Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News
Malaysia Today - Your Source of Independent News |
- Overzealous officials on ‘khalwat’ trail
- Is piggy-backing an indecent act?
- Why reveal now, Musa?
- It’s PAS that BN fears the most
- Voters must decide on ‘frogs’
- Give credit where it’s due
- Getting entangled in ‘if PR wins’ scenarios
- Indians must make their votes count
- Each folly by Anwar has its costs
- Non-Muslims feeling the heat
- BN needs to do some serious soul-searching
- Carpets, mattresses and dirty linen
| Overzealous officials on ‘khalwat’ trail Posted: 11 Dec 2012 04:56 PM PST
Religious departments across the country have many and varied responsibilities. Arguably one can say there are far more pressing matters than making sure couples don't smooch. The second issue is about the existence of these laws themselves. And just to be crystal clear they exist in Pakatan states and Barisan states too. This is not a party political issue. This is an issue about the role of the Islamic departments in the nation. Azmi Sharom, The Star AREN'T there more important issues to make a big deal of? Seriously, is this khalwat thing really of national interest? First off, there is no way a non-Muslim can be charged for khalwat. It is a syariah offence and thus simply does not apply to those who do not profess the religion of Islam. So the incessant use of the term khalwat to describe the "offence" that these non-Muslim people have been charged with in Kelantan is inaccurate. The term may spice the story up somewhat, but the real "offence" is that of "indecent behaviour". Secondly, and this is the subtext, I have seen in the reporting of this issue, is that this is a problem caused by PAS. Come on, are our memories so short? A few years ago there was a non-Muslim couple fined for indecent behaviour or something like that in Kuala Lumpur; hardly a PAS bastion. Therefore any attempt at making this a political party issue is totally missing the point. It is not. The real issue here I submit is two-fold. Firstly, it is about overzealous civil servants who obviously have taken it upon themselves to be the moral guardians, nay, moral guardian superheroes, of this country. What can one say about such folk? Some people just love throwing what little authority they have around. However, what is more important is the second issue which is systemic. Fix the system, and the first problem will disappear too. The second issue is about the existence of these laws themselves. And just to be crystal clear they exist in Pakatan states and Barisan states too. This is not a party political issue. This is an issue about the role of the Islamic departments in the nation. Why do we have such laws in the first place? For me, it seems a bit creepy and slightly perverted. I mean, who are these people who go lurking around parks in the dead of night? Do they have to pass a test before they can get the job? Perhaps, they must have the ability to crawl through bushes with minimum sound. Khalwat Ninjas in other words. Frankly, I think that this "job" is demeaning. No matter how you may couch the job description, at the end of the day, you are a peeping tom. Looking at the responsibilities of religious departments across the country, it is obvious that there are many. Arguably, one could say there are far more pressing matters than making sure couples don't smooch. For example, education is a big job for these departments, because it covers not only religious primary and secondary schools but also pre-school. Perhaps it would be better to ensure that these institutions are not only well run and of high quality but that they also prepare their school leavers for the challenges of life in the twenty-first century. And if you really want to nab people, I gather that a lot of divorced fathers are not living up to their end of the bargain and are escaping payment of maintenance and the like. And what about finding new and innovative ways to improve the effectiveness of the tithe collections and distribution? There are also research units in these religious departments and there is a plethora of subjects facing the Muslim community that could do with research. Unemployment, corruption, substance abuse are just some of the ills faced by the Muslim community and work can be done here. And by work I mean progressive forward thinking work, not the usual knee jerk reaction of "these problems exist because people are not religious enough". The Islamic Studies Faculties in our public universities are huge and they produce graduates who are well versed in Islamic law, economics and theology. There is in other words a pool of highly qualified workers who can delve into substantively trying to improve the lot of the community. These are merely suggestions of course but I believe that with focused effort and energy much can be done to have a profound and positive effect on the community. And surely this would make these bodies far more relevant to the development of the nation.
