Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Pay Hike for Legislators - Important Reform
- PAS’ uncertainty is Pakatan’s biggest dilemma as coalition eyes Putrajaya
- MB: Pay decision final, Selangor's hike smaller than Sarawak's
- Mahasiswa Tak Tahu Malu Hanya Memalukan Negara
- Azmin leads attack on Khalid over pay hikes
- FATWAS on THANKSGIVING DAY?, Part 1
- Massive salary increase shocking, says Johor MB
- Will Pakatan trip over Selangor lawmakers’ pay hike, to BN’s glee?
- Malays have too much power
- Penang DAP election a crowded affair
- What is an institution without logic?
- Start of PAS-Umno muzakarah?
- Pakatan: Loga Bala misled Parliament on KL assessment hike
- What Needs to be Done for National Unity
- I will not aplogise for “kucing kurap” remark, says a defiant Jeff Ooi
- MB to Azmin: Take it or leave it!
| Pay Hike for Legislators - Important Reform Posted: 28 Nov 2013 11:36 AM PST
The pay hike for legislators and state executives is an important step towards real reform that could present a rare window of opportunity to bring about radical change.
Ong Eu Soon
Something has to be done that represents a total change in how the Legislature is run. We should ensure that the legislators and the state executives cease to be designated as part-time employees, and accept strict limitations on outside income and more stringent oversight of their potential conflicts of interest.
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| PAS’ uncertainty is Pakatan’s biggest dilemma as coalition eyes Putrajaya Posted: 28 Nov 2013 11:16 AM PST
Several themes, some unsettling, had sprung up from the just-concluded PAS annual general assembly. Some of them are going to determine how PAS intends to chart its direction or 'tahaluf siyasi' (political consensus) with its allies in Pakatan. Khoo Kay Peng, The Ant Daily It is too early for leaders and supporters of Pakatan Rakyat to feel overly jubilant over the results of PAS' latest party elections. Mohamad Sabu had successfully defended his deputy president position against his challenger, Datuk Mohd Amar Nik, with a 98-vote majority or barely 9 per cent of the total votes. Mohamad, who is popularly known as Mat Sabu, is seen as a strong supporter of PAS' liaison with both the DAP and PKR. Mat Sabu shares cordial relationships with top leaders of both parties and he is seen as the leader of a pro-Pakatan faction within his party. To the leaders and supporters of Pakatan, the victory of Mat Sabu is a clear endorsement of PAS' intention to remain in the coalition. However, the fact that it was a straight fight between the "Erdogan" and the ulama candidates showed that the latter is consolidating its forces to keep PAS on the original track of promoting an Islamic state and protecting the Islamic values. An ulama candidate, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, was elected as a vice-president. Joining him were Datuk Husam Musa, who enjoys a solid support from the party's spiritual leader Datuk Nik Aziz Nik Mat, and Salahudin Ayub. The line-up shows that the delegates wanted an inclusive team to consider all interests within the party and they are not willing to allow any particular faction to dominate the direction of the party. The top three winners in the central committee elections were Idris Ahmad with 927 votes, Mazlan Aliman, 840 and Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin, 688. The delegates' choices indicated their priority for the party. Idris is a leader of the ulama faction and Mazlan is the head of Anak, an NGO representing the second and third generations of Felda settlers. Felda settlements are considered to be pro-Umno. Mazlan is seen as an important figure to help PAS spread its influence in these settlements. Meanwhile, Nizar has been touted as a top leader of the 'Erdogan' faction after his short-lived tenure as the menteri besar of Perak in 2008. Read more at: http://www.theantdaily.com/news/2013/11/29/pas-uncertainty-pakatans-biggest-dilemma-coalition-eyes-putrajaya |
| MB: Pay decision final, Selangor's hike smaller than Sarawak's Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:37 AM PST
(fz.com) - "The pay rise is final." Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said there is no question of withdrawing the big salary rise announced for assemblypersons, pointing out that it had been approved by both Pakatan Rakyat and BN representatives. He said the hike is justifiable as it is based on the recent sharp rise in the salaries of Sarawak assemblypersons. "During the budget meeting, I did say I'm worried about this (pay rise), so I explained to the them (assemblypersons), that if both Pakatan Rakyat and Barisan Nasional members agree, I will consider using Sarawak (assemblypersons') salary level as the base for calculation, but the rise will be lower than that. "And everyone agreed," he said in response to the Selangor Backbenchers Club (BBC) chairperson Azmin Ali's call earlier today for the pay hike to be postponed pending a review. Azmin had said that there was supposed to be a study carried out to examine the pay hike proposal, but he hadn't seen it at all. Hence the pay rise should be reviewed. Khalid however, dismissed any possibility of withdrawing the decision. "It is his (Azmin's) right to defer salary payment. For example, if there is a parliamentary salary increase, there are people who accept the rise but then donate it to charity. So they can do this. "If you disagree, leave it or donate it," said Khalid. "Salary has been decided and people will decide if we perform or not," he added. The menteri besar said that the rise is justifiable because Selangor contributes 25% to the nation's GDP. In comparison, Sarawak contributes less than 10%, and yet the revised slaries for Selangor is lower than Sarawak's. "What we did was, we take 75% of Sarawak (assemblyperson's) salaries as the basis of our calculation. So we are not the highest in Malaysia, Sarawak is. "And then of course we are very transparent, we adjust it to the previous salary, if you look at this, the way Sarawak did, their speaker's pay jumped from RM9,000 to RM39,000, (state) minister's pay rose from RM9,000 to RM 27,000. Our increase did not exceed theirs," he said. He added that economists were of the view that salaries of elected representatives in Malaysia is very low, so the hike was reasonable.
