Marina M. on hypocripsy

Marina Mahathir's view on the recent incident of privacy invasion involving Elizabeth Wong

“This is about public morality … whether the pictures were taken with or without consent is another matter,” said former Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khir Toyo who is leading the charge against Wong.

This is NOT about public morality, this is about invasion of privacy. It becomes public morality when everyone scrambles to LOOK at the pictures. It is immoral to look at the pictures. If people were not so eager to look at the pictures, there would not be the possibility of blackmailing people or causing their downfall.

If Khir wants to take the moral high ground, he should be advising people to ignore the photos.

Posted by MarinaM at 12:35 PM

Some notably brilliant comments below :-)

Hamidah Marican said...

You hit the nail on the HEAD. Indeed this is invasion of privacy, today t is Eli Wong, tomorrow it could be any one of us, our children, or our daughters and Khir it could be your wife..then what!
Fellow Malaysians this insanity must stop..you can help by NOt looking at the pictures that are circulated, advising family & friends to delete such pictures.

Mr. Smith said...

MM,
Wonder why morality in Malaysia is confined to sexual/feminine/love related matters?

Is corruption moral? Is smuggling money into Australia moral? Is buying over state assembly members, moral?

Lois Lane said...

Next month, it will be a year since the election..yet political parties are still acting like kids denied treats and keep on character-assasinating their rivals, sabotaging, spin-doctoring and so many stupid games...

While all the above is happening, people are losing their jobs, their homes, their cars and have to pay higher for consumer goods...

A lot of the politicians are now more vocal than before, wanting to be seen as people's champions (or maybe for the free publicity)...but look at what they have to say (refer to Khir, for example)...it's an insult to our intelligence, it's an insult to all women and it's an insult to all Malaysians.

halimah said...

The political mayhem is appalling as is the nonsense that they are spewing.

The tit-for-tat slandering is getting out of hand and will come to a head soon if the top leadership i.e. the PM and DPM do not come down hard on the scumbags.

For an argument on privacy and human rights please read the letter in The Sun and The Star today and the posting in NINITALK.

BareSheen said...

Dear Marina,

It is so sad to hear, again and agian, ad nauseam, our public discourse revolving around the tired issues of race, religion and sex.

That this race this greater and that religion is lousier. That those who hold public offices must be celibate or have sex in the right way with the right person at the right time.

Or even how we should sleep. Whether in our birthday suit or all dressed up to the nines.

As if there are no other more urgent things in life to worry about.

The quality of our current leaders and even future ones (you saw the TV debate involving your brother), I can only weep for Malaysia.

labulabi said...

hi MM

Patutlah masih ramai rakyat yang susah. Ahli parlimen atau Adun sibuk pasal nak menjatuhkan satu sama lain.

Bilalah mereka ni nak matang?

khim said...

it seems to me that in Malaysia, if one wants to silence the opposition, the critics or any intelligent person, one just have to accuse the other of:
1. immorality
2. being anti-Islam
3. being anti-Malay
4. being disrespectful of royalty
5. threatening national security

What next ?

I say STOP THE CIRCUS ! STOP THE GUTTER POLITICS !

Joseph said...

I think morality can't be imposed or forced upon. It can only be advised, whether it's for non-muslims or muslims alike. After all, nobody will be holy enough to cast her or his first stone on any other person. Btw, I think privacy issue is more important than moral issue as we fallible humans can only judge objectively on any privacy related issues but not moral issues. So for those talk big guys like Mr. Ketam, I would say leave moral issues to the God and shut up!

Btw, MM, with Utusan Malaysia and UMNO comdemning Eliz as if she is demon recarnate, I think your voice here makes very little impact in Malaysia on this issue.. =.= sad...

Single Parent said...

Mam,
You hit it right on the Button!
I agree with Kingsmen, my small circle of frens too both sexes has displayed eagerness to view the pics! SOmeone aske me why i'm against just looking at them, i told them to think!
What if it was you or one of your family members? would you want yuor frens and strangers to look at the pics and have discussions?

I condemn the media for exploiting this!

Are people of Malaysia so desprate that they are so eager to look at any compromising pictures? of anyone?? How would you feel if it was a pic of your sister? mother? wife? auntie? your best friend?

I feel like burnign all the pics i get my hands on!