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| Is piggy-backing an indecent act? Posted: 11 Dec 2012 03:59 PM PST
If it is illegal for the Chinese boy to piggy-back his girlfriend, it might be an over-interpretation of the local government law, or the rights of non-Muslims might have been violated if the law is enforced based on a religious perspective. Lim Sue Goan, Sin Chew Daily The fatal point is always targeted when one launches attack against his or her enemy. The recent summonses issued by Kota Baru Municipal Council officers to non-Muslims have been turned into the target of attack by the MCA and the Gerakan. Six Negeri Sembilan Gerakan state assembly members visited the E-Life Hair Salon, where summonses were issued to the female hairstylists for providing services to male customers last month. They were expecting enforcement officers to turn up and issue them summonses. It seems like the issue will continue to develop as the Gerakan has threatened to return to Kota Baru next month with its members in swim suits to swim in a swimming pool. Would the MCA be inspired and holds a sunbathing event or has its male members piggy-back its female members in Kota Baru? Before the hair salon incident is settled, the so-called summonses for indecent behaviours have again issued. Kelantan state exco member Datuk Anuar Tan Abdullah is right, other states are indeed having similar local laws to prohibit indecent conducts in public places. If some people are found to have performed indecent acts, law enforcement officers will then have the right to issue summonses based on the Akta Undang-undang Kecil 1986. However, what is the definition and scope for indecent conducts? This is the focus of debate. On 11 June 2003, a pair of Chinese couple was issued a summon by three Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) enforcement officers for "indecent behaviour" in the KLCC park and on 2 August, another pair of Chinese couple was also issued a summons for the same offence at the same place. The two officers involved were then suspended for investigation after the incident created an uproar in the society. The then controversial point was whether holding hands an indecent behaviour. Today, the controversial point of the Kota Bar incident is, whether piggy-backing is also an indecent act. As Kelantan PAS Supporters Congress adviser Jeff Lee Weng Chun said, only kissing, fondling, nudity and having sex at open space should be considered as indecent behaviours. So, what is wrong for a non-Muslim to piggy-back his girlfriend while jogging in broad daylight? The 17-year-old Chinese boy also clarified that they were just fooling around and did nothing indecent. If it is illegal for the Chinese boy to piggy-back his girlfriend, it might be an over-interpretation of the local government law, or the rights of non-Muslims might have been violated if the law is enforced based on a religious perspective. Any excessive enforcement of law should be condemned to prevent law enforcement officers from imposing their own values on the public, or restricting non-Muslims with religious ordinance. Another controversial point is, would there be a deviation if law enforcement officers are not required to show evidence when enforcing law? For example, two Chinese men receiving summonses issued by a Kota Baru Municipal Council officer denied that they had performed indecent behaviour and insisted they were only chatting inside a car while watching planes land in the night. One of the men's relatives even claimed that the officer had asked money for "settlement". Jeff Lee also pointed out that the summonses of the two incidents were issued by the same officer, who is an administrative assistant of the council, not a law enforcement officer. The Kelantan state government should clarify the doubts to prove that PAS is ruling fairly. Meanwhile, the Pakatan Rakyat should guide the people to focus on important national issues and it is indeed unwise to leave the growth of local issues!
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| Posted: 11 Dec 2012 03:45 PM PST The rakyat should ask themselves this question: when Musa Hassan was the IGP, what did he do? CT Ali, FMT Following former Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan's recent expos̩ of political interference in the police force during his tenure as the police chief, I want to ask you this: when he was the IGP what did he do? What did he do about political interference in the conduct of police investigation? Did he behave like an IGP whose duties were hampered by interference of political forces? Dia tak malu ka (have you no shame), getting so many extensions to your term as IGP from your political masters who were interfering with your duties as IGP? Is Musa saying anything new now? Why not stand up against all this while you were the IGP? Why only now? I have my suspicion of government servants, of which Musa was one, who speak up after their retirement. Why not speak up when you were working under your onerous political masters? Why? Were you worried of lost promotions? Worried about not getting a Tan Sri? No pension? Were you worried of not being IGP anymore? The same goes for Chua Jui Ming and and even the former deputy prime minister and minister of finance of Malaysia РAnwar Ibrahim. It is always after the nasi has become bubur that they wave the white handkerchief and boldly stand up to voice their dissent against the very same political masters that they were once subservient to. Tell something new And Musa tells us that the Special Branch is tailing him. Musa tells us that criminal elements have infiltrated the police force and that politicians interfered with investigations. Aisehman Musa, why not tell us something we do not know?