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| Mahasiswa Tak Tahu Malu Hanya Memalukan Negara Posted: 28 Nov 2013 10:15 AM PST
"Skor banyak A. Masuk universiti. Kejar pointer tinggi-tinggi. Dapat kerja bagus. Gaji besar. Rumah besar. Hidup senang lenang. Jadi hamba kapitalis. Definisi belajar kita? Di mana sumbangan untuk pembinaan tamadun? Persoalan yang sering bermain di minda." Rusni Tajari |
| Azmin leads attack on Khalid over pay hikes Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:59 AM PST
'AUDACIOUS': It's taxpayers' money, PKR No. 2 tells Selangor menteri besar
THE usual suspects in the Selangor political saga were tossing criticisms at each other yesterday over the audacious pay hike for the menteri besar, executive councillors, speaker, deputy speaker and assemblymen. The Selangor legislative assembly had, on Wednesday, approved pay cheque increases of 106 per cent for Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, 373 per cent for the speaker, deputy speaker (268 per cent), state assemblymen (87.5 per cent) and exco members (231 per cent). Azmin Ali, who is PKR deputy president and chief tormentor of Khalid, pounced on the statewide backlash to pile the pressure on the menteri besar. "It is the taxpayers' money, He (Khalid) owes them an explanation," he said at the Parliament lobby. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is the Selangor economic adviser as well as the defacto leader of PKR, too, was left ruing the hike. "I think the menteri besar should reconsider the hike. "I was told that the increase is a bit high and he has to explain to Pakatan," Anwar said. He went on to suggest the increases were indeed "too high". Khalid directed this displeasure at Azmin, telling the younger man, who, as assemblyman, would be getting a pay rise, to either take the new salary or donate it. "That's his (Azmin) right to object. Some can take it or leave it or donate part or the entire amount to charity. "This is applicable to all. "Anyone who is not happy with the new salary adjustment can choose to not take their salaries," Khalidsaid at the Dewan Negeri Selangor lobby. He said the increment was considered "low and reasonable". Selangor Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar summed up the party's stance. He said when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had earlier hinted at the possibility of an increase in parliamentarians' allowance, Pakatan members of parliament had rejected the proposal, saying that representatives should consider the people as it was taxpayers' money. "Pakatan claims that their main agenda is to fight for the people... the same MP who opposed the pay hike proposal in Parliament is also a member of the Selangor state assembly. "I do not see the same individual opposing the move in the state assembly." Political punditry was actively analysing the latest twist given the traditional Khalid-Azmin feud. Khalid had long been replaced by Azmin as the state party chief. Despite being a PKR assemblyman, Khalid is reportedly propped up largely by the 30 assemblymen from Pas and DAP. Political analyst, Associate Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian, tracked Anwar's latest political attitude, culminating in his public criticism of Khalid. "Perhaps, Anwar is tapping into this issue to test the water at the grassroots level," Sivamurugan of Universiti Sains Malaysia said. Sivamurugan said the unprecedented salary hike might have a negative impact on the legitimacy of the state government since the matter was opposed by Pakatan leaders and supporters. Last Sunday, during PKR's special national congress, Anwar, in jest, had criticised Khalid after he alleged the latter was slow in taking action on his advice. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political and international studies senior lecturer Md Shukri Shuib questioned why Anwar did not object to the increment earlier since he is the Selangor economic adviser. "He (Anwar) has been telling people that he was appointed economic adviser for Selangor. "Anwar should have advised the menteri besar not to go ahead with the salary increment." He said there was this growing conflict between Khalid and Anwar, who is in favour of Azmin. Another political analyst, Datuk Dr Ramlah Adam, said Anwar's outburst over the matter was a way for PKR to hide it weaknesses. "DAP is administering Penang while Pas is the state government for Kelantan. "Selangor is supposed to be the role model for PKR but they blew it with the salary hike," she said. |
| FATWAS on THANKSGIVING DAY?, Part 1 Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:48 AM PST
Azly Rahman No, I am not asking if celebrating the quintessentially American celebration is halal or haram for Muslims. There is no question of the importance, the value, and the beauty of this secular day of remembering a day of showing the year's gratitude, albeit the contentious history of it. The only question is whether to pardon or not to pardon a turkey.
