Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- BERSIH 2.0 Announcements: Upcoming Road Shows & Global Solidarity
- The Dog-Fight for Scholarships
- That Effing Show #56: The Obedient Wives Club
- Bersih 2.0 Stands for Democracy
- Where is Y.B. Khir Toyo's RM80 Million?
- BERSIH Rally - Letter to International Organisations to make representations to Malaysian Government
| BERSIH 2.0 Announcements: Upcoming Road Shows & Global Solidarity Posted: 23 Jun 2011 04:36 PM PDT It is 16 days before Perhimpunan BERSIH 2.0 on 9 July 2011. We are increasing activities on the ground in ensuring that as many people as possible receives information regarding the demands of BERSIH 2.0. Road shows
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| The Dog-Fight for Scholarships Posted: 23 Jun 2011 02:26 PM PDT By batsman When Bersih 2.0 leaders are facing death threats and the Chinese in Malaysia are being picked upon as easy targets for threatening genocide, the perception still persists that reforms are nothing more than dog-fights over scholarships, no, not just over scholarships but those scholarships that guarantee a place to study overseas. Since RPK is also talking about perception, let us see what such a dog-fight over choice scholarships mean in terms of perception. Most things contain the seeds of both good and bad. Human beings too have the ability to do both good and bad. Both good and bad are contained in a singular entity. This can only mean that people have to use good judgement when making decisions. They have to be able to differentiate not only between many colours but in various shades of colour. Physically humans are able to differentiate between many thousands of colours and shades of colours just with their eyes and nervous system. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for human intellect. Too often when asked to make decisions on social or political issues, humans are encouraged to differentiate only between black and white. They are not even encouraged to see the various shades of grey not to mention all the varied multi-colours and shades of colours of life. When there is a question over the granting of scholarships to our brightest and best students, there is just cause to do so. After all UMNO is using government scholarships to offer to family and cronies. Beyond that, Malaysia is so rich that scholarships are being used to buy votes. Beyond that still, Malaysia is so well endowed that the ruling elite wants to monopolise all that wealth and use scholarships to implement policies of divide and rule to keep people quarreling amongst themselves. Such a phenomena should involve Bersih 2.0, since Bersih is concerned about clean elections and scholarships are being used to buy votes and support for the ruling elite. It should come as no surprise if the leaders of NGOs threatening Bersih 2.0 have at one time or another been able to get scholarships for their children or other family members through corrupt crony contacts. So the fight over scholarships contain both good and bad points. If it is to expose the ruling elite for using scholarships to buy votes and support as well as exercising corrupt monopoly of scholarships for their own family members and cronies, then the fight is just and good for democratic reforms in Malaysia. Unfortunately if the dog-fight is over who gets the best scholarships to study overseas and who is more qualified to get these elite scholarships, then a bad perception sets in. How many students get 8As or 10As out of the tens of thousands? The perception arise if the fight is just for an extremely small minority? This is going beyond the just fight against cronyism, favouritism, corruption and vote buying. It has gone into the fight that elites on both sides are more concerned with. It is not a question of who gets the scholarships but whether our institutions for award of scholarships is transparent and effective – whether they have integrity and are trusted to do an honest and effective job of encouraging the best students to achieve their dreams and pay back the favour by contributing their best for the country. The fight is being distracted from the reforms of our institutions especially the electoral reforms, by our Prime Minister going on FM radio to provoke questions on who gets the best scholarships. This is using government assets and services for party political gains. It is the same as using the wealth of the country for personal or private gains such as arranging for the marriage of one's own daughter even if it is just by partially using government expenses. Similarly, anyone who tunes in to RTM 1 can see that it is campaigning openly for BN's party political advantage. Again, this is using government assets, government money and government services for party political or even personal gain. It is not uncommon for RTM 1 to give exposure and advertisement for private businesses under the guise of documentaries. If people are unable to see that government power and money must never be used for party political gains or for personal gains, then it comes as no surprise that our institutions are slowing being corrupted and going down the drain. Even in Parliament, someone is bold and arrogant enough to say, "You MPs cannot chase me out but I can chase you out" (quoted from newspapers). This clearly shows a person well on the way to abuse his powers, a person who believes he is not answerable to anyone and who can act against MPs as he wishes – on mere whim and fancy. Such clearly dictatorial tendencies are slowly corrupting our institutions even those of the seat of our democracy – our Parliament. So it is important to see the good and bad enmeshed together in singularities and be able to differentiate them. The fight for who gets the best and choicest scholarships is a distraction. Cronyism and abuse of powers is bound up with Bersih 2.0's fight for clean elections and electoral reforms. Do not get distracted. If you are more concerned about who gets what scholarship or who hopes to get what future houses in the old RMAF Sungei Besi grounds than about Bersih 2.0's fight of clean elections, then you have been distracted. |