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| It’s PAS that BN fears the most Posted: 11 Dec 2012 11:50 AM PST
Those Chinese who are thinking of booting out BN by only voting for PKR and DAP but leaving out PAS are stupid. Selena Tay, FMT By strongly attacking PAS during the recent Umno general assembly, it shows that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is afraid of the power of PAS. It is now obvious that the 13th general election will not be held in December. One whole year the silly guessing game went on and on and in the end came to nothing. In regard to the polls date, PAS Bukit Gantang MP Mohamad Nizar Jamaluddin is of the view that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has still not decided yet. "Parliament automatically dissolves on April 28 next year and after that, two months extension of time is given. This will bring us to June 28. The 13th general election may very well be held on June 28 if Najib thinks that he will lose," said Nizar sarcastically. PAS secretary-general Mustafa Ali guessed that the polls will be held after the Chinese Lunar New Year, either on Feb 24 or March 2 as it will be difficult for the Chinese working in Singapore to obtain leave as their leave was utilised for the Chinese New Year. Be that as it may, Najib's silly polls date guessing game has now backfired on him as the latest revelations by Musa Hassan and Deepak Jaikishan have put him in a tight spot. Of course, he does not have to answer them but their revelations have served to delay the polls date further and now it has fallen into the abyss of uncertainty. Barisan Nasional's economic experts must not think that the polls delay will have no effect whatsoever on the local investment climate. Those who think that it has no impact on the foreign direct investment (FDI) are surely living on planet Pluto. Who wants to invest in a climate of uncertainty? It is bad enough that the global investment climate is not that healthy either. Weak commander If BN wins the 13th general election, you can bet your bottom dollar that this silly game will again be played before the 14th general election. The prime minister is thinking of his own political survival only. He is a weak commander. How so? Simply because he refuses to debate with Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim. In Chinese culture, we want to see the martial arts skills of a one-to-one fight. And that is why MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek dares to debate with Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng. Chua wants to show off his kungfu skills. As for Najib, how can he command the army if he lacks the courage to debate? This is like a battle scenario. If the commander is afraid, then the war generals and the soldiers will lose confidence because they can always sense the fear of the commander. At the height and in the heat of the battle, the commander is indecisive in giving orders. He may shout to his troops to go forward but he himself is firmly ensconced way at the back. What will the soldiers do then? Simple – they will just abandon the battle. Of course, in the present political scenario, BN can still win due to the dirty voter rolls and the re-delineation of parliamentary and state seat boundaries. The power of PAS By strongly attacking PAS during the recent Umno general assembly, it shows that Najib is afraid of the power of PAS. When it comes to mobilising people for rallies, for example the Bersih rallies, PKR and DAP need to rely on PAS. Those Chinese who are thinking of booting out BN by only voting for PKR and DAP but leaving out PAS are stupid. Without the power of PAS, BN cannot be toppled. This is because it is mainly PAS which is going head-to-head against Umno. And therefore now the PAS state government in Kelantan is being sabotaged in order to give bullets to MCA to woo the Chinese voters. Thus in the seats where Malays are the majority, the non-Malays must vote for PAS. That can be the swing factor. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2012/12/12/its-pas-that-bn-fears-the-most/
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| Posted: 10 Dec 2012 02:24 PM PST Are the voters willing to tolerate politicians and public personalities who defect? Asks an Umno man. Hawkeye, FMT Voters must decide in the general election if they are willing to tolerate politicians and public personalities who defected from either side of the political fray, said an Umno leader. In Malaysian politics, there is a long line of those who can be classified as "katak" (frog). It starts with Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, who joined forces with Umno's arch rivals just days after suffering a fallout with the Umno leadership, said state Umno liaison committee deputy chairman Musa Sheikh Fadzir. He said such leaders have selfish aims and survived politically based on public empathy and Malaysia's inclination to often support the underdog. He said they vented their frustration on Umno or Barisan Nasional and when they were no longer entertained, they defect to the other side. Nothing which they have done or plan to do has the interest of the people at heart. It is just all about their own selfish aims and an undying thirst for power until they become consummate political animals, he said. Rubbishing the opposition's contention about mooting an anti-party hopping law, he said PAS was pinching any personality willing to join them even if they could be tainted with issues. Outright betrayal Musa said those who defect to either side politically should look at the common villagers who stayed loyal to Umno or BN, despite remaining poor or continue to struggle in life. "That is the measure of loyalty. We should have such attitude ingrained in the hearts and minds of every politician before they began on this endeavour of service to the community," he added. He said the most effective way to overcome defections, which is an outright betrayal, is for the voters to reject such persons. Musa was responding to reports that the former long-serving Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce president Abdul Rahman Maidin has handed over a membership form to join PAS. Abdul Rahman made the pledge to PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang last month in a brief ceremony in Johor. The Penang-born businessman is considered a heavyweight in the corporate circles, having once helmed the government-linked company-Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB). Musa also took a dig at his elder brother Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir, an ex-senior Umno leader and former Cabinet minister, who has been seen at various PAS gatherings. It is believed that Abdul Kadir is trying to warm up to the Islamist party but so far, there is nothing formal about him joining them.
