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Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

Remember Hindraf and Raja Petra
Dr M, Taib locked in death embrace
It's not just about marriage between 2 men
Season to be jolly – and afraid for M’sian Christians
In Malaysia, corruption is a team effort

Posted: 21 Dec 2011 04:20 PM PST

More importantly, he is still with the forces of change. Raja Petra is a maverick so he may sometimes say or do things we don't approve of, but he will continue to fight for a better Malaysia. He would not be Raja Petra if he were so predictable, or always sang the right tune.

Zaid Ibrahim

If we reflect on the issues that wrought cataclysmic change to the political landscape – culminating in the 2008 General Election – we must acknowledge the important role played by both the Hindu Rights Action Force, or Hindraf, and blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin. In different ways, both gave the Opposition the impetus and dynamism it so badly needed then, the kind that outstripped even the BN juggernaut's ability to contain the people's march for change.

Hindraf's contribution was their ability to mobilise the poor and marginalised Indian community. They were united and more importantly, they showed tremendous resolve and courage in pursuing their demands. Some of these demands were questionable and perhaps even unreasonable, but it can't be denied that they gave voice to pent-up grievances the Indian community had suffered for decades. When such feelings have had no outlet for expression for so long, it's not surprising that they can seem extreme and unreasonable in parts when they are finally unleashed.

Hindraf's announcement last week that they too would support the Opposition and do whatever they can to bring about more change in the political landscape is a gesture that we all should appreciate. The Indian community still supports Hindraf and I have no doubt that their ability to mobilise this group in the upcoming General Election will be as formidable as ever.

Raja Petra meanwhile, may not be living in Malaysia any longer but as a friend I know he has sacrificed a lot for the cause of reform and political transformation. He is still in the thick of things, and I hope his relentless assault on the Internal Security Act and tireless online campaigning for the Opposition will not be forgotten. He also took great personal risks back in 2008. More importantly, he is still with the forces of change. Raja Petra is a maverick so he may sometimes say or do things we don't approve of, but he will continue to fight for a better Malaysia. He would not be Raja Petra if he were so predictable, or always sang the right tune.

The political culture that we need to nurture in this country is that of inclusiveness. That means we must learn to trust those who share our struggle even when they come in different shapes and sizes – we share the same destination in this long journey for change. Differences are plentiful and we may even disagree on what we need to do to attain success. We must, however, appreciate and value those who have given their pounds of flesh in this struggle, warts and all.

Dr M, Taib locked in death embrace

Posted: 21 Dec 2011 03:53 PM PST

In Mahathir's case, as with Taib, there is no punishment as yet devised for the enormity of their crimes against the state and people.

It's not surprising that Taib's family has been listed by Sarawak Report webportal as having directorships and stakes in nearly 400 companies in Sarawak, and conservatively estimated at US$5 billion. In short, they have a finger in every pie in Sarawak, a phenomenon due to the family members all having something upstairs, according to Taib in a media interview recently.

Joe Fernandez, Free Malaysia Today

Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who needs no introduction, has characteristically come to Taib Mahmud's defence in helping to fend off the incessant attacks against the latter for his unexplained and stupendous wealth. Taib needs no introduction either and for obvious reasons.

Simplistic as usual, Mahathir has declared Taib innocent as otherwise the authorities would have thrown the book at him. He attributes the stepped up attacks against Taib to the imminent 13th general election which seems to be always around the corner since the last two years.

The defence of Taib comes after Mahathir declared that he had never heard of "Projek Mahathir" in Sabah to place illegal immigrants on the electoral roll in the state with MyKads which may be either genuine – but the holder not being entitled to it – or bogus. In the latter case, the details of the holder are not on record with the National Registration Department unlike in the former.

Both men have been safe so far from being incarcerated as laws in Malaysia are not enacted to be enforced but just in case they need to be enforced. Cases in point are those, on paper, against sodomy, fellatio and other carnal acts against the order of nature (Umno). Hence, public persecutors are "cleverly" disguised as public prosecutors.

In Taib's case in particular, Mahathir laid down a Golden Rule while he was in office for 22 years as prime minister: any investigation file on a Barisan Nasional leader had to be sent to him personally for approval. No prizes for guessing that Mahathir locked away such files in a drawer until his own personal circumstances forced him to betray the suspect.

This was how fallen Angel Anwar Ibrahim, under Mahathir's direction, was mercilessly dragged through the Court on Sodomy 1 and corruption charges. By the time of Sodomy II, Anwar was no longer a BN leader and the sycophants among the authorities fell all over themselves in pleasing the powers-that-be.

Just as Mahathir hijacked the system, Taib has done likewise in Sarawak because he has a licence from Putrajaya to be corrupt as long as the state not only remains within the BN fold but within Malaysia.