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| Massive salary increase shocking, says Johor MB Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:36 AM PST
(The Star) - The massive salary increase approved by the Selangor state assembly is shocking, especially since the Opposition is constantly chiding Barisan Nasional for not spending money wisely, said Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said the decision made by the Opposition-held state was a contrast to what it had always been preaching. "The increase is too high, especially when compared to the salaries of those at the federal level. "It is now up to the people of Selangor to decide and take a stand on the matter," he said. Mohamed Khaled added that in Johor, they were contemplating an increase in salaries for elected representatives and the Mentri Besar, but the state government would never agree to such a steep rise. "The salaries of our assemblymen, speaker and Mentri Besar have remained the same for many years now and it is time for a change." In Johor, the basic salary of a state representative is RM5,000, the state Speaker's is RM6,109.29 and the Mentri Besar's is RM14,907.20 while an executive councillor earns RM6,500 a month. The state representatives receive additional monthly allowances amounting to about RM3,150 for transportation, driver, phone bill and postage. Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said its state assemblymen would also like a salary increment as much as what had been given to their Selangor counterparts. "The Selangor MB will be earning two to three times my salary. "But just imagine if a Barisan-led government made such an announcement, what would be the response of the public and those on the other side of the political divide?" Dr Zambry said yesterday. He added that the Selangor state government could afford the salary increases because "they have a lot of money ... it is the capital and all the activities are happening there". "But it is important to look at the effect and the burden the people will face due to their actions," he said. Dr Zambry said that since he took office in 2009, the state government had not conducted a review of its salaries except for a recent increase in the allowance for assemblymen, from RM4,112 to RM6,000 a month. "We want to think first, in terms of actual need and the level of increase. But we feel there is a need for a review in Perak as well, because it has been a long time since one was made," he said. Meanwhile, salaries and allowances of the 40 state assemblymen in Penang are expected to increase by about 84% next year. A source said a proposal for the pay increase would be tabled in the state assembly on Nov 29.
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| Will Pakatan trip over Selangor lawmakers’ pay hike, to BN’s glee? Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:28 AM PST
The Malaysian Insider When lawmakers vote to reward themselves with more pay, what message does that give to the electorate, especially when the state government has been frugal with money in the past five years? Malaysia's wealthiest state, Selangor, has been subsisting on bare essentials as its Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has been tight with money since taking power in Election 2008. His economic style returned him to power with a bigger majority in the May 5 general election this year. To the electorate and his own PKR party's surprise, the state chief executive known for his parsimonious ways decided to increase wages for himself, his executive councillors, state speaker, deputy speaker and assemblymen this week. The Selangor State Legislative Assembly had approved a salary hike for all 56 state assemblymen effective next year, with its deputy speaker getting the highest percentage of 373.3%. The menteri besar's salary would be increased from RM14,175.15 to RM29,250; state executive committee, from RM6,109.29 to RM20,250; speaker, from RM6,109.29 to RM22,500; deputy speaker, from RM3,327.50 to RM15,750; and state assemblymen from RM6,000 to RM11,250. There are 44 Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers to 12 from Barisan Nasional (BN). Khalid's move to reward assemblymen is not the first in the country this year. Sarawak decided to triple the pay of its assemblymen earlier this year, making the wages higher than that of federal lawmakers. Over in Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew years ago went ahead and gave his ministers million-dollar salaries. His justification was that only top drawer salaries could draw top talent into politics and keep corruption at bay. Decades later, the ruling PAP government is still on the back foot on this salary issue, so much so that current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Lee's son, had to slash salaries after the last polls. The simple fact is that no one will begrudge politicians a reasonable increase but not a huge jump especially when they still expect their elected representatives to be serving for reasons other than monetary gain. Especially if they belong to the opposition, which has long campaigned for fiscal and financial responsibility. Khalid should remember that many people in his state are struggling under a mountain of household debt and are lucky if they get a 10% salary hike a year, which is way below that of the Selangor assemblymen. After all, the state's last wage adjustment for the lawmakers was just in 2011. While voters in Selangor put them back in power, PR should realise that the salary adjustment could just trip the coalition better than BN could have done.
