| UMNO not dominating, not racist? Posted: 02 Dec 2011 04:30 PM PST If Umno is really serious about reformation and transformation for the nation, then it should set an example by becoming a non-race party like PKR and Kita. This step will go a long way towards eradicating racial politics in Malaysia. DANIEL JOHN JAMBUN I congratulate the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his sterling performance in his speech at the on-going Umno General Assembly. Even Tun Mahathir who had been so critical of Najib all this while was impressed and expressed support for him because now "he is a different man." The speech achieved its purpose of raising the spirit of the delegates and observers. He may even have discouraged certain factions in the party from possibly putting up a challenge to his leadership. However, there are two points in the speech which I would like to address, i.e. Najib's assertion that Umno is not dominating, and that it is not a racist party. While I appreciate the good intention of these statements, I feel that they are not totally accurate if we look at the real situation today. Najib's reference to not dominating is on the way he handles party elections, i.e. without dominating the party electoral process like what Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had done in PKR's last party election. However, at the BN level, Umno cannot deny that it is the dominating power over all the other components. It is Umno which decides many things in the country, e.g. it implements the unwritten rule that only the Umno leader can become the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister and several other senior cabinet posts. The national Barisan Nasional Supreme Council very rarely meets because Umno feels it can make all the decisions without consulting the other component parties because Umno's decisions are seldom, if ever, questioned. And this Supreme Council is very much dominated by Umno as well because Umno holds the post of Chairman (Najib), Deputy Chairman (Tan Sri Muhyiddin), Secretary General (Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Bin Tengku Mansor), and Treasurer General (Dato' Seri Hj. Ahmad Husni Mohd Hanadzlah), Youth Chief (Datuk Khairy Jamaluddin, who is also the Umno Youth Chief) and Women's Chief (Dato' Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who is also the Umno Wanita Chief). The various component party leaders are appointed as Vice Chairmen and their Deputy Chairmen and Secretary Generals as Committee Members. At one time the MCA had questioned this arrangement in which the BN Supreme Council doesn't have any say on the appointment of the Prime Minister and cabinet members. In fact, one can ask what the BN Supreme Council is really for if almost all BN decisions are made by Umno. At the state level in Sabah, the Umno is also the one dominating all the senior posts, including the Executive Secretary's post. In the same style as the national BN, the state BN also seems to have little purpose because it seldom meets. Because it rarely meets, the component parties have no opportunity to express their views on many issues, and this causes them to voice out all sorts of grievances about their own coalition or about other components through the media. As to the issue of whether Umno is racist or not, it is quite clear that this time around the Umno is trying very hard to show that it doesn't want to hurt the feelings of other races, like it did a few years ago during which the delegates spokes so angrily about Malay rights that an MCA leader admitted he feeling was hurt. But being racist doesn't mean you hate other races. Racism can also be expressed by too much talk about your own race, to demand rights for your race and your religion. In this General Assembly, Umno delegates still had not managed to control themselves from doing this. Before the assembly, Perkasa had urged the delegates focus on Malay interests. After all, this has been the tradition of Umno for half a century. As "the" Malay party, it is supposed to keep fighting for Malay rights and interests, because it must also try to upstage PAS in the effort to garner Malay support. So in a lot of sense, Umno is racist and has to be racist, just like MCA and MIC also have to be racist because they are not multiracial parties. This makes us wonder, if maybe Umno needs to reevaluate its position as a Malay party. As the backbone of the BN, shouldn't Umno be trying to be the leader of all Malaysians regardless of their race and religion? Why should it continue harping on Malay interests, rights and to keep hinting on Malay supremacy as the senior partner in the ruling national coalition? Realistically, it should be a party of Malaysians, not of Malays. If Umno is really serious about reformation and transformation for the nation, then it should set an example by becoming a non-race party like PKR and Kita. This step will go a long way towards eradicating racial politics in Malaysia. If Umno continues to talk about transformation while it continues to be a racial movement, then Umno is just being hypocritical about change and renewal for the country. |
| Until Hindu Temple demolishments stop there is no freedom and there is no equality Posted: 01 Dec 2011 09:11 PM PST The first thing that needs to be done in order to find a robust solution is to accept that a problem exists. Any argument that tries to deny the existence of the problem or to talk down the problem by ridiculing it or by downplaying its significance has to be first stopped. N. Ganesan, National Advisor to Hindraf The demolishment of Hindu temples seem to be an ongoing saga. We thought the 2007 Hindraf Rally and the Tsunami of 2008 would have seen an end to such wanton abuse of power against the minority Indian poor in the country. But this seems not to be the case. The most recent demolishment of the Glenmaries Mathuraiveeran Temple in Shah Alam, and at least three others before that in Selangor in the last two years, the near demolition of Sri Raja Muniswarar, in Jalan Tun Dr Ismail, Seremban in August this year and the current issuance of an eviction notice to the Sivasakthi Kuan Yin Temple in Bagan in Penang with the possibility of ultimate demolishment, are indications that the problem is rearing its ugly head again. It certainly has found no solution yet. We have known for some time that the BN government does not have within its DNA to solve this problem at the root. We however expected that the Pakatan Governments in Selangor, Penang and Kedah to show more imagination and competence in dealing with these issues. This is not a simple issue, by any stretch of imagination. We expected them to have it within them to deal with this problem in more effective ways. But that seems not to be happening, with what we see in Selangor and Penang. The same careless approach of the BN is rearing its head again, in the Pakatan avatar too.