So, on "national security" grounds, the separatist-minded non-Muslim Dayaks had to be kept out of the chief minister's chair. Taib, Dayak as a Melanau, was nevertheless okay in the eyes of Putrajaya. He was a fellow Muslim who could be trusted to do the right thing for "bangsa, agama and negara".

Both Mahathir and Taib, being birds of a feather, are locked in a death embrace. Their day of reckoning is coming sooner rather than later, and with good reasons too.

Death march of the SUPP

In Taib's case, his fate is linked with the final death march of the Sarawak United People's Party (Supp) which began on Sat 10, Dec 2011. The Chinese and the business community have completely turned away from the party. The party is not going to get an extended lease of life, to delay the inevitable, by grudgingly and finally electing a Dayak as the deputy president. This is a party which has squatted on the Dayaks, the Bidayuh in particular, since its inception in 1961.

It will be interesting to see whether Taib can stave off the certainty that Supp will be decimated during GE 13.

Supp has joined the ranks of the Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and the Sarawak Progressive Party (SPDP), both of which are powerless within the state BN. Wither the power-sharing formula so often preached by BN and the coalition's spirit of give-and-take and arriving at decisions by consensus-and-compromise?

The Chinese business community in Sarawak can be expected to bankroll anyone who can help them get rid of Taib. If they can get rid of Rahman in 1981, after just 10 years in power, they can also do the same to Taib. The latter has learnt the bitter lessons from Rahman's downfall but apparently not enough.

It has become a one-way street in Sarawak under Taib. He takes, and takes and takes. The others have to give in, give in and give in.

Posted: 21 Dec 2011 09:11 AM PST

He deserted his family and they had to pick up his sizeable debt

What's most condemnable about what Ariff did was that he left his family in the lurch. He left them to pick up his sizeable debt, and subjected them to pain, public embarrassment and ridicule. Petronas recently issued a summons to his family demanding the repayment of Ariff's education loan, a whopping RM890,000.

By Chok Suat Ling, New Straits Times

BE careful what you post on the social media. No-nos would include how many cows you had milked on Farmville, photos showing the layout and exact location of your home, and in the case of criminals, the luxury cars you had stolen.

It is also ill-advised to put up photos of yourself inebriated at a party on the day you had called in sick from work, and those of yourself getting married abroad to someone of the same gender when on the run from a study sponsor.

Too far-fetched? Believe it or not, people have done all the aforementioned, and more.

Last week, photos of a 28-year-old Malaysian man surfaced on social media and blogs. The former medical student was in a state of wedded bliss in Dublin, Ireland, flushed with happiness, with his arm draped around his equally gay and gleeful spouse. Other photos show the couple locking lips, and in various poses typical among the just married.

The former student, Ariff Alfian, was resplendent in Malay traditional costume. His Caucasian partner was equally well turned out. It wasn't a grand wedding, but what made the entire combo of photos extraordinary was that the man and "wife" were of the same gender.

That, of course, sent many into a tizzy in Malaysia. A number spewed venom, the way they also did when transsexual Fatine Young married a British man in 2009, when Mohd Ashraf Hafiz Abdul Aziz wanted to change his name to Aleesha Farhana, and when Elton John performed in Genting Highlands.

Indeed, issues related to transgenders and homosexuality remain extremely sensitive in this country. But Ariff's case is not just about that. Many have, however, not been able to look beyond the "marriage".

What's most condemnable about what Ariff did was that he left his family in the lurch. He left them to pick up his sizeable debt, and subjected them to pain, public embarrassment and ridicule.

Petronas recently issued a summons to his family demanding the repayment of Ariff's education loan, a whopping RM890,000.

The former student of University College Dublin, Ireland, began studying medicine in 2003 but extended his studies for a few more semesters in 2008. He was suspended for failing to pay his academic fees that year when Petronas refused to sponsor the additional expenses of over RM160,000 a year.

Ariff's father had advised him to continue his studies in Malaysia but he refused and returned to Dublin, cutting off contact with his family. The retiree has been looking for his son since and had made eight trips to Dublin, in addition to lodging a missing person's report with the police, Wisma Putra and the Irish and Malaysian embassies.

It appears that while there are parents who neglect their children, we are also not short of cases involving thoughtless, self-centred children. The many young Malaysian girls who eloped to Lombok without a word to their parents and families to marry Indonesian men are among them. Some of these girls later realise the folly of their ways, plead to return home, and have to be rescued by their parents and Umno Youth. Other examples abound.

There are even legends about such children. A famous one revolves around Si Tanggang, a poor boy who left his village to become a sailor. He went around the world in a ship and later stopped by his village for food and water. His poor mother, who was left to fend for herself for years, was excited to see her son again. But she was heartbroken when he pretended not to know her.

Si Tanggang was cursed and cast as a rock in his own ship, a story which was published in storybooks and turned into a movie. People in Muar, Johor claim it's a true story and that the incident happened in Kampung Bukit Treh, located some 10km from town. Whether fact or fiction, the story is about filial piety, and underscores the importance of being grateful to our parents.