And please to those of you who talk about being moral! you just show others that you have a holier than thou attitude!
I sleep in the nude too when it's extreamly hot! i do not not wish for someone to take my pic and publish it!
So, think!

Buyung Adil said...

Damansara, so what if they had sex? The ones who have a right to comment are those who have never commited a sexual sin (including internet porn), never taken bribes, never told a lie, never bought over party-hoppers, never taken any commissions,etc. One more thing though, we elect politicians who can represent us for the love of nation & the rakyat- not for the love of money. Who they have sex with in private is none of our business!!! Judgement belongs to God, not to you or me. And...for your information, in Buddhism or Hinduism, the concept of a personal God is irrelevant. In case you misunderstand, I do believe in a personal God, but you can't enforce your own beliefs on others!!! Let Eli Wong continue serving the rakyat!

A way beyond our impasse

A statement by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah

September 23, 2008

I write this as a Malaysian, as someone who, over forty seven years of political life, has had the privilege of playing some small part in the formation our country, the building of its institutions, and our achievement of a degree of economic sufficiency. I write out of deep concern about the present state of our country.

In the lives of nations as of individuals, there come moments of profound possibility, when the potential for self-transcendence and for self-destruction are simultaneously present.

As before some critical examination in our youth, we come to the daunting realization that we hold our future in our hands, when how we will fare many years hence, and whether we shall flourish or languish, will depend on how we conduct ourselves now, in this small window of time.

We are in a political impasse that threatens to metastasize into a Constitutional crisis. Political crises come and go, but the present crisis might well be the beginning of a cascade of failures leading to long-term instability and destruction.

1. Our impasse occurs at a time of heightened economic, political and security challenges. The global economy faces the prospect of a meltdown on a scale last seen in the Great Depression of the last century. As a trading nation, we are strongly exposed to its effects. Meanwhile, while we seem to have slept, the global economy is undergoing an epic transformation that we must either adapt to or are marginalized by.

2. This year’s ground-shfiting General Election result signaled a public sentiment that cannot be ignored. Malaysians want fundamental change, and they want it now, whether from within the ruling coalition or from outside it. The Malaysian demographic has changed dramatically over the last fifty years. We have seen the birth of a more sophisticated, demanding electorate that has rightly lost patience with incompetence and dishonesty.

3. The grievances of Sabah and Sarawak, which found only partial expression in the General Elections, remain unaddressed. This risks the very integrity of our Federation.

4. Misunderstandings over race and religion are ripe for political exploitation, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Post election promises notwithstanding however, the government now commands even less confidence than it did post March 8.

The public is in near despair over the prospects for change from within the ruling party. Rather than share the public’s sense of urgency, our present office-holders have redoubled efforts to frustrate renewal, cut off reform, and silence criticism. These efforts only underscore the weakness of the administration and its will to change.

We can no longer deny that in its present form, and under present leadership, the government, led by the party to which I have given my life, is now structurally and inherently incapable of providing the direction and confidence that the country needs, whether over the long or short term. The indications are there for all to see:

1. The government has been unable to respond to the economic crisis with even a basic plan of action. Business confidence has plummeted as capital flees the country. Our economic policy remains as uncoordinated and directionless as it has been in since the beginning of this administration.

2. The recommendations of two Royal Commissions of Inquiry have been ignored or watered down into insignificance.

3. In this context, Umno’s constitutional provision for the renewal of its leadership by triennial elections might have been expected to provide some hope of renewal. Instead of embracing this opportunity, however, the leadership of the party has retreated into the fantasy world of a “transition plan” which rides roughshod over the party’s constitution and the rights of its members. This risible attempt to treat public office and party trust as a private bequest between two individuals, one of whom wishes to hold office beyond his democratic mandate and the other to ascend without one, and the continuing effort to force feed the country with this notion, fools no one. Instead, and against background of rampant money politics, it kills the public’s hope of national renewal via Umno. Behind the babble about a “transition plan” the Prime Minister continues to be subverted by members of his own cabinet and subjected to thinly cloaked power plays to force his resignation.

This resort to a “transition plan” betrays a disturbing failure to grasp the meaning and purpose of public office. In the more mature society into which we aspire to grow, persons who demonstrate and moreover propagate such disregard for constitutional and democratic process would long ago have been disqualified from public life, let alone from national leadership. The news appears not to have sunk in that the public rejects leaders who shun the open light of democratic contest in favour of staged plays and backroom plots.

