Perversions of Justice

  Saiful sworn on the alleged sodomy charge against Anwar.  Anwar does not want to do the same as he considers it unIslamic.  A mufti commented that what Saiful did is not according to the Islamic teaching.  Like rape, he must prove the offence of sodomy by calling four witnesses otherwise Saiful himself will be guilty.  In contrast Tun Mahathir said if four witnesses are strictly required there will be no rape or sodomy in this country (this time he is not senile!)

  Islam teaches that human life is a sacrosanct.  Islamic law, which is regarded as sacred, is based on the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Prophet.  Yes as we all heard of it before, under Islamic law, one has to produce 4 pious male Muslim eyewitnesses in order to prove illicit sex has taken place and to prove such is almost impossible.  If the complainant fails to produce the witnesses, he or she will be charged for slanderous accusation.  If the complainant is a women, she would be flogged 80 times or end up in jail for adultery; another crime punishable by stoning to death!

Perversely, if there were four witnesses to a rape or sodomy, isn’t that they would have been accessories to the crime?  So is Islamic law inherently mysogynistic or mysandrinistic (please correct my spelling if wrong) ?  No, it is the men who interpret it, which are hitting back at those they say are abusing the law for their own political ends.  In addition women are never allow to take part in such decision-making process, so again the men who decide, that raises a question: who are the women (adulterous) having sex with?

The result can be oppressive and injustice not only in Anwar’s case but all ’sex offences’ particularly against the Muslim women.  Without rectifying the above, justice and moral virtue will never be upheld through people’s own volition and consciousness.  This can itself become victim of such perversion in it own name.

BMW X6

X5 then X3 and now X6!  It really turns me on more than Paris Hilton!

They said the X6 is a crossover SUV, 4.4 liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engines.  It is longer and lower than X5 but less spacious.  I wonder what’s the price in Malaysia…

 

Our Constitution and Islam

Recently there have been several disturbing (and unnecessary) cases affected the issue of Islam and the rights of our citizens.  Contrary to popular belief, our Federal Consitution is never without uncertainty, conflicts and contradictions.  Different people (especially the politicians) may interpret it differently.

Our Constitution envisages a rich variety of functions to preserve our freedoms and rule of law in the country.  The document indeed shows great tenderness for religious liberty such as the protections by Articles 3, 8, 11 and150 (6A).

Article 11(1) grants all Malaysians the protection in matters of conscience:  “Every person has the right to profess and practise his religion and, subject to clause 4, to propagate it”.  Freedom of religion is available to all of us.  The Holy Quran also mentioned:  “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Surah 2:256).  However I realised that the right to convert out of one’s faith is not mentioned explicitly in our Constitution though it is alluded to in Article 18 of the UDHR.  Of course the issue of apostasy is another proposition to the Muslims.  Politically, many Malay leaders consider that there is an inseparable link between race and religion (whether it is politically motivated or not, I do not know).  To them any attempt to shift the Islamic focus will weaken Malay political power.  The leaders also put the conservative interpretation of religious freedom in Islam on a collision course with Article 11, hence raise difficult consitutional issues.

Although Islam is the religion of the federation under Article 3(1), it is stated in Article 3(4) that nothing derogates from any other provision of the Constitution.  I believe such will simply means that our consitutional rights are not extinguished despite the adoption of Islam as the religion of the federation.  Nonetheless at the same time that the non-Muslims arouse fear and resentment, many of the Muslims do show great tolerance and respect.  Tolerance in Islam and other religion should never be an issue in  our country anymore but sadly it is the political and irresponsible citizen who defy our conscience as a beautiful multi-racial society.  In this age of globalization, our country must be enlightened and accomodative on the inter-religious relationships and should be the envy of all plural societies.  Let us keep up the spirit of celebrating each other’s religious festivals, work in harmony, support our sport heroes in unity and maintain the teh-tarik chat regardless of race.

Betul ke ni?

Last night during a ceramah at Permatang Pauh, Anwar told the crowd that he cannot afford to sponsor drinks and meals.  This is because he does not own big companies and lands.  When asked about his Mercedes S320, he said:  “It belongs to my father.  If you don’t believe ask Azizah (wife)”.

  Bapak punya?  Anwar’s father, Ibrahim Abdul Rahman was a hospital porter before retiring as a Parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Health.  That was about 17 years ago.  The model he is driven around would easily cost RM500K.  Wah, kalau macam ini I pun nak kerja sebagai political sec…What a joke!

Participation in politics

“One of the penalities for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors”  -  Plato.

Read the following true story:

“I used to know a man whose family were German aristocracy prior to World War Two. They owned a number of large industries and estates. I asked him how many German people were true Nazis, and the answer he gave has stuck with me and guided my attitude toward fanaticism ever since.
“Very few people were true Nazis” he said, “but, many enjoyed the return of German pride, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, they owned us, and we had lost control, and the end of the world had come. My family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.” - by Paul E. Marek

LKY: Retirement means death!

