AFP , SINGAPORE
Wednesday, Sep 01, 2010, Page 5
Singapore’s population crossed 5 million this year and more than a third of the total are foreigners, the statistics department said yesterday. The city-state’s total population stood at 5.08 million people at the end of June, it said in a statement.
Of the number, 3.23 million are citizens, 540,000 are foreigners with permanent residency and 1.3 million are foreign professionals and workers along with their dependents, resulting in a 36 percent share for foreigners in the general population.
The population growth rate was 1.8 percent this year, reflecting a slowdown in the number of permanent residents and foreign workers being admitted into the country, the department said.
The number of permanent residents rose by 1.5 percent, down from at least 6 percent growth per year between 2005 and last year, it said.
Growth in the number of non-residents, or those on professional employment passes and shorter-term work permits, slowed to 4.1 percent, off from peaks of 15 percent in 2007 and 19 percent in 2008, it said.
Because Singaporeans have not been producing enough babies, the government had for years rolled out the welcome mat for foreigners, whose numbers rose drastically during the economic boom from 2004 to 2007.
However, after the 2008 global financial crisis, the government has taken a fresh look at its open-door policy following complaints from citizens that foreigners are competing for jobs, housing and medical care.
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Tuesday, 31 August 2010
Panglima Beraya di medan
Panglima beraya di perbatasan
KOTA BHARU 30 Ogos - Lazimnya anggota tentera yang bertugas di perbatasan ketika Hari Raya Aidilfitri hanya menyambutnya bersama rakan sepasukan.Bagaimanapun pada tahun ini sambutannya berbeza apabila mereka bakal disertai oleh Panglima Tentera Darat, Jeneral Datuk Zulkifeli Mohd. Zin dan panglima tentera darat yang lain.
Zulkifeli berkata, ia bukan satu amalan baru tetapi menjadi pendekatan kepimpinannya untuk melibatkan kesemua panglima di bawah sayap tentera darat bersama-sama mendampingi anggota yang sedang bertugas.
"Pada 1 Syawal saya akan menyambut lebaran bersama anggota yang sedang bertugas di Perak, saya akan bersama-sama mereka membakar lemang, selepas itu bersama dengan anggota yang menjalankan operasi di kawasan sempadan.
"Begitu juga dengan panglima-panglima saya yang lain, sebagai contoh Panglima Medan akan menyambut lebaran bersama dengan anggota yang menjalankan operasi di Johor," katanya.
Beliau bercakap kepada pemberita selepas Majlis Penganugerahan Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) dan penyampaian zakat kepada ahli Persatuan Bekas Tentera Malaysia (PBTM) di Kem 8 Briged di sini malam tadi.
Turut hadir, Presiden PBTM, Datuk Muhammad Abdul Ghani. Pada majlis tersebut Zulkifeli turut menyampaikan PJM kepada 90 bekas anggota tentera yang berkhidmat pada zaman darurat.
PJM adalah bagi menghargai jasa mereka yang berkorban untuk memastikan keamanan negara terutama ketika menentang pemberontakan komunis.
Zulkifeli berkata, anggota yang bertugas ketika Hari Raya Aidilfitri melakukan pengorbanan yang besar meninggalkan keluarga untuk berada di perbatasan negara.
"Mereka berada di sempadan negara untuk menjaga keamanan meninggalkan anak dan isteri, jadi saya bersama panglima yang lain akan mendekati mereka supaya hari raya disambut dengan penuh bermakna biarpun tanpa kehadiran orang tersayang," katanya.
Sementara itu, beliau berkata, pihaknya akan mengetatkan kawalan di sempadan negara ketika musim perayaan ini bagi mengelak dibolosi oleh pihak tertentu.
"Jangan ingat ketika hari raya aman, jadi kita telah mengambil langkah yang sewajarnya dan mengingatkan anggota kita supaya tidak leka," katanya.
Beliau bagaimanapun menjelaskan anggota tentera di sempadan tidak akan ditambah kerana jumlah sedia ada sudah memadai.
Pada masa sama, beliau meminta semua bekas tentera supaya menyertai PBTM bagi memastikan kebajikan mereka terpelihara.
Katanya, ahli PBTM juga perlu bersatu supaya persatuan itu kuat dan suara mereka didengar oleh kerajaan.
BHarian
Ganyang Malaysia 11
Ganyang Malaysia' merebak
Oleh Mohd Anwar Patho Rohnman di Jakarta
wananwar@bharian.com.my
2010/09/01
KUMPULAN dikenali Lumbung Informasi Rakyat mengadakan demonstrasi di luar Kedutaan Malaysia di Jakarta, semalam.
Kira-kira 50 penunjuk perasaan berbaju merah putih sebelum itu berkumpul di depan bangunan pejabat Menara Rajawali yang menempatkan pejabat Petronas dan melaung-laungkan perkataan ‘Ganyang Malaysia’ sambil menaikkan sepanduk anti-Malaysia.
Kumpulan itu kemudian berjalan dan menunggang motosikal ke pejabat Kedutaan Malaysia pada jam 2.30 petang dan mengadakan tunjuk perasaan secara aman. Bagaimanapun, tiada kekacauan atau kejadian membaling najis seperti yang berlaku dalam tunjuk perasaan Kumpulan Benteng Demokrasi Rakyat Malaysia (BENDERA), baru-baru ini.
Kira-kira 170 pegawai dan anggota Polis Indonesia turut membuat kawalan ketat di luar pintu masuk Pejabat Kedutaan Malaysia sejak jam 10 pagi.
Ketua penunjuk perasaan, Jojo Priosi yang menggunakan pembesar suara mengutuk Kerajaan Malaysia yang didakwa menghina kedaulatan dan rakyat Indonesia, gagal menangani dengan baik isu Tenaga Kerja Indonesia dan melakukan muslihat dalam isu sempadan.
Beliau juga mendakwa tindakan pejabat Kedutaan Malaysia menggaji rakyat Indonesia bekerja dan memanggil Polis Indonesia berkawal di luar pagar kedutaan sebagai menghina rakyat Indonesia.
Jurucakap GERAM yang mahu dikenali sebagai Sheila pula berkata, kumpulan itu mendesak Kerajaan Indonesia menjadikan Malaysia wilayah ke-34 republik itu jika Kuala Lumpur terus menunjukkan sikap tidak menghormati Indonesia.
Malah, katanya, GERAM akan melancarkan kempen memboikot produk Malaysia dan berhenti melawat Malaysia.
Sementara itu, Duta Malaysia di Indonesia, Datuk Syed Munshe Afdzaruddin Syed Hassan, berkata rakyat Malaysia tidak perlu bimbang dengan keselamatan keluarga mereka di negara ini.
Katanya, Kerajaan Indonesia menerusi Kementerian Luarnya dan Polis Indonesia memberi jaminan untuk menjaga keselamatan rakyat Malaysia sama ada yang bekerja, melancong atau belajar di negara ini.
“Kita dimaklumkan oleh pemerintah Indonesia yang mereka tidak berkompromi dalam soal keselamatan rakyat dan harta benda Malaysia di sini.
“Kita harap
Bhopal Litigation is Unending
Supreme Court reopens Bhopal gas tragedy case
Rubina Khan Shapoo, A Vaidyanathan, Updated: August 31, 2010 20:13 IST
New Delhi: Seven Indians, who were executives of Union Carbide, and were sentenced to two years in jail for their role in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984 could soon be looking at tougher charges. The Supreme Court has re-opened the Bhopal case.
It's part of the government's new campaign to correct the infinite wrongs of the past which collectively led to a shocking verdict earlier this year. 15,000 people have died since 1984, when a gas leak at the Carbide plant poisoned the Bhopal air on a December night. A Bhopal court sentenced seven former Carbide executives, including then chairman Keshub Mahindra, to two years in jail. They were granted bail immediately.
That nano-punishment provoked political criticism and public anger. So the CBI asked the Supreme Court, through a curative petition, to review its own decision. In 1996, the Supreme Court had diluted the charges against the Carbide executives from culpable homicide to criminal negligence. Asking it to reconsider that ruling, the CBI said, "The men behind one of the world's biggest industrial catastrophes should not walk away with a minimal punishment of two years despite ample evidence to show the commission of an offence of homicide."
The former Carbide employees now have to explain why their sentence should not be scaled up ''Definitely it is the first step and it sends out the right message that no matter how high you are the law is above you," said the CBI's lawyer, Devadatt Kamat.
The government hopes to also hold Dow Chemicals, which bought Carbide in 1999, financially liable for the disaster. So far, Dow has resolutely held that it cannot be linked to the tragedy through its ownership of Carbide. It says that Carbide sold its Indian interests to a company named Eveready.
What the Opposition and several activists also want is a more concerted attempt to have Warren Anderson, who was CEO of Carbide in 1984, extradited to India. Anderson visited Bhopal hours after the gas tragedy but was then allowed to leave the city on the Chief Minister's plane. His government-assisted getaway has become a crucial point of controversy, with the Congress repeatedly insisting that then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi did not sanction - or intervene to arrange - Anderson's exit.