Given Umno’s core role in national politics, this is a dangerous state of affairs. Meanwhile the Opposition has made undeniable gains in the number of parliamentarians it commands. Beyond the hype and inflation, and regardless of whether Pakatan Rakyat now has “the numbers” to command a majority, what we cannot doubt is that support for the governing majority continues to erode, and that this erosion continues so long as there is no hope of real change in the type of leadership Umno provides. There is now a credible threat that the present government may at some time fall by a vote of no confidence, or by some otherwise constitutionally legitimate demonstration of parliamentary majority. After fifty-one years of rule by a single party, this is not a possibility that is well understood. It is justifiably viewed with trepidation. Neither sheer denial on the one hand, or inflated claims on the other, help the situation.

To all appearances, we are beginning to lose grip of the rule of law. The use of the Internal Security Act and of Sedition Laws to target particular individuals further erodes the credibility of the government. Our actions exacerbate rather than calm the fear that stokes civil and racial strife. In the present context of a leadership struggle within Umno and against a strong Opposition it is impossible to dispel the notion that these extreme measures are calculated to maintain certain individuals in power rather than to address verifiable threats to national security. Nothing does more to undermine the legitimacy of a government than plainly unjust acts. The ridiculous justifications given for some of these detentions has further undermined public confidence that the awesome powers of state are in safe hands.

We cannot afford to allow these disturbing trends to play out their destructive course while we suffer a de facto leadership vacuum, and while the rule of law is uncertain and the Constitution not upheld.

Against this background I appeal to all parties to come together in humility, beyond party politics, to hold an honest discussion, in the spirit of shared citizenship and with the gravest attitude of common responsibility towards a longsuffering rakyat, about what is happening to our country and how we might agree together on a peaceful way beyond our impasse. We need to come together to find unity and direction out of this dangerous situation. In doing so, we might turn our crisis into an opportunity and renew our unity and sense of direction as Malaysia.

Ong Tee Keat on Liberalization

An attempt to build a case for good governance

Written by Ong Tee Keat

Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Now, we are facing the onslaught of liberalisation and globalisation. Liberalisation in the service sector is going to be an acid test to our competitiveness and resilience. When we talk about this subject, people keep referring to the New Economic Policy, the 30 per cent and quota. But at this juncture, it is important for us to take note of changes in the global scenario.

We are signatory to the World Trade Organisation and the Asean Framework on Liberalisation in the Service Sector. We are in the midst of liberalising some of these service sector progressively. The government is now handling the issue very seriously and it is only right for me as a political leader to alert our local industry players to rise to such challenges.

We are no longer competing among ourselves. Why should we be inward looking? We need to face competition from abroad. Are we ready? Are we resilient enough? When talk about liberalisation, it is not only that we are going to open up to allow others to compete with us. We can also go beyond our shores to compete with others. We should be prepared to do so in the name of globalisation.

At the end of the day, competitiveness and resilience is [sic] what count. I don't want to see our people's mind to be shackled by such a quota-centric mindset. Don't you think this is a form of protectionism? Globalisation is here and we should be prepared.

Governance, management, and YOU!

A thought snippet of jlvk

There is nothing to manage in absence of dynamics, where dynamics is the system behavior of the living entity that exhibits supply-demand equilibrium, social influence, and competitive game matrices. Society is a living entity made up of individuals, organizations, core activities that sustain it, and a set of rules that keeps it intact.

Humans have the natural predisposition to realize individual goals as part of the survival instinct. Natural selection and ordering was the limiting factor that capped the extent to which an individual could go in fulfilling his/her wants or needs prior to civilization. Harshness of the environment and scarcity of key resources necessitated the consolidation and more often than not, entailed the sacrifice of certain wants or needs for the good of the human race. When we speak of governance versus management, we are actually seeking the key to sustainability. Consider the fundamental scenario of a shortage of food not amounting to a nationwide famine: how would the individuals in the nation go about living the very next day to stay alive throughout this simple test of fitness?

The individuals should reduce excess intake, reduce wastage, increase substitute staple, and increase adaptability--this is the normative principle that has to be agreed upon by the majority of the population in order to take effect. And once these four measures are swinged into effect, the necessity to keep them operating in a sustained fashion arises--this is the modus operandi to achieve the common goal of survival, and there are many parameters to set and tune and balance in order to keep the population as a dynamic system comprising economic and social interactions, well within the optimal operating region.