Ok, our Chong Wei was a disappointment last night, though some may say he had tried his best, after all he won the silver medal.  That is our general mentality, I wonder when is our country going to produce a true champion like Michael Phleps or grabs 3 medals simultaneously like the Jamaican sprinters.  Enough of Olympic hopes…

In the past I’ve been criticising (ya, ya disrespectful, but I meant well) my granduncle (demised) and all those who stop working after the age of 55 (tak boleh mention specifically, sensitivelah).  Most if not all, seemed to be very contented and happy upon reaching their retirement age.  They decided to slouch in front of the box and soon complaining of boredom, yet refuse to keep going or at least to be active.  When asked, one of them responded:  “I’ve enough of work for the last 40 years, time to relaxlah!”.  Of course such an issue can be very subjective but the way I look at it unless one has a passion to pursue his or her personal interest of all sorts, there is no excuse to be a sluggard.  Sad to say I even rebuked one of them as “tunggu mati”.  With due respect, my observation tells me that these people have no clear objective in life.  This should not be the case irregardless of who we are.

Recently during a public dialogue,  LKY at 84, a man of great intelligence, with no patience for mediocrity and shows no sign of slowing down (jangan salah faham, bukan Tun LKY di Malaysia) believes that he has to remain active at his age and said:  “With nothing to do, no purpose in life, you’ll just degrade, go to seed”  “Don’t retire, work.  Retirement means death!”.  Bull’s-eyed!  This man is even in the Facebook!

We cannot determine exactly what will happen tomorrow or years to come but we can set in motion positive thoughts and value ourselves towards true contentment.  I don’t understand each individual’s burden or problem?  Let’s go for a teh-tarik and I will tell you mine, see whose are more disheartening.

Instead of just trying to add years to our (or their) life, wouldn’t it be better to add life to our years?  Instead of wasting time, why don’t they get involve in some activity that brings value to life?  I strongly believe that to determine longevity, some of the important factors are health and life-style.  Cakap je senang?  Well?  All I am concerned is the quality of life in my family and myself (and friends), as mentioned above such an issue can be very subjective.

“Man is made by his beliefs.  As he believes, so he is.”  -  Bhagavad Gita

 since 1964 in Serdang, LKY has never stops thinking…

Tandas Mudah-alih

I am selling at RM2.99 per ‘box’, any interested party or agent please contact my email at kotaktahi@gmail.com!

 

Eureka?

  Archimedes

Over the past few months, politically I see some disturbing trends emerging with accusations, mudslinging among politicians, playing the racial cards and other unhealthy development.  Come to think about it, as we are approaching the 51st anniversary of Merdeka, I am indeed disappointed that our country is not moving forward (except for the skyscrappers and infrastructures).  Regardless of BN’s position or having Anwar as our new PM, if they ignore all those trends and refuse to change constructively, it will negatively impact on our country.  Let’s not talk about being a developed nation by 2020 now.  With the current flow, there is no way we are going to achieve that save as superficially declared.

Our nation’s deteriorating state is easily reflected in its declining global ranking, whether in economic competitiveness, education, freedoms, sports and corruption index.  The political leaders are either ill-informed or just do not want to improve it.  They are afraid that by reconstructing their political paradigm, they will lose power.  Inevitably such overlying recurring attitude would be the wilful neglect of the important human, economic, democratic as well as social and cultural dimensions.  In our country, there is no shortage of farsighted leaders of all races who saw the wisdom of enhancing a clean and democratic nation.  Instead of failing to recognise such crucial cultural nuances and horrifying corruption rate, many of the individual leaders (BN or PR) chose the hypocritical wisdom ie racism, money-politics and close one eye, to garner support.  Gone are the days to think that way, the government must work together (I know it only requires one bold and truthful leader who have the support).  I am very certain that they can identify and delineate problems, or detect unhealthy trends long before they become obvious.

In tandem with the cancerous growth of corruption, law and order has deteriorated rapidly, giving rise to meteoric rise of crimes (go to JB!), which have now become an omnipresent national scourge.  It is so pathetic that when one is sincerely being kind to a stranger, he is bound to be given a suspicious look.  Next is the fear of a theocratic Islamic state or failing which some idiots (like those protestors at the BC forum) will create trouble.

National unity?  or a confused one?  When can the leaders create an identity of ‘we’ rather than ’they’?  Several times I have highlighted the much needed reform from the root of education (both its system and quality).  (For that I have lost confidence in our national schools and decided to enrol my kids to a private school next year).  Trust me, it is horribly lack of integrity and quality of the teachers in most public schools, leave alone dedication.

In a nutshell, before cracking to reform our education system, to eradicate corruption of all levels and socio-economic development (which are all necessary), the government must forge national integration through better understanding before implementation of policies.  It is vital to an understanding of human response of all races to political developments of how government, power, law and social justice are administered.

Have I found it?

Relax, have a break!

In life there is no need to fake, just be yourself.

Pas: Non-Malays government? No Way!

   It is reported that Pas President Hadi Awang emphasized the following:

“…jika ahli Pahlimen bukan Islam lebih ramai daripada ahli Parlimen Islam, PAS tidak akan menyertai kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat (if they take over on 16/9)…setelah 50 tahun orang Melayu memerintah negara ini, tetapi jika orang bukan Melayu mengambilalih, ia sukar kepada negara dan rakyat…jika ahli Parlimen bukan Islam lebih ramai, ia akan mengugat orang Islam.” (English press may interpreted it differently)

Whether it is a political tactic to stir Anwar’s plan if he really takes over the government by 16/9 or not, there are definitely many Muslim leaders (of all parties) out there are still institutionalizing racial discrimination and prejudice as part of their ideologies.  Thus after so many years since independence, we are still Malay vs other races instead of Malaysians vs other nations.