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| Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST
Zaid Ibrahim, The Malay Mail It's a common saying from the elderly and the wise: too much of anything is harmful. Now, I think the Malays have too much power and it's gone to their heads. At the last general election, Utusan Malaysia and Umno actively lambasted the Chinese by casting doubt on their loyalty to the country and asking them to go and live elsewhere.
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| Penang DAP election a crowded affair Posted: 28 Nov 2013 08:13 AM PST The Penang DAP will see stiff competition among four factions in its party's state level election coming Sunday. Hawkeye, FMT Four factions have emerged to battle this Sunday in the Penang state level DAP elections, where 49 candidates were nominated to vie for 15 slots in its committee line-up. Party insiders, who preferred not to be named due to the sensitive nature of the issue, said the four factions are those allied to secretary-general and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, party veterans, personalities who were dropped or sidelined in the last general election and the party's upstarts. Those likely to gain attention are the upstarts led by Jagdeep Singh Deo, the eldest son of party chairman Karpal Singh; the outspoken Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi; environmentalist Teh Yee Cheu, the Tanjung Bungah assemblyman as well as Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N Rayer and Ong Ah Teong – a hard working Penang municipal councillor. Not to be discounted are the veterans led by the present state DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, DAP Wanita head Chong Eng, Phee Boon Poh, his brother Phee Boon Chee, Lim Hock Seng, Danny Law Heng Kiang and A Tanasekharan. Guan Eng's faction is said to be led by his political secretaries Ng Wei Aik and Zairil Khir Johari and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim. Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P Ramasamy is also touted as one of the state-level leaders who has a strong chance of faring well due to his work with the Indian community and his position in the government. While the faction which is said to be fighting for their 'political survival' are those sidelined, namely former Pulau Tikus assemblyman Koay Teng Hai and former Sungai Pinang assemblyman Koid Teng Guan. Insiders said this election mainly concerns the fate of Ng, Zairil, Jagdeep, Ooi, Koay and the veterans, with rumours persisting that two of them – Chow and Hock Seng – are considering making way for younger talent in the next few years. The insiders claimed that some quarters in DAP see Ng, Zairil and Sim as 'young men in a hurry', who may not realise that in their quest to reach their political goals, they are stepping on the toes of many 'warlords' in the state.