| That Effing Show #56: The Obedient Wives Club Posted: 23 Jun 2011 02:09 PM PDT By Mark Teh The club that has garnered more attention and buzz than all of those in Jalan Changkat combined. Its spreading like wildfire, even Singapore is not spared. What exactly is Kelab Taat Suami? And in these post-modern, politically correct times, what is an appropriate or inappropriate response? From us all at, PopTeeVeezzzz Five Arts Centre: http://www.fiveartscentre.org PopTeeVee: http://www.popteevee.net |
| Bersih 2.0 Stands for Democracy Posted: 23 Jun 2011 09:17 AM PDT By batsman All Bersih is calling for is clean elections. This is an absolute democratic right of free citizens. Up till now, the UMNO government has been completely unresponsive and arrogant in denying electoral reforms. Not only that the PM himself has blatantly indulged in bribing of voters (You scratch my back and I will scratch yours, you do good by me and I will make sure you get just rewards thingy). RTM 1, a government owned TV station has been campaigning openly in favour of BN party politics. The government machinery has been used in elections campaigns on behalf of the BN as claimed by Dragon Blood himself in his book. All these and more need to be corrected such that democracy may exist and thrive in Malaysia. Bersih 2.0 is therefore for democracy and is proving itself to be the most patriotic NGO in Malaysia. Those who call for the suppression of Bersih and make threats of reacting to Bersih's actions by unleashing chaos and genocide are anti-democratic. This is very clear. There can be no doubts about this. Luckily PAS has responded to all these threats against Bersih with resoluteness and integrity. PAS therefore stands together with Bersih 2.0 for democracy. PAS understands that if Bersih 2.0 is suppressed, much of the democratic rights of Malaysians will be rolled back as well. Evil people will reign supreme. Arrogance will strut its stuff. The checks against corruption will be greatly weakened. Good people will be cowed. Even more good people may fall off tall buildings. There has been a lot of threats, claims and statements issued of late whether for or against Bersih 2.0. It is time for proving and testing. Will those who are against Bersih 2.0 be proven to be full of hot air or smelly fart or will those who say they support Bersih 2.0 be proven to be full of hot air and smelly fart? Will the Malaysian national character be determined by those for Bersih or against Bersih? The Arabs proved that their characters are made of stern stuff when they responded to violence against peaceful demonstrations with even greater determination and bigger demonstrations. Will Malaysians prove to the world that their national character is one to be respected by the whole world or full of hot air and smelly fart? The proof of the pudding is in the eating. |
| Where is Y.B. Khir Toyo's RM80 Million? Posted: 23 Jun 2011 01:00 AM PDT Further examination of the historical financial record has revealed the misappropriation of resources which has directly denied Yayasan Selangor its revenue generating stream where more than approximately RM500 million was plundered and failed to be recorded in the respective Financial Statement of Yayasan Selangor. By Yayasan Selangor Yayasan Selangor is an entity duly registered under the Companies Act 1965 as a Company limited by Guarantee. The Yayasan establishment is unique as it is a hybrid of a Trust and a Company. The State Government of Selangor has incorporated Yayasan Selangor as an economic self-sustaining entity via the injection of resources and initial grants. Yayasan's existence is deemed socially desirable by the State Government in discharging the states' obligations to assist deserving and needy Selangor students towards betterment of their education. Being a functioning Bare Trust organisation, Yayasan control of management direction is entrusted to a Board of Trustees which is chaired by the Menteri Besar of the ruling State Government. The Board has a fiduciary duty to discharge to Selangor citizens to ensure that Yayasan's available resources is protected and enhanced for the designated beneficiaries. The issue raised is the trustworthiness, integrity and how diligent has the Board of Trustee chaired by Y.B. Dr. Khir Toyo been in discharging their fiduciary responsibilities in managing Yayasan's available resources towards Yayasan's desirable set of objectives and/or prescribed ways. The measurement or yardstick used to evaluate the Board of Trustee and Management Team performance and effectiveness are: 1. A Balance Sheet ending as at the end of financial year which in the case of Yayasan Selangor is the calendar year i.e. from the month of January to December of any financial year which discloses the resources available to Yayasan Selangor, then. 2. A Statement of Revenue and Expenditure which discloses the flow of liquid resources for the period from January to December of any Financial Year. Ergo, we shall let the audited records speak for themselves whether Y.B. Dr. Khir Toyo's statement can be substantiated that he left Yayasan Selangor with a cash surplus of RM80 million. Following are the extract of the audited balance sheet during Y.B. Dr. Khir Toyo's administration: As at 31st December Total FD/Cash (RM'm) 2000 10.45 2001 15.24 2002 9.42 2003 11.49 2004 12.60 2005 9.75 2006 9.22 2007 22.47 The present State