Simplistic approaches do not make for robust solutions The BN and Pakatan Governments seem to take a very simplistic approach to this problem and want to wish the problem away. However there are fundamental issues of minority rights, of law, of morality and of the role of the State. In addition there are issues of history, traditions, ways of lives and allocation of the national resource involved. But all these seem not to be significant considerations by those in power. They seem to think them irrelevant because in their reckoning, the Indian poor do not count for much more than their votes. The first thing that needs to be done in order to find a robust solution is to accept that a problem exists. Any argument that tries to deny the existence of the problem or to talk down the problem by ridiculing it or by downplaying its significance has to be first stopped. There needs to be an understanding that what is being destroyed is not just the structures and the idols of the deities that make the temple, but indeed a way of life of the poor and marginalized Indians.
What is being destroyed is a way of life, not just the temples The Indian poor not only have to give up the structures and representations of god that make up the temple whenever the temple is demolished, they have to give up their community activities in and around this temple that forms a major part of their social lives, gathering in their small communities every so often for festivals, for marriages and for other religious events, to replenish their spirits and to lighten up their otherwise heavy lives. When their temples are destroyed, they are forced to give up this way of life. Yet the destruction is necessary only to maximize the profits of the rich. These poor end up subsidizing the profit of the rich by having to give up their way of life. And that is a major problem. It is a major issue of their rights. The next thing to do is to accept that the problem cannot be solved by using the same old methods and arguments of the BN government - demolish first then justify afterwards if needed. This is what we see happening in Selangor now, demolishment happens stealthily and then the State Government rushes to justify it with vexatious arguments. This is exactly the kind of thing BN used to do under Khir Toyo and Mahathir. They used to collude with their erstwhile Mandores in MIC. This is what we see happening in Selangor with the most recent demolishment of the Glenmarie Temple. There was the demolishment of the Sri Maha KaliammanTemple, Ampang on the 9th of September 2008, Muniswara Temple in Port Klang on the 11th of Aug 2010, then Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on 8th of November 2010 and now the Mathurai Veeran Hindu Temple, Jalan Glenmarie in Shah Alam a few days ago.
Too many temples? One argument used to justify the demolishment is that there are too many temples, and that that is the source of the problem. There are 2000 temples for about a half million Hindus in Selangor said the State Rep. What he was insinuating was that there are too many temples resulting from irresponsible and wanton building of temples. That there are these many temples bring out some useful history. These temples were the centre of communities. And the numbers of temples reflect the number of communities - rural Indian estate communities. These rural communities were effectively self contained Indian village communities tucked deep inside Malaysian rubber plantations. The owners of plantations knew that they needed a self sustaining and self perpetuating pool of labour and they had to create such communities for the needs of their profits. Effectively the elite of the day created rural Indian villages in Malaya and with them, these temples on their land. These temples were not wantonly or irresponsibly built as the State rep would have us believe. They are a direct outcome of the history of the country and the hunger for profit by the elite. And when Malaya became Malaysia and these plantations gave way to a variety of other development, and estates gave way to cities, this labour force became steadily superfluous. Disintegration of these rural communities began. This touched most of these several thousand communities all over the country and with them, their temples. The temples were all now sited illegally on someone else's land, as the estates dispossessed these communities. The practice in these rural communities had always been that temples were on estate land – nobody in the community owned the land – the land was provided; anyway, they could not afford it. That is all still very true today – the poor and marginalized Indians cannot afford the land. But the new rules required that they own the land. The fact that the temples served a necessary social function for the communities that had lived there for years and continue to serve did not seem to matter anymore. The rights to the religious practices of these people did not count in these changed circumstances. This is the unsaid part of the arguments of the politicians. The truism once more confirmed – the Indian poor mean nothing more to the politicians in Government other than their votes.