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| What is an institution without logic? Posted: 27 Nov 2013 08:27 PM PST
If Ke$ha was deemed to be controversial to perform here, and if Beyonce was too sexy for our audience, perhaps the time has come for us to look at our own backyard and see what we ourselves are doing before pointing fingers and blaming Western culture for corrupting our children. Farah Harith, The Malay Mail Before I proceed with this article, allow me to establish my stand: I am not entirely anti-establishment, nor am I a modern liberal. For the most part, I am a logical person who tries to be as traditional and conservative as I can because I still believe that old school is the best school. As usual, something has gotten me riled up this week, and it isn't exactly new.With the increased reliance on social networks, particularly Instagram, these applications are no longer being used by ordinary folks like you and me. Celebrities, as well as members of royal families, have also taken to social networks to share their lives with the "ever-adoring" public. Albeit some of their accounts are "padlocked" for alleged privacy, I don't see them vetting the requests. The way I see it, a majority of them will simply approve requests for friends without checking who's making the requests. The problem here is not so much with celebrities but with royalty. Some of the ladies post pictures of themselves scantily dressed. What I would like to know is, why are they doing this, and getting away with it, when we are cancelling permits for foreign artistes to come and perform here, because they wear revealing outfits. It is common knowledge that Malaysian royalty are Muslims. And it is also common knowledge that most of the foreign artistes who want to perform here are non-Muslims. So the logical part that eludes me here is, why are we insisting that non-Muslims adhere to Muslim dress codes, but we don't impose the same on our fellow Muslims in the country? Aren't members of royal families supposed to uphold Islamic integrity? Isn't that one of the functions of the royal institution? I am all for tradition, which means I have no problems with maintaining monarchy. However, when the institution itself fails to adhere to logic, what does it say about Malaysia as a Muslim country? Too many questions and yet there are no answers. Or perhaps the answers are buried deep in the midst of the mindset that we are not supposed to question these things, instead accept it because that is just how things are supposed to be. The problem with matters such as these, is that we are not allowed to question them. However, if we choose to adopt logic, the institution can prosper and triumph for many more years to come. The mindset that when one questions these things, one automatically is branded to be anti-establishment and propagating anarchy, must go. At times, questions are raised so that a solution can be found that will in turn benefit us all. |
| Posted: 27 Nov 2013 08:22 PM PST
K Pragalath, FMT PAS-led Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob met Umno president Najib Tun Razak at the Prime Minister's office in Putrajaya this morning and this could mark start of the long-awaited Umno-PAS dialogue. A Bernama report confirmed that the two held a 45-minute discussion at Perdana Putra and talks were centred on the assistance of the federal government to the state. Although it is common for a state MB to meet the PM, the timing of this meeting coming right at the heel of the willingness expressed by both Umno and PAS to meet and discuss do suggest a different agenda. Also present at the meeting, which began at 9am, was Kelantan Umno liaison chief and International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapha Mohamad, chief secretary to the government Ali Hamsa, Kelantan state exco for infrastructure, utility and information technology Hanifa Ahmad, Kelantan state secretary Zainuddin Ibrahim. Najib announced on Monday that Umno was willing to sit down with Islamic party PAS on the issue of implementing an administration that is based on Islam in the country. "We are willing to hold discussions with PAS but we need to know what is the scope of discussions," Najib had said, adding that Umno needed to know what PAS was seeking. Najib also disclosed, three days ago, that he had received a letter from Ahmad Yaakob requesting a meeting. "I will be meeting Ahmad soon because he requested it," Najib had said earlier this week, declining to elaborate further. On Sunday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang, closing the 59th PAS muktamar said if Umno was committed to implementing an administration that was based on Islam, then both parties should discuss about it. Abdul Hadi said the party was ready to muzakarah as it could result in better unity among Muslims in the country. He had said that issues, such as the use of the word "Allah" and other problems, which were splitting the Muslim faithful, could be resolved if Umno and PAS talked to each other. |
| Pakatan: Loga Bala misled Parliament on KL assessment hike Posted: 27 Nov 2013 08:18 PM PST Pathma Subramaniam, Fz.com The Opposition wants Deputy Federal Territories Minister Datuk J Loga Bala Mohan to be referred to the Rights and Privileges Committee for "misleading" Parliament on the enforcement date for the Kuala Lumpur assessment rates hike. Lim Lip Eng (DAP-Segambut) said Loga Bala had stating facts that contradicted Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Mansor's statement this morning that that the hike will come into effect on Jan 1. Loga Bala had told the Dewan Rakyat yesterdat that the hike in the assessment rates will be postponed indefinitely, pending public hearings which has been extended from January to March next year. But according to Tengku Adnan, what was extended to March was the period needed by a special panel formed to gather public feedback on the hike to implement the revised rates. Raising the contradiction in the House today, Lim said differing statements had led to unnecessary confusion. Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia told Lim that he will evaluate the complaint and decide on Monday on whether Loga Bala should face the powerful committee of the House. At a press conference later, Lim ticked off both Tengku Adnan and Loga Bala for interfering in the decision on raising assessment rates. Lim pointed out that the revision of the assessment tax is solely under the discretion of the capital's mayor Datuk Phesal Talib. Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras), who was also present, slammed Loga Bala for the mix up as the deputy minister repeated the claim of indefinite deferment when Lim sought a clarification yesterday. "According to the local government's bylaws there will be a late payment penalty if the property owners do not pay their assessment tax by Feb 28 but this minister (Tenku Adnan) is telling everyone to go pay after the expiry date until the public hearing ends in march. "Doesn't this sound ridiculous?" asked Tan. Lim reiterated that the Federal Territories Ministry should stay out of the controversy, saying: "I want the minister and deputy minister to just shut up and let the mayor decide and make the announcement."