Government's Menteri Besar took over the Chairmanship of the Trustee Board from Financial Year 2008 and the result of his administration are as per the extract of the audited Balance Sheet, as follows: As at 31st December Total FD/Cash (RM'm)2008 45.55 2009 60.86 2010 57.69 Following are the extract of the audited Income Statements disclosing the result for the period of the respective financial year when Y.B. Dr. Khir Toyo held the Chairmanship of the Board of Trustee: Period ending 31st December (Deficit) / Surplus (RM'm) 2000 (29.06) 2001 (3.65) 2002 (3.57) 2003 (6.06) 2004 (4.98) 2005 6.93 2006 (8.23) 2007 34.77 Net cumulative Surplus/ (Deficit) (13.85) The results of the present Chairman administration are as follows: Period ending 31st December (Deficit) / Surplus (RM'm) 2008 127.60 2009 18.69 2010 (5.09) Net cumulative Surplus/ (Deficit) 141.20 Period ending 31st Dec Cost as at 1st Jan (RM'm) Additional (RM'm) Cost as at 31st Dec (RM'm) 2008 196.40 114.12 310.532009 310.53 2.30 312.83 2010 312.83 5.92 318.75 Further examination of the historical financial record has revealed the misappropriation of resources which has directly denied Yayasan Selangor its revenue generating stream where more than approximately RM500 million was plundered and failed to be recorded in the respective Financial Statement of Yayasan Selangor. Accordingly this led us to believe that there was a Breach of Fiduciary Duty on the part of the Trust of the Board of Trustee during the period of UMNO Mentris Besar pre-March 2008 including Dr. Khir Toyo's administration and the matter has been reported to MACC for appropriate action. |
| BERSIH Rally - Letter to International Organisations to make representations to Malaysian Government Posted: 23 Jun 2011 01:00 AM PDT By P. Waytha Moorthy (Chair, HINDRAF) Urgent Request to make Representations to the Government of Malaysia on the possible violence by PERKASA, UMNO sponsored NGOs on Human Rights Advocates and the general public on the BERSIH 2.0 public rally for free and fair election in Malaysia on 9th July 2011. I write to you with the utmost urgency for your attention on the above matter. BERSIH is a coalition of NGOs that advocate free and fair elections and intend to march peacefully with the public in Malaysia on July 9, 2011 in line with the fundamental rights contained in the Malaysian Federal constitution under Article 10. The purpose of the march is to express the collective desire of the Malaysian people for a free and fair election in the forthcoming General Election. PERKASA is a Malaysian NGO and is a tool used by the UMNO-led Malaysian government in extending its ugly hands into politically extreme policies topped up by fear inducing methods to ensure that whatever is sacred in the Federal Constitution for the good of the multi-ethnic polity is compromised through this fear and state-sanctioned threats from a seemingly independent organisation - PERKASA. Malaysiakini, one of the few independent online news portals, reported on June 19th 2011 quoting PERKASA as saying, "Imagine, ladies and gentlemen, if the Bersih rally is not called off and they go ahead with it - if they don't cancel it on July 8 or 9 - I believe the Chinese community, many of them, will have to stock up on food at home. "Anything can happen on that day" On 13th of June 2011 Malaysiakini quoted PERKASA chief as saying they are ready to "fight to the end" (lawan habis-habisan) to stop the rally if the organisers insist on taking to the streets of Kuala Lumpur on July 9. "(If they proceed) there will be a clash (pertembungan). If that happens, it is for the better," he told a press conference in the Parliament lobby. The insinuations above falls short of an orchestrated attempt to riot or to promote some form of violent action by UMNO sponsored PERKASA against the public for their participating in this peaceful march on July 9, 2011 just for free and fair elections. The fear of the Malaysian community is real and should not be underestimated or downplayed at this crucial moment as state sponsored gangsters PERKASA and its allies PEKIDA (another organization of ex-police and army personnel) and 3 Line (a known large street gang) blatantly came forward in this aggressive and belligerent manner against what is a natural and legitimate grievance of the people. This march is nothing other than an expression of a collective voice of Malaysians. The international community whilst accepting Malaysia as a member of the United Nations cannot sit in silence when such threats and fear mongering methods are pursued by fascist elements in the ruling party with the implicit sanction of the UMNO-led government. Your public statement in opposing this tendency of state sponsored violence against its people is of paramount significance as it is a fundamental human rights issue and not just political theatre. The minorities, marginalized and discriminated face these kinds of human rights abuses daily through the racist and fascist agenda of the Malaysian government.. I write to urge you to make urgent representations to the Malaysian government that the BERSIH rally should be allowed to proceed unhindered and the peaceful protesters be provided protection from any untoward violent reactions by the state sponsored PERKASA, PEKIDA and other fringe elements. cc - William J.Burns Rt.Hon. William Hague MP Ms Heidi Hautala Richard Ottaway MP Ms Navanethem Pillay Mr. Githu Muigai Mrs. Margaret Sekaggya Gay McDougall Mr. Frank La Rue Gabriella Habtom Frank William La Rue Amnesty International Human Rights Watch Minority Rights Group International Front Line – OSCE Secretariat NAACP European Union External Action Service US Embassy Malaysia Rainbow Push Coalition National Action Network
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