Many non-Malays (especially Chinese) will not bother at all so long as they make their money, provide bribes and have a place to stay.  Some talk and complain everything under the sun but refuse to contribute - in short “Selfish & No Balls!”.  Little do they realise that we are heading to hell.  So demoralising…Good luck Malaysia!

P/S:  who cares whether UiTM would be opened to non-Bumis or not, as if the non-Bumis are desperate to study there, after all the standard sucks!  The proposal of such should not be an issue at all, again close-minded and outdated mentality.

Change

To all the BN component parties particularly UMNO:

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay.  The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery”  -  Harold Wilson.

I must add: “Foster an open-minded and far-sighted mentality, not an artificial or superficial change!”

Why a Sinking Ship?

Over the past 2 weeks, whenever I met up with some new or old friends, again they asked me the same question:  why join a sinking ship?

I pondered and inadvertently agreed with them.  Nevertheless my conviction is the same, in fact it is the sinking ship which has the hope of revitalisation.  I need a platform to pursue my interest in helping the people.  Although there may be some conflict of ideas with the surrounding members who persuaded me to join, I was impressed with this group or the ship’s culture as a whole.  Regardless of the ship’s condition, this one I am confident of being part of it.  However over last last one year, upon my obervation of the crews, it may not be that encouraging after all.

I dare to say that many of the crews in this movement ship are putting their personal agenda/interest first in line.  That is the common perception and reason for most crew in all ships.  After my trip to Ipoh yesterday, somehow I realised that the whole purpose of power status is a sine quo non in order to survive in the ocean.  But one should not put his or her priority over the people’s interest at this stage of time.  It is indeed a sinking ship!  But it is also the toughest will survive in difficult times.  I hope the crews in my ship can forget about whatever expectation of pecuniary interest, status, personal motive and glory now and concentrate on the groundworks.  This ship is still lack of dedicated and passionate crews who have the heart to serve the people.  There is nothing wrong if they are capable to benefit or gain financially through the ‘legal’ manner after accomplishing the needs of the people.  It is not about seniority or intellectual capability, it is the heart and dedication to the ship.  The crews need an objective and paradigm to work on it sincerely - their conscience.

In short unless the captain of the ship and most of his crews can put the people’s interest first and serve wholeheartedly, forget about whether the ship will survives or not as that’s the norm among others thus people do not mind taking a risk in a non-sinking ship instead.

There is no short cuts to anywhere worth going…

PLEDGE

I have a hope, a sincere and desperate hope that one day we can also pledge as:

“WE, THE CITIZENS OF MALAYSIA, PLEDGE OURSELVES AS ONE UNITED PEOPLE, REGARDLESS OF RACE, LANGUAGE OR RELIGION, TO BUILD A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, BASED ON JUSTICE AND EQUALITY, SO AS TO ACHIEVE HAPPINESS, PROSPERITY AND PROGRESS FOR OUR NATION”

Just that simple, but many hurdles to overcome…

Sad Day For Malaysia

  Ok, I slept through.  Received smses about the situation at 9.30am, woke up and tried to rush there.

The group of about 1000 people from various NGOs and samsengs, including two Opposition MPs, gathered outside the Bar Council building to protest the forum which they said would undermine Islam.  The group threatened many times to storm into the building if the forum was not stopped.

About 70 police and FRU personnel lined themselves between the crowd and the building entrance. The police also found two bottles of alcohol by the building that were believed to be unlit Molotov cocktails.  Later OCPD Asst Comm Zulkarnain, went into the building to talk to Bar Council representatives to stop the forum by 10am in the interest of safety.

The group eventually sent off by MP, Zulkifli Nordin, together with GPMS and Pekida gangs to ensure the forum had ended.  Many liberal and matured guests of the forum were greeted with obscenities and vulgar words when they left the building.

The protesters were mostly ‘********ted’ people whereas we have many highly intellectual Malays in the forum.  I wonder what will happen if these protesters are non-Malays!!!!!  No wonder our country is not developing to where it should be!
I suppose now I should curse my ancestor for migrating here, the more so after watching the Beijing Olympic Opening ceremony,  er uh but, but I am born, bred and to die here?  Howlah?  So demoralising….I must do something about it…

08-08-08!

“Wealth Come, Wealth Come, Wealth Come!”

   “Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing to improve the lives of their citizens.  Therefore, they have a powerful incentive to keep their societies peaceful and prosperous”  -  Jung Chang.

Happy Fatt, Fatt, Fatt Day!

[P/S:  Yersterday DPM Najib, Nik Aziz, Hadi, Mufti Dr Asri and alot more voiced their discontent and disgruntleness over tomorrow's forum.  Conversely  in last night's dinner the PM said more interfaith dialogues should be held to ensure harmony among Malaysians of different religions, ahhh who is the hero now?]

Happy Olympic viewing too !

Home Minister: “Don’t play with fire!”

Jom let’s attend the forum:  ‘Conversion to Islam:  Article 121 (1A) of the Federal Constitution’ this Saturday, 9.8.2008, at 8.30am Bar Council Building, Medan Pasar.  I’ll buy you guys a nice breakfast.  But be prepared as Syed Hamid, BBPM Osman Abu Bakar, Tan Sri Abu Zahar, Datuk Zainal Abidin Bakar and Jamaludin Yusof gave warnings that the forum should be called off!

  Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said: “The question of religion is a very sensitive area.  You (Bar Council) are playing with fire.  We think it is one of the elements of freedom and it is our rights, but don’t think in implementing our rights, others don’t have their rights…So I do not want to speculate on what kind of action we would take.”

Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Dakwah Islamiah (Pekida) threaten to picket this Saturday if the forum proceeds, its President, Jamaludin Yusof said:  “Kira-kira 100,000 ahli pertubuhan itu di seluruh negara kini hanya menunggu arahan untuk mengadakan piket tersebut sebagai protes kepada penganjuran forum tersebut”.

Bar Council respectfully disagree with the Home Minister that proceeding with the forum would provoke misunderstanding and will touches on racial and religious sentiments.  The council’s contention is that there are increasingly more families caught up in the conflict of law arising from the conversion of one spouse to Islam.

  AY?  Why do they always raise the spectre of race?  I think we insult Malaysians by assuming they intend or will create trouble.  Give them some credit and the opportunity to prove that they are mature and rational.  Race/religion is not a sensitive issue, unless we choose to make it so.  We need to tell the people that, if they want democracy in Malaysia with such a diverse ethnics, we need to create a new sense of understanding which brings good as a whole.

Enough with the ’sensitive’ threats, there must be a stop to the use of such tag.  No one complain about hudud laws forum nor Christians public seminar.  Malaysians are open to dialogue and discourse and are more than able to sensibly address this issue of religion.  We cannot continue to curtail freedom of religion to deny our basic rights.  Issues surrounding Article 121 should be rationally explained and discussed.

We cannot continue to hide behind the smoke screen called sensitive issues where fundamental issues are concerned.  The government must stop playing around these issues and racial/religious card.  Islam is a compassionate religion and does not forbid consultation.  Many Muslims are tolerant and understanding in today’s Malaysia.  So why can’t we engage in rational dialogue now?  The government should encourage broader participation through the development of relations which transcend the boundaries of ethnicity, is probably a far more effective way to nurture harmony than sensitive this and that, we are Malaysians!

   If we continue to put ourselves in reverse gear by departing from democratic values and principles, we will continue to fall behind other countries.  Stop this trend!

[Just heard that there will be another forum on social contract at PWTC this Sat same time but no samseng to kacau why?  Many Umno leaders would be there!]

UMNO vs PKR

  Many feel that it is not easy to challenge Anwar who is known for his oratory skills and the Permatang Pauh seat which has been held by PKR since 1999. So, the question  is who will be his challenger?  Many analysts say he must be someone of grassroot leaderships (so 3 orang yang layak), some say Ezam (ex-PKR), others prefer the thrill of seeing DPM Najib to be the final countdown (tak bolehlah, sudah di Cabinet).  Bagi saya, taruklah Saiful!  Biar bertempur semasa kempen, masing-masing membuktikan ‘kesucian’ mereka.  After all the whole episode has been dramatic since last month…

Just that ‘feeling’!

Countdown: 3 days to go!

“Hardwork, Passion, Commitment and Satisfaction” - my 4 principles to be successful in sports.

Time and time again, I just can’t stop thinking of my childhood dream to participate in the Olympic, perhaps no more as a contestant but official?  It is that spirit, the awesome feeling of getting together with people around the world.  It is that aim of adrenaline flow when one did his best and wins.  Just imagine standing on that platform receiving my Olympic medal after all the hardwork and sacrifices.

Whoosh!  Menyesal tidak berlatih bersungguh-sungguh semasa sekolah - oh ye, I was a 400 metre runner during school days.

 

Of the 177 delegations expected in the Beijing Olympic Village, 158 have already moved in and completed registration. Of the 63 delegations expected at Qingdao, 56 have already arrived.  Our Malaysian team departed yesterday, should be making themselves comfortable with the village by now.  An unprecedented 205 countries and about 16,000 athletes will be competing at this year’s Summer Olympics.

Happiness is to have dreams, success is making dreams come true…oklah at least I can be happy…or for time being just be contented by beating David at the weekly KLGCC badminton sessions.

I wonder the 4 principles are practicable in the legal and political practice…

P/S:  Just found out that the opening ceremony will starts at 8.08pm on 8.8.08 - betul-betul Cina!

Personality of Mount Rushmore

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”  -  Theodore Roosevelt

In short, I interpret the above as it is the passion that counts at the end of the day…Great words.

Politics

Politics is about power.  It is about the power of the state.  It is about the power of the state as applied to individuals, the society in which they live and the economy in which they work.  Most critically, the politicians’ responsibility in the Parliament is how that power is used:  whether is used for the benefit of the few or the many.  May justice prevails regardless of who is in power.

Sisters In Islam Invitation

Dear friends,
 
SIS is pleased to invite you and your  friends to our upcoming PUBLIC LECTURE by the renowned scholar Prof John Esposito of Georgetown University, Washington DC . He has written more than 35 books and his recent  publication (2008) is  Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think.  We hope you won’t miss the opportunity to attend this interesting and thought-provoking lecture and participate in the discussion, particularly on Malaysian context.
 
Speaker        :    Prof. John L. Esposito
 
 Title              :     The Future of Islam :  Reformation or Stagnation?
 