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| What Needs to be Done for National Unity Posted: 27 Nov 2013 08:14 PM PST
Kee Thuan Chye Prime Minister Najib Razak has just set up the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) and told its 30 panel members that in the six months they are given to discuss and recommend new measures to foster national unity, they will be free to discuss anything, even sensitive issues like the use of 'Allah' by non-Muslims. However, I've been told by a reliable source that the panel has been briefed not to bring religion into the discussions because when this is done, things often "go wild". This sounds like a cop-out. And it's already happened even before actual brainstorming has started. So much for Najib's promise that the NUCC could discuss anything. He appears to have been caught out already. How does this instil public faith in the NUCC? Religion is integral to national harmony. Especially in Malaysia where religion has been politicised for decades. If the NUCC excludes it from its discussions, the harmony equation is grossly incomplete. Then the whole exercise would be another half-baked endeavour. An eyewash. For what? To make Najib look good in the public eye? To show he is doing something about what he calls national reconciliation? Well, a half-hearted effort is not going to be any good, so why waste the public funds? After all, past exercises and what became of them have already taught us the lesson that they turned out to be nothing but eyewash. They eventually appeared to have been conducted merely to placate a public seeking answers and solutions at the time and then shoved aside after the exercise had been completed. Notable examples are the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) that recommended the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) in 2005, and the one in 2007 that recommended the appropriate action to be taken against V.K. Lingam, Ahmad Fairuz Sheikh Abdul Halim, Mohd Eusoff Chin, Vincent Tan, Mahathir Mohamad and Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor for misconduct over the fixing of the appointment of top judges. Meanwhile, we still await the outcome of the RCI on illegal immigrants in Sabah and the Government's subsequent response to it. Will action be taken on the ensuing recommendations? More important, will the right action be taken? Most Malaysians are not holding their breath. Just as they are not doing it for the NUCC. Some of the comments I've seen on Facebook about the NUCC indicate this. One commentor says, "What the Government has failed to do in 50 years, this group can accomplish in six months! Really? Endless possibilities." As most people would know, "endless possibilities" is a satirical dig at the Government's proposed new tagline to either replace or complement 1Malaysia. Another commentor – let's call him Toshiro – offers well-considered suggestions for promoting unity, which include controlling disunity, by applying existing laws without fear or favour; developing a culture of social embracement and inclusiveness, beginning with the schools as pillars of unity; removing all forms of segregation, starting with the race-based quota; and removing leadership-by-default, thereby allowing talents to manage for the good of the country.
He ended by saying, "These are simple actions that do not require knowledge of rocket science!" In response to his suggestions, another commentor says, "But these are precisely the measures that would destroy Umno!" Which gives cause for yet another commentor to remark, "I think the NUCC or any council Najib cares to set up is no substitute for leadership. Committees are no substitute for balls." Indeed. Even if the NUCC did come up with sterling recommendations, especially those that call for radical shifts from the current practice, which no doubt would rock the world that Umno is comfortable doing business in, Najib might still do what the Government has done with the IPCMC – give gutless excuses for not implementing them. I have a few points of my own about what needs to be done for national unity. Some of them coincide with Toshiro's. While his are spelt out in broader terms, I'm looking more at specific actions. To truly end the division in our society, I would propose banning the use of the word 'Bumiputera'. This is such an obvious thing to do, really. We should not be Bumiputeras and non-Bumiputeras. We are all Malaysians. The Government should promote that idea. This of course would mean the end of affirmative action for Bumiputeras. So let us switch to a programme that is based on needs instead of race. Even from a universal perspective, that would be socially more acceptable. Another important thing to do is to inculcate racial harmony and equality in schools. That's the first place to begin because the young must be properly educated on this. Currently, however, that is not the practice. Parents have plenty of horror stories to tell of disrespect between races and cultures. And stories of school principals who lead by divisive example. These have in fact been reported in the media, like the principals who said non-Malay students werepenumpang (passengers) in this country, or told them to go back to China and India, or insulted the religion of Hindu students. To eschew exclusiveness, religious rituals (of any religion) should no longer be performed at school assemblies or any school functions. In fact, even for public sector functions, they should also be stopped. This will also diminish the role of religion in providing one of the biggest stumbling blocks to national unity. Let's go back to basics. Najib should first of all unequivocally declare Malaysia a secular state, with Islam being the religion of the Federation, as spelt out in the Federal Constitution. Past prime ministers Tunku Abdul Rahman and Hussein Onn have stated that this is