In Parliament earlier this month, Arjun Singh, who was Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in 1984, said Anderson had to be removed from Bhopal because there was a very real possibility of him being attacked by angry crowds.
It's part of the government's new campaign to correct the infinite wrongs of the past which collectively led to a shocking verdict earlier this year. 15,000 people have died since 1984, when a gas leak at the Carbide plant poisoned the Bhopal air on a December night. A Bhopal court sentenced seven former Carbide executives, including then chairman Keshub Mahindra, to two years in jail. They were granted bail immediately.
That nano-punishment provoked political criticism and public anger. So the CBI asked the Supreme Court, through a curative petition, to review its own decision. In 1996, the Supreme Court had diluted the charges against the Carbide executives from culpable homicide to criminal negligence. Asking it to reconsider that ruling, the CBI said, "The men behind one of the world's biggest industrial catastrophes should not walk away with a minimal punishment of two years despite ample evidence to show the commission of an offence of homicide."
The former Carbide employees now have to explain why their sentence should not be scaled up ''Definitely it is the first step and it sends out the right message that no matter how high you are the law is above you," said the CBI's lawyer, Devadatt Kamat.
The government hopes to also hold Dow Chemicals, which bought Carbide in 1999, financially liable for the disaster. So far, Dow has resolutely held that it cannot be linked to the tragedy through its ownership of Carbide. It says that Carbide sold its Indian interests to a company named Eveready.
What the Opposition and several activists also want is a more concerted attempt to have Warren Anderson, who was CEO of Carbide in 1984, extradited to India. Anderson visited Bhopal hours after the gas tragedy but was then allowed to leave the city on the Chief Minister's plane. His government-assisted getaway has become a crucial point of controversy, with the Congress repeatedly insisting that then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi did not sanction - or intervene to arrange - Anderson's exit.
In Parliament earlier this month, Arjun Singh, who was Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh in 1984, said Anderson had to be removed from Bhopal because there was a very real possibility of him being attacked by angry crowds.
Story first published:
August 31, 2010 15:00 IST
India TimesRestless Heartland
UDON THANI, THAILAND — In front of the charred ruins of the municipal hall here, a huge poster carries the photographs of 76 people being sought in an attack on the building three months ago, on the day the anti-government “red shirt” protests were crushed in Bangkok. Only 11 have been caught.
Scores of people are in hiding, many of them sheltered by a mostly sympathetic population. Scores more, arrested at the scene, are being held without bail.
Here in the heart of red shirt country, the government appears to have made little headway in calming or winning over its opponents, and the arrests and detentions illustrate the continuing divisions in the country.
In Bangkok, nearly 500 kilometers, or 300 miles, to the southeast, a sense of normalcy has covered over the wounds of the red shirts’ long occupation of the city center, which ended on May 19 with a military assault in which about 90 people died.
But the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says red shirt leaders are continuing to plot violence, and it has kept seven provinces, including Udon Thani, under a state of emergency to prevent any resurgence of unrest.
As part of a nationwide campaign of censorship of opposition Web sites and radio stations, the government has shut down 46 local stations here in Udon Thani Province. Public gatherings of more than five people are forbidden.
In this province, home to many who protested in Bangkok in April and May, critics of the government have retreated into silence.
“People here are afraid of everything,” said Pramool Chatasuk, 66, who owns a dry cleaning business here in the provincial capital. “They are afraid that the government will think they are doing something wrong. They are afraid to speak.”
Sitting on a secluded bench in front of the burned-out municipal hall, an opposition radio broadcaster who now must hold his tongue said: “If I open my mouth too much, it will bring attention to me. I think I should cooperate with what they ask me to do.”
Nineteen red shirt leaders were indicted on terrorism charges two weeks ago in Bangkok. Here in northeastern Thailand, at least 164 lower-level sympathizers are in prison, according to the People’s Information Center, a network of academics sympathetic to the red shirts.
While working to prevent further violence, Mr. Abhisit is trying to bring the country together with a policy of “national reconciliation” that includes commissions to investigate the recent violence and to find ways to repair a broken society.
In a prison interview here, Natthayot Phajuang, a red shirt leader who is serving a six-month sentence, said the continuing detentions were making it difficult to find common ground.
“If he wants people in the country to love each other in harmony again,” he said of Mr. Abhisit, “he shouldn’t use prison to separate us.”
But many people here say they are not ready to reconcile. They say they are still hoping for the return of the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup in 2006. He is believed to have been active in directing and financing the red shirts as he moves from country to country evading a Thai prison sentence for corruption. Mr. Thaksin had won the loyalty of rural voters with populist policies that have improved their lives with low-cost medical care and easy credit.
Mr. Abhisit has continued and even enhanced some of these programs, but he appears to have won few converts here.
“Even though we know that the government has good policies, we won’t accept it,” said Urai Poulchan, 62, a small-business man. “We want Thaksin back.”
The Thai economy has suffered along with that of the rest of the world, and people here remember better economic times under Mr. Thaksin. They also repeat what they call the wisdom he brought them when he empowered them as an electoral base.
“The rich have lived comfortably for many years,” said Mr. Pramool, the dry cleaner. “Now the poor people are learning the truth, and that makes the rich unhappy. When people become clever, that means it will be more difficult to govern them.”
New York Times
Scores of people are in hiding, many of them sheltered by a mostly sympathetic population. Scores more, arrested at the scene, are being held without bail.
Here in the heart of red shirt country, the government appears to have made little headway in calming or winning over its opponents, and the arrests and detentions illustrate the continuing divisions in the country.
In Bangkok, nearly 500 kilometers, or 300 miles, to the southeast, a sense of normalcy has covered over the wounds of the red shirts’ long occupation of the city center, which ended on May 19 with a military assault in which about 90 people died.
But the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says red shirt leaders are continuing to plot violence, and it has kept seven provinces, including Udon Thani, under a state of emergency to prevent any resurgence of unrest.
As part of a nationwide campaign of censorship of opposition Web sites and radio stations, the government has shut down 46 local stations here in Udon Thani Province. Public gatherings of more than five people are forbidden.
In this province, home to many who protested in Bangkok in April and May, critics of the government have retreated into silence.
“People here are afraid of everything,” said Pramool Chatasuk, 66, who owns a dry cleaning business here in the provincial capital. “They are afraid that the government will think they are doing something wrong. They are afraid to speak.”
Sitting on a secluded bench in front of the burned-out municipal hall, an opposition radio broadcaster who now must hold his tongue said: “If I open my mouth too much, it will bring attention to me. I think I should cooperate with what they ask me to do.”
Nineteen red shirt leaders were indicted on terrorism charges two weeks ago in Bangkok. Here in northeastern Thailand, at least 164 lower-level sympathizers are in prison, according to the People’s Information Center, a network of academics sympathetic to the red shirts.
While working to prevent further violence, Mr. Abhisit is trying to bring the country together with a policy of “national reconciliation” that includes commissions to investigate the recent violence and to find ways to repair a broken society.
In a prison interview here, Natthayot Phajuang, a red shirt leader who is serving a six-month sentence, said the continuing detentions were making it difficult to find common ground.
“If he wants people in the country to love each other in harmony again,” he said of Mr. Abhisit, “he shouldn’t use prison to separate us.”
But many people here say they are not ready to reconcile. They say they are still hoping for the return of the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup in 2006. He is believed to have been active in directing and financing the red shirts as he moves from country to country evading a Thai prison sentence for corruption. Mr. Thaksin had won the loyalty of rural voters with populist policies that have improved their lives with low-cost medical care and easy credit.
Mr. Abhisit has continued and even enhanced some of these programs, but he appears to have won few converts here.
“Even though we know that the government has good policies, we won’t accept it,” said Urai Poulchan, 62, a small-business man. “We want Thaksin back.”
The Thai economy has suffered along with that of the rest of the world, and people here remember better economic times under Mr. Thaksin. They also repeat what they call the wisdom he brought them when he empowered them as an electoral base.
“The rich have lived comfortably for many years,” said Mr. Pramool, the dry cleaner. “Now the poor people are learning the truth, and that makes the rich unhappy. When people become clever, that means it will be more difficult to govern them.”
New York Times
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Perkasa's Conterattack
Perkasa declares Malay rights not for debate
By Neville Sypkerman and Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
August 31, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — Perkasa today sidestepped Nurul Izzah Anwar’s challenge to a public debate on Malay rights, saying the community’s special position and privileges should not be questioned. The Lembah Pantai MP wrote in The Malaysian Insider today that Perkasa’s idea of “Malay rights” was a mere ideological and philosophical construct which was not rooted in the Constitution, and invited them to a debate.
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“She is a young kid that does not know or appreciate the history and meaning of the fight towards independence...so inexperienced and yet she is already auctioning the pride of her own race.