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| Posted: 10 Dec 2012 02:19 PM PST When Anwar was finance minister, Dr Mahathir was the prime minister. So, should not Mahathir be credited for the good economic performance instead of Anwar? By Raja Petra Kamarudin, FMT FMT columnist Selena Tay recently wrote an article called 'Political blockbuster: Dragon vs Dinosaur'. In that article, she compared Malaysia's economic growth during the time when Anwar Ibrahim was the finance minister from 1992 to 1997 to the time when Najib Tun Razak is prime minister from 2009 to 2011. Basically, what the columnist says is that Malaysia performed better when Anwar was the finance minister compared to when Najib is prime minister. Note, and I repeat, the analysis that Selena did compares Anwar as finance minister to Najib as prime minister. Now, when Anwar was finance minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the prime minister. So, should not Mahathir be credited for the good performance instead of Anwar? Okay, let us assume that Mahathir had no hand in this. Let us assume that it was the finance minister, Anwar , who should be credited for this good performance. However, during that same period, 1992 to 1994, Malaysia also lost RM30 billion 'playing' the Forex market. So, who is to be blamed for this? Since the good economic performance of the country during the period when Anwar was the finance minister must be credited to Anwar, should not Anwar, therefore, also take the blame for whatever bad that happened? In this case, no! The RM30 billion Forex losses are Mahathir's fault. Mahathir was the prime minister so he must take all the blame — just like Najib, the present prime minister, must take all the blame for whatever happens to Malaysia today. Who, therefore, is at fault here? Najib is both finance minister and prime minister. When something bad happens to Malaysia we blame Najib. But do we blame him because he is the prime minister or because he is the finance minister?
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| Getting entangled in ‘if PR wins’ scenarios Posted: 10 Dec 2012 01:33 PM PST Umno has been giving the impression that if BN loses, the rakyat will suffer tremendously. In past general elections, there was never a "if the opposition wins" notion. In recent months, however, including at the recent party general assembly, Umno has been giving the impression that if BN loses, the rakyat will suffer tremendously, in a bid to convince the voters – old and young, the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans and others. Azam Aris (fz.com) AS a journalist, your friends and contacts think you are always in the know about many things – politics included. When will the 13th general election be held? Will there be a change in government? There are two questions I am frequently asked these days. Compared with a year ago, the first question is obviously much easier to answer as the window for the general election to be held is getting narrower by the day. March – after the Chinese New Year holidays – is now the favourite month. Will there be a change in government? This is a tricky one. While I have my preference, I would put it this way: Since independence in 1957, this is the first general election the Umno-led Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition is contesting where the feeling – among some in its ranks – is that it could really lose. This is also the first time some within the opposition, in the form of the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) coalition, believe they could really form a new federal government. Umno, after having been on the defensive earlier, issued a stern warning to the opposition during last month's general assembly that it is as "united and strong" as ever and ready to continue ruling the nation. And the party faithful are not only talking about winning but also getting back BN's two-thirds mandate in Parliament that it lost in the 2008 election. While this may reflect the self-confidence of the delegates and party members, it is the big "if PR wins" catchphrase – followed by various negative scenarios painted by past and present leaders – that makes many voters think Umno is a party that is not certain of a BN victory. In past general elections, there was never a "if the opposition wins" notion. In recent months, however, including at the recent party general assembly, Umno has been giving the impression that if BN loses, the rakyat will suffer tremendously, in a bid to convince the voters – old and young, the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Ibans, Kadazans and others. The other scenarios it paints if PR were to win are: the country will become bankrupt, there will be racial riots like in May 1969 and the Malays will lose power and become beggars in their own country. Umno also warns that Islam will be marginalised, the nation will lose its sovereignty as it will be pawned to foreign powers, the stock market will plummet and foreign direct investment will slow down. To some political observers, resorting to fear tactics and political scaremongering are an indication that it is not a confident Umno that is entering the ring. Such tactics have been part and parcel of election campaigns in the past, but never so blatantly. Will the country go bankrupt? Rhetoric aside, this is unlikely if PR or BN can manage the nation's finances and resources well and keep debt under control. In fact, the