How about another scenario of a private company facing cashflow bottlenecks? The four measures mentioned in the previous paragraph apply relevantly. The need for managers and supervisors arose from the need to maintain discipline and control, as far as the survival of the company is concerned. In a country of democracy companies compete against each other without regard for the bigger cause of survival as a nation. So how do we ensure that all companies dutifully discharge the economic and social duty? We need sound policies, and sound policies necessitate a good government led by clear-headed men and women free from all materialistic encumbrances and all conflicts of interests--at least in principle we have to define the ideal condition fit for a pragmatic world, or we might as well just give in to the Taoist philosophy that the best government is the government that does no governing.

Yet we do not dismiss the Taoist philosophy because we know that in a perfect world made up of perfect beings, zero-governance and zero-management are entirely possible. In addressing the question policies versus the efficacy of their implementation, I am bringing up a discussion on governance versus management.

Governance is hands-off in nature: in a way that the governing body (i.e. the government) do not interfere with the day-to-day management of the lawful entities (such as private companies) once the rules have been set in place. The government, however, employ the feedback loop to detect deviations and measure compliance; so long as the entities comply each individual serving under each entity should receive positive gain--and this defines a successful government.

As governance operates on the macro scale, there is also a need to tangibly project the macro vision onto the entities led by the directors and bosses. Directors and bosses are to steer and direct their organizations prudently, and to always act in good faith, stewardship, duty, openness, transparency and integrity--this is good management and as economically productive individuals we need to ensure that we make conscious effort to run an honest business or work in a company led by an honorable managing director--therefore you should be aware that you as an employee has a say in the company's annual general meetings. Even if you are not seated in the meetings, you are always entitled to a representation by way of a written petition signed by a number of your colleagues. You can decisively put a stop to being shoved around in corporate tyranny as you contribute your small but meaningful effort to the sustenance of good management in your company on the micro scale.

More interestingly, on the macro scale, who can keep a watchful eye on the good governors to ensure that they too, having taken the oath of office, to dutifully discharge their duty to govern? You, as a voter, can! Be a clear-headed voter! Choose the best men and women to govern!

Merdeka! Malaysia!

An article of Tengku Razaleigh

Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Speech on Malaysia Day 16th September 1963

“MERDEKA! MALAYSIA!

THE great day we have long awaited has come at last - the birth of Malaysia. In a warm spirit or joy and hope, 10 million people of many races in all the States of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah now join hands in freedom and unity.

We do so because we know that we have come together through our own free will and desire in the true spirit of brotherhood and love of freedom.

We have made our decision after much care and thought, finally arriving at mutual consent by debate and discussion, inquiries and elections held over two and a half years.

We can feel proud indeed of the way we have created Malaysia through friendly argument and compromise. The spirit of co-operation and concord is living proof of the desire we share for a common destiny.

What better basis for Malaysia can there be, what finer augury for the future?

The road to nationhood has not been an easy journey. Surprises and disappointments, tension and crisis, have marred the way.

The peoples of Malaysia, however, have endured all trials and tribulations with confidence and patience, calmness and forbearance, with faith in our final goal - Malaysia.

In the first eighteen months of political and constitutional discussions, beginning from May 1961, things went ahead favourably, because the ideal of Malaysia caught the imagination of all the peoples concerned.

We can all recall the remarkable enthusiasm and interest aroused then in the evolution of Malaysia.

Step by step the concept came to life. The activities of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee, the merger talks between the Federation of Malaya and Singapore, the broad agreement reached in London to establish Malaysia, the appointment of the Cobbold Commission and its exhaustive inquiries in the Borneo Territories, and the subsequent establishment of the Inter-Governmental Committee - all these steps were taken in internal harmony and in full public view.

Suddenly towards the end of 1962 the situation changed. Communist China committed unjustifiable aggression against India. I stood up for democracy and condemned China’s attack.

One immediate reaction was that Communists throughout South-east Asia retaliated by an indirect assault upon me by opposing my idea of Malaysia, and they set about creating every possible difficulty to baulk Malaysia.

Other external complications occurred - the Philippines’ claim to North Borneo, the sudden and abortive revolt in Brunei, and the startling adoption by Indonesia of a policy of confrontation against Malaya.

