Guide to political survival in Malaysia: Guanxi and Mianzi

Ladies and gentlemen,

Its Show & Tell time again! Especially useful for political survival and for activists keen to convey their messages effectively to those in political power.

Today is all about guanxi and mianzi.

Example:
Why Hindraf failed at UMNO’s Open House at PWTC recently, as shown by extract from The Star :

.
Several Cabinet Ministers disapproved of the timing of the memorandum, saying that a Hari Raya open house was the wrong platform for it.

“This is not the time, this is not the correct venue. They can come to wish Selamat Hari Raya and shake hands, but the rest of it, different time, and different date.

“If they come in peace and harmony there shouldn’t be any problems,” said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said Hindraf members should have known their limits and not turn up at an open house “like this”.

“There are platforms for you to make your submission. This is not the proper way of doing things. I mean, it’s a Raya do. Today is Hari Raya, it’s got nothing to do with memorandums.

“This shouldn’t have happened like this, especially during this festive season, whether it’s Hari Raya, Christmas, Deepavali or Chinese New Year,” he said.

Tourism Minister Datuk Azalina Othman said such behaviour would reflect poorly on Malaysia’s image to tourists.

“If you are here as a guest, then behave as one. Parliament will convene on Oct 13. They can do so (submit their memorandum) then,” she said.

.

Here’s how guanxi can be adopted by Hindraf to perhaps turn around its Titanic from hitting the iceberg:

“Adopting the Chinese principles of quanxi (relationship) and mianzi (giving face) can help promote greater harmony in a multi-racial society.” (another article from The Star, featuring the sage and ageless advice from PM in waiting Najib Tun Razak at a do featuring Chinese culture).

.

End of show and tell for today.

Dear God, it’s about Pak Lah and the Cabinet

Dear God,

As Malaysians await for Pak Lah’s positive action to deliver a better Cabinet for 2008, I would like to take this opportunity to propose some ideas to be weighted in for PM’s decision making. Please could you send someone to tell Pak Lah?

This little voice may not be the richest or loudest, but I am sincerely wishing for Pak Lah to be granted the outmost courage and strength to make the best decision for Malaysia as we await anxiously a clear direction out of the current limbo and uncertainty. Malaysia needs the best people in the Cabinet.

My humble idea to be considered in drawing up names for Malaysia’s new Cabinet (In fact, everyone of my family and friends also fervently wish for PM to surprise us with this gift):

1. DROP currently perceived as ‘dubious’ Ministers / politicians – Dato’ Rafidah Aziz, Dato’ Jamaluddin Jarjis, Dato’ Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz, Dato’ Nor Md. Yaakcop, Dato’ Seri Azalina Othman Said, Dato’ Noh Omar, Dato’ Paduka Badruldin Amiruldin

2. Appoint ‘clean’ and sincere politicians to ministerial posts. People like Datuk Sharir Abdul Samad (Minister for Environment?), Datuk Zaid Ibrahim, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir (Youth & Sports)

3. Appoint politicians with proven track record contributing to nation’s economy – Dato’ Chong Kah Kiat (Minister for Tourism)

4. Appoint a woman as Finance Minister or important portfolio (perhaps Dato’ Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil? She’s a woman and a bright mind trained in law, who can be counted upon to conscientiously watch our nation’s purse string and well regarded by all races)

5. DROP ‘dubious’ underperformers – Dato’ Reezal Merican, Datuk Vincent Lim and others who took part in putting up roadblocks in PM’s conversation and direct communication with Malaysians (fyi, they reside below PM Office at 4^th floor).

6. Khairy must never be considered for any posts (whether its true or not, he is good or bad, please let him sit outside the cabinet as his name does not generate love).

 

I know this is no small request but, Malaysia needs PM to be granted great courage to do his best for the nation. I am sure, with Jeanne (a good woman) at Pak Lah’s side, the PM will find the strength to do this.

Amin.

NB: Please also stop the Noise:

These days, mainstream media organizations like Utusan Malaysia and Bernama, whether intentionally or naively, are playing a not too admirable role contributing to political hatred, pitting Malays against non-Malays. In this regard, may I request you to move PM to please telephone BN component party chiefs to instruct all their members to BEHAVE GENTLEMANLY, QUIT INSULTING THE PEOPLE’S DECISION, RESPECT THE RESULTS OF THE GE AND KEEP UP THE GOOD NAME OF BN (or whatever is left of it).

Support from friends and Malaysiakini readers appreciated.

Learn from Chua Soi Lek…

This one’s not from Malaysiakini.

MCA elected representatives who are prepared to give way to new faces must be commended, said former party leader Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

“We want to see the party go through a process of self renewal when people who have served long leave and give the opportunity to the younger people to take over,” he said at a Chinese New Year open house here yesterday.