so. And it's clearly a better option for a multi-racial, multi-religious country. On the issue of race, the Government must put a stop to all efforts and programmes aimed at fuelling suspicion or hatred of any race. One, shut down Biro Tata Negara, which has allegedly been using methods almost akin to the ones used by the Nazis in fostering the Master Race. Two, direct all media organisations (like Utusan Malaysia) to cease race-baiting. Three, officially direct ministers and public officials to refrain from making racist remarks in public. And also to stop using the bogey of May 13 to scare the people. Like Wanita Umno President Shahrizat Abdul Jalil did at the party's general assembly in 2012. To eliminate racial polarisation, the Government should shut down all fully residential schools and MARA institutions of learning that have 99% Malay students and only a few token non-Malays. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) should be open to all races. What its vice-chancellor, Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar, said two months ago in insisting that it remain the institution of higher learning for Malays and Bumiputeras is a bane to national unity. In fact, the Government should take the radical step and institute a single school system – without the vernacular and religious streams. Like in Singapore. It will incur the wrath of many interest groups, but if you are serious about national unity, you have to take the bull by its horns. Finally, the Government should declare a policy that favours merit over consideration of race in all fields of public service, e.g. the civil service, security forces, judiciary, universities and schools. This way, the country can also be assured of higher quality administration. At present, how many non-Malays are heads of department in the civil service? How many are school principals? How many are vice-chancellors of public universities? If non-Malays who are qualified for these positions are denied them for reasons of race, how does that help national unity? I hope that's enough for the NUCC to chew on. And that the ideas are not too radical for them to dare to consider or even acknowledge. The bottom line is, national unity is something that's abstract. We may not even know it when we've achieved it. We have this romantic notion that we had a semblance of it perhaps in the 1960s, when crucial social conditions were different. So the important consideration now is to put in place the social conditions that would be appropriate for unity. Unfortunately, however, different people will have different ideas about what these conditions should be, and that's where the problem arises. So, will 30 people of varying backgrounds, with varying values, beliefs and assumptions be able to solve in six months the problems we are facing in a society that has become more divided than ever before? What do you think? |
| I will not aplogise for “kucing kurap” remark, says a defiant Jeff Ooi Posted: 27 Nov 2013 07:25 PM PST
(TMI) - A defiant Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi (pic), who has lately become a controversial figure in Penang for his "kucing kurap" remark, is not losing sleep over the issue even as various quarters have criticised him, including his own state party chairman Chow Kon Yeow. The two-term DAP parliamentarian, who had said before that he will not retract or apologise for the remark, is now more determined to "unearth more weaknesses of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP)." He said he is on a mission to look into various decisions made by the MPPP that had allegedly "shortchanged" the state government. "After I have submitted my reports to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, the state executive council and the state secretariat, I will share my findings with the media," he told The Malaysian Insider today. Ooi was asked to comment on various quarters demanding for his apology, including the Amalgamated National Union of Local Authority Employees (Anulae). Anulae chairman Saleem Sulaiman, who slammed Ooi yesterday, labeled the blogger turned politician "anjing kurap" (mangy dog) and "pandi kuti" (piglet in Tamil) of Jelutong. Ooi said the whole issue had been taken over by events with some stooping low to use terms like "pandi kuti" which carried a racial tone. "When I made the remark ('kucing kurap' meaning small fry) I aimed it at the machinery, the MPPP. It was not directed at any individual. "All that has happened indicates that little Napoleons are alive and kicking even after the government has changed," he said. Ooi said it was a matter that needed to be managed strategically to improve the situation. "The council president to the lower ranking officials have endured the Barisan Nasional culture for too long. That has to change with the council performing better with more competency and transparency. "The MPPP is the third level of government and it does not have to go back to the masses for renewal," he said. Ooi reminded civil servants, who plan to participate in a protest against him should he refuses to apologise for his remark, not to do so during office hours. "They are free to do it, but not at the expense of ratepayers. Disciplinary action may be taken against them," he warned. On how he was faring with criticism coming his way lately, Ooi said he was not losing any sleep, but his lawyers were going over television and news reports for any statements that are defamatory. On his own party distancing itself from him following this controversy, he said he is not taking it personally. "It does not matter. I separate matters of governance from party affairs. "There is no hard feelings. I am also performing my duties," he added. Ooi reportedly made the infamous "kucing kurap" remark when he and several MPPP officers met on Novermber 16 over the illegal hawker issue at the Jelutong market.