All these events projected an international crisis in South-east Asia this year, the climax coming in June. The successful meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Malaya, Indonesia and the Philippines, followed by my own conference with President Soekarno in Tokyo eased tension considerably and brought new hopes for harmony and peace.

Prospects for a Summit Conference were good, confrontation from Indonesia subsided, so we went ahead with arrangements for the final talks in London on Malaysia.

The Malaysia Agreement was duly signed in early July. Unexpectedly Indonesia reacted most strongly, renewing its policy of confrontation with the result that the Summit conference of leaders of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines at the end of July began in an atmosphere of doubt.

The Summit conference ended in an agreement by the three countries to form an Association of States of Malay origin to be known as Maphilindo.

It was agreed that in order that the partners in Maphilindo could welcome Malaysia the United Nations Secretary-General should be asked to ascertain anew the wishes of the peoples of Sarawak and Sabah. That request has not been implemented.

Now finally the peoples of Malaysia are celebrating the establishment of Malaysia. This is the time to think earnestly and hopefully on the future of Malaysia as the whole country resounds with joy.

So I pray that God may bless the nation of Malaysia with eternal peace and happiness for our people.

The Federation of Malaya now passes into history. Let us always remember that the Malayan Nation was formed after many difficulties during a long period of national Emergency, yet its multi-racial society emerged, endured and survived as a successful and progressive nation, a true democracy and an example to the world of harmony and tolerance.

As it was with Malaya, so it can be with Malaysia. With trust in Almighty God, unity of purpose and faith in ourselves, we can make Malaysia a land of prosperity and peace.

In doing so let every Malaysian in all the States of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah ensure that our Malaysia is truly worthy of the aims and hopes we have shared, the trials and stress, we have endured, in working together to achieve our common destiny.

“MERDEKA! MALAYSIA!”

停、听、看

A mention of small and beautiful things of life, as a service to blog-shy buddies.

听雨兄曰：　‘民为邦本，本固邦宁’ 当权者明白这道理吗？

停，才有预备再出发的力量。
听，才知道民间众生的反应。
看，才清楚前途的何去何从。

在想环顾当今大马朝野有多少领袖，在人民不再需要他时，真正拥有‘挥一挥衣袖，不带走一片云彩‘ 的胸襟呢？

明察秋毫易，只眼开只眼闭难。。。。哎。。难怪古人说难得胡涂。。

枯藤，老树，昏鸦；小桥，流水，人家；古道，西风，瘦马；夕阳西下，断肠人在天涯。

每个人一出生，就背负着对自己，对家庭，对社会的责任；生命本身，就是责任。责任是利他的行为， 是勇者的担当，是有为者的抱负。

不闻世间烦恼事，喜能身在井底中。有闲抬头数星斗，细赏新月挂长空。

环顾目前不健康的政治风气不断延烧下去，气愤但又无可奈

何，那种无力感与挫折感着实折腾人。。。真的再也看不下去。。。不禁羡慕起身在井中的井底蛙。。不闻世间繁琐事，怡然自得，独守自己一片天。。。。。总比身陷是非颠倒，本墨倒置的大环景强得多。

大家记得今夜欣赏52年来最大最圆的皓月和月偏蚀哦。。

。执子之手，共赏一天星斗伴皓月。。。此情此景乃最佳求婚时机。。Joe 你要记得把握哦。。。等喝你喜酒啊！

不屈服于霸道、示威、威吓

郑联科的文章，华语翻译

最近本人有观察政坛的进展，从中发问：万事依然环绕着事物的定律运转吗？人民、政治人士甚至皇族，皆逃不了被公开批评的可能性。

马来西亚人一向来都以那自从我国独立年代建立的思维为荣耀：这思维是人民在多种族多宗教多文化的社会里，彼此永远不逊地同心接纳与包容。试问这美满的思维实际上有实现吗？其实没有的。看看我们现今的社会我们就要认命了，因为事实上社会已经很明显的在三条生存命脉上呈现分裂--这就是说社会分裂与种族，分裂与文化，分裂与宗教信仰。然而我们的大好传统是泰然自若的把种种的分裂症状埋没在一个奇妙的的地毡下--我们所谓的“敏感话题”。

这三种分裂如何影响政客举棋走棋呢？是这样的：刚从政的人士会先从种族或文化方面的裂缝着手--这是扑克牌中的K与Q王牌。他们就爱玩先打王牌的游戏。若K、Q无效他们就出那“愛使”A牌--这A牌就是宗教的分裂。为何这类似的玩法会那么普及呢？原因在于市场的存在--在政策的治理上，就因为这三个命脉性质的因素带有引爆性，它们足以让政客们开拓一个供不应求的玩意市场。