 Date             :     9 August 2008 (Saturday)
 
Time             :     4.30 – 6.30 pm
 
 Venue           :   Crown Princess Hotel, Jalan Tun Razak KL
                                    (nearest LRT station : Ampang Park )
 
Please confirm your kind attendance with Ms Azareena at 03 77856121 or azareena@sistersinislam.org.my .
 
 
Synopsis
 
In the 21st century, Islam will continue to vie with evangelical Christianity as the fastest growing of the world’s religions. Religion continues to be a powerful component in Muslim politics and society, a source for spirituality and guidance, of peace and reconciliation as well as of opposition and violence. Key questions and issues remain the subject of concern, debate and fears among many Muslims and non-Muslims alike: Is the future of Islam to be one of reformation or revolution? How representative and widespread is Islamic fundamentalism? Is it a threat to Muslim societies and the West? Are Islam and modernity compatible?  Is Islam compatible with modern notions of democracy, rule of law, gender equality and human rights? Can Muslim minority communities be loyal citizens in America and Europe or for that matter Thailand and the Philippines ?
 
 
Brief Biodata : 
 
John L. Esposito is University Professor, Professor of Religion and International Affairs and of Islamic Studies and Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at the Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University . Esposito specializes in Islam, political Islam from North Africa to Southeast Asia , and Religion and International Affairs.
 
He is editor-in-chief of the four-volume The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern Islamic World, The Oxford History of Islam, The Oxford Dictionary of Islam, The Islamic World: Past and Present, the six-volume The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Islamic World and Oxford Islamic Studies Online. His more than thirty five books include Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think (with Dalia Mogahed), Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam, The Islamic Threat: Myth or Reality?, Islam and Politics, Political Islam: Radicalism, Revolution or Reform?, Islam and Democracy (with J. Voll).
 
His writings have been translated into more than 28 languages, including Arabic, Turkish, Persian, Bahasa Indonesia, Urdu, European languages, Japanese and Chinese.
 
A former president of the Middle East Studies Association of North America and the American Council for the Study of Islamic Societies, he is currently a member of the World Economic Forum’s Council of 100 Leaders, the High Level Group of the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations and President of the Executive Scientific Committee for La Maison de la Mediterranee’s 2005-2010 project, “The Mediterranean, Europe and Islam: Actors in Dialogue.” Esposito is a recipient of the American Academy of Religion’s 2005 Martin E. Marty Award for the Public Understanding of Religion and of Pakistan ’s Quaid-i-Azzam Award for Outstanding Contributions in Islamic Studies. He has served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of State and to governments, corporations, universities, and the media. In 2003 he received the School of Foreign Service , Georgetown University Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Political Hors D’oeuvre

  “Cowardice asks the question, Is it safe?   Expediency asks the question, Is it politic?   But conscience asks the question, Is it right?   And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but because conscience tells one it is right.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

    In the midst of the parties’ (UMNO, Gerakan, MCA) elections, with the pathetic ongoing ‘fight’ between candidates, I as an enthusiastic Malaysian urge that they should treat the political process as an open, deliberative and honest one in relation to the facts and interests represented.  I always believe in open , transparent advocacy of interests and public decision-making.  Elections inevitably lead to the formation of groups around various interests.  Due to the political uncertainity and BN’s under-performed results, it is important for the people to know what their respective party stands for and whom it represents, to make our country a better place to live in.  Forget about ‘dirty’ politics (or game) first, sincerity will eventually be the savoury delectables of the people.

“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing”  - Albert Einstein.

For the sake of the Nation

  Anwar demanded the police to stop their investigation into his sodomy accusation as the leaked medical report that found Saiful has no physical evidence of being sodomised.  Hamid and Deputy IGP say there is no truth in the leaked medical report, fabricated by certain bloggers.  Again the see-saw game.  Consequence?  The people of Malaysia suffer. 

The latest sodomy charge against Anwar could not have occurred at a worse time while the nation is facing economic turbulence of crisis proportions, and certainly the worst since the 1998 financial crisis. While the people of Malaysia are suffering from increasing costs of living issues, best exemplified by the recent huge fuel hike, and ordinary life has become intolerable for millions, the politicians are playing their selfish and wholly irresponsible games. The mismatch between the electorate’s expectations of their political leaders and actual political governance (or the lack of it) is awesome. In this context, for the nation to embark on a wholly unnecessary criminal prosecution of a potential Prime Minister would be political and economic suicide. That the market is spooked is best reflected by that barometer of public confidence and business sentiment, the Stock Exchange, which has declined by a quarter of its index points in the past 4 months for “political” reasons. The market would plunge further if Anwar is prosecuted, the already nervous Malaysian businessmen would not invest in Malaysia and foreign direct investments will go elsewhere.

For the sake of our country and consequences of all, they shall strive and work together (as in Olympic) and win the gold medal.

  Hj Sulaiman was my ’sifu’ in law back in Australia then…

P/S:  Zaid said with the amended AUKU, student above the age of 21 is allowed to join political party but no participation?  ‘Participation’ in what sense?

Beijing Olympic 2008

 11 Days to go!

      

By now some of the world best athletes will begin to move into Beijing Olympic Village embarking on their stay in safe, confortable and exciting moment at the Chinese capital.