“We” ???

What a nice advice. Can use for UMNO also.

Heck, also can use for DAP.  Oooh, don’t forget ancient MIC too.

…

Wonder if this is a cryptic message that Chua Soi Lek is going to give us a nice surprise at MCA party election this year?

Dear Malaysia Political Parties, Here’s how to get my Vote

Dear political parties,

Here are some simple things you may want to do to get my vote:

A. Crime

1. Reduce, reduce and reduce.
2. Sack the non-performing Minister of Internal Security.
3. Police to do police jobs, NOT political jobs.
4. National compensation scheme for victims of crimes – specifically, snatch theft and road accident victims (its criminal to inflict hurt by stupid, careless, daredevil driving or rempiting)

B. Economy

1. Increase, increase and increase.
2. Do away with bureaucratic barriers – specifically, sack those officers who frustrates rather than facilitate the people’s needs to do business NOW.
3. Sack the non-performing Minister of Entrepreneur Development.
4. Give licences / grants/soft loans to ALL races equitably.

C. Foreign labour

1. Reduce, reduce and reduce
2. Sack the Home Minister for slacking on the job – for keeping illegal workers in our country.
3. Sack the Defence Minister for slacking on the job – for allowing illegals easy access into our country’s shores.

Chua Soi Lek’s parting gift to MCA?

Hmmmm….

Food for your thoughts and outlet for you to channel your views on this latest fiasco. Go forth and give it to MCA good here.

Compared with UMNO, MIC, Gerakan, etc, MCA’s the best of the BN lot. Or even when compared with the opposition. Why? Easy logic, just compare overall results brought to the community under their wing.  Rest assured, we’ll adjust our comparison when the ‘not yet in government’ opposition get their act together and give us some substance.

Thank you, Chua Soi Lek and good health to you.

The magical and muhibbah world of SPR

Saw this in Malaysia-today:

Boycott elections: Rashid
Posted by Raja Petra
Tuesday, 01 January 2008

Election Commission (EC) chairman Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman requests the prosecution right from government.

Abdul Rashid said if he had this kind of power, he would prosecute the opposition parties which libel on EC.

He said EC faced a lot of untrue criticisms including the criticism of EC only helped government and became the “dog” for government.

Therefore, Rashid said if EC owned prosecution power, the commission would certainly bring the libelers to court.

“Since we do not have this kind of power now, we choose to be silent and it is impossible for us to strike back,” he told Sin Chew Daily in an exclusive interview.

Abdul Rashid denounced opposition parties as “not educated” because they made baseless criticism.

And now, those of you with some time to spare can now proceed to do some CSI:

Try type in the IC numbers in SPR database and see some muhibbah magic at work:

>IC: 991214740101 Seer Hor Leong [Parlimen 092-Sabak Bernam]
>IC: 910815750017 Periasamy K [Parlimen 113-Sepang]
>IC: 981231081137 Hj Abd Wahab B Md Saman [Parlimen092-Sabak Bernam]

The spr link is here.

Hindraf, Bersih, demonstrations: Why this now?

Been too busy lately.

But I must share with you this comment received from Fairuz. I feel what Fairuz felt too. Sometimes, I feel different. Sometimes, I feel cheated. Sometimes, I feel vindicated. Sometimes, I feel angry. Sometimes, I feel nothing. Sometimes I don’t want to read Malaysiakini. Sometimes I avoid reading any mainstream newspapers.

People, how can we open our hearts and minds? How can we give all brothers/sisters a helping hand? How can we heal and move on?

“How many of you here really know about 13′th May 1969? How much do you all know the meaning of apartheid? How long you want peace in Malaysia? How do you feel as a Malaysian? Have you ever thinking the result from that incident? Do you know who behind it? Don’t just talk emotionally. Think wisely. I don’t ever want “13′th May 1969″ happen again. Why don’t you all do some reading about how Malaysia get “Merdeka”. How much blood were spill. How many people die. Don’t make this thing bigger. No one will get advantages if “13′th May 1969″ happen again. There will more pain in your heart. We all live in Malaysia. This is our land. Protect it. Love it. For 50 years we can live peacefully with each other. Why this now?

In my opinion…there some people want to make all Malaysian fighting each other. Riot won’t solve any problems. Its only will cost you more than you can imagine.”

Comment by Fairuz — December 10, 2007 @ 2:57 am

Bananachinese’s says:

Indeed, Fairuz.

Why this now?

Something must be wrong somewhere making our people unthinking and unknowing and so emotional. Any suggestions how this wrong can be unwronged?

Response to I’m Malay [Hindraf: Ordinary people's feelings]

Dear I’m Malay,

I hear you. You have articulated very well the feelings of many of my Malay friends. In fact, you have articulated very well the feelings of many Malaysians I know.