Adult children such as Ariff may think they can pretty much do as they please -- which they can, to a degree -- but it's never okay to scandalise our nearest and dearest, cause them grief, and then leave them to pick up the pieces.

Season to be jolly – and afraid for M’sian Christians

Posted: 21 Dec 2011 07:41 AM PST

For the minority religious group, there is a sense of unease in the wake of rising tensions with Muslims authorities.

"We've had to be very careful about whom we help, and how we go about doing it because authorities are paying more attention to church activities," said a pastor who requested anonymity due to his work among the poor and homeless of Kuala Lumpur.

Julia Yeow, Free Malaysia Today

In every mall and along every main street in Malaysia's capital, elaborate decorations and loud, blaring carols bring about festive reminders of the season to be jolly.

But beneath the blinking lights and merry making, many Christians will be celebrating Christmas with an undeniable sense of unease due to rising tensions with Muslim authorities.

Malaysia is a secular state as defined in its constitution, but Islam is the official religion and is embraced by 60 percent of the population. Minority Christians make up about 10 percent, followed
by Buddhists, Hindus and people of other faiths.

Religious violence is rare in the multicultural society, but minority religious groups have complained that their right to practise freely is increasingly threatened by a Muslim-dominated
government.

Christians have always had to be "cautious" in dealing with the government, said Sam Ang, secretary-general of the National Evangelical Christian Fellowship, the country's largest evangelical group.

"I think there is definitely a sense of Christians feeling threatened much more now, although not so much physically."

He said the authorities often misinterpret the law according to their own convenience.

"There is always a risk. That is why churches would be wise to always exercise caution," he said.

An emotional thing

But one major church apparently threw caution to the wind on Aug 3 when it allowed an organisation with Muslim members to use its premises for a celebration.

Islamic religious officers raided the church during the dinner, and later claimed efforts were being made to convert the Muslims who were present.

The Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) denied the allegations and called the raid illegal. It said accusations of conversion attempts were false and malicious.

Christian leaders condemned the raid, saying the authorities showed no proof or warrant to enter the church premises.

The incident also sparked outrage among Muslim groups that demonstarted against what they claimed were aggressive conversion efforts by Christians. They called on Muslims to "take all necessary actions" to protect the sanctity of Islam.

In response, the Christian community was placed on alert for fears of a repeat of violent attacks on at least eight churches last year, including one that was gutted by a firebomb.

"Religion is such an emotional thing that I find it hard to be at ease during this season," said Vivienne Pal, a 33-year-old Christian.

"I'm constantly aware that things can get out of hand in a blink of an eye."

Posted: 21 Dec 2011 07:37 AM PST

It's difficult for a leadership brought up within a corrupt system to correct things.

These teams are running wild in this government. This government is suffering from a serious credibility problem. Every purchase, contract and project that it dishes out is never free from suspicions of financial improprieties. Every damn business decision involving, for example, even government-linked companies or any companies linked to the government is not above shiftiness.

Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz, Free Malaysia Today

Why does our country find it so objectionable to kick out the crooks and the stupid?

For corruption to take place, you must have two important elements – you must be a crook and mental dud.

It will therefore take paramount political will by a leadership and a messianic zeal to stem corruption to succeed. In our country, the only answer is a change in leadership.

As former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said, the whole country, from top to bottom, is corrupt.

I take that to mean, Dr Mahathir also includes the prime minister.

Money changing hands – that's bribery plain and simple. The businessmen who pay the aides to the prime minister and deputy prime minister monthly allowances, engages in bribery.

The politician who pays Najib's people to always say good things about the former so that he continues to be minister or chief minister, does a bribery number.

Where the money involved runs into hundreds of millions and even billions, the bribery reaches a more sophisticated level.

Manipulating records and numbers

In one of my conversations with The Oracle of Syed Putera (who incidentally is the alter ego of former economic adviser Daim Zainuddin), I asked: "How was it that the double-tracking project originally given to China Railways and which was endorsed by the federal Cabinet was rescinded?

"How did it come to the state, when Cabinet revised its earlier decision and in light of new 'data and information', the project was taken away from China Railways and given to China Harbours?

"Who provided new data and information? Who directed the provider of the information to submit new evidence?"

Any layman would think, China Harbours is a company expert in doing harbours and China Railways in rail lines. The proper thing is to give it to China Railways.

The Oracle was very matter-of-fact when he replied: "Because huge sums of money have changed hands."

He must have meant the manipulation of facts and figures and methods to allow the switch in decisions.

Appointing a project management consultant that deducts points from the track record of China Harbours to make it look unqualified and extolling the virtues of another competitor, is corruption of a more sophisticated level.

It means that the level of corruption here in Malaysia takes a network of like-minded people to work. In Malaysia corruption is a team effort.

READ MORE HERE

Kredit: www.malaysia-today.net

Khamis, 22 Disember 2011

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News

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