notion that "Malaysia could go bankrupt" came from the government itself. It was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Idris Jala who issued a warning that the country risked going bust by 2019 if it did not cut subsidies and rein in borrowings. Will there be racial riots like those in May 1969? Why should they happen when no responsible Malaysian wants them to happen? Aren't politicians responsible for raising such a possibility? To most voters today – those born after 1969 as well as the older generation – it was an unfortunate event in our history, a lesson learnt, and one that needs to be avoided. When asked by an audience at a forum organised by a Malay daily on the possibility of another May 13 should PR win the polls – as alleged by certain quarters in Umno – former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan ruled it out. According to him, the factors that contributed to the 1969 racial riots, such as communism, no longer exist. Communism is dead and buried in this country, but try telling that to the politicians who still propagate the idea that the communists are out to destroy the nation and that some of them can be found within the opposition. Will the Malays lose power? Umno might, but the Malays and bumiputeras – the largest community in the country – will still be well represented by PAS, PKR, the bumiputera parties of Sabah and Sarawak and Umno itself in Parliament – where the seat of democracy lies. They can still work together to pursue the common interests of the community, notably those that are protected by the Constitution. How about the Malays becoming beggars in their own country? I am still trying to figure this one out because how could that happen when Malays remain the dominant force in the political equation? As for the risk that Islam will be marginalised – by whom? How could that happen, given the position the religion holds in the Constitution, Muslims making up the majority of the population and having the highest birth rate, as well as the mutual respect we have for each other's religions? So if most of Umno's "if PR wins" scenarios are unlikely to happen, why harp on them to the extent of overshadowing the good points the party raises in the political campaign? Why give the opposition a chance to say Umno is not a changed party and will never be, contrary to what its president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is portraying?
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| Indians must make their votes count Posted: 09 Dec 2012 02:17 PM PST The Indians have to rid themselves of their 'mental marginalisation' and stop looking for immediate favours. Toffee Rozario, FMT The Indian community in Malaysia is being led by some Tamils who are only in it to pursue their own selfish interests, and in the process betray the entire Indian community. The real Malaysian Indian professionals prefer to remain miles away from the grasp of these politicians in order to keep their image and name free from blemish. Also to note is that many Indians who are not Tamils are lumped into this group and similarly branded. This explains why the prominent Sikhs, Malayalees and Telugus prefer to stay away. Indians in this country need the leadership that will take them to the level where they can use their votes as Malaysians rather than Indians, and that their votes in toto will swing towards parties which will ensure them a fair share of the pie. This voting pattern could swing from right to left and to the right again depending on what is gained or not. Indians must keep small issues small and the big picture has to be taken into account. Indians need to regain their pride, they need to be recognised as one of the biggest partners in nation building and not merely as indented labour, not much better than slaves. They need to realise that they are not the only community that is marginalised. If one takes a close look at the native population of this country, the Orang Asli seems to be in worse shape than the Malaysian Indians. It is not only the Indians who are marginalised. There are the Senoi, Jakun, Negrito, Dayak, Iban, Kadazan and all the other real natives of this country. They are far more marginalised than the Indians. In professional circles among the doctors, engineers, lawyers and in other professions, the Indians when compared to, in ratio of population, may seem even better off than the other major races, so why is it there is a great number that is marginalised? The answer lies in the selfish few, who claim to represent Indian interest, but in this pursuit actually enrich themselves just like the Umno top brass. The Indians have to rid themselves of this mental marginalisation, they have to stop looking for immediate favours, they have to look at the long term and elect leaders who will do this for them. The formation of more political parties will only make the community worse. Indian must stop wallowing Many of the Indian brains, like the brains of the other communities, have left the country for greener pastures. The less fortunate are left to fend for themselves and most often at their own expense and to their own peril. These "less fortunate" support people – the so-called Indian political parties – who thrive on this support to serve their own purpose. At the rate Indian political parties are being formed, it is only matter of time before there are more Indian political parties than there are Indians in this country.