 

This year theme slogan is: “One World, One Dream”, fully reflects the essence and universal values of the Olympic spirit - Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream.  I have been a lover of major international sports event like this since my childhood days.  It was some special feelings that spurred me to follow the games faithfully (as if I was part of it).  The last time I experienced such (or sth like this) a sports event was at the Northern Conference Sports Meet in Australia somewhere in 1996.  Prior to that during my secondary school days, I had always day-dreamed to participate in the Olympic one day although the most I did achieved then was into MSSJ.  Anyway the best thing was I can officially ‘ponteng’ from attending classes.  So can you imagine how studious I was? 

Sports are something since ancient times, to pursue harmony and friendships regardless of the differences in colours, languages and races.  We share the charm and joy of the games.  It is during an event like this, we Malaysians (as participants, officials or supporters) truly belong to the same nation and share the same aspirations and dreams.  Isn’t it time for the government to figure out how our political culture can be fostered into such a spirit?  Anyway Malaysia Boleh!  Enjoy!

Amendment of the UUCA 1971

The much anticipated amendment of the Act may not that fruitful after all, neither there is actually any development in freedom of expression.

University students will only face disciplinary action from their university and not criminal charges if they are caught joining a political party or unlawful organisation under amendments to the University and University Colleges Act (Amendment Bill).  Under the Bill the students would still be barred from joining any political party or unlawful organisation or take part in any of their activities outside campus.

Present politician need not give up his/her political life as the vice-chancellor would be given the power to make such exemptions for their students.  Is there any different with the current section 15?

Khalid Nordin said yesterday; with the new amendment even political leaders (inclusive of oppositions) are allow to provide ‘ceramahs’ in the universities provided it is related to the students’ academic and education - yet participation and involvment is still not allowed.  As a whole the only changes of the crux is the universities are given the discretionary powers to take action against the students internally.  What nonsense is that!  LPPL!  Our government are reluctant to grant that space where intellectual freedom can be nurtured, they are unwilling to dismantle the ‘rules’ controlled by them.

So the local grads will remain being led instead of leading as such rigid policies are really not exposing them to external stimuli.  Another hope of nation-building remains static…

Anwar’s Foreign Support.

 ”hee, hee gua ada penyokong asing..”

July 24, 2008

As many of those who have had the privilege to work with him or under his leadership in international institutions, we have heard with deep concern the charges filed against the honorable Datuk Seri Dr. Anwar Ibrahim, in spite of the fact that similar unsubstantiated charges filed ten years ago against him were overturned by the Supreme Court.

We would like, in such circumstances, to reiterate our full confidence in his moral integrity, as a man who has demonstrated, in the discharge of his national and international responsibilities, the highest ethical standards of leadership, fighting for international justice, peace and development.

 

We want also to express our confidence that whatever the present political circumstances, the Government of Malaysia will exert a particular restraint in the handling of this case and will demonstrate, by dropping the charges introduced against Dr. Anwar Ibrahim, an exemplary sense of respect for the rights of the individual which are so important to the international standing of Malaysia.

 

Signed by,

 

Paul Martin, Former Prime Minister of Canada and former Chairman of the G20

Michel Camdessus, Former Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of the International Monetary Fund

James Wolfensohn, Former President of the World Bank.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

What makes these people trusted him so much?  Tak sangka-sangka mat sallehs pun dipergunakan oleh Anwar.  “..by dropping the charges introduced against Dr.Anwar…”?  Hello! what if he is really guilty of sodomy?  Again, indeed Anwar is very shrewd and smart in his plan to take every corners he can to topple the government.  Hmm, I too indeed quite smart as I’ve anticipated all his move (to a certain extend) since April…Let see apa lagi yang nak dipersembahkan oleh Anwar Ibrahim.

Human Rights and Politics

   

An elegant reflection on the foundations of the international human rights revolution. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 gave the rights of individuals international legal recognition. Our fundamental liberties on the principles of human rights are also enshrined in the Federal Constitution.  But the spread of human rights norms since then has not resolved basic questions about the legal and political grounds for human rights, which transcend both the sovereign state and the legitimacy of coercive intervention to enforce norms. Addressing this quandary, I believe that human rights norms are best defended on pragmatic grounds: when individuals have defensible rights, they are less likely to be abused. But the protection of human agency — the ability of individuals to resist an unjust state — is what gives the human rights movement its potential appeal in other countries. On the other hand it is also sensible for establishing limits on the scope of protected human rights, contending that overzealous interventionism can erode the legitimacy of norms in our country. There is a need to draw the fine line between the rights of states and those of citizens, and how the human rights movement should best walk that line.

To explore how human rights affect the actions of our Government and to consider its implication from the legitimacy of governance, I invite all of you to attend the White Coffee Talk entitles:  “Human Rights and Politics:  Can you have one without the other?” by Edmund Bon; on 1 Aug 2008, 7.30pm at Level 9 (PGRM), Wisma BU8, Bandar Damansara, Selangor (next to Centrepoint; opposite the KBU).  See you there!

Is he for real?

  Anwar Ibrahim said the September 16 deadline to wrest power from the present government was still on track despite being momentarily derailed.   ‘No, no, we’re not changing the deadline. Pakatan Rakyat will form the government by consensus. I did say I’m the prime minister-in-waiting. Some of my friends said that it was a blunder. I know you’re eager, so am I’.

It’s coming…sounds scarry?  I wonder does he really has the support or what more games is he going to play?  Otherwise why is he so definite on the deadline?  I hope Anwar will be a considerate person by not creating any unwarranted incident that may attract another 13 May.  Whether one is for or against Anwar, spread the news!  We may have another historical day, don’t play-play!

