Thaipusam visit: What say you, my friends?

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Dato’ S. Sothinathan’s letter published in Malaysiakini “Najib trendsets with Thaipusam visit” highlighted the following:

“… This gesticulation of the premier to be there at this propitious ceremony is to be commended and to be emulated by leaders at all levels. It is a timely gesture, especially at this time in Malaysian history when religious and racial insensitivities and intolerance are ubiquitous.

It goes a long way to show that the PM cares about what happens to the Indian community. It is extremely symbolic in promoting mutual religious appreciation and understanding. On the same note, it allays the fears and apprehensions of the younger generation and imbues new hope and faith.”

Nice positivism from one of a formerly bright MIC star. I wonder if he will be given the chance to have another go to contest in the next General Election to defend his Teluk Kemang parliamentary seat.

But then, commentator Rajendra Veluppillai gave this feedback on PM Najib Razak’s visit:

“Please do not hijack religious occasion and convert it into a political show. I am really offended and angry that this occasion for spiritual journey of self discovery, penance and enlightenment had been trespassed and defiled. Hindu”

What say you to this point of view, my friends? Do the rakyat really need to see Najib attending every religious ceremony in order to be convinced of his sincerity to be the PM for all races? Is this the job of Malaysia’s Prime Minister?

Dreaming of a high income economy? Legislate 1Malaysia now

Malaysia now has to deal with legal complexities which were never there before in 1963 but now affecting our livestyles because of economic progress.

Prime Minister Najib Razak’s 1Malaysia concept was supposed to unite all races, specifically, bring Sabah and Sarawak closer to Peninsula Malaysia as 1Malaysia.

The people welcome the overarching concept of unity in diversity, a 1Malaysia happy family, happily connected to each other, to and fro the Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsula – to work, to play, to live in peace.

It got Air Asia Berhad flying 1Malaysia back and forth more busily than a bee. LRTs, Monorails, KTM Komuter and Rapid KL buses are moving more and more 1Malaysians back and forth kampungs to towns and cities daily.

This pot has melted so that now we cannot easily distinguish easily who is a Peninsula Malay/Chinese/Indian or a Sabahan, a Sarawakian or even an Indonesian anymore.

Multicultural 1Malaysians living in harmony, each assured of their right to practice religions as appropriate as safeguarded by customs and customary rights agreed upon since 1963.

And then it happen, with a High Court ruling on 31 Dec 2009 which ruled that the Herald can use the word ‘Allah’ in its Bahasa edition.

News reported of hurt feelings of Muslims of Peninsula Malaysia, with anecdotal evidences like, “My friends all never use Allah in their prayers.”

Is that the situation with our Sabah or Sarawak friends?

UPKO President, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok testified it has been customary for Sabah and Sarawak Christians using word Allah in their prayers.

“With the greatest of respect to those who may feel uncomfortable with me mentioning this, the Christian community, not unlike the Christians in Indonesia and the Arab world, has been using this word for a long time. And it will be a herculean task for the government, if indeed it wants, to enforce the prohibition of the word in Christian worship.”

We read news of groups representing rights of Muslims of Peninsula Malaysia appealing to the Agong and Sultans to protect their rights to exclusive use ‘Allah’.

Aren’t the states of Peninsula Malaysia already doing it?
The State enactments have been protecting Muslim rights for a very long time already.

Malaysia has the Federal Law and State Laws and we live them, yes?

But then we hear politicians Datuk Jamil Khir Baharom (PM’s office) and Datuk Clarence Bongkos Malakun (Justice of Peace, Deputy President of Sabah Kadazandusun Culture Association) advising non-Muslims who are using the term ‘Allah’ to stop doing so in the name of preserving peace and to placate hurt feelings.

Why are lawmakers asking rakyat of the states of Sabah and Sarawak (who has been assured of their customary practices in 1963) to give up their customary rights?

It also begs the question, is it legal to ask Sabah and Sarawak Malaysians working in Peninsula Malaysia, who are exercising the customary usage of “Allah” in their prayers, to relinguish their right in religion when in Peninsula?

We remember the guarantees which Sabah and Sarawak asked for, from the Cobbold Report which recorded:

“The non-Muslim communities are most insistent that there should be complete religious freedom as to worship, education, and propagation, in the Borneo territories.

We recommend the insertion in the State Constitution of a specific provision to this effect.