试问我们还要延续的把这迫切的问题扫在地毡下吗？我们还要容忍多久呢？不厌吗？要等到何时那奇妙地毡才会饱和尘垢呢？什么时候才是时机彻底刷洗这脏透了的地毡呢？我们还需接受那几条不对良心的宪法典章横行多久呢？什么时候我们才真实的能够以一个无瑕疵的多元社会为荣呢？什么时候才能达到真正的法治化文明社会的至高准绳呢？什么时候才能同心一致的为建国标杆出力呢？

殖民年代占领我国的势力曾经以分割性的治理手段维持社会的规模与秩序，以成全他们的盈利企图。独立后，这分割治理取利的手段不但没被扫除，只是通过好听的“联盟”招牌交棒转手到巫统里。这“联盟”招牌逐渐演变成“国阵”。那么多年流逝了，国阵应当开始容纳一个和巫青同等的肢体以便更新与改革我国的政治风气，将现有的沙文主义极端作风排除。

我不同意Khairy的古董思维下的急促与马虎，他还敢说“Linpeh给我青年党员们所有的准证做他们力所能为的事来捍卫苏丹的尊严”。听好：没有任何人高过法治，巫青免想横行霸道。

我也不同意那由前任雪州大臣Khir Toyo与数位巫青领袖带领的示威活动。那示威活动昨天发生在Karpal Singh住家门前。法制应该生效运作。倘若Karpal Singh真的有涉及犯罪的事，索性让警方与主控官决定适当的法律行动。巫青应当安分守己并以身作则尊崇法治，并给于我国的法律与宪法肢体该得的敬重。

恰好Khairy与Khir Toyo都是下一届的巫青主席候选人。这两位究竟唱着什么类似的调子呢？在现今的状况下，我个人的投票是给Mukhriz，因为我有考虑他是个懂得保持冷静的人，而且他也不会依样画葫芦的玩弄情绪或靠演戏出名，他相当有领导人的素质。

昔日巫青堂皇的大喊威吓成法的作风已成历史了，巫青再也没有力量拟定他们自己的制度与条规了。如今是照镜子自我检讨的时候了。切记今日的人民与投票者再也不笨：大家都有智慧、都聪明、都能干。休想欺负羞辱他们，他们绝不容忍非法的示威举动，他们最终是不投失败者一票而已。

巫青醒醒吧！记得那keris吗？

Bullyings, demonstrations and intimidations to lose potency

An article from Ti Lian Ker's Blog

I observed with interest the recent developments in our political sphere. Everything seems to be moving in circles like a circus? People , politicians and now the royalties are not spared the dust, mud and pebbles.

Malaysians are proud in their claim that we have successfully maintained harmony , unity and tolerance despite having a multi-racial , multi-religious and multi-culture society. Is it truly so? In actual fact we are a society very divided by race, culture and religion and we have a tradition of sweeping problems and issues under the carpet in the name of "sensitivity".

And aspiring or budding politicians will resort to the race card or cultural card. If the Queen and King failed, then they will resort to the Ace i.e. the Religious card. There's always a ready political market sentiment for these three potentially explosive issues.

How much longer can we sweep conflicts , problems and issues under the carpet before the said carpet cannot contain anymore dirt, debris and rubbish? When will it be the right time to remove the carpet and clean and tidy up? How much longer must we rely on unconscionable provisions of the law to perpetuate our power? When can we truly be proud of a multi-racial existence with a civil society committed to the national interest and allowing the rule of law to prevail?

The fact is Malaysians under the colonial rule had been traditionally divided and segregated. The divide and rule principle had been perpetuated by UMNO under the umbrella of Alliance and it's successor, the Barisan Nasional. Maybe it is about time that Barisan Nasional allow a united multi-racial wing similar to UMNO Youth that can help transform or inculcate a multi-racial spirit and soul in our political environment that is now being infested with chauvinists, extremists and fanatics.

I disagree with the antics of Khairy Jamaluddin in calling for drastic actions and resorting to provocative statements like " I give my youth members full permission to do whatever they want to uphold the dignity of the Sultan". No one is above the law and UMNO youth cannot do whatever they want.