Muzakarah - Another Segregation?

       

Horrendous !

When I read Khir Toyo’s remarks pertaining to Pas-Umno secret talks on issues of Malay unity and Islam yesterday, I can’t help but to start smsing several political friends to look into it.  It was deeply discriminatory and detrimental to preserving racial harmony in our diverse society.  (Do not get me wrong, not the meeting but Toyo’s statement)

  Toyo said:  “Saya lakukan ini kerana percaya gabungan Pas dan BN akan memastikan kepentingan agama Islam and orang Melayu tidak akan diperkotak-katikan…Anwar memang tidak mahu Melayu bersatu kerana itulah beliau tubuhkan Pakatan Rakyat (what about BN???) yang berjuang atas prinsip kesamarataan, menyamakan taraf agama Islam dengan agama lain (back to basic - we live in a multi-racial society!!!), menyamaratakan kedudukan orang Melayu dengan bangsa lain (My God! is he saying that it was never Umno’s intention to treat other races equally?), walaupun memiliki status bumiputra (Article 153!)…sebab itulah Anwar dapat menarik sokongan yang besar daripada golongan ekstremis Cina dan India (bloody racist!)”.  If what Anwar did as alleged by Toyo is true and sincere, for the first time I will buy that!

Shafie said when Malays unite, non-Malays also benefit (really?) whereby Sharir told Dap not to overreact.  Why not discuss issues on the diversity of races or just Malaysians?  I have to agree with Kit Siang by asking:  ‘Why Malay unity and not Malaysian unity?’

Why are all these politicians still playing the racial cards to gain political mileage?  How are we going to be a developed nation?  When are we really going to practice the spirit enshrined in out Constitution - justice for all irrespective of race, religion and gender?

Pak Lah somehow managed to pick up bits and pieces of the rubbish created by Umno since the election.  BN is still suffering from a credibility deficit, so if PM still do not consider the Malaysian identity as a whole, the rakyat will not even mind having a sodomiser to become their PM.

Other component parties in BN should not remain silence over this issue (even Pas members are protesting the talk).  I am not against the talk between Pas-Umno but the implication and mentality of several Umno leaders for being insensible.  It is a time like this Gerakan should voice out the need to develop stronger moral and political force to achieve a truly Bangsa Malaysia.

I really do not want to see ‘that’ coming…

What is Human Rights?

         

“Human rights are the foundation of human existence and coexistence.  Human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent.  Human rights are what make us human.  They are the principles by which we create the sacred home for human dignity”  -  Kofi Annan

Think about it, if no one bother to promote HR in Malaysia, we can soon say bye-bye to our rights and freedom (as it has been limited anyway).

This morning Suhakam held a public inquiry into the allegation of excessive use of force during the incident at Bandar Mahkota Cheras on 27.5.2008.  It was conducted by a panel of 3 Commissioners comprising Datin Paduka Zaitoon, Datuk Dr. Chiam Heng Keng and Dato’ Khalid Ibrahim.  I was there on behalf on the BC, the questioning of the first witness namely mechanic Chang Jiun Haur was practically giving a rough picture of what transpired on that evening.  He was bashed by the FRUs although he did not participate in the protest whatsoever.  Nonetheless, there was some communication breakdown when the cantonese interpreter did not translate his answer precisely.  11 more witnesses to go.

Biasalah, that’s the political game.

   With the ongoing political parties election of all levels, the aspirants from UMNO, MCA, MIC and Gerakan are in full gear campaigning and working hard in their respective contest for the post of various levels.  All the parties, bruised but still formidable, is doing some soul searching.  Political jostling seems to have taken centre stage which is quite surprising to some people out there particularly for a party like Gerakan.  Little did the English newspapers commented on its AGMs and disputes among the members, nonetheless the Chinese papers are never short of such juicy news.

Is Gerakan still relevant and attractive to the public?  Aren’t they suppose to fight for the survival or revival of the party instead of post-fights among the nominees?  There are those who do not see why members should be so keen about posts in the party that will be wandering the political wilderness over the next few years.  Politics after all is like a game of football.  When the team lost, they must not give up but to work harder and analyse what went wrong.  Players do blame one another, each wanting to deliver and prove themselves.  So it is a healthy game.  Naturally most of the time (as in EPL) the manager will be sacked to be replaced by another.

But in a political party, it is not always viable to see the leaders go in time of turmoil.  It is also not about giving way or striking a deal within the party just to ensure a smooth election.  The drawback is that leaders who avoid contests to win posts cannot assess their real strength in the party.  Some may be urged to contest by the grassroots, other may want to see changes and new blood.

Although leadership change seems to be growing louder, there should not be any blame shifting, finger pointing and posturing by now.  A leadership change will not work miracles for the party if the political culture remains.  Gerakan leaders are probably still adjusting to the fact that they are now the opposition party in Penang and probably the ‘unseen’ party in other states.  Much will depend on what happens after the national elections in October.  It is a serious time to look within themselves and not dwelling onto the mistakes.

As for me, I have to agree that it may not be something glamorous to hold a position in Gerakan now but there must be someone who dare to venture into a territory where there are problems.  Few go fishing where the river is choppy, but that is precisely where the fish are.  So to all Gerakan aspirants, focus on the present and move on, cheers!

Under Siege?