“My fight is with her father, not her. She is small fry,” Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali told The Malaysian Insider via text message.
Ibrahim dismissed Nurul’s arguments, and instead told her to focus on her father’s (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) Sodomy II trial.
“This is too small an issue, ask her to focus on her father’s sodomy case, or debate with the Wiranita chief. Is her father’s trial really a conspiracy?” said Ibrahim.
Perkasa Wiranita (Women’s Wing) chief Raihan Sulaiman Palestine echoed Ibrahim’s sentiments, stressing that Article 153 of the Federal Constitution was clear in according Malays special rights.
“Lately there have been a lot of questions, a lot of arguments against Article 153. How can this be? You cannot have a debate on something that is expressively stated within the Constitution.
“Even in Parliament, you have to get more than two-thirds agreement to change or even talk about the constitution, and she (Nurul) wants to have a public debate on it? What the Malays deserve, what they are entitled to is there in black and white,” said Raihan.
Raihan told The Malaysian Insider that Perkasa would go out of its way to ensure that no one questioned any provisions within the Federal Constitution that guaranteed Malays their “rights and privileges.”
“We will do everything and anything we can within the Federal Constitution to protect Malay rights...And if Nurul Izzah cannot understand this, swallow it. This is the reality,” said Raihan.
Nurul said that it was important to note that the Reid Commission, which drafted the constitution, had seen Article 153 as temporary measure, subject to review after 15 years by Parliament, before it was institutionalised into the NEP following the 1969 race riots.
Arguing that Malaysia was at a “monumental cross-road”, Nurul hammered home the point that it ultimately came down to the people to decide if Ketuanan Melayu (Malay supremacy) or Ketuanan Rakyat (people’s supremacy) was going to define Malaysia.
“Once the next general election outcome is determined, and if ‘Ketuanan Melayu’ is victorious, then some may choose to vote with their feet (emigrate with massive brain drain and a diminishing tax base), and some will choose to vote with their wallet (domestic capital flight compounded with decreasing FDI that further stunts our economic growth), which in turn will indicate the makings of a potential failed state with irreversible consequences,” she warned.
“What is left will be a shell of a former Malaysia that could have been a great example of a democratic and pluralistic nation to the world.”
Malay rights groups like Perkasa as well as the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) have been increasingly vocal in their racial rhetoric in arguing for maintaining the pro-Bumiputera New Economic Policy (NEP).
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also thrown his weight behind Perkasa, allaying fears of a revolution if the economic disparities between the Bumiputeras and the non-Bumiputeras were not dealt with.
Dr Mahathir has maintained that the NEP needed to be retained indefinitely in order for Bumiputeras to be successful.
MI
UMNO Baru Character
August 31, 2010
AUG 31 — The Umno-dominated government stubbornly sticks to the same old tricks to try to sink the Opposition. One such stale attempt is to label as “traitors” those who refuse to suck up to its spent elite leaders. And so Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid (AZ) who apparently ran out of steam to shut the Opposition up on the Scorpene submarines scandal, resorted to calling Nurul Izzah a “traitor”.It seems that the Member of Parliament (MP) has stained the nation's image by revealing on 4 Aug. 2010 in an interview with Kompas, a newspaper in Indonesia, that the country’s first submarine cannot dive.
Below are his comments (in bold) followed by a response which when added up points to the ironic conclusion that it is the Defence Minister and Umno who could be the real traitors after all!
AZ: “The statement has damaged the country’s image in the eyes of the world.”
Strange, since when did the supremacists in Umno really bother about world opinion?
AZ: “She has undermined the country’s reputation.”
Bolehland already has such a bad reputation for her buckling economy, brain drain numbers, a “bunch of idiots” in the judiciary (N H Chan), bowed media and biased and brutal Police Force.
Added to that is the burgeoning bigotry, “bloody racists”, brute-majority parliament, buffoons in the MACC and a badly “screwed-up” AG Chambers! What is left of our “reputation” that Nurul can do more harm to?
AZ: “It is an act as that of a "penderhaka" (traitor).”
What about Umno’s self-serving sycophants who deceive, deny and deprive the poor Malays of what has been due to them, like the RM52 billion worth of shares allocated to the Malay community since 1971?
The Umnoputras betray their own race by bleeding this country dry and siphoning and stashing their ill-gotten gains overseas whilst making the non-Malays the scapegoat for the “failure” of the NEP!
AZ: “As a member of parliament, she should have been more ethical.”
Does AZ mean “ethical” as in a trumped up sodomy case without penetration, a life blown up by a C4 explosion, a tragic death by “self-strangulation” and a colossal RM12.5 billion case of daylight corruption?
AZ: “The manner in which she disparages the Malaysian armed forces is disgraceful.”
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) does not need to be so defensive, for Nurul does not need to disparage the Armed Forces. With the help of greedy Umno cronies they often end up disgracing themselves.
Take for example, in 1985 Mindef bought 88 A4 Skyhawks from the US (which she used during the Vietnam War) and then left 35 of them parked in the Arizona desert. No one knows where they are now!
A defence attaché in the 80’s commented on the purchase of certain tanks and armoured personnel carriers: “I hope to God Malaysia never gets into a war. They couldn’t get out of their own footprints.”
It was an utter disgrace when PSC-Naval Dockyard, owned by Umno crony Amin Shah Omar, failed to fulfill its 1998 contract to build naval vessels. Yet,the Finance Ministry overpaid it about RM1 billion!
In fact, Najib, as Defence Minister, left a “disgraceful” legacy of financial mismanagement, irregularities in procurement, wastage and even grave allegations of kickbacks, bribery and corruption.
In the 2002 acquisition of two Scorpene submarines for one billion euros (RM4.7 billion), the commission of 114 million euros was allegedly paid to Perimekar, a company of Razak Baginda (a close ally of Najib).
In 2003, Malaysia bought 18 Sukhoi fighter jets worth US$900 million. A commission of US$108 million was allegedly given to Umno stalwart Adib Adam the chairman of the local company handling the deal.
AZ must have found the disappearance of two F5-E jet engines worth RM50 million each from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Sungai Besi rather embarrassing and disgraceful.
Over the past 23 years, RM180 billion of the rakyat’s money has been spent on national defence! Yet our military capability is still in such a scandalous state today. Can anything be more disgraceful than this?
AZ: “She has put the security of the nation at risk.”
The real enemy is within. The country is at its greatest risk with Umno’s rogues, racists, religious fanatics and rabble rousing newspapers – all of whom are allowed to roam and run riot!
AZ: “Politicians should stop politicising national defence issues.”
Yes AZ, it is disgraceful for Umno to use national defence spending as a surefire money-spinner!
AZ: "Although we may have differences in opinion, we should stick to the truth…”
The truth is that Nurul was only reiterating what AZ had revealed in Parliament on March 17 that one of the submarines was not being able to dive because of technical problems. Surely AZ is not a traitor?
Nurul nipped the Minister’s nonsense (that her statement had threatened national security) in the bud by arguing that
• the problems regarding the submarine were common knowledge
• AZ had himself said that such technical problems were also faced by many other countries
• information on the dive status of any submarine in the world was easily available.
She pointed out to the defensive minister: “If it is true that the minister is a patriot, why then is he not supporting the MACC’s probe on the commission paid to Perimekar Sdn Bhd…?”
She added that the navy’s revelation that it was only conducting its integrated navy exercise once, instead of three times a year in order to save cost (Bernama, 6 Aug.) was even a greater security threat!
Harebrained Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein Onn jumped on to AZ’s bandwagon and added that Nurul’s criticism of Malaysia abroad “proved that PKR’s struggles were not accepted in this country”.
The Umno vice-president added that “the opposition pact clearly failed to win the hearts of the people to the extent that it had to go abroad to explain their struggles pertaining to national issues”.
Why then did the PM have to go to the US to explain his policies to Obama and why pay RM50,000 in an attempt to get his opinion-editorial article published in one of the major newspapers in the US?
In inferring that Nurul was a traitor, he forgot that his grandfather was a “good traitor” who had formed two parties to fight against Umno and so was his father who refused to join Umno Baru until his death!
Minister in the PM's Department Jamil Khir Baharom said that Nurul had “sinned” by tarnishing the country’s image. The ambitious Umno man forgot he had majored in many sins as a young major!
Alas, Nurul Izzah is a young MP who, by her own merit, is daring enough to dive deep in search for the truth and in spite of the uncertain implications. She just happens to be the daughter of Anwar Ibrahim.
In contrast, we have Umno’s “old” men whose statements betray their shallowness and who, in trying to keep Umno afloat, are bent on using their sillyscare tactics, sabre-rattling tricks and sinister theatrics.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or newspaper. The Malaysian Insider does not endorse the view unless specified.