I also disagree with the demonstrations or illegal gathering led by former Selangor Menteri Besar , Dato Seri Mohd Khir Toyo and several UMNO Youth leaders at the residence of DAP Chairman Karpal Singh in Jalan Utama yesterday.

The rule of law must be allowed to prevail or take its course. If Karpal Singh had committed any illegal act or acts , let the Police make their investigations and the Attorney General decide the next course of legal action. UMNO Youth must set a good example of respecting the rule of law and showing due respect and confidence to our legal or constitutional institutions.

Coincidentally, Khairy and Khir Toyo are both aspiring to be the UMNO Youth Chairman. Are they being melodramatic or over dramatic? Under the circumstances, my vote will be for the next candidate Mukhriz for his ability to maintain his 'cool' and not to succumb to political antics or drama. Yet he's able to show his leadership.

Gone are the days where UMNO Youths shout or scream and dictated the rule of the day. Gone are the days where UMNO Youths can dictate the rule and policy of the day. It is time for us to take stock for we must not forget that our rakyat and voters today are wiser , smarter and able...

They are not going to be bullied. They are not going to be cowed by intimidation. They do not condone illegal demonstrations. They will just vote the other way.....

time for UMNO Youth to take stock...remember the keris??

Poverty Eradication Programme

A work journal by jlvk.

On February 3 I met up with the administrative officer of the Community Service Division of the Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK), Pn. Rodziah Shamsudin. My intention was to follow-up on the implementation status of the Poverty Eradication Programme, subsequent to the leaders' visit to Sungai Soi [I'll post the newspaper coverage soon. The posting has been delayed for quite a while so my apologies to the esteemed readers].

Pn. Rodziah said that there will be updates to the programme details this February 10. Meanwhile, she is encouraged that that the eligible minimum household income (known as the poverty line) has been raised from MYR663.00 to MYR720.00.

I certainly look forward to the next meeting with Pn. Rodziah.

Making sense of the Perak "jump ship"

A thought snippet of jlvk.

Crazy enough! Had it been a switch the other way round I'd give my thumbs up. 99.9% of people favor perceived returns, and this builds up social latency that can lead to a foreseeably huge "social recession".

And such doing is no politics, its downright Machiavellianism! While we laugh ourselves silly with all those money burnt in stock options we can console ourselves that some people outdo us in risk-taking!

The incident sparked many thoughts: a friend of mine dislikes the current political developments in Perak, and asked "is loyalty that lacking?"

I think the lack could be in loyalty or in intrinsic motivation. I am more inclined to think in terms of the latter, inline with the observation that many of us are good executors of tasks and orders without actually taking delight in what we do. And when the real influence comes from not too remote externalities, chances are that a "natural switch" occurs.

Switching back is possible--with an equal or greater counter influence. I'm drawing parallel from the laissez-faire of job switching, especially for the top-ranking personnel.

So is the office mere work or labor of love? I am touched by Bro. Loh's innate commitment in his reply to me:

I believe somehow that an office of the state (government) has 'commitment' and 'loyalty' in it, based on ones prescribed principles. Not that you can embrace every single thing or agree with every single thing... but it epitomizes another type of relationship which I believe is very central to the way a government structure revolves around; a family. That said, a husband does not change spouse just because a person don't feel passionate about the wife anymore or disagrees with her. You just don't. You work together for the good of the family, together. Based on the vow you made in joining a party.

May we be single-minded in serving the people.

Quit squabbling among yourselves

Appeared on The China Press / East Coast on Feb 02, 2009.

Verbatim translation by paragraph:

“大家不要以為民聯內沒有爭吵，公正黨、回教黨、民主行動黨等，也有爭吵，只是他們掩飾得好，就好像瓜登國席補選時，民聯內部也有爭吵。”

"Do not presume that the PR is free from internal squabbles: be it Keadilan, PAS, or DAP. Excellent concealment efforts throughout the recent Kuala Terengganu by-election period might have projected the image that the PR is free from such an encumbrance."

他用心的勸說，大家應以和為貴，並團結一致，一起抵抗金融海嘯的來擊。

The Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaacob exhorts that people should cherish harmony, and place unity as the priority, in enduring the present financial crisis.