“There remain the provisions in the existing Federal Constitution of Malaya that Islam is the national religion and that certain public expenditure may be incurred for Islamic purposes. All Muslim communities would welcome the provision that Islam should be the national religion of the Federation. But even with guarantees of freedom of religion for the Borneo States, we have met with strong resistance from many non-Muslim communities to the idea that these Federal provisions should apply to the Borneo territories. We consider that this is a matter for the peoples of the Borneo territories (which have a non-Muslim majority) to decide for themselves at a later stage when fully elected representative bodies have been constituted. We recommend therefore that the Federal provisions should not be extended to the Borneo territories in the meantime.” “

Malaysia laws needs serious attention and ministration by its legislators to conduct regular maintenance and fine tuning the health and position of the laws of Malaysia.

Our Yang Berhormats cannot continue to dodge the effects of modernity or to abdicate its duty to provide a legislative framework that works to protect personal and business rights.

Legislation, not rhetoric is crucial to the Malaysia aspiration to transform herself into a high income economy.

Back up the legislation as an unflinching assurance to foreign investors that their investments will be safeguarded by the Laws of Malaysia if they take their business to Malaysia.

Legislate for 1Malaysia transformation now.

By: Ho Aoi Ling
The writer was a former Senior Research Executive with MCA think tank, INSAP.

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Reference links:

http://www.heraldmalaysia.com/news/storydetails.php/Daring-speech-by-Tan-Sri-Bernard-Dompok/3346-2-1
http://www.theedgemalaysia.com/political-news/157199-jamil-khir-other-church-leaders-should-adopt-same-approach.html

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/49845-four-reasons-for-controversial-allah-ruling

2010: Sapere aude!

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May Malaysians be blessed with love and pursuit of wisdom by intellectual means and moral self-discipline.

May Malaysian bloggers, the scions of the fourth estate help shape the media into a respectable community, rooted on the basis of reason and consent.

If it may be possible at all, may more Malaysian political parties and their politicians emerge enlightened from their self-imposed immaturity.

Happy 2010 to all!

~BC

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And, here are those useful links to all of the above funny ideas:

1. http://www.philosophynow.org/issue49/49steinbauer.htm
2. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/philosophy
3. http://www.campwood.com/FourthEstate.htm
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_is_Enlightenment%3F

In Malaysia politics, it pays to be clear, be very, very clear

In politics, it doesn’t pay to have an ambiguous stand.

The danger in the inability to align your party stand to your coalition government’s stand will give a perfect ammunition to your political opponents and non-fans.

The poor constituents will be mighty confused and will remember to link these incongruities together with wild juicy stories that does somewhat hurt your image as a believable politician. Think of the wastage of a lot of unnecessary energy and PR fees to dislodge stings from political opponents aplenty in the media, when you could have spent it on outreach campaigns.

Let’s take a look at a very real case, which has been a subject of debate and name callings between a lecturer supporter for SSS (Satu Sekolah Untuk Semua) and a politician who highly support vernacular schools and also happens to be a Deputy Minister of Education for the ruling government which was supposed to uphold the national education system.

My friends like to roll their eyes upwards to heavens for such case of what they call ‘a dumb debate’.

But I digress…

The politician’s party has this item in its aims and objective:

“To preserve and sustain the use and study of the Chinese language,

and to ensure that its use, teaching or learning shall not be prohibited or prevented in the conext of Article 152 of the Malaysian Constitution;

Generally to do all such acts and things not enumerated in the preceding sub-Articles for the well-being of the Party and its members.“

That maybe absolutely the right thing to do before 1957.

But, oi, wake up… it is 2009 now and soon to be 2010.

The generation of Malaysian Chinese today is no longer as scared as their forefathers of workers or coolies herded in by the triads in charge of tin mines.

It is 1Malaysia now.

Why don’t the political party just update or make current its party constitution to fight for a quality education system for all?

For all those who cares for the future of Malaysia in the war of global talents, why not fight to let forth a flotilla of schools to unlock the combination keys to hidden talents yet unable to be achieved by the national and vernacular schooling system? Get out of your cave now.

Malaysia desperately needs schools to unlock talents of multiple intelligences. It just doesn’t work anymore to have a student excel in memorising or vomit out what has been indoctrinated into his/her cave, ooops, brain.

Instead of indulging in mindless debates and dares, why don’t Malaysian Chinese Association take the lead and fight for an education system that will result in specific cognitive abilities that will be sought and cultivated by leaders in the years ahead: the disciplined mind, the synthesizing mind, the creating mind, the respectful mind, and the ethical mind?

Dare you, MCA to break away from your self imposed chains and reach out to 1Malaysians meaningfully before the 13th General Elections?