We demolish shrines, not temples – really? Another argument often proferred is that the demolished structures are not temples but are just shrines - shrines built all over the place, under the trees, in god forsaken places and so on. And therefore what they are demolishing are not temples but just shrines. If these dimwits in Government had true knowledge they would immediately recognize that shrines are only the beginnings of temples. In the hearts of the people, shrine or temple, the belief is what draws them there and they represent the same religious significance to them. As more visit the shrine and the shrine gets drawn into the mainstream of society, the structures upgrade to reflect and support the increased traffic and morph to become temples, small at first and then bigger with time – along with other changes inside the temples. And it is also common knowledge that shrines begin mostly by trees. So to imply that shrines by the trees are wanton religious practices on the basis of some alien understanding only demonstrates the ignorance and mischief in these arguments.
The wantonness of the Indian poor or the wantonness of the politicians? All the nonsense that has occurred in demolishing temples must stop. It is necessary that some sense come into all of this. Temple demolishments only tugs at the core fabric of Malaysian society. It is not only a problem of the Indian poor, it is a problem of Malaysian society, as a whole. I do not know how many Malaysians have the courage to accept that this is really the case. What the Governments in the States must now do is to stop the wayang and get down to brass tacks by addressing the problems. It is all a matter of political will. Do the governments have that political will to resolve this problem? Do they want to find a permanent solution to this problem or not. And, they must stop the practice of giving excuses for not doing what is right. If the Indian poor are indeed sons and daughters of this soil, this will be a concrete opportunity to express that idea. Recognizing that these impoverished sons and daughters of the soil have these religious beliefs and practices, the Governments in the States need to intervene appropriately. The methods employed till now are just not cutting it. The simplistic approaches only result in continuing damage. There are far too many issues involved. This requires an informed solution. Only when this happens will the saga of demolishments of temples stop – only then will true and free rights for religious beliefs and practices prevail. |
| UMNO is definitely NOT Racist! Posted: 30 Nov 2011 10:50 PM PST On the basis of the many ridiculous and "kurang ajar" statements made by Mahathir, Muhyiddin, Najib and the UMNOputras in the past and in the current UMNO assembly, it is natural and reasonable to label them all as racists. But let us analyse the facts to see if this is a logical label. By Ken At the current UMNO assembly, Muhyiddin proclaimed that UMNO is NOT racist. He uttered this statement in spite of the fact that he, the Deputy Prime Minister of multi-racial Malaysia, has unequivocally declared that he is "Malay first" and "Malaysian second". Muhyiddin's "Malay first" declaration, while confirming that he is not a nationalist (and unfit to be DPM), does not confirm that he is a racist, and he may be right that UMNO is not racist. And Muhyiddin's mentor and guru, Dr. Mahathir, has also argued repeatedly that parties such as DAP are racist but not UMNO. However, on the basis of the many ridiculous and "kurang ajar" statements made by Mahathir, Muhyiddin, Najib and the UMNOputras in the past and in the current UMNO assembly, it is natural and reasonable to label them all as racists. But let us analyse the facts to see if this is a logical label. According to Mahathir, Najib, Muhyiddin and other UMNOputras, the Malays are far behind the other races in wealth and development and also form the majority of the poor. General observation and anecdotal data do suggest that there may be truth in what these UMNOputras say about widespread poverty among the Malays. Why is it that the Malays have not prospered in spite of the NEP for more than 40 years? How is it that Mahathir who wielded total control over all, including the Sultans, for 22 years (and who continues to indirectly control) could not rectify the poor state of the Malays in spite of all the power he had? If he could not, who else can or will ever? Why is that a large proportion of Malays are still poor in spite of all the development since independence? Surely, there must be a logical explanation for the continued poor state of these Malays. A racist is someone who does all he can for another of his race on the basis of ethnicity, and ignores, disadvantages or undermines others, even if deserving, solely because of racial difference. Thus, if UMNO were racist, it would have done all it could to help the poor Malays. With the ever-powerful Mahathir as PM for 22 years, UMNO as the government for more than 50 years and NEP in force for more than 40 years, even casual support on the basis of race or otherwise, would have uplifted the poor Malay significantly. Mahathir and UMNO didn't have to generate the required wealth through ingenuity and hard work for this task - Mother Malaysia is and has been well endowed with oil, gas, timber, land other natural resources to provide hundreds of billions for the benefit of the Malays and her other children. But somehow, all this huge wealth never found its way to the poor Malay. If UMNO were truly racist, the fate of the poor Malay would have changed, but this has happened, at best, only in a marginal way. A racist would be troubled by the plight of