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| Each folly by Anwar has its costs Posted: 09 Dec 2012 11:24 AM PST
Perhaps he thinks that the end justifies the means. That we will overlook anything he does if that is what he thinks is needed for Pakatan to win the election and for him to be prime minister. CT Ali (Free Malaysia Today) The rakyat will not take it kindly the ridiculous charade of Deepak and Musa to plead their case for their own gains with Anwar's help. Is Anwar Ibrahim a symbol of the newly emerging political correctness that we aspire to or is he a relic of its past, unable or unwilling to unchain himself from its dubious attractions and distractions? Is he a courageous leader who has endured much personal and public pain and odious persecution by a vengeful Umno in order to pursue the courage of his convictions or is he merely at the unfortunate end of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's ire for having the temerity to challenge Mahathir's position as numero uno in Umno? Is Anwar an accidental symbol of the people's mounting frustration with a corrupt and arrogant Barisan Nasional government or was he actually the very spark that ignited that tidal wave of change that resulted in BN's heavy defeat in the last general election? I have watched with fascination (and at times with incredulous astonishment) at Anwar's attempts to ride the dragon of change that is now stalking this Umno-led Barisan Nasional, which has failed to see what our people would do, could do and did do at the 12th general election. Anwar himself did not think it possible to become what he did become after the 12th general election – the leader of an effective opposition and the leader of a party that won the most seats in Parliament among the fledgling opposition coalition of Pakatan Rakyat. The results of the 12th general election gave Anwar a legitimate claim to political relevance within Malaysia. Alas for Anwar and for us, what political capital and reservoir of goodwill from the Malaysian public that he, PKR and Pakatan had gained from the success of the 12th general election had not been used wisely. From the false euphoria of an impossibly ill-conceived announced takeover of Putrajaya, through a series of increasingly questionable decision-makings that smack too openly of political opportunism and self-interest, Anwar has lurched from one political disaster to another. Each folly by Anwar had its costs. And slowly but surely PKR and then Pakatan lost traction in its attempt to take what happened at the 12th general election onto to the next level where Pakatan could have formed the government after the 13th general election. So far we have accommodated his follies, overlooked his personal misdemeanours, ignored his crass stupidity in thinking that we did not know what was happening in Selangor, chuckled at his flights of fancies (taking over Putrajaya) and forgave him his errors – all in the name of Pakatan and mindful of what he has undergone at the hands of a revengeful Mahathir. Perhaps Anwar mistook our lack of a cracking of the whip when we should, as being a licence for him to carry on with his questionable activities – personal or otherwise. Perhaps he thinks that the end justifies the means. That we will overlook anything he does if that is what he thinks is needed for Pakatan to win the election and for him to be prime minister. I think Anwar is sadly mistaken. Read more at: http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/opinion/2012/12/10/each-folly-by-anwar-has-its-costs/
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| Posted: 08 Dec 2012 04:05 PM PST
We are merely kidding ourselves if we think the rules by PAS only apply to Muslims. But for political expediency, and for selfish political ambitions, there is now a deafening silence from allies of PAS. The only exception seems to be DAP chairman Karpal Singh, who has also consistently spoken up against the hudud laws pushed by PAS. However, his party comrades have decided to keep silent and, worse, are encouraging us to elect more PAS leaders into Parliament and the state assemblies. Wong Chuan Wei, The Star THERE they go again. The PAS-controlled Kelantan state government, which has yet to resolve the controversy over the gender segregation ruling on hair salons run by non-Muslims, has now found itself in another explosive issue. Four non-Muslims two men on a plane-spotting outing and a couple in a park have been issued with summonses for khalwat. The summonses were for "indecent behaviour" but the four have denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the municipal council enforcement officers were "merely abusing their position". The first case involved two men in their 30s who were in a car parked beside the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport. They claimed they were watching planes land in the night when they were issued with the summonses by these Taliban-style officers. This writer can only deduce that Kota Baru must be so boring the result of a ban on entertainment outlets that the two young men have to watch planes landing at the airport for entertainment. How these officers can consider their action an offence is mind-boggling. But we know that the PAS politicians have a great sense of imagination and can conjure up fantasies out of seemingly ordinary situations. They think that getting a haircut from a person of the opposite sex can lead to moral decay and watching concerts can lead to hedonism or excessive pleasure, whatever that means. Malaysians know that these cranky politician-theologians also frown upon the mixed company of males and females, but two non-Muslim men being punished for being in a car together, that's a new one. Are they telling us now that two men together can lead to immoral activities or that watching planes at the airport can be sexually arousing? Even if they had committed a "gay act", does the council have any jurisdiction over non-Muslims? The other case involved a 17-year-old boy and a girl aged 15. They were together at the Tengku Anis Park in the town centre, in broad daylight, when they were arrested. They were approached by the enforcement officers and issued summonses on the spot for purported indecent behaviour. Nothing seems