PKFZ: The barometer of Malaysian government’s vote-ability

Me handphone beeped a text message this morning:

10/12: Former Port Klang Authority General Manager, Datin Paduka OC Phang and two others were arrested over the PKFZ issue. They will be charged in Klang today./The Star

Nice.

Now let us hear from politicians who dare to stand up for principles and accountability to the people of Malaysia.

Other politicians’ voices, please, besides Ong Tee Keat. We already know he has trail blazed the way forward in breaking the iceberg of this huge financial scandal Malaysia can do without.

Anyone else from MCA daring to go against corruption?

Let me hear from others who may have some hidden strength of character undetected by voters. Never, never be shy to promote your beliefs to your real constituents out there. MCA is just a tiny platform for your political relevancy. May I remind you, your BIG target to win over is Malaysians. Orang putih ke, orang hitam ke, orang coklat ke…  doesn’t matter. (I just love this colourful line of Susan Lankaster’s from me favorite Malaysian movie Mekanik. See the youtube clip open at 5:45 – 6:02)

We already have a brave young one from Pemuda UMNO who has asked for force of the law to come down hard on those gluttons nibbling off chunks of the PKFZ gravy train.

Bravo, Khairy Jamaluddin!

If UMNO and MCA keeps on upgrading their level of accountability and adherence to rules of governance, no sane voter will begrudge them the reward of a huge mandate in the next General Election.

The news, a tragedy and a higher love

Just look and listen at how the TV presenter (the lady at -04:10, 1:50 and at the close) expressed her empathy to the victims of the family of a tragic family dinner shootout.

This is how media people should strive to be, so that the media is human again.

Which brings me to Malaysia tv, radio, newspaper and online media. I hope they will learn the power of empathy to connect with the masses.  The current unpolished treatment by the media and also the uncivil comments left in the internet… it is not too late we learn how to better treat another human being with aspiration of a higher love. Soon. A tall order for Malaysia’s 13th General Election.

P/S: My greatest sympathies to Patrick Knight on his dear loss. May he and family be strong.

Young Chinese Malaysians and MCA members and their destiny in history

Me received a very serious sounding email from a young MCA member friend. Share with you…

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Looking into MCA history of 60 years, I’m afraid this is the only time an attempt at reform is seriously underway. And this is happening in our lifetime…

Seems like young Chinese Malaysians and MCA members have a chance to stamp our mark in history.

Sigh…like it or not, we’re part of it. We can’t run away, and I see a vision of my descendent pondering on my life philosophy years later when I’m old and grey.

I wonder how would they react to my stand on

• Backbone bending, kow towing to big bro UMNO?
• Warlordism in the little world of MCA?

Heavens forbid they carry the shame at my lack of courage to be a part of change.

My personal wish is to see MCA discard its central delegate warlords, ‘triads’ and their leftovers, through a reform.

I guess I don’t have to like Ong Tee Keat. I don’t have to like Chua Soi Lek. I don’t have to like the likes of Liow Tiong Lai, the tearful Wee Ka Siong or Chew Mei Fun either.

I don’t relish wearing face mask or wear black + light candles (my parents hate it and frown upon it as they deem it very sueey reserved for sanctity of human funeral). Won’t get anything done, wasting time.

Should I or shouldn’t I talk to all of these MCA leaders directly? What, How, Got to think how to go about it?

…

Me pity this young Hamlet, he should just go ahead and question his leaders directly. Go get them and dialogue, query and query those people to heart’s content… Be the change you want to be, man!

In fact, MCA members and the chinese community who want reform should seriously look into the MCA that members want and check out the real agenda of all their leaders(and their backroom handlers) involved.

Members should go and give the players a strong message what they want these appointed ’leaders’ to do for MCA. Speak up now or remain silent forever.

P/S: Blur? Read here and here for some titillating context of MCA’s interesting makeup. Remember to use your thinking equipment wisely.

Friendly advice to Najib: Know your Spring and Autumn 春秋時代 before meeting MCA

The ‘beloved‘ Barisan Nasional chairman needs a quick education on Chinese history and most importantly, the Chinese mindset before his meeting with MCA leaders.

(fyi: ‘beloved’ is a favourite loving endearment and liberally spewed by Liow Tiong Lai whenever he has the chance to demonstrate revere to the UMNO big brother)

And so, let us help the PM Najib Razak who said he will meet leaders of warring group in the MCA to solve current crisis, preferably before the proposed EGM on November 28 cried by the Liow Tiong Lai/ Wee Ka Siong/ Chew Mei Fun faction against MCA President Ong Tee Keat and Deputy President Dr. Chua Soi Lek who have the legitimate power of incumbency.