Monday, 30 August 2010
MERDEKA
53rd MERDEKA (August 31, 2010)
by M Krishnamoorthy @www.malaysiakini.com (August 29, 2010)Celia:
“Now go we in content
To liberty, and not to banishment.”Shakespeare, As You Like It (I,iii, 139-140)
The free intermingling of Malays, Chinese and Indians working together in harmony was the main reason Malaya achieved independence in 1957 without shedding a drop of blood.
“The greatest source of our pride has been the manner in which it has been achieved. It has been won by the spontaneous support of all communities in this country – Malays, Chinese, Indians and others who regard Malaya as their home,” said the nation’s founder and first prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Tunku made this remark six months before Independence Day, August 31, 1957. We talk about 1Malaysia now as if it is something new, but it used to be taken for granted when there was no divide among the races as there is now, when there was hardly any talk of which race we belonged to.
What happened along the way? Was it the education system that molded us into thinking ourselves as different from the other? Why are school principals, who are supposed to emulate the concept of 1Malaysia. using racial slurs to divide the nation?
Fifty-three years ago, Tunku was convinced that this nation could survive only when the races were united. From this foundation of national unity in work, in play, in life, Malaya got its independence. I was eight years old then. There was no need for a campaign for 1Malaysia because we were all seen as one nation, one race – Malayans.
In schools, we all played as though we were of one race without noticing what creed, culture or religion we belonged to. I studied, ate and played with all races, and I did not have any mental block as to how a Malay or Chinese child was different from me. My parents would take me, my brothers and sisters to visit all the different places of worship during the various religious festivals.
‘Not a Drop of Blood’
‘Not a Drop of Blood’
On February 9, 1957, Tunku as then-chief minister of Malaya, in a speech broadcast over Radio Malaya, said: “Throughout our campaign, not one outbreak of violence occurred and, true to the pledge I gave, not one drop of blood was spilt in our constitutional struggle for Independence.
The speech was part of a nationwide campaign for contributions to fund the inaugural Merdeka celebrations. Can you guess what the amount was for the celebrations? It was just a meager one million dollars (then).
“A certain portion of this sum will be required by government itself for the entertainment of foreign guests who will be invited to our celebrations,” said Tunku.
In speaking of Independence Day, he emphasised that “we have become a free nation solely through the efforts and support of the public themselves.”
“You will recall that the Alliance took the political field on the paramount issue of independence, and in the national election, the fact that Alliance candidates swept the board with a majority hitherto unknown in any country in the world indicates that the public decided in no uncertain terms that they want Independence.”
“When the delegation (of Malayan ministers and political leaders) went to England in 1956, we made known to the British government the wishes of the people. The British government accepted these wishes with good grace. They agreed to the date proposed by us for the granting of independence.
“But while the achievement of our independence is a matter of which we can be justly proud, all of us should remember our Independence Day with a feeling of thankfulness and gratitude.
“We must thank God for our achievement, and at the same time I would like to thank all of you for your support. The occasion we are to celebrate is the birth of a new nation. Let us make this event unforgettable.”
A Disturbed, Distracted world
A Disturbed, Distracted world
Tunku was seen as a leader who listened and was liberal in the way he wanted citizens to play a more dominant role. There was a consensus that the money should be spent wisely, and the leaders listened to the people.
Given the racial unity among Malayans, Tunku would not have tolerated allusions to some citizens being penumpang (free-riders) and pendatang (immigrants). He would have nipped it in the bud instead of waiting and delaying action against government servants who use such words to humiliate the other races.
Neither would the Tunku have tolerated corruption reaching such heights of indecency as it is now.Imagine,
only one million dollars was allocated for the celebrations. If we had gotten back the billions that have gone to corruption over the past 53 years, we could celebrate in streets paved in gold.
Tunku words in his speech on Independence Day reverberated throughout the Merdeka Stadium where it was delivered, just as they reverberate to this day:
“But while we think of the past, we look forward in faith and hope to the future: from henceforth, we are masters our destiny, and the welfare of this beloved land is our own responsibility. Let no one think we have reached the end of the road: independence is indeed a milestone, but it is only the threshold to high endeavour—the creation of a new and sovereign state.
“At this solemn moment, therefore, I call upon to dedicate yourselves to the service of the new Malaya: to work and strive with hand and brain to create a new nation, inspired by the ideals of justice and liberty – a beacon of light in a disturbed and distracted world.”
Part 2 tomorrowM KRISHNAMOORTHY is a freelance journalist and local coordinator for CNN, BBC and several other foreign television networks. He was formerly with The Star and New Straits Times and has authored four books.
Melayu dan Islam mesti difahami
Hari Kemerdekaan ke 53 Bukan Melayu Perlu Tahu Melayu dan Islam Yang Sebenar
by Shen Yee Aun
The Great Islam
Hari Kemerdekaan ke 53 Bukan Melayu Perlu Tahu Melayu dan Islam Yang Sebenar
Perpaduan tidak dapat dicapai sekirannya kita yang berbangsa bukan Melayu ada prejudis , pemikiran negatif , perasaan takut dan gementar dan salah faham dan pandangan terhadap erti Melayu dan Islam yang sebenar. Kita akan cenderung untuk lebih menjarakkan dan menjauhkan diri daripada mereka.
Jangan sebab nila setitik rosak susu sebelangga. Jangan disebabkan beberapa pemimpin Melayu yang memiliki kepentingan politik dan peribadi sendiri dengan menggunakan nama Melayu dan Islam sebagai alat dan senjata maka kita terus menyalahkan seluruh komuniti Melayu dan Islam.
Keris
Sebelum ini ada seorang pemimpin Melayu menghunus keris ke langit dan mencabar bukan Melayu jangan mencabar mereka. Bukan Melayu kena faham bahawa itu bukan budaya dan adat Melayu. Hakikatnya dalam adat mereka keris tidak boleh dihunus sesuka hati. Keris hanya boleh dihunus apabila mereka dicabar dan bukannya digunakan untuk mencabar. Sebab itu dalam adat Melayu ada pepatah menyatakan biar mati anak jangan mati adat. Namun ada juga sebilangan pemimpin yang lebih rela biar mati adat jangan mati UMNO.
Terdapat juga seorang pemimpin Melayu di Pulau Pinang yang menyatakan Cina adalah pendatang. Tindakan biadap dan kurang ajar ini juga bukan Melayu. Melayu yang sebenar kaya dan budi perkerti dan budi bahasa mereka. Jika benar sekalipun bukan Melayu adalah pendatang maka Melayu yang sebenar dalam budaya dan karya kesusasteraan mereka merupakan satu – satunya bangsa di dunia yang banyak menekankan tentang melayan tetamu mereka dengan baik.
Dalam Islam juga merupakan antara agama yang amat memuliakan tetamu.
“Setiap kamu terhadap kehidupan ini adalah seperti rumah tamu. Setiap hari kamu dikunjungi pelbagai tamu dengan pelbagai kerenah. Bukalah pintu untuk mereka dan layan sebaik yang kamu mampu. Andai kamu menutup pintu, kamu sangka diri makin selesa tetapi hakikatnya kamu semakin kehilangan segala-galanya”.
(Jalaluddin al-Rumi)
Hak Beragama dan Beribadat
Terdapat juga segelintir pemimpin Melayu yang tidak menghormati hak beribadat dan beragama orang lain. Mereka ini bukan Islam yang sebenar. Realitinya dalam perlembagaan madinah iaitu perlembagaan pertama di dunia yang digubal oleh Nabi Muhammad s.a.w sendiri memperuntukkan fasal – fasal perundangan untuk melindungi bukan Islam termasuk Yahudi dan mereka bebas mengamalkan dan mempraktikkan agama mereka.
Kelemahan Pemimpin Melayu
Soal negara ini lemah dipimpin oleh Melayu Islam. Tidak. Sejarah dan tamadun Islam kaya dengan kecermerlangan dan kegemilangan mereka. Pada zaman pemerintahan Khalifah Umar Abdul Aziz kekayaan negara sampai boleh bertahan sehingga beberapa generasi. Begitu unggulnya pemerintahan dan pentadbiran Islam yang sebenar.
Isu Melayu malas dan tidak maju. Tidak. Itu bukan Islam yang sebenar. Tuhan mereka merupakan satu – satunya Tuhan di dunia dalam wahyu pertamanya menekankan tentang soal membaca dan menimba ilmu pengetahuan.
Keistimewaan dan Ketuanan Melayu
Melayu dikatakan telah merasakan mereka istimewa berbanding kaum di tanah ini. Itu juga bukan Melayu dan Islam yang sebenar. Pada pandangan Tuhan mereka tiada perbezaan antara keturunan dan warna kulit. Jika tidak mengapa Tuhan mereka memilih seorang rasul yang suku kaumnnya bukannya majoriti di Makkah pada ketika itu? Yang membezakan sesama diri kita di mata Tuhan adalah dosa dan pahala yang kita bina selama ini.