his race and would be prepared to make all possible sacrifices, including sharing his wealth. Has any UMNOputra shared his wealth with the poor Malay? None worthy of mention. Instead, UMNOputras have become very rich and the gap between them and the poor Malay has widened - the gap between the rich and poor in Malaysia is widest amongst the Malays compared to other races. The UMNOputras have plundered the wealth of the nation under the pretext of helping the poor Malays, and amassed billions for themselves, their families and friends. There are many Malay corporate empires which are very large and prominent - Mahathir empire (Mines, YTL, San Miguel, etc.), Najib empire (CIMB, etc.), Badawi empire, Daim empire, Taib Muhamad empire, Syed Al-Bukhary empire, etc. If the UMNOputras were racist, they would not have focused on amassing such huge wealth for themselves but would instead have focused on sharing the available wealth with their race. What is strange is that while claiming to champion their Malay race, the UMNOputras almost always establish business partnerships with non-Malay businessmen, knowing that these non-Malay cronies would use the opportunity to also amass wealth at the expense of the Malays and other Malaysians. If the UMNOputras were truly racist, they would not collaborate with the non-Malays. It is simply not logical to do so if "Ketuanan Melayu" is the goal and mission. Equally, if the UMNOputras were racist, why would the Chinese cronies (whose race is often UMNO's target for racism rhetoric and drama), collaborate with them? What is clear is that UMNO and its leaders, Mahathir, Muhyiddin, Najib, etc. are NOT racist. They are just evil and corrupt. They are a despicable lot who are prepared to sell their race, religion and nation for money. Money is what matters to them, not moral and ethics and certainly not race and definitely not religion (this lot is guilty of all the major sins in Islam, from corruption, cheating and stealing to adultery and gambling). The poor Malay is merely an official license for UMNO to rob and plunder the nation. UMNO is definitely NOT racist - UMNO is totally CORRUPT and EVIL and beyond redemption!!! The kampong Malays must be made aware of these facts for GE13. |
| #OCCUPYPARLIMEN: Memorial service for death of Malaysian Parliament Posted: 30 Nov 2011 10:57 AM PST THE MALAYSIAN PARLIAMENT
1957-2011
Age: 54
The Malaysian Parliament passed away on Tuesday, 29 November 2011, at about 4.00pm at its historical home on Jalan Parlimen during the passing of the Peaceful Assembly Bill 2011. The Parliament leaves behind 28 million heartbroken Malaysians, including the Fisherman, the Postal Worker, the Nasi Lemak Mak Cik, the Kindergarten Teacher, the Retired Old Man, the Teenage Boy, the Unemployed Fresh Graduate and many others of who looked to it as a place where their voices could be heard.
A memorial service for Parliament will be held on 1 December 2011 at 8.00pm just outside its home with a non-religious wake open to all who keenly feel its loss.
We encourage all Malaysians to attend this memorial service to mourn the passing of the Malaysian Parliament. There will be an open session for anyone to read eulogies/sing a song/read a poem in remembrance of the deceased.
Messages of condolences can also be written at this page below.
Your presence in this time of sorrow is much appreciated.
Please observe the following:
-Bring candles and white flowers
-Bring pots, pans, drums or anything that can be part of the STOMP percussion session
-Wear black 
|
| The Mamak Dilemma – Shame, Opportunity, Assimilation, and an Identity Lost Posted: 29 Nov 2011 10:53 PM PST I have no disrespect for the Malay culture which is beautiful. We can all learn a thing or two from Malay adat. However, I do hold a grudge against the deliberate extermination of one's own heritage. I further find it offensive when Indian Muslims, in their eagerness to convert, use Machiavellian means to identify themselves as Malay. It demonstrates a lack of dignity and self-worth. By Mohd Ikhram Merican "How shall a man escape from his ancestors, or draw off from his veins the black drop which he drew from his father's or mother's life?" - Ralph Waldo Emerson For some time now I've felt that the Indian Muslim or Mamak community at large suffers from a pitiful cultural and identity crisis. Being a Muslim of Indian origin, I have first-hand experience with the dilemma afflicting this community that has contributed so much to the culture, politics, and economy of Malaysia for well over a few centuries. I also worry that so many members of this, my community, are shedding their identity by becoming over-zealous converts. Some of the offensive and snide remarks by an individual with clear Indian ancestry at the on-going UMNO General Assembly have motivated me to finally pen this letter. My ancestral beginnings in Malaysia start with my great-grandfather, K.K Daud, in Penang in the early 20th century; although I suspect earlier generations were already making trade excursions to the Malay Peninsula. My grandfather, D Mohamed Ibraheem, born in India, was brought to study at the Methodist Boys School in Penang. He was a scholar, a sportsman, and a gentleman. These exact traits, decades later, were to become my obligation at my Alma Mater, the Victoria Institution. My grandfather was a linguist of sorts. He learned Latin, was sufficiently proficient in Malay, and a master in English and Tamil. All of his children bore a combination of Tamil and Muslim names, a testament to his pride as a Tamilian and an unashamed celebration of his Indian roots. He worked hard, contributed to Penang's economy, was a well respected member of his