to be safe any more for non-Muslims in Kota Baru. You get fined for having a hair cut by a hairstylist of a different sex, you get fined for being in love and sharing private moments in a park in broad daylight, and you also get summoned for being in a wrong queue in a supermarket check-out. Before anyone accuses this writer of filing another PAS-bashing piece, it is important to point out that the protest over the latest controversies was started by the National PAS Supporters Congress president Hu Pang Chaw, who is known for his apologist stand for the Islamist party. Interestingly enough, Hu has also revealed that the male victims had complained to him that the officers had even sought RM500 "to settle the matter", which means that these holier-than-thou officers were open to corruption. Hu added that "as far as I know, the council has no right to issue summonses to non-Muslims for close contact with their girlfriends in the dark or out in the open". But Hu shouldn't plead ignorance now because the PAS rules have always infringed upon non-Muslims. This is not the first time and it won't be the last. Don't blame PAS either because they have consistently told Malaysians that their objective is to turn Malaysia into an Islamic State. Barisan Nasional tells us that we are already an Islamic State, but they still keep intact the secular laws and the British-style courts. But for political expediency, and for selfish political ambitions, there is now a deafening silence from allies of PAS. The only exception seems to be DAP chairman Karpal Singh, who has also consistently spoken up against the hudud laws pushed by PAS. However, his party comrades have decided to keep silent and, worse, are encouraging us to elect more PAS leaders into Parliament and the state assemblies. It is also pertinent to note that during The Star's interview with the Sultan of Selangor, the Tuanku had revealed that there were politicians who tried to prevent the opening of cinemas in shopping malls in Shah Alam! This is in Selangor and not even in Kelantan. We can also assume that this must be the work of PAS elected representatives. We know for a fact that the PAS state assemblyman for Bangi, Dr Shafie Abu Bakar, has prevented a cinema from being set up by a non-Muslim, and that the Kuala Selangor PAS wants to stop unmarried couples from watching movies in a cinema there. We are merely kidding ourselves if we think the rules by PAS do not affect non-Muslims. Despite the promised intervention by PAS' top leaders over the hair salon ruling, nothing has changed until today. In an interview with The Malay Mail on Friday, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang was quoted as saying "even Chinese wives don't agree with (unisex) salons". He seems out of touch with reality, or pretending to be.
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| BN needs to do some serious soul-searching Posted: 07 Dec 2012 01:53 PM PST Najib's role is to protect the rakyat, not stand at the sidelines as he is fond of doing and watch them get abused at the hands of corrupt authorities. Jeswan Kaur, FMT It is a tragedy in the making if the race-based Barisan Nasional coalition wins the 13th general election, contrary to the constant assurances by its leaders that only it can determine the fate of this country. Claims after claims were made by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak who is also chairman of BN and Umno president respectively about the feats BN can achieve for the rakyat if only it is given the mandate to rule the country yet again. Honestly, giving BN a two thirds majority win will be suicidal for the rakyat, keeping in mind the 'unfinished business' BN and its chief partner Umno have embarked on. It is imperative that before it cries out for the rakyat's empathy to oust the opposition Pakatan Rakyat pact, BN has to make a clean breast of its many wrongdoings post-2008. The 12th general election defeat has not humbled BN and from the look of things, it is definite that the party has no desire nor interest in repenting and turning over a new leaf. In spite of its unexpected loss in the 2008 general election, the BN coalition continued with its power abuse and disrespect for the rakyat. Had BN learned the bitter lessons the 12th GE brought with it, the party's leadership would have abandoned its addiction to all things nefarious. From premier Najib right down to the BN ADUNs, their failure to live up to the rakyat's expectations has never been more clearer. Wayward If Najib is serious about wanting the best for the people of this country, he has to first take BN for a 'soul-searching' trip. As the Malay saying goes, 'buang yang keruh dan ambil yang jernih', BN has no choice but to reform itself for the sake of the rakyat whose support it so badly needs. All the promises and pledges made by Najib and his men at the recently concluded Umno general assembly would mean nothing if both BN and Umno continue to behave in a wayward manner. The issues that need to be dealt with are aplenty and unless and until BN 'comes around', the rakyat cannot depend on it to solve their woes. From the tribal natives of Penan in Sarawak to the homeless estate workers of Bukit Jalil, they have all given up on Najib and his declarations that BN is synonymous with the welfare of the people. Had it been so, the Penans would not have to risk life and limbs to safeguard their ancestral lands which continue to be ravaged by loggers, no thanks to nod coming from Sarawak chief minister Taib Mahmud. The Penans were also against the building of the Murum and many other dams there which would leave tens and thousands of natives 'landless' besides destroying Sarawak's rainforests. Was Najib attuned to their worries? If he had been, the angry and frustrated Penans would not have mounted a blockade three months ago on the access road to the Murum Dam site, an effort which attracted the attention of local and international media. According to Save Rivers, a coalition of Sarawak NGOs, the Penans had been protesting against the dam since 2009 but the state dismissive approach and refusal to fulfil its promises prompted the blockade. Where was Najib then when the Penans were left to their own devices to protect their native customary rights land?