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| MB to Azmin: Take it or leave it! Posted: 27 Nov 2013 07:16 PM PST Khalid said Azmin could donate the additional amount of his salary to charity if he was not happy. (The Posto) - Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has defended the considerable pay increase for state assemblypersons and brushed off Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyperson Azmin Ali's suggestion to delay it. Speaking to reporters in Shah Alam today, Khalid said the state legislative assembly has approved the salary hike and the decision is final. Khalid said Azmin could donate the additional amount of his salary to charity if he was not happy. "He may not want to receive the salary. That's the right of the individual. If (he) doesn't want to take it, (he) can leave it," Khalid said. He also disagreed with parliamentary Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim's statement that the increase was "quite high". "It's not quite high. We do not raise the salary unneccesarily. In fact, the salary in Malaysia is quite low," Khalid said, adding that it was low compared with what Sarawak pays its lawmakers. Azmin, who is also Gombak MP, told reporters at the Parliament lobby today that the pay increase should be shelved because there was no prior consultation. He said that the amount was "too high" and thus a review would be a "smart" move. Azmin said that the Selangor Pakatan backbenchers, of whom he is the chairperson, were not consulted on the matter. "This is about the taxpayers' money, and the concept of Pakatan Rakyat to always have dialogues. We should have more discussions on this matter," Azmin said. He also said that Khalid had only said on Nov 19 that pay hikes would be reviewed, but felt it was "too soon" for such a review be done and then be tabled in the state assembly sitting. He however admitted that he had met Khalid personally to express his opinions. Azmin however denied that his statement was a form of attack on Khalid's administration, just a month after the backbenchers led by him sent a memorandum to the latter over state budget allocations. "We are not attacking Khalid," he said, while denying that the backbenchers had lobbied Khalid to raise the pay of assemblypersons. "We never made such a demand before. Our memorandum has nothing about personal interests," Azmin claimed. Salary hike to stop lawmakers going for extra income The salary hike for elected representatives of Selangor is meant to stop the lawmakers making extra income, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said today "This income (hike) is suitable for the people's representatives and state executive councillors as they will no longer need to find extra income from outside. This has happened (before)," Khalid told the media at the state assembly complex today. He said some of the federal ministers too could be looking for extra incomes to sustain their political work. "Though they get the salary of a minister (besides the MP's or senator's allowance), they sometimes may need to get extra income (duit dari luar), to pay for their work," he said. "So, this has been difficult for us as well." Khalid defended the remuneration increment as "not high" and "reasonable", if compared with wages in the private sector. He said the state government has taken into consideration objections from the rakyat on this matter. It therefore chose the salary of the Sarawak assemblyperson as a basis and worked out a 30 percent lesser rate on the new salary for the Selangor assemblypersons. Though both states have financial reserves, Khalid said, Selangor was bigger than Sarawak in terms of economic performance. Khalid added that the media has been treating Selangor unfairly over the matter and blowing the issue out of proportion, despite the fact that everything was above board and done in a transparent manner. He said that in contrast, the media had remained relatively silent about the dramatic pay increase of Sarawak's state legislative assembly members.
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No, I have been thinking of what fatwas are right till today: Thanksgiving Day. I have been coming up with tens of my "personal fatwas" for own consumption after thinking that many of the fatwas I have come across, produced even by "Islamic clerics and scholars" do not make sense nor appeal to my critical sensibility. I hope to produce more. See 
Consider the Analects of Kung Fu Tze, the Tao Te' Ching, the Tibetan Book of the Dead, and the Lotus Sutra. They are stories of specific peoples. The become canonical through the promotion of the ideology of their supremacy and through the elevation of the status of the "holiness" of these books. The become "sacred" through the process of being made "holy and sacred" via "rites, ritual, spiritual-authoritisation, legitimisation, and mystification" of these texts.
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