community, and raised a good family. For all intents and purposes, he was well assimilated into the fabric of Penangite society. He did not have to shed his cultural identity to do this. My father and his generation, like their preceding generations, spoke excellent Tamil. Most of them were privileged to have an English education. A significant number of them have gone on to becoming prominent captains of industry in Malaysia and abroad. None of them coveted handouts from the government or needed to shake-off their "Indian-ess" to progress in Malaysia. It was never an option. Their parents worked hard to educate them. My generation does not speak Tamil as well as the previous generations. Most of us speak English or Malay. Suddenly it has become important to be seen as practicing Malay culture. Article 160 of the Constitution states that a "Malay" is a person who professes the religion of Islam, habitually speaks the Malay language, conforms to Malay custom and - - was before Merdeka Day born in the Federation or in Singapore or born of parents one of whom was born in the Federation or in Singapore, or was on that day domiciled in the Federation or in Singapore; or
- is the issue of such a person;
Many Indian Muslims have used or would like to use this provision to "convert". I have no disrespect for the Malay culture which is beautiful. We can all learn a thing or two from Malay adat. However, I do hold a grudge against the deliberate extermination of one's own heritage. I further find it offensive when Indian Muslims, in their eagerness to convert, use Machiavellian means to identify themselves as Malay. It demonstrates a lack of dignity and self-worth. Naturally, I feel sick when I read of the charades of UMNO politicians, academicians, and community leaders masquerading as Malays, spewing hatred against other races, sometimes against their own roots. Even when they're challenged as to their real identity, they shamelessly defend their false Malay roots. For some, Tamil is still spoken in whispers, in the privacy of their homes, like it were a "dirty" parlance. Why? For special rights? For economic handouts? My grandfather worked very, very hard for providence. So did the men of his generation. The early Indian Muslim traders who came to these shores were an industrious lot who earned their bread. They contributed to Malaysia's rich heritage without becoming cultural orphans. They cherished their roots. Hardship and experience polished them. It earned them monopolies in certain trades that last till today. This legacy is being destroyed. A culture and heritage is disappearing only to be replaced by a false sense of security. In the process, the Indian Muslims are offending not only their own race and the Chinese, but many Malays too. In the long run, we as a community will isolate ourselves from our roots and the nation in which we want so much to assimilate with. "Distinguished ancestors shed a powerful light on their descendants, and forbid the concealment either of their merits or of their demerits." - Gaius Sallustius Crispus |
| It’s people’s right to disagree Posted: 29 Nov 2011 10:44 PM PST By P Ramakrishnan, Past President of Aliran
The Minister in the Prime Minister's department, Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, doesn't seem to understand basic things concerning democracy. His notion of democracy is woefully dismal and disappointing. His ignorance on issues of democracy is alarming! ![]() While castigating the current Bar Council president, Lim Chee Wee, and the former Bar Council president, Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, for organising the Walk for Freedom peaceful demonstration, he suggested that the Bar Council be registered as a political party and that they should stand for elections.
His stand seems to suggest that only political parties and politicians have the right to disagree and speak up and if you are not in either of these categories, you don't have the right to criticise or disagree. This is utter nonsense. This right to disagree or criticise is not the monopoly of a political party or politician. This God-given right is the birth-right of every individual, and it is enshrined in the Constitution. The right to freedom of assembly, the right to speech of expression and the right to freedom of association are the inalienable rights of every citizen. There are no caveats placed on these rights. Nazri, therefore, has no right to insist that one must belong to a political party to disagree with the Barisan Nasional's policies. The Constitution has no such provisions barring citizens from speaking up or championing a cause. In a democracy, citizens have a role to play and participate in every aspect of governance without belonging to a political party and without being a politician. Nazri must be reminded that, according to A.d. Benoist, "The highest measure of democracy is neither the 'extent of freedom' nor the 'extent of equality', but rather the highest measure of participation." |
| How Laws are enacted in Malaysia Posted: 29 Nov 2011 10:35 PM PST By Hakim Joe Malaysians need to know this as part of their right and privilege as a citizen of the country. Only then are we able to understand how Parliament works and how laws are passed. The Parliament is divided into two houses i.e. the Dewan Rakyat or the Lower House and the Dewan Negara or Senate. First of all, Parliament only meets from Monday to Thursday when in session. These sessions are published online and viewers can check them at
