Zul approves of it or not.

Where's the beer now .....

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The truth is rarely pure and never simple.
~Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900), The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895, Act I

Don't Play-play !!

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YB Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) was suspended for using the words "Jangan main-main. Yang DiPertua tidak serius ..."

Unlike previous occasions when "unparliamentary" words like "Bigfoot, monkey etc" were used, Pandikar got all emotional and upset!
- I thot he'd burst into a raging fit or even burst into tears .....
He must be under tremendous pressure in some way ....
He even got the section (under which he's authorised to take disciplinary action) a little mixed up!

Pandikar Amin (Kurang) Mulia said that Karpal was "Kurang Ajar" for saying that, and as a warning to all, he insisted on the suspension despite appeals from Anwar - as a "lesson to all MPs" that he's always serious (apparently, including the Ministers)!!

Waah - Pandikar Amin Mulia has grown fierce together with his new, cute, paintbrush designer beard!!

Don't play-play!!

We now Speak of The Federal Constitution - for ONCE!

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Perak Sultan: Explain social contract to young generation
TAIPING, Oct 22 – The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, today proposed that the social contract be explained at educational institutions to enable the young generation to have an in-depth understanding of the pre-independence agreement.
- TheMalaysianInsider
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First reading the above statement from HRH Sultan Azlan Shah, I (and I'm sure I'm not alone here ...) was disappointed that he was indulging in "Umno-Speak".
Upon reading it a second time, it struck me that what he said was very significant - he asks all of us to adhere by the consensus of our founding fathers who were part of the team that drafted the Federal Constitution!

Tuanku has made a very good statement here in subtly stating that the "Social Contract" as we know it from the BN goons doesn't exist!
Note the fact that he mentioned the words - "the pre-independence agreement".
That means what he actually recognizes as the "Social Contract"
IS THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION!

He doesn't speak of the NEP, which did not exist then.
He specifically mentions what is meant by the words "Social Contract" - the agreement & spirit of the founding fathers that culminated in the Federal Constitution and the Declaration of Independance.
Therefore, the only Social Contract we have is the Federal Constitution!!

Having said that, all I can say is the Social Contact as Umno interprets it is HOGWASH.

Nobody disputes the fact that the underprivileged Malay need a helping hand. Nobody disputes that we need to preserve the Malay identity of the land. Nor has anybody challenged the authority of the Rulers (except Umno on a couple of occasions - including calling some "natang").

Anyway, for this message to be transmited to the young ones, how do we do it without getting rid of the racists who man BTN and the civil service?
How do we do it with Umno warlords in power, buying position & power like it were trinkets?

(The only answer to me at least is the dismantling of the BN racist regime!!)

Daulat Tuanku!!

Najib's cyber campaign?

The following were words in a lone comment in my earlier post.
(I'm certain that many other blogs have got the same comment too):-

"Malaysiakini has apologised and Najib is not suing. You see the difference between a true leader and the Theresa Koks of the Opposition.........

Now this is REAL proof that there is a concerted attempt by certain news portals and blogs to discredit Najib. They spread all sorts of lies about him and even called him names - from a cold-blood murderer to a Hindu priest.

Enough is enough. Why don't we just rally behind Najib for the love of our country? He has an uphill task of repairing the damages left behind by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. These are damages never before sustained by the Barisan Nasional in the country's entire 50-year history. And that's not going to be easy. "

.... and it came from a newly hatched blogger with two blogs to his name!
He however has only one entry, in one of them. He describes himself very well, in a very "graphic" manner too!

Well - going by his description of what he is HERE, (What else can we expect those who rally behind Najib to be ......)
Interested in joining him to

"just rally behind Najib for the love of our country? "

Any takers?

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P.S.
This is definitely a brilliant (although uncouth) negative campaigning strategy ....

Addendum
The following may be a feature of this blog in days to come.
The Finger awards presents (drum roll) ......

Boleh Quote of the Day:-

"Cheng Lee Whee was held.... under Section 28 of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and not detained under the act .... Please read (the provisions of) the act. The act is not only for detention (of people) Therefore, she was not an ISA detainee ..."

- Syed Hamid Albar, 'genius' Home Minister, Umno VP wannabe, YB Kota Tinggi

Social Contracts, Social Betrayals and NEP ....

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

Addendum From Bodohland:

After a While, The Sucking Comes Easy

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An idea of a social contract draws from teleological thinking as opposed to a modern naturalistic view of sociocultural evolution.
A social contract is a hypothetical agreement between primitive, "unsocialized" people, who decided to form a society in order to avoid wars and violence, by instead creating specific rules - laws - that would organize the group life.
A notable founder of the social contract model, Thomas Hobbes, presents a totally rationalistic view on human nature, which is a main point of contemporary critique.
- WikiBooks

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Sounds like the "betrayal" has got to many Malaysians ....
But how can one feel betrayed, if one never really trusted or loved the person who was supposedly the Judas? He was never meant to be trusted anyway.
If he were an institution upon which, benefits granted unto you rides on - he has done his job.
Judas was there for a reason, and history shows that he always does his job well ....