Below is a quickie education for ‘beloved’ Najib so that he can fulfil the KPI of an excellent mediator. For us normal everyday people who don’t know much about leadership and warring, a little bit of history may be an interesting addition to our kopitiam gossip:

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The Spring and Autumn period is named after a book called the Spring and Autumn Annals, a chronicle of the state of Lu between 722 BC and 481 BC, which tradition associates with Confucius . It was a period of turbulence and changes in the economy, politics, and military affairs. In Chinese history, it was a period which roughly corresponds to the first half of the Eastern Zhou dynasty (from the second half of the 8th century BC to the first half of the 5th century BC).

During the Spring and Autumn period, China was ruled by a feudal system. The Zhou dynasty kings held nominal power, but only directly ruled over a small Royal Domain, revolving around their capital (currently Luoyang). The status of the Emperor was diminished to little more than that of a figurehead, while powerful nobles gradually extended their dominions over smaller neighboring states. According to recorded history, during the Spring and Autumn Period, there were over 480 wars, 52 vassal states were vanquished, and 36 kings were killed.

By the sixth century B.C., most small states had disappeared, and a few large and powerful principalities dominated China. Some southern states, such as Chu, and Wu, claimed independence from the Zhou. Wars were undertaken to oppose some of these states-Wu and Yue. In the state of Jin, six powerful families fought for supremacy, and a series of civil wars resulted in the splitting of Jin into three smaller states by the beginning of the fifth century B.C. At that time, the control Zhou kings exerted over feudal princes was greatly reduced, the feudal system crumbled, and the Warring States Period began.

During the Spring and Autumn Period, a complex system of interstate relations developed and many projects requiring the collaboration of two or more states were undertaken, such as drainage operations, canals, dikes, reservoirs, and roads. Massive walls were built, both as protection from each other and from aboriginal and nomadic tribes.

The Spring and Autumn Period was also considered as a period of philosophies: Daoism, Confucianism, and Legalism originated during that period. Many important cultural developments took place, and great Chinese thinkers including Confucius, founder of Confucianism; Laozi, founder of Daoism; and Mozi, founder of Mohism developed the philosophical systems which have shaped North Eastern Asia until the present day.

 

Invite Najib to manage MCA? No need, coup drama ends soon

Hishammuddin Hussein must have enjoyed playing the devil’s advocate when he mischievously suggested tis high time the MCA leadership seek Barisan Nasional’s chairman Najib Razak’s help to intervene in MCA’s internal affairs.

Looks like MCA’s 2nd echelon leaders are now given the final warning through the mouth of their favorite UMNO brother.

Liow Tiong Lai (another specimen of a flip flopper), Wee Ka Siong and Chew Mei Fun better pay heed to UMNO’s signal and not misread it as UMNO’s support for their coup attempt.

Meanwhile,

1. 1Malaysians continues to enjoy reading and gossiping about MCA’s infernal affairs over their morning kopi, roti bakar and half boiled egg

2. The aunties get to learn a thing or two on how not to convene an EGM to resolve internal home problems

3. Political newbies get a chance of a lifetime to observe first hand the do’s and don’ts of Chinese politics, especially the part on how to avoid being a hapless political pawn.

As for me, I’ll be eagerly awaiting for MCA coup drama to fizzle out, hopefully the MCA kids to please be on their best behaviour themselves when Comrade Hu Jintao arrives on November 10 in Malaysia to talk economy.

And, I’m already excited anticipating 2012’s premier next week.

Yahoo!

The new economy, you, me and MCA

The new economy unleashes bondages and respects merit to create new wealth for anyone worthy.

Old economy hangers on eg, are the few Chinese billionaires who preserve at all costs to retain their societal status so that their clan family can continue to give handouts to the many poor Chinese below them.

With donkey years of subvervientship to clan dominance, MCA finally is fighting the big war to unchain itself off apekship bondage to lift itself to ISO standards.

In this era of change, for MCA to remain unreformed and taking even a millisecond more of their young members’ time would be unforgiven.

The MCA mothership is trying hard to change gears and the resultant curious whiff of change in the air is not a bad option for us the political bystanders.

Revolution…

More power to change if it benefits the community, I say!

Prime Minister Najib Razak understands the issue plaguing MCA.

He sure knows his 1Malaysia history of yore.

Has anybody notice Najib has been consistently calling for MCA to be strong?

Has 1Malaysia?

Have MCA members or central delegates for that matter?

Think, think, think.