 

 Who is Anwar?  Is he a reformed and repented man?  Is he really for the people this time?  Or is he a great actor?  Sodomiser?  Revenger?  Undoubtedly whatever he is, he indeed has that charisma (or magic) to convince people of all races to stand by him. 

Anwar: Rancangan Tergendala - BN’s Fault

“The government knows that if not for these sodomy allegations, I would be on my way into parliament by now”  Anwar said to his supporters in Jasin and Kuantan yesterday.

Tengok?  Gua sudah cakap itulah taktik basi Anwar!  Numerous times I have been telling everyone, there could be a possibilty that Anwar himself sets up all the dramas ie self-conspiracy.  This is due to his incapability to fulfill the promise of toppling the government by 16/9.  Pada permulaan (selepas PU12) Anwar menyeru bahawa beliau akan menjatuhkan kerajaan dalam masa 2 tahun, kemudian setahun, 6 bulan dan akhirnya setelah digesa oleh penyokong dan ahli-ahli parti tarikh 16 Sept ditetapkan.  Nampaknya sedemikian menjadi sulit selepas keupayaannya mengajak komponen BN di Sabah/Sarawak gagal.

It does not takes an intelligent person to predict the above.  Anwar has been capitalising the tactical weakness of the police and government.  Only those who are blind-folded would support him indefinitely.  I hope whatever Anwar’s effort to overpower the government will not ruin the nation, may God bless our country.

HR is Cranking!

The BCHRC organised a 3 days workshop at the Hotel Seri Malaysia, PD since Friday.  All participants (including myself) stayed at the hotel, ate, drank, learned and had fun together.  The idea of human rights ingrained in the concept of democracy; “government of the people, by the people, for the people” - was primary in the minds of us. The local leaders and politicians felt that they have improved the problem of human rights issues progressively in Malaysia today. But they are mistaken. The subject is still much debated and disputed.

 

But it has gone beyond the need to provide fairly among the citizens of the country irrespective of race, religion and creed. Since becoming a member of the United Nations, Malaysia has to observe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations in 1948.

Human rights cover a very broad range of subjects among the most basic of which are that human beings are born equal and they have certain God-given rights (some disagreed with this idea) such as the right to education, basic amenities and the choice of who should be entrusted with the responsibility of running the country.  During the workshop several speakers were invited to speak on topics such as fundamental liberties, civil/syariah jurisdiction, access to justice, orang asli rights, refugees & migrant workers, abuse of police powers (Anwar’s scenario?) etc.

Like many other countries, this country has had to balance between democracy and national security. While the government has not openly dispensed with democracy, in most instances when faced with a choice between observing the principle of human rights as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and ensuring national security, it is the latter that consistently gains priority.

But ultimately to uphold human rights, there must be integrity in the management of the country, from the upper echelon of the society to the grass roots level. Stability in a society and progress can become a reality only when each person behaves correctly rather deviously. Then only can it be expected that a nation will always give priority to the interests of the people irrespective of race/religion.

Sometimes I can’t really blame the public’s perception that the human rights NGOs, commissions and the Bar Council as pro-opposition because it is the enforcer/administrator who is likely to violate the principles of human rights.

P/S:  Congratulations to Francis and Chee Yan at the Subang division.  Both Chongs, what a coincidence?

Fabricated DNA?

“My decision to refuse a DNA test is taken through advice of my lawyers and DNA experts.  I have no faith in the system after fabricated DNA evidence was used against me the last time” said Anwar Ibrahim.  Hmmm, interesting, very smart indeed.

As far as I know DNA can be found in blood, semen, skin, saliva or hair of a person or at a crime scene to identify a perpetrator.  The process called DNA profiling is usually an extremely reliable technique for indentifying whether that person, as in the present case, did sodomised the victim or not.  In a layman term what Anwar is trying to say is that his DNA can be faked in order to find him guilty of sodomy.  Is that possible?  How?  I am only aware that fabrication of DNA exists in areas of technology related to IT, chips, electronics and nucleation.  Whatever Anwar’s game plan is; why can’t he just get his own independent forensic expert if he does not trust the system?  (this morning he also refused this proposal citing the DNA will be tampered subsequently).  Howlah?

Anyway the police is going to apply for a court order in relation to the DNA test as it is an important evidence for the offence of sodomy.  Conversely why don’t they release a copy of Saiful’s police report to Anwar?  This whole episode can be just a flash in the pants as at the end of the day we Malaysians would suffer from it economically.  I have enough now, will be away for the human rights boot camp for the next 3 days, hopefully there would not be any unwarranted incident.  Vendetta or Non grata?

Nokia E71

Read in the Star last weekend, cut the article and kept it.  When I retrieved the cutting just now, after analysing the write-up of this newly launched phone, I fell in love with it.

Here’s a brief overview of the device specs:

• HSDPA, wireless LAN and 3G connectivity and Assisted GPS (A-GPS)
• 3.2 megapixel autofocus camera with flash, video recording in QVGA
• Core of the device made of stainless steel
• Two colors - grey steel or white steel
• Up to 20 days standby time
• Support for up to 8 GB expandable memory
• Predictive text input
• One Touch Emails

It looks sophisticated and entertaining with a slim stainless steel case.  Suits me as I have 3 separate emails which are of equal importance.  Almost bought a Blackberry but now likely to go for this.  Price?  Heard it cost about RM1950.