www.parliament.com.my and there are certain periods when the elected representatives and appointed senators go on leave. The Dewan Rakyat is made up from the elected representatives in a General Election of a Parliamentary seat (as opposed to a State seat). The Senate, which consists of 70 members, is made up from 2 each selected from every state (total of 26) and the remaining 44
appointed by the Agong on the advice of the PM. The federal territory of Kuala Lumpur must have 2 senators while Labuan and Putrajaya has one each. The remaining 40 can be from any state or federal territory in Malaysia. All this appointee needs is to be a Malaysian citizen, must not owe allegiance to any foreign state, must not have received a prison sentence of one year or longer, must not have been fined RM2,000 or more or holders of a full time profit-making position in the public service. It must be noted that the original Constitution of Malaysia, drafted before Merdeka, only provided for 16 individuals to be appointed by the Agong instead of the current 70 individuals. The intent was to place them in the minority so as to protect the states' interest against federal encroachments. With 44 members or 62.8%, getting anything passed in the Senate is but a formality for the government. The term of office is 3 years and senators may only be reappointed once, consecutively or non-consecutively. A proposed Act of Law begins its journey when a particular government minister or ministry prepares a first draft with the assistance of the Attorney General's Department. This draft is known as the Bill and the year it was drafted shall be appended to it at the rear. When the government minister or ministry finalizes drafting the Bill, it shall be sent to the Cabinet for its first discussion session. During this time, the first amendments (if any) shall be made and only after it has been agreed upon shall the Bill be introduced into Parliament. A Bill may originate from either of the Houses with one exception, the "Money Bill". Subject to Article 67 of the Federal Constitution, the "Money Bill" must originate from the Dewan Rakyat and can only be introduced by a Minister. The House, which a Bill is originated, shall send it to the other House once the Bill has been passed. After the other House passes the Bill, it must then be presented to the Agong for his assent under the Article 66(3) of the Federal Constitution. Prior to the 1983 Malaysian Constitutional Crisis, the Agong may withhold his assent to any Bills that have passed both Houses. However, Mahathir pushed forward a set of amendments to Article 66 of the Constitution that set the time limit of the Agong to veto a Bill within 30 days. Nowadays Article 66(4) states that the Agong must assent to the Bill by causing the Public Seal to be affixed thereto. This must be completed within 30 days from the date a Bill is being presented to him. The Federal Constitution provides that a Bill will automatically become law at the expiration of the 30 days period specified in the like manner as if he had assented thereto, should the Agong, for whatever reason, fails to give his assent to the Bill within the specified period. Nonetheless if the Agong disagrees with the Bill, HRH can return it to Parliament with a list of suggested amendments. Parliament must then reconsider the Bill and its proposed amendments and return it to the Agong within 30 days, if they pass it again, either adopting
the proposed amendments or keeping the original draft. The Agong will then have another additional 30 days to assent to the Bill or it will automatically passes into law. The first reading of the Bill happens when the minister or his deputy submits it to Parliament. This is a formality and only the title of the Bill will be read out. No draft copies of the Bill are distributed out. The Speaker will then set a date and time for the Second Reading and this is usually within the next few days unless the government maintains that all three Readings be done immediately. Usually draft copies of the Bill will only be distributed out to all Members of Parliament a few days before the Second Reading. However, in the event that the government requests that all three Readings be completed immediately, the draft copies will be distributed promptly and be debated, as it is, on the same day. This is usually executed to prevent the Opposition from discussing it amongst themselves and/or to keep the public from getting involved in the proceedings. The Speaker may disallow it but this has never happened before as the government appoints the Speaker to his position. However, the Speaker reserves the privilege to appoint or limit any number of MPs to be included in the debate during the Second Reading.\ Regardless of whatever happens in the course of the debate during the Second Reading, the government can summon for the Third Reading at any time they desire. Once again the Speaker may veto it and once again it has never happened before. The Third Reading is the actual voting process and a two-thirds majority is required to pass the Bill. Should the Bill be passed, it is sent forth to the Dewan Negara, where the three Readings are carried out again. The Dewan Negara may not formally reject any Bill but choose not to pass the Bill, but this only delays its passage by a month, or in some cases, a year. Once this stipulated period expires, the Bill is considered to have been passed by the Senate. With 44 members and 2 members from any government-controlled state, getting any Bill past Dewan Negara is rather "a piece of cake" and can actually be accomplished under 5 minutes. Additionally, the Dewan Negara is not affected by the elections for the Dewan Rakyat, and senators continue to hold office despite the Dewan Rakyat's dissolution for an election. After the Second Reading, any Member of Parliament can call for a Special Committee to discuss the technical details of the Bill or be submitted before a Parliamentary Select Committee for review. Nevertheless, the Speaker can disallow it and promptly call for the