Isu ketuanan dan keistimewaan Melayu. Tidak itu juga bukan Melayu yang sebenar. Antara perjuangan awal Nabi Muhammad s.a.w di Makkah adalah hak persamaan taraf antara golongan hamba dengan suku kaum utama di Makkah iaitu Arab Quraisy pada ketika itu. Ciri – ciri Arab jahiliah seperti semangat kabilah dan assabiyah ditentang sepenuhnya oleh Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.
Dendam Melayu
Melayu pada hari ini dikatakan berdendam. Tidak. Itu bukan Melayu Islam yang sebenar. Bangsa Arab Quraisy yang menyeksa penganut Islam , memulaukan Nabi dan keluarga , mencaci , menentang dan cuba membunuh Nabi Muhammad sendiri tetapi apabila Kota Makkah dibuka semula oleh Nabi Muhammad. Baginda sendiri tidak pernah membalas dendam terhadap segala ketidakbaikkan yang dilakukan oleh mereka.
Segala keganasan dan provokasi yang dilakukan oleh organinasi dan pemimpin tertentu juga bukan Melayu yang sebenar. Melayu amat mementingkan tentang sifat keserdehanaan. Islam pula mementingkan kedamaian.
Muafakat
Melayu yang sebenar amat mementingkan tentang soal muafakat , kerjasama dan perpaduan. Sebab itu banyak peribahasa Melayu yang berunsur sedemikian. Contoh bersatu kita teguh , bercerai kita roboh , sehati sejiwa , berganding bahu , berat sama dipikul , ringan sama dijinjing , bulat air kerana pembentung , bulat manusia kerana muafakat dan pelbagai lagi.
Tun Mahathir
Ada juga seorang bekas Perdana Menteri negara baru – baru ini garang memperjuangkan agenda Melayu. Muka talam sebeginilah yang menggunakan Melayu dan Islam demi populariti sendiri. Beliau sendiri ada 22 tahun untuk memajukan Melayu tetapi ke manakah Melayu pada hari ini?
Hudud
Terdapat juga Melayu Islam sendiri yang cuba takutkan bukan Melayu terhadap perundangan Islam seperti Hudud. Pertama perundangan tersebut hanya tertakluk kepada Islam. Kedua jika kita tidak mencuri , merogol dan melakukan kejahatan mengapa kita perlu takut pada perundangan sebegini? Ketiga jika pada hari ini anak , adik dan orang terdekat kita yang menjadi mangsa penjenayah bukankah perundangan sebegini baik untuk kita?
Sekolah Vernakular
Terdapat juga Melayu Islam yang hendak menghapuskan sekolah vernakular. Hakikatnya dalam hadis mereka ada menyatakan tuntutlah ilmu sampai ke negeri China.
PERKASA dan Ibrahim Ali
Perjuangan pertubuhan ini terlalu radikal. Kita lihat bagaimana Nabi Muhammad menyebarkan Islam. 3 tahun secara sulit dan 10 tahun secara terbuka namun tidak pernah menggunakan paksaan dan kekerasaan. Melayu pula percaya pada falsafah berpuasa iaitu hidup besederhana maka segala tindakan mereka seharusnya bersederhana.
Bukan Islam Masuk Masjid dan Isu Berdoa Untuk Bukan Islam
Isu ini hanya dipolitikkan semata – mata. Dalam al – Quran iaitu sumber rujukkan , tertinggi dan utama dalam Islam hanya menyebut hanya satu masjid al-haram dan tanah haram sahaja yang tidak boleh dimasuki oleh bukan Melayu. Nabi Muhammad sendiri membenarkan bukan Islam tinggal dan berada di dalam masjid pada zaman pemerintahannya. Iman Shafee juga menyatakan tiada masalah untuk bukan Melayu memasuki masjid.
Isu berdoa untuk bukan Islam juga dipolitikkan oleh pemimpin , organisasi dan media kawalan mereka. Sebagai bukan Islam saya tidak berani untuk mengatakan dari segi hukum boleh atau tidak namun yang saya pasti jika benar sekalipun mereka silap Islam yang sebenar adalah membenarkan mereka. Mengajar mereka dan membawa mereka ke arah jalan yang benar. Bukannya mengaibkan mereka di media , memaki , memalukan dan menyerang mereka. Saya pasti itu bukan Islam yang saya kenali.
Lagipun isu ini Teo Ni Ching sudah memohon maaf. Masih ingat bagaimana Khalifah Ali bin Abu Talib berhenti menyerang apabila pihak lawan menyerah diri dan mengaku kalah?
Isu Ekonomi Melayu Dirampas
Ekonomi mereka dirampas oleh Melayu UMNO dan bukannya bukan Melayu. Banyak Cina dan India yang kaya juga disebabkan oleh UMNO yang menjadikan mereka kaya . 52 Billion yang sepatutnya digunakan untuk pembangunan Melayu lesap di tangan mereka. Fitnah dan tohmahan dalam Islam lebih teruk daripada membunuh. Sebab itu mereka bukan Melayu dan Islam yang sebenar. Mereka cuba mengasingkan penguasaan GLC yang dimiliki 100% oleh Melayu dalam ekuiti sebenar negara. Jika tidak Melayu sudah memiliki ekuiti lebih daripada 60% jika mereka jujur untuk melaporkannya.
Segala serangan dan kenyataan mereka yang bodoh , dangkal , keterlaluan , melampaui batas dan jahil juga bukan Melayu. Melayu amat berjaga – jaga dan tutur kata mereka. Terkenal dengan sifat kelembutan dan budi bahasa yang tinggi. Sebab itu dalam peribahasa Melayu ada menyatakan terlanjak perahu boleh diundur tetapi terlanjur kata buruk padahnya.
Saya Merayu Supaya Kita Adil Kepada Melayu dan Islam Lain
Bukankah Melayu dan Islam sebenar yang saya bongkarkan kepada kalian jelas menunjukkan betapa agungnya dan tingginya nilai , moral , etika dan kebaikkan Melayu dan Islam yang sebenar ? Jangan sesekali kita keliru untuk membezakan antara yang tulen dan yang palsu. Yang benar dan yang salah. Yang baik dan yang buruk.
Cubalah mendekatkan diri lagi kepada Melayu dan Islam yang sebenar yang banyak terdapat dalam masyarakat dan individu biasa di negara ini. Janganlah kita dipengaruhi oleh segelintir pemimpin dan organasisi sehingga kita ada Melayuphobia dan Islamphobia.
Kamus Melayu dan Islam
Masyarakat bukan Melayu perlu membezakan antara Melayu UMNO dengan bukan UMNO. Istilah Melayu UMNO seharusnya wujud dalam kamus dewan negara kita kerana sekirannya tidak masyarakat tidak akan dapat membezakan antara UMNO Melayu dan UMNO PERKASA dengan Melayu. Nama dan erti Melayu yang sebenar akan terus dicemarkan.
Melayu – beradab , penuh dengan nilai murni , baik , istimewa dan unggul
Melayu UMNO – pentingkan diri sendiri , miskin dengan budi pekerti , kaya dan senang
Melayu PERKASA – biadap , kurang ajar , keterlaluan
Islam – Kedaiman , Kebaikan , Kemulian , Bermoral , Beretika
Islam Melayu dan Perkasa - musuh dalam selimut , munafik , memiliki agenda
Saya seru blogger , pemimpin , masyarakat dan setiap individu di dunia ini menggunakan istilah kamus ini supaya Melayu dan Islam sebenar tidak tercemar. Apabila kita hendak menyerang Melayu dan Islam UMNO maka kita perlu gunakan istilah Melayu dan Islam UMNO dan PERKASA dan bukannya Melayu dan Islam yang suci dan murni. Jika tidak masyarakat akan terus salah faham dan pandang terhadap kesucian , kedaulatan dan keagungan Melayu dan Islam itu sendiri sampai bila – bila.
Melayu dan Islam tidak berdosa. Nama baik dan imej hanya tercemar apabila dijadikan alat , nama dan senjata oleh pihak tertentu demi merealisasikan impian mereka.
Dalam bulan kemerdekaan yang ke 53 kita bersatulah dengan Melayu dan Islam yang sebenar. Kita cuba mendekatkan lagi dengan mereka. Sesungguhnya mereka merupakan bangsa dan agama yang agung yang mulia dan baik di permukaan bumi ini. Bersaudaralah sesama diri kita.
Yang perlu kita cari dan jauhi adalah Melayu dan Islam Palsu.Melayu , Cina , India dan bangsa Malaysia yang lain kita bersatulah dalam pentas persada arena ini demi membangunakan sebuah tamadun Malaysia di peta dunia.
” Selami dan Jiwailah Melayu dan Islam Yang Sebenar , Jauhilah Melayu dan Islam UMNO dan Perkasa”
No Equality under 1Malaysia - Perkasa
Perkasa claims 1 Malaysia not about equality
UPDATED @ 07:37:36 AM 30-08-2010
By Boo Su-Lyn
August 29, 2010
Ibrahim claimed that Najib’s 1 Malaysia was being twisted by some to claim equality. — file pic
“We urge the prime minister to explain the 1 Malaysia concept. It is a concept that must be based on the constitution, on Article 153,” he said, referring to the part of the federal constitution which states the special position of Bumiputeras and allows the government to set quotas for educational institutions, government jobs, and permits.
DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang had also questioned yesterday the effectiveness of Najib’s 1 Malaysia policy given the spike in racially-tinged incidents, with two school heads allegedly spewing racial slurs against the Chinese and Indian communities.
Ibrahim today challenged Najib to submit a parliamentary resolution to remove Article 153 from the Federal Constitution if his 1 Malaysia concept was indeed about racial equality.
“Can he do that?” asked the Pasir Mas MP.
Najib only broke his silence two days ago on the weeks-old furore surrounding two school principals in Johor and Kedah who were accused of spewing racial slurs against Chinese and Indian communities, and said that his administration has a “zero tolerance” policy on racism.
This caused Lim to issue Najib a 60-hour deadline yesterday to act against the errant school heads by National Day, failing which he said it would be proven that his “zero tolerance” policy was a mere public relations soundbite.
The school heads of SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra in Kulai and SMK Bukit Selambau in Sungai Petani have since apologised but various parties are still calling for stern disciplinary action against the duo, including sacking.
Today, Ibrahim also slammed the Chinese for calling for the removal of the 30 per cent Bumiputera equity quota during MCA’s recent Chinese Economic Congress.
“This race does not respect the Malays as ‘bangsa ketuanan’,” said Ibrahim.
“They have no respect because of greed. Malays make up 67 per cent of the population. We are just asking for 30 per cent,” he added.
MI
Perkasa under counter attack
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Ibrahim Ali and Tengku Adnan UMNO Secretary General |
BN leaders tear apart Ibrahim Ali’s ‘siege mentality’
By Shazwan Mustafa Kamal
August 31, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders have flayed Datuk Ibrahim Ali for suggesting that the 1 Malaysia concept did not accord equality for all races in the country. The Perkasa president had heaped more pressure on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Sunday to explain his 1 Malaysia concept, already decried by critics as a hollow slogan amid escalating racial tension.
Ibrahim claimed that the concept had been “twisted” from its original meaning, stating that 1 Malaysia had to be based on Article 153 of the Federal Constitution which uphold special rights for Bumiputeras.KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 — Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders have flayed Datuk Ibrahim Ali for suggesting that the 1 Malaysia concept did not accord equality for all races in the country. The Perkasa president had heaped more pressure on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Sunday to explain his 1 Malaysia concept, already decried by critics as a hollow slogan amid escalating racial tension.
“Ibrahim Ali does not understand the meaning of national unity. Only those who choose to not understand the meaning of 1 Malaysia and purposely try to create a situation out of nothing would be unclear of the concept. I don’t think the prime minister has to explain anything to Ibrahim Ali,” said BN Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.
Khairy told The Malaysian Insider yesterday that there was “nothing in 1 Malaysia” which challenged the Federal Constitution, and that the concept upholds whatever has been set out and guaranteed.
“There is no confusion of 1 Malaysia. There is nothing in the 1 Malaysia concept which challenges the Constitution. 1 Malaysia seeks to protect the rights of all Malaysians, upholding whatever that is enshrined in the Constitution,” said Khairy.
The Rembau MP said that Ibrahim’s actions were “symptomatic” of a “siege mentality” and lambasted the Perkasa president for creating a false sense of insecurity among Malaysians.
“Why must you overreact and scare people into thinking of something that is not even there?” said Khairy.
Ibrahim had also challenged Najib to submit a parliamentary resolution to remove Article 153 from the Federal Constitution if his 1 Malaysia concept was indeed about racial equality.
Khairy’s remarks were shared by MCA vice-president Gan Ping Sieu.
“If Ibrahim Ali does not understand what 1 Malaysia means, he should go and read it up himself. The Prime Minister has never made any attempt to rewrite the constitution. No one is challenging the provisions of the Federal Constitution.
“1 Malaysia would only serve to make our country more competitive,” said Gan.
However Gan explained that 1 Malaysia did not necessarily mean “absolute unity”, rather more towards helping those who needed assistance the most, regardless of race.
He claimed that Ibrahim was trying to “attract attention” especially with today being Merdeka day.
“Ibrahim Ali is hoping to desperately attract unwanted attention with his narrow-minded politics, especially since Merdeka Day is around the corner. What he is doing does not help anyone.
“I suggest that he studies the constitution, from its history to the present-day application to fully understand how 1 Malaysia fits in,” said Gan.
Umno Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed advised the Pasir Mas MP too face the “realities” of the current economic and political situation in Malaysia.
“He (Ibrahim) is trying to preserve the status quo. Many efforts were taken by the government to help the Malays, but the current situation does not allow for the Bumi agenda to be carried out as before.
“I think Ibrahim Ali should face the realities of the economic and political situation. In the past, Malays were disadvantaged...but now many have been elevated to a middle-class category.
“He wants quotas, but quotas are no longer relevant,” said Nur Jazlan.
The Umno man said that Ibrahim was being “extremist”, adding that many Malays no longer identified with what Ibrahim was preaching.
“1 Malaysia is based on the premise of political stability, where everyone feels that they are equal,” Nur Jazlan told The Malaysian Insider.
Malay rights groups like Perkasa as well as the Malay Consultative Council (MPM) have been increasingly vocal in their racial rhetoric in arguing for maintaining the pro-Bumiputera New Economic Policy (NEP).
Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has also thrown his weight behind Perkasa, warning of a revolution if the economic disparities between the Bumiputeras and the non-Bumiputeras were not dealt with.
Dr Mahathir has maintained that the NEP needed to be retained indefinitely in order for Bumiputeras to be successful.
Analysts like Dr Azmi Sharom have argued that Ibrahim would only remain relevant as long as the Najib administration “entertained” his “erratic” arguments.
“He is only a shadow government if Umno and BN let him become so. If you react to him, he will try to impose his ideas on people.
“Najib should just ignore him,” said Azmi.
The Universiti Malaya law lecturer said that Ibrahim and his ilk had no “bargaining power” and therefore there was no reason for the government to entertain his requests.
“Who is Ibrahim Ali? What does Perkasa have over Umno? If they are not an authentic political party, then who are they going to support? They don’t have any bargaining power here, they have nothing, no political power at all.
“If Najib responds, it will show that he is weak, and fundamentally supports a racist organisation,” said Azmi.
MI
Tunku's Vision poisoned by racism
Tunku Abdul Rahman was born on Feb 8, 1903, in Alor Setar. He was the seventh prince of Sultan Abdul Hamid Shah, the 24th Kedah sultan. A robust and bright boy, Tunku received his early education at the Debsurin School, Bangkok and Penang Free School.
He then went on to study at St Catherine's College in Cambridge University on a Kedah government scholarship, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in law and history in 1925.
During his overseas studies, Tunku experienced firsthand racial discrimination at the hands of the college's administrators, which convinced him to fight for equality and to make his homeland an independent state, free from the yoke of British colonialism.
His flair for leadership unfolded in England. Realising the Malay students there were not represented by any organisation, he established the Kesatuan Melayu Great Britain (Malay Association of Great Britain) and became its first secretary.
In 1931, after returning home Tunku joined the Kedah civil service as a cadet in the Legal Advisor's Office, and then as a district officer in several Kedah districts. He proved himself unpopular among some British officials due to his outspokenness and tendency to introduce reforms in his quest to improve the living standards of the people.
His attempt to complete his law studies at the Inner Temple in England in 1938 came to a halt when the Second World War broke out. He resumed his studies only eight years later, coming home with legal qualifications in 1949.
On Aug 26, 1951, Tunku became Umno president, succeeding Onn Jaafar.
His first mission was to travel throughout the nation to meet people from all walks of life and various races to promote unity. His efforts in overcoming the country's political problems by way of cooperation among the various ethnic groups saw the birth of the Alliance Party in 1955.
In 1956, he led a mission to London for a discussion with the British government concerning Malaya's independence.
The meeting resulted in the signing of the Independent Treaty at Lancaster House in London on Feb 8, 1956 and, consequently, the independence of Malaya on Aug 31, 1957.
On his return from London on June 3, 1957, after finalising plans for independence with the British, Tunku in his first speech, upon landing at the Sungai Besi Airport, issued the clarion call for unity.
“The situation in this country is different from other countries in the world. Because of this, one race cannot take everything for itself. In order to set up an independent government, we must compromise and make sacrifices.”
Racial slurs
Tunku would never have thought that five decades later, things would develop to a point that national school officials would make remarks ridiculing other races. If a headmistress could make such racial slurs, what more ordinary teachers?
He then went on to study at St Catherine's College in Cambridge University on a Kedah government scholarship, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in law and history in 1925.
During his overseas studies, Tunku experienced firsthand racial discrimination at the hands of the college's administrators, which convinced him to fight for equality and to make his homeland an independent state, free from the yoke of British colonialism.