The voice of the people has been ignored & Petitions for justice came to naught - it is realpolitik at play.
Haris Ibrahim's last post (HERE) was sad, and I really feel for him (although I'm certain that he knew what was coming).
Civil society, with the help of politicians, have done much to create awareness that we are thankful for. RPK is incarcerated for this same spirit of justice.
RPK knew that the going wouldn't be easy, and they would fight back (and fight dirty).
It is now that leaders of civil society needs to rise to the challenge - and not let them break the spirit/ courage. If that is lost, so is the future to pirates.
Leaders & fighters who have the Nation in mind, cannot let the pirates win. Many things will crop up to break the spirit which RPK & DSAI has fought so hard to revive - the Spirit of Reform, Trust, Justice & Nationhood.

It definitely wasn't a coincidence that the special courts decided against the Yam Tuan prior to this announcement - it was probably meant to send a message to "those concerned" prior to current events.

There will be more "sandiwaras" to come - and it will all be designed to to show "who's the boss" & break the trust and spirit among the citizenry. It is just the attempt to create the sentiment of "helplessness" of civil society. Many will get disappointed that they are powerless to prevent the slide to corruption, "chaos" and the curtailment of liberties - which is what is needed for them to pursue this evil agenda.They'll sow distrust, inflame passions and breed hatred - so as to require barbaric/ "jahilliyah" laws like the ISA.

The Pirates will be playing up a number of issues in the coming days - sensitive or not - so as to divert our attention/ focus from the cause of justice and liberty.
They may create too many issues for us to focus on.
There may even be another "KMM/Al-Maunah" event orchestrated soon. (They already have a very convenient scapegoat in Hindraf after the recent banning anyway). Hindraf is described in the same breath as the above two (fictitious) groups and characterized as "extremist" in nature, when it was actually "the real extremists" who refused to consider Hindraf's repeated appeals for justice though formal/ appropriate channels.

They will have "allied parties" creating/ bringing "sensitive" controversies to the fore so as to heighten the prospect of "conflict" - while they party together in the backyard. There has to be an environment where fear dominates. Fear of dispossession, fear of conflict and fear of thy neighbour, with the haunting spectre of violence.
It is quite possible that things would be pushed to the "brink"(at least in the minds of the people) - so as to facilitate the agenda of piracy that they have in mind. The MSM, (like the sick Utusan Malaysia "cerpen") will of course play a major role to rile up emotions of a certain sector of society. But of course it would be considered fair game by "authorities".
Sectarian interests & conflicts will be given greater coverage in the near future ......

Politicians & Civil society need to start awareness campaigns for true "Malaysian Unity", as opposed to the window dressings on MSM. Civil society needs to reach out to "heartlanders" and those of the lower socio-economic strata - they are the key to "empowerment". Right now, they are the ones who are manipulated by the pirates who assume high office.

At the heart of all this, is the biggest lie told in 50 yrs to the Malaysians - the NEP, sold to the ignorant masses as "Social Contract" - and used as a pretext to plunder the resources of the Nation.
The "beneficiaries" of this evil form of Racism need to realize that they have been shortchanged. They need to realize that they have been reduced to servitude, despite all the chest-thumping "supremacy" rhetoric of their political kings/warlords/ masters/ "guardians".
The people need to realize that they are given mediocrity in return for surrendering their humanity & rights to pirates, while the nation is plundered.
Until and unless the "beneficiaries" reject this immorality which is bankrupting the nation while stripping them of their spirituality, conscience & dignity - there can be no progress towards Nationhood.

Politicians aren't angels, Power corrupts, & Governments don't serve the people - they rule, and serve only themselves - while crumbs are thrown to the masses. (There are rare exceptions, though)
The people are servants to governments. Anyone who says otherwise, is simply lying. The only way to keep a check on them is through decent education, awareness and civilian empowerment.
Once again, to all Malaysians (especially Haris) - Keep the Faith, and build the trust.

There's a long way to go - a long and windy road ......


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The following are some of the things written in the past, with regard to matters
that lie at the heart of the malady faced by Malaysian politics,
and spells disaster for the future, should it be perpetuated:-

Where is the Spirit of Merdeka?
Reply to TDM's Criticism on CheDet.com
Razak's UMNO, Mahathir's UMNO Baru Dilemma.
A Curse in the Malaysians' Embrace.
The Pirate and "Social Contractor".
The "Social Contract" - A Malaysian "Cold War"?
A Malaysian Disease of Fear and Apathy
A Social Contract of "Asian Values".
Some Umno myths young Malaysians should kno... (from MT)
Ethnic Envy and The NEP - a reply
The state of NEP, and its fallout.