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| Carpets, mattresses and dirty linen Posted: 07 Dec 2012 01:50 PM PST Carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan and ex-IGP Musa Hassan have stirred up more political controversies. The question on everyone's lips is, "Why are they singing now?" Is it for selfish reasons, to save their own skins because they believe that Umno will lose in GE-13? Are they turning state's witness, to be the first ones to provide evidence implicating the others, in the hope of escaping punishment should Umno lose in GE-13? Mariam Mokhtar, FMT Former inspector general of police Musa Hassan claimed that he was unsuccessful in his efforts to alert his superiors, the Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and the Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to the problems in the police force. Should we believe him as it is his word against theirs? Najib and Hishammuddin have not issued a denial. They may be seething on the inside, but have chosen to remain silent. Their "good name" has been kicked into the gutter, and they do nothing to defend themselves. Perhaps they are too stunned to react. It is ironic that senior Umno politicians claim to be able to unite the Malays, when it is clear that the party is itself divided. It is ironic that Musa has blamed the spread of gangster politics in political campaigning when during his tenure as IGP, he allegedly protected gangsters and criminal syndicates. It is ironic that Musa assumes the moral high ground when most people revile him for allegedly fabricating evidence for his political masters. Carpet trader Deepak Jaikishan and Musa Hassan have stirred up more political controversies. The question on everyone's lips is "Why are they singing now?" Is it for selfish reasons, to save their own skins because they believe that Umno will lose in GE-13? Are they turning state's witness, to be the first ones to provide evidence implicating the others, in the hope of escaping punishment should Umno lose in GE-13? Or are they puppets who have been tasked with derailing the opposition, by appearing to act against the interests of Umno? Is Umno just sacrificing a pawn to take a bishop? Are key people, like the former heads of the MACC, the Election Commission, MAS, Proton, TNB, waiting in the wings, ready to provide damning evidence against Umno? The shocking revelations by both men occurred within days of each other and took the public by surprise. The men stole the thunder from the 66th Umno general assembly. Deepak is a business man with close ties to the prime minister's spouse. The other is a former member of the establishment and privy to the workings of government. The timing of their disclosures cannot be a coincidence. Why did they wait years before finally revealing the information? They are mistaken if they think they will be perceived as men of integrity. Instead, they are seen as opportunists or desperate men who are taking out insurance to protect themselves against possible prosecution. Deepak made public the embarrassing details about land deals closely linked to Najib, and Musa described the interference by Najib's cousin, Hishammuddin in the running of the police force. The silence of Najib, his spouse Rosmah Mansor and Hishammuddin does not exonerate them. It was left to their colleagues, to defend them but the damage was done. The public is now aware of the deep divisions within Umno. Musa's outburst may have given the opposition movement a boost, but that momentum for change was unstoppable, with or without Musa's revelations. The opposition coalition is on a winning streak and the rakyat is passionate for change and reform. The opposition should use any ammunition available, to bring down Umno. The people working in the civil service, the GLCs and the government are gripped by a culture of fear. Musa is not the first to say that he could not speak out when he was in office, but isn't it convenient for Musa to hide his poor leadership and his failings by claiming that he had tried to help his men? He claims that he can speak freely, now because he is no longer a government servant. The rakyat is fed-up with the usual refrain "We couldn't talk then". Musa may choose to adopt the moral high ground but our minds are etched with the image of Musa, the policeman who paraded the semen stained mattress in the trial of Opposition Leader, Anwar Ibrahim in Sodomy I, and the memory of Musa who let his men down with his lies and cover-ups, by acting for Umno politicians and their cronies. Musa failed to uphold the professionalism, tenets and traditions of the police force. The rakyat is weary of the games played by corrupt politicians. They are tired of frogs and turncoats. They despise men who are self-serving and think nothing of sacrificing their professional integrity. When will men from the judiciary come forward and reveal all? Will the men from the MACC do the same? And the immigration department? Or the Election Commission? And key government departments and GLCs?
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