In 1931, after returning home Tunku joined the Kedah civil service as a cadet in the Legal Advisor's Office, and then as a district officer in several Kedah districts. He proved himself unpopular among some British officials due to his outspokenness and tendency to introduce reforms in his quest to improve the living standards of the people.
His attempt to complete his law studies at the Inner Temple in England in 1938 came to a halt when the Second World War broke out. He resumed his studies only eight years later, coming home with legal qualifications in 1949.
On Aug 26, 1951, Tunku became Umno president, succeeding Onn Jaafar.
In 1956, he led a mission to London for a discussion with the British government concerning Malaya's independence.
The meeting resulted in the signing of the Independent Treaty at Lancaster House in London on Feb 8, 1956 and, consequently, the independence of Malaya on Aug 31, 1957.
On his return from London on June 3, 1957, after finalising plans for independence with the British, Tunku in his first speech, upon landing at the Sungai Besi Airport, issued the clarion call for unity.
“The situation in this country is different from other countries in the world. Because of this, one race cannot take everything for itself. In order to set up an independent government, we must compromise and make sacrifices.”
Racial slurs
Tunku would never have thought that five decades later, things would develop to a point that national school officials would make remarks ridiculing other races. If a headmistress could make such racial slurs, what more ordinary teachers?
I know of many children who tell their parents not to raise a hue and cry over the incidents of racism they experience at school out of fear that they, the students, would be punished. There must be many cases that go unreported.
This not only goes contrary to the concept of 1Malaysia, but against the fundamental rights of human beings.
The government must call upon teachers, students and parent-teacher associations to report all cases of racist utterances and behaviour. The laws are clear and provide ample sanctions against such behaviour.
As we celebrate Merdeka today, our political landscape has worsen from what Malaya was 53 years ago when Tunku declared Independence. At that time, Malays, Chinese and Indians believed in consensus as the basis for how the nation should be ruled.
You did not hear much of non-Malays being called 'immigrants' and compared to dogs or prostitutes. No leader dared to threaten Umno presidents that they would lose Malay support, as Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali has done recently.
In this era of globalisation, we must think as citizens of the world, not as creatures living under a coconut shell. There is no room for racism.
Malays powerless
In his Independence proclamation speech, Tunku said: “We fully realise that (there are) difficulties and problems that lie ahead and are confident that, with the blessing of God, these difficulties will be overcome and that today's events, down the avenues of history, will be our inspiration and our guide.
“At this solemn moment, I call upon you all to dedicate yourselves to the service of the new Malaya: to work and strive with hand and brain to create a new nation, inspired by the ideals of justice and liberty - a beacon of light in a disturbed and distracted world. High confidence has been reposed in us; let us be united and face the challenge of the years ahead.”
About a month before independence, July 10, 1957, at the Legislative Council, Tunku explained the feelings and aspirations of the three major component races.
On Malays, he said: “Before the First World War, the Malays accepted the intrusion of hundreds of thousands of men and women of other races because they realised that they were powerless to prevent it.
“But in those days, few people were brave enough to interest themselves in politics and our complicated treaties with Britain had given the 'protector' absolute right to do as they liked in this country.
“The Malays had the assurance that the British government would protect their interests and that they would be given time to learn the art of administration and time to develop a business sense, and so they believed in the British.”
Not an easy journey
Reflecting on the early Chinese settlers, Tunku said: “They have been in this country for many hundreds of years. In the early days, they came here to trade and later to like this country and decided to settle down, and they were absorbed by the country and followed local customs and spoke the Malay language, which at the same time retaining some of their own culture and traditions. Later, after the First World War, a large number of Chinese came into the federation to further its development.”
On the Indians, he told the Legislative Council: “The Indians also came to the federation to seek wealth in the country and they found employment in government services or in estates. They, too, have made their contribution for which we are all grateful.
“Men and women of many other races have also come to Malaya, though in smaller numbers, and I should like to make particular mention of the part played by the British people. They have admittedly devoted their lives to the advancement and development of our country. Whatever may have been their fault, they have made Malaya a prosperous and happy place today.”
The road to nationhood has not been an easy journey. Malayans then, and Malaysians now, have endured the trials and tribulations with confidence and patience, calmness and forbearance, with faith in our final goal of establishing a united Malaysia.
Tunku knew that there would be challenges for the co-existence of the various races.
A visionary, he said in his proclamation speech: “Let no one think we have reached the end of the road: Independence is indeed a milestone, but it is only the threshold to high endeavour - the creation of a new and sovereign state.”
Fifty-three years after, Malaysians strive to reach, with great difficulty, yet another milestone.
Part 1: Tunku - the true believer of 1Malaysia
This not only goes contrary to the concept of 1Malaysia, but against the fundamental rights of human beings.
The government must call upon teachers, students and parent-teacher associations to report all cases of racist utterances and behaviour. The laws are clear and provide ample sanctions against such behaviour.
As we celebrate Merdeka today, our political landscape has worsen from what Malaya was 53 years ago when Tunku declared Independence. At that time, Malays, Chinese and Indians believed in consensus as the basis for how the nation should be ruled.
You did not hear much of non-Malays being called 'immigrants' and compared to dogs or prostitutes. No leader dared to threaten Umno presidents that they would lose Malay support, as Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali has done recently.
In this era of globalisation, we must think as citizens of the world, not as creatures living under a coconut shell. There is no room for racism.
Malays powerless
In his Independence proclamation speech, Tunku said: “We fully realise that (there are) difficulties and problems that lie ahead and are confident that, with the blessing of God, these difficulties will be overcome and that today's events, down the avenues of history, will be our inspiration and our guide.
About a month before independence, July 10, 1957, at the Legislative Council, Tunku explained the feelings and aspirations of the three major component races.
On Malays, he said: “Before the First World War, the Malays accepted the intrusion of hundreds of thousands of men and women of other races because they realised that they were powerless to prevent it.
“But in those days, few people were brave enough to interest themselves in politics and our complicated treaties with Britain had given the 'protector' absolute right to do as they liked in this country.
“The Malays had the assurance that the British government would protect their interests and that they would be given time to learn the art of administration and time to develop a business sense, and so they believed in the British.”
Not an easy journey
Reflecting on the early Chinese settlers, Tunku said: “They have been in this country for many hundreds of years. In the early days, they came here to trade and later to like this country and decided to settle down, and they were absorbed by the country and followed local customs and spoke the Malay language, which at the same time retaining some of their own culture and traditions. Later, after the First World War, a large number of Chinese came into the federation to further its development.”
On the Indians, he told the Legislative Council: “The Indians also came to the federation to seek wealth in the country and they found employment in government services or in estates. They, too, have made their contribution for which we are all grateful.
“Men and women of many other races have also come to Malaya, though in smaller numbers, and I should like to make particular mention of the part played by the British people. They have admittedly devoted their lives to the advancement and development of our country. Whatever may have been their fault, they have made Malaya a prosperous and happy place today.”
The road to nationhood has not been an easy journey. Malayans then, and Malaysians now, have endured the trials and tribulations with confidence and patience, calmness and forbearance, with faith in our final goal of establishing a united Malaysia.
Tunku knew that there would be challenges for the co-existence of the various races.
A visionary, he said in his proclamation speech: “Let no one think we have reached the end of the road: Independence is indeed a milestone, but it is only the threshold to high endeavour - the creation of a new and sovereign state.”
Fifty-three years after, Malaysians strive to reach, with great difficulty, yet another milestone.
Part 1: Tunku - the true believer of 1Malaysia
M KRISHNAMOORTHY is a freelance journalist and local coordinator for CNN, BBC and several other foreign television networks. He was formerly with The Star and New Straits Times and has authored four books.
Malaysiakini
Settlers Victory and more lawsuits to follow
Harakahdaily |
“Today’s victory proves that PAS and PR have been sincere in fighting for the welfare of the settlers who have been victimised for years by an unjust system,” PAS vice president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (pic) told Harakahdaily today. Congratulating the settlers, Tuan Ibrahim said their patience "has finally paid off today". Court of Appeal president Alauddin Mohd Sheriff who led a three-member panel today refused to review Felda's application to challenge a similar Federal Court decision by another panel which had earlier dismissed Felda's appeal. Due to the absence of Felda and Felda Palm Industries’ counsel in court, Kota Baru High Court judge Mohd Azman Husin ordered Felda to pay RM7.8 million plus interest, escalating the total amount to RM11 million. The settlers, who have been fighting for compensation for more than 10 years, are expected to receive between RM25,000 and RM30,000 each. Tuan Ibrahim said the court ruling today has vindicated Felda settlers who had accused the agency of wrongdoing. “With today’s decision, it means that the allegations brought forward by ANAK have basis...it will open the eyes of the parties involved to pay settlers fairly,” he said, referring to recent police reports lodged by National Felda Settlers' Children's Association (ANAK) detailing massive irregularities in Felda. Tuan Ibrahim also hit out at Felda chairman Yussof Noor for alleging that opposition leaders were trying to pit the settlers against the agency, saying Pakatan Rakyat was only trying to get justice for the settlers. “The issue of splitting Felda does not arise because some of the supporters and members of PR are settlers and the second generation of Felda. "They only seek justice and the government should not provide ‘sweeteners’ to them in time of Raya while at the same time rob them by manipulating oil palm price," he said. 'Be transparent' Tuan Ibrahim called on Felda to be transparent in its dealings with settlers, and not compel them to accept prices determined by it. “Costs for fertilizer, pesticide, farm roads, transport and others have increased Felda settlers’ debt unreasonable proportions," he said, adding that in spite of this, "their production outputs are continuously being cut by Felda due to the lopsided agreement." Commenting on the land title grants, Tuan Ibrahim urged Felda to return the land titles to settlers who had settled their debts, and said some were yet to receive their land titles despite doing so. |
Singapore Dissident Talks
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew stuck in the bog.