Third Reading. In some rare cases, the government actually prepares a Government White Paper containing particular proposals that will eventually be incorporated into a Bill. White Papers are an informal name for a Parliamentary Paper expressing a proposed government policy or action on a topic of current concern, or a Bill seeking passage through Parliament. This actually happened to the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971. The Opposition is also permitted to propose any Bills to Parliament and these are identified as the Private Members' Bill (PMB). To present a PMB, the MP in question must seek the leave of the House to debate the Bill before it is moved in Parliament. Originally, the
PMB was permitted to be debated in the Dewan Rakyat in the process of the MP seeking leave, but this procedure was discontinued by an amendment to the Standing Orders of Parliament by Mahathir and therefore such a parliamentary avenue was subsequently amended into oblivion. The current amended Standing Orders of Parliament gives consent to the Speaker to amend or revise the written copies of the MPs' speeches (to be submitted to him in advance) before they were allowed to be made in the House. Even if the Speaker permits the MP's motion to seek leave, this motion can still be defeated in the House. Lastly, no laws shall come into force until it has been gazetted or published in the Government Gazette under the Article 66(5) of the Federal Constitution. Only once that has been completed shall the Bill become Law. |
| Just go away, Shahrizat Posted: 29 Nov 2011 04:59 PM PST By A Young Malaysian via The Malaysian Insider Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil says that if she resigns over the National Feedlot Centre (NFC) scandal, Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail must also quit as PKR president over her husband's criminal charge. Rubbish. The two are not the same. The NFC, now being investigated for criminal breach of trust by the police, involves RM250 million in taxpayers' monies and is, therefore, a matter of public interest. On the other hand, the sodomy charge against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, even if not politically motivated as claimed by critics, is essentially a personal matter. Whether or not Shahrizat really helped her husband secure the NFC contract as alleged by the opposition is of no matter, at least politically. There is enough going against the NFC, with all the unrefuted claims that public funds meant for the cattle scheme were used for personal ends, that she should step down as soon as possible to avoid any hint of impropriety. Further attempts by Shahrizat to hold on to her post will only drag the party down further at a time when it can ill afford to be tainted by a scandal of this nature. That's the nature of guilt by association, which, unfortunately for the (unelected) federal minister, damages her case more than she realises. So, dear Shahrizat, please stop using the Umno general assembly pulpit to defend the indefensible or attempt to deflect blame by pointing to the other side and shouting, "You too!" It's a downright embarrassment every time you open your mouth to do that. Whether you like it or not, it's time to go. If not for the people, then at least for the sake of the party. Maybe you'll be rehabilitated after a stint in political wilderness, maybe not. But at least Umno will stand a better chance of surviving the NFC fallout without you. |
| Lynas Out Of Malaysia: Stop Exporting A Toxic Legacy Posted: 29 Nov 2011 09:28 AM PST By Save Malaysia! Stop Lynas! SYDNEY. Today a protest in solidarity with the Save Malaysia! Stop Lynas! Campaign will take place outside Australian rare earth mining company, Lynas' Annual General Meeting in Sydney. The protest voices concerns about the potential toxic and hazardous impacts on the lives and livelihoods of local communities in Malaysia which would include a waste stream containing 106 tonnes of radioactive thorium and 5.6 tonnes of uranium and the fact that there has been no consent from the local communities surrounding the plant for the operation to go ahead. Aimee Bull-McMahon, from Friends of the Earth Sydney said, "We are outside the Lynas shareholder meeting today to demand Lynas to get out of Malaysia." "Communities should have access to free, independent and accessible information before a decision is made about mining or any other developments that threaten their lives and livelihoods and also have the right and freedom to say yes or no." On 4th August 2011 Lynas opened their Mt Weld rare earth mine in the Northern Goldfields of Western Australia. Lynas wants to export the rare earth ore out of Fremantle to Kuantan, Malaysia. The controversial Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) is the target of the largest environmental justice action in the history of Malaysia with opposition from thousands of local community, environment groups, the Malaysian Medical Association and the Bar Council (the association of lawyers in Malaysia). Wen Kheng Ooi, a Malaysian diaspora living in Australia with relatives in Kuantan who will be affected by the pollution from the Lynas' rare earth plant if the project goes ahead said, "I am protesting at the Lynas AGM because I do not want to see Malaysia being used as a toxic waste dump for Lynas. I have relatives living close to the plant. They will be directly affected by the radioactive waste from the Lynas plant if the project goes ahead."