We just need to transplant ‘Chinese’ or ‘Indian’ to replace whereever you have the word ‘Malay’.

Although I do not agree with HINDRAF sending their petition to the British Queen, I understand that they resorted to this after attempts to send memo to our PM generated silence.

And this sort of silence is very hurting to any citizens who look up to the government to address their grievances (perceived or real, it is the duty of the government to resolve problems of rakyat so that rakyat can get on with life)

Do not be surprised many non-Malays ‘do not’ understand the special rights of Malays designed 50 years ago. You see, in today’s global standards, awareness of civil rights, equal rights and human rights for all brothers and sisters, it has become hard to comprehend the protectionism. And it has become harder for those caught in the daily rat race to understand why the ‘privileged’ still cannot catch up despite years of protectionism under the care of its appointed caretakers.

Everyday Malaysians I see are really ‘kawan’ and sensitive to each other’s feelings. Examples of extreme extravagances by some privilege ones despite lack of evident honest and fair competition; just magnifies daily life’s hurts.

Malay privilege is protected by Federal Constitution, nobody is disputing it. In fact the rights of all Malaysians of whatever race are protected too. The question is how to balance it honestly. “Nothing in this Article [153] shall operate to deprive or authorise the deprivation of any person of any right, privilege, permit or licence accrued to or enjoyed or held by him or to authorise a refusal to renew to any person any such permit or licence or a refusal to grant to the heirs, successors or assigns of a person any permit or licence when the renewal or grant might reasonably be expected in the ordinary course of events.” [Article153 (7)]

The government just need to administer the country according to law and make sure Parliament is functioning with useable legislations that can facilitate honest livelihoods.

P/S: JKR and tolls dominated by Indian workers mostly at low level jobs. Good projects dominated by Indians? Can we have any real life examples?

The road to Hindraf… (Part I)

Dear Indian,

Yes, agree that last Sunday was a peaceful rally… until the FRU and police got carried away in their zest to keep the people away from their destinations. The minute I saw Gandhi’s pictures being carried by the people at the rally, I knew without a doubt something painful must have driven the usually docile people to this act of civil disobedience.

There is a serious, nay, an urgent need to educate our government to send the FRU and police to be trained properly on ‘crisis’ management. A civilised government takes pains to ensure safety of all its citizens, be they happy or unhappy ones. Government agents undertakes to protect citizens rights (Democracy means citizens give power to voted in government of the day to manage and administer the country on behalf of the citizens). There is no need for the government’s frivolous jesters to spit out unthoughtful utterances or provocation onto the citizens.

To your question of why application for assembly permits not given by authorities, I am also stumped. Because if so a permit is need for assembly, all of us must be hauled up to courts for participating in illegal assemblies. Many, many times. Here’s where most of us committed the crime of illegal assembly (Note applied logic: No police permit = illegal assembly)

1. Sunday church

2. Friday prayers at mosques

3. Temple congregations

4. Dataran Merdeka, Lake Gardens, KLCC, Bukit Bintang, ecetera

You can imagine how many people assemble at these places. Did the people who gather at these places need apply for police permits for right to assembly? As it is an assembly at public places does it mean police permit must be obtained before a group of friends can assemble???

The mind boggles at the illogical logic. Serious work needed to be done here by the parliamentarians. You see, it be the sole reason for existence for Parliament to push through for changes and updates in legislation. That’s why MPs are also called ‘lawmakers’. If there ain’t no updates to ye olde emergency laws, this means our MPs are having nice relaxing time at our tax payers expenses.

Suggestion: Lobby to set up a Select Committee on Parliamentary Reform

HINDRAF rally – Ordinary people’s feelings…

I hear and understand your feelings…

“…Imagine if you’re in their shoes.. dahlah berkumpul dari awal pagi, exhausted, some of them came from god knows where, dengan tak makannya, dengan tak minumnya, tambah lagi kena panas.. pastu kena tembak tear gas and water cannons. Majority diorang pun bukannya orang senang. They felt marginalized you see.. but salah satu punca utama pun is their leader yang cannot deliver. Asyik mengauta je keje, maka golongan yang naive ni pun ikuut je.

Memang betul demonstrasi macam ni bukan cara untuk menyelesaikan masalah, tapi mungkin dengan cara macam ni sajalah politician yang leka tu akan take notice masalah diorang. Maybe dah takde jalan lain or perhaps desperate. I dont blame them totally.”

“Im not really good in politics, not interested pun nak ambik tau because pada pendapat aku most of politician are full of bullshit. Cakap itu ini, diorang makin kaya.. rakyat nak carik duit makan pun macam nak mati. Talk is cheap! Yang betul-betul patriotik dan buat kerja boleh dibilang ngan jari.”

 Source: http://belladonna111.blogspot.com