Ladies and Gentlemen,I get the refreshing feeling now that Singapore's Lee Kuan Yew and company, the bully boys who run the island, have finally got themselves firmly stuck in the bog. And it appears they don't know what to do.
Although the old Chinese adage of killing a chicken to frighten the monkeys, another way of saying "Punish and shame a few to silence the majority", is very much in vogue in Singapore as it has always been, lately, it simply does not seem to work.
You recall the late JB Jeyaretnam. He was repeatedly punished for his political opposition which finally killed him. Yet he never gave up and Lee's punishments, rather than silencing him, made him even more vociferous. Then of course there is Dr. Chee Soon Juan. He goes to prison almost every month a week at a time for exercising his civil rights. Lee's idea was to punish him, so he will stop. It was also to intimidate others so they will not do likewise.
Lee's plan for Dr. Chee Soon Juan appears to be a complete flop. Dr. Chee does not mind going to jail a week at a time, and neither has it frightened anyone else.
And then there was me, in 2008. I criticized Singaporean Judge Belinda Ang Saw Ean for prostituting her office to please Lee Kuan Yew in a defamation trial. I was sent to jail for 3 months with great fanfare and the local state controlled press carrying headlines of it for several days. That has not stopped me from criticizing her or anyone else in Singapore. In fact my criticism has become even more robust.
The ground in Singapore instead of becoming cowed and intimidated, has become just the reverse. Today almost daily you have someone taking on the Lee Kuan Yew regime openly and fearlessly. Last week a young man wrote in his blog that Vivian Balakrishnan should be "burnt". He was arrested for that. Yesterday another young man had criticized the manner of Shafie Goh's arrest, a photographer who had taken pictures of the flooding last month. He has been taken in for questioning. But it is not stopping them. In fact the young man who wanted Balakrishnan to be "burnt" has challenged Lee Kuan Yew to "take him on"!
These protest are now becoming more regular and Singaporens are resisting the repression they are living under. The efficacy of the old Chinese saying about killing chickens and frightening monkeys is being disproved. Singaporeans are turning out to be neither chickens nor monkeys. If there are any monkeys or chickens, they are Lee Kuan Yew, his son and his sidekicks, all of them.
Here I am going to advise Lee Kuan Yew. Sending anyone to jail for a week like you do Dr. Chee Soon Juan does not interest anyone, least of all Dr. Chee Soon Juan. And when you sent me to jail for 3 months in 2008, it didn't interest me or for that matter anyone else.
If you really want Singaporeans to be afraid of you in the year 2010, you have to do what Hitler or Stalin did. Shoot them or send them to jail for 20 years, not one week. I dare say it would make a difference on the ground if you sent Dr. Chee Soon Juan to jail for 20 years. That would not only silence him, it would also silence everyone else. Better still shoot him.
But you and I know, at this day and age, you can do none of that. All you can do is to send him to jail for a week at a time, because if you did anything more to him, the international community will "burn" you and your friends to borrow the young man's phrase.
So, it appears now, you are finally stuck in the bog, up to your neck. You can neither move or do anything. You are helpless. And I ask Singaporean young men as the one who was arrested, not to fear, and continue standing up to the bully.
Gopalan Nair
39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Suite A1
Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Tel: 510 657 6107
Fax: 510 657 6914
Email: nair.gopalan@yahoo.com
Blog: http://singaporedissident.blogspot.com/
UMNO: the long and winding road
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
The recent Merdeka centre survey showed that UMNO has still a long way to go. Only 12% of the Chinese respondents said they are satisfied with the Government/UMNO. Malays are split 50:50. The Indians- they are not so critical as they are easily swayable.
At the end of the day, good leadership must not only be heard, but must also be seen to operate.
The survey also said that if PM calls for early elections, he has to project more of himself to win. The gravity of this finding needs to be appreciated. If UMNO's future depends on the weakened shoulders of one person, this means the party is bereft of leadership material. It is reduced to a party forced to manage its image instead of offering convincing direction and policies.
I am sorry to say this- at the moment what Najib has, is the made for TV image and persona of leadership. He is still struggling to impose his leadership substance. And he isn't helped on by his colleagues who are either disinterested or disconnected with his ideas. Or worse, his party members do not understand his leadership direction.
The party UMNO is so discredited. There were 3 main reasons- the leadership is only interested in themselves( read feathering their nests), playing politics and corruption is seen as growing bigger, aided and abetted by the government leadership.
If the party is discredited because of racist chauvinism as asserted by a senior minister, it would have lost its relevance a long time ago. UMNO has always been identified as a Malay chauvinist party. So, why could it stay relevant with the Malays for a long time? That could only suggest that its posturing on Malayness is an accepted trait. UMNO will always be as UMNO is, but what turned Malays and Malaysians against UMNO are the 3 things exposed by the survey; stupid UMNO politicians are interested in feathering their own nests, the level of corruption has reached its tipping point and there is too much politicking brought about by vacuous leadership material.
I have said it before and will repeat it here- the unfortunate truth is that UMNO leaders reached their eminent stature not because of producing great thinking but because they are adept at playing the political game. Hence instead of the cream rising to the top, you have the scum prevailing over others. UMNO is sliding because there are no more good men in leadership capacity.
In short, if elections were to be called early as in next year, UMNO will lose. The revolution that will occur will come about not because NEPish policies are abandoned, but more because UMNO cannot accept losing power.
Can you imagine, life as many UMNO bigwig politicians know for so long is no more? No more pillaging, no more abuses of power, no more avenue for rapacious greed, no more hiding behind your prowess of outshouting your opponents. No more concealing your mediocrity. That will be the end of the world for men and women accustomed to prevailing over others with bullying tactics and out-maneuvering others in political intrigues. These people will incite rebellion because they will find themselves cut off from their power bases and decapitated from wealth creating resources.
If the survey is taken in Pekan, I think the observations will be more correct. It is impossible for Najib to lose there and indeed there Najib enjoys an unassailable stature like Anwar Ibrahim to some of his followers. He can do no wrong.
But a victory alone in Pekan if cancelled out by massive losses elsewhere is of no use. UMNO still loses and that will be the end of Najib's career as PM. The problem is with UMNO and its leadership in general. It is a discredited brand name soiled by self interested leadership, mired in political intrigues and UMNO is seen as a party that promotes corruption.
How can UMNO redeem itself?
Bring in good men in government which means sack the mediocre material. Even a bad system can still be saved by having good people in leadership capacities. Perhaps it was this factor that made UMNO successful in the early days as they were more good leadership material. Honest and sincere leaders believing they could make a difference to the lives of the public. Good leaders were even forgiven for personal weaknesses. Tunku Abdul Rahman and even Tun Razak were partial to intoxicating drinks, by they were nevertheless tolerated because they could lead and because they don't trample over religion and their race.
Restore the people's faith in a party committed to offering the best and talented to the people. Remove all vestiges of ensconced privileges and political rules that impede and frustrate the emergence of new talent. The insistence of no campaigning for party positions is a mockery to the commitment to let diversity of leaders emerge.
Restore the public's faith in the resolve of the government to stem out corruption by going after the big guns. Start by opening the boxes infamously mentioned by one Ezam Mat Noor and go after the 18 high profile cases mentioned by Rais Yatim. Compel him to turn state evidence otherwise charge him for obstructing justice.
Restore the public's faith in our judiciary by first promoting judges of the highest integrity and sound technical knowledge of the law.
Restore the public's faith in the freedom of ideas by giving real press freedom. Allow opposition parties to publish their papers so that the public is accustomed to a contest of ideas and thinking.
And in this 21st century, there is hardly any justification to have a draconian piece of legislation such as the ISA. It is an archaic piece of legislation more relevant in an age of unreason. It is suitable in an age where we stamp our authority by using coercive instruments. In the age of reason, we secure public's faith and belief in us by the force of reason and civil argument. At the end of the day, good leadership must not only be heard, but must also be seen to operate.
SakmongkolAK47
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