"I owe it to my relatives in Kuantan to tell Lynas to get out of Malaysia. It is not right for Lynas send radioactive rare earth concentrate to Malaysia to be processed when Lynas should have stayed in Australia and stick to the stricter environmental requirements of Western Australia." Jade Lee, spokesperson for the community organisation SMSL in Malaysia said, "We formed SMSL within weeks to provide a platform and avenues for residents to campaign against the plant. We were never consulted about the project. Malaysia does not have a good track record in managing pollution." "We will fight till the end to stop the project. We are doing this for our family and the future generations. It is unacceptable for Lynas to simply dump it's toxic waste here in Malaysia to contaminate our land and our food chain"
"Lynas still have not produced a decent long term waste management plan, the plant will. We do not want radioactive waste in our backyard." Ms Bull-McMahon, "Where is the exact site which has been chosen for the waste disposal? Why was this site chosen? How much storage capacity for radioactive waste does this site have and for how many years of waste has the site got room for? What other plans are in the pipeline for dealing with the waste?" "It is not good enough to leave local residents in the dark about the long term implication of how this facility will deal with its radioactive thorium and caustic waste products."
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| Are we heading towards the “Passover”? Posted: 28 Nov 2011 09:57 PM PST I think of all the slogans that come with each leader with much amusement; one of them being, "People first, performance now." I guess those who have opinions that differ are not "people" but "beruks"! Otherwise, how can their opinion not warrant a second glance! What about "performance now"? What have our elected representatives in the government done for us, now? Betrayal of the highest order? By May Chee In the holy book, we see how God made Pharaoh so stubborn as to endure nine plagues, only to give in after the tenth, i.e. the "death of the first born". It was only after God caused the firstborn of all Egypt to die, while sparing those of His chosen ones, that Pharaoh begged the Israelites to leave. There are lessons to be learnt here. Firstly, liberation is a prize, hard-won. Secondly, national leaders should realize that injustices will be paid for dearly. Finally, the greatest consolation of them all - there is a God out there who sees and knows everything. No way will He let evil reign! I tell my children they must learn to read the signs. That's why it pays to be patient and observant. We need not always be in the thick of action. We need not be the one shouting away like a mad man. We need not be the one at the centre of attention. Sometimes, it pays to be a wallflower. Sometimes, it pays to be at the receiving end of another's ill-will or design. Why? Bitter is patience but sweet is its fruit. When we bear with evil, we will gain good. The most painful experiences in life become the best lessons, if we allow them to be. Learn from life; don't bury your head in the sand. And what does life teach you? We have to live with dignity and because of that we cannot rob others of theirs. We have to live up to our conscience and because of that we cannot betray ourselves or others. We have to be true to ourselves because at the end of the day, we have to live with ourselves. It does look like that for quite a while now, some of the people here in Malaysia are not putting on their thinking caps nor learning how to read the signs. The latest incident was having the PA Bill 2011 rammed through without much debate nor heeding the rakyat's take on it. We, the rakyat, are sitting ducks or what? Didn't the rakyat rally around to pass you their objection and appeal? The rakyat's opinion doesn't matter? I guess neither will their vote. So, should they vote for you? Amongst you, one who regard those who can think as "beruks", supposedly a trained "beruk" yourself! Guess you don't belong to the pack because you can't think at all! I think of all the slogans that come with each leader with much amusement; one of them being, "People first, performance now." I guess those who have opinions that differ are not "people" but "beruks"! Otherwise, how can their opinion not warrant a second glance! What about "performance now"? What have our elected representatives in the government done for us, now? Betrayal of the
highest order? All we ask is the right to assemble peacefully. Peace-ful-ly. Do you need to watch your back just because we want to assemble at a particular place to express our opinions or take a stroll in the park to pass you a "note"? You are afraid of your own shadow? What have you done to be so paranoid? Looks like we have put a bunch of cowards or loonies in office! Looks like you people need to be straight-
jacketed! This is not a war-cry but it's high time we Malaysians, the silent majority, reclaim our right to eat, love and pray "peacefully". For a long time now, we have lived under "oppression"' in the guise of "the best democracy in the world", propounded by those in office. I think it is a sin to resign ourselves to think that such a form of "slavery" is a normal situation. Come on, we are "beruks" that can think! Let not the future generations think that we, their forefathers, did not try to make the world a better place for them. That we didn't make Malaysia, their motherland, a safe place for them. That we allowed their birthright to be snatched away. That we allowed unscrupulous people to rob us blind. That we toiled the land only to have others harvest our blood, sweat and tears. That we didn't love Malaysia enough to save her! In sparing the firstborn of Israel, God demonstrates His opposition to human sacrifice. That's why we, right-thinking "beruks" advocate "walks for freedom". We don't want to revert to the kind of uprising that claim lives as we have seen across the Arab nations. We are Malaysians. We are a peaceful people. We are a good people. We can do this; reclaim our birthright. Vote out those who will destroy Malaysia. It's time for our very own "Passover" – independence from draconian structures towards a "liberated Malaysia for all Malaysians". Last but not least, to all those who marched from the Lake Gardens to Parliament – We, the majority of Malaysians, are very proud of you. We hear you and we will emulate you. Have faith for the power will be with the "beruks". God bless. |
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