他說，國民間的團結是非常重要的，如果是兒童吵架還無所謂，因此，大家不要輕信報章一直報導的吵架新聞。他今日在關丹彭亨州銀禧禮堂出席由關丹華團聯合會主辦、彭州政府贊助的2009年新春大團拜活動，在會上致詞時，這么指出。

In his address in the 2009 New Year Well-wishing Ceremony (2009年新春大團拜), sponsored by the Pahang State Government, held in the Pahang Silver Jubilee Hall, he said the unity of the people is of great importance. On squabbling, he remarked that [while] a squabble among infants has no far-reaching implications, [the same occuring among thinking adults can be rather damaging]. And for this reason, he urges the people to refrain from being easily taken in by reports appearing in the papers sensationalizing senseless squabbles.

“我們必須策劃如何讓人民更團結，政府也沒邊緣化任何種族，全部一視同仁。”

"We need to think about getting people to unite, the Government has not marginalized any race, all are given the same regard."

他說，州政府贊助兩萬令吉充今日的宴會經費，足以證明州政府非常關心種族之間的和諧及重視華裔佳節。

He disclosed that the State Government sponsored MYR20,000 for the event's expenses, and this is sufficient to demonstrate that the State Government cares a lot for the harmony between races and esteems this fine celebration of the Chinese people.

“華裔只要安心經商，孩子有得受教育，其實，馬來人也如是。” 他說，目前全球經濟不景，美國已日漸式微，崛起的大國將是中國及印度。

"The Chinese need only enjoy the peace of mind to go about their trade, and see that the children receive education; actually, this is pretty much the same with the Malays." He said that at present economies worldwide is in bad shape, and that the US is losing lustre each day, and that the giants of the future will be China and India.

“我們要學習華人做生意的方法，但無須到中國去，我們可向丹斯里方天興、拿督周良及拿督彭子明學習。” 大臣在上台致詞時，雖說他不會長篇大論，因為大家是來吃東西，並非來聽演講，無論如何，大臣還是說了約20分鐘。

"We should emulate the Chinese in their business operations. And to do so, we need not go all the way to China. We can learn from our own people Tan Sri 方天興 (I'll find out the Roman names and post it here), Dato' 周良, and Dato' Pang Tsu Ming." Adnan's speech lasted a good 20 minutes.

A merry occasion: from left, Pang Tsu Ming, 陳漢祥, 周良, 方天興, appreciating Adnan Yaacob's calligraphy.

首次由關丹華團聯合會主辦的“2009年新春大團拜”活動今日順利進行，更吸引約千人出席，人潮雖不比往年關丹華社協商理事會多，但場面熱鬧。以往由關丹華社協商理事會主辦的該活動，隨著關丹中華工商會于去年尾宣佈退出該組織而解散后，新春大團拜活動今年由關丹華團負責主辦。

For the first time such a Chinese New Year Well-wishing Ceremony is being organized by [關丹華團聯合會], and it went smoothly. Although a crowd of approximately 1,000 persons was no match for the past ceremonies held by [華社協商理事會/CCC?], the atmosphere was merry. The handing over of the Chinese New Year Well-wishing Ceremony to the [關丹華團聯合會] was due to the disbandment of the [華社協商理事會/CCC?].

大會除了設有幸運抽獎活動外，還備有各項民族表演，包括廿四節令鼓、舞龍、舞蹈及歌唱等。出席者包括英迪拉馬哥打區公正黨國會議員阿占依斯邁、米昔拉區回教黨州議員賽莫哈末及關丹公正黨國會議員傅芝雅特別助理沈春祥等。

Other than the lucky draw, the ceremony encompassed cultural presentations, comprising the Round-Season Drum, the Dragon Dance, folk dance, and singing. Among the people who attended the event are: Indera Mahkota PKR Parliamentary Assemblyman [阿占依斯邁], Beserah PAS State Assemblyman [賽莫哈末], and [沈春祥] (personal assistant to the Kuantan PKR Parliamentary Assemblywoman Fuziah Salleh).

此外，關丹華團聯合會主席拿督周良在會上致詞時指出，在金融危機時刻，大家必須團結一致，加強友誼，為國解難。他說，在佳節時，大家不分種族，同慶佳節，這已成大馬特別文化之一。“我們在互相交流中，更學會接納各族文化，互相尊重，並減少不必要的誤會等。” 他說，在佳節時，如果大家沒聚集一起歡慶，就失去了它的意義。

[周良] in his address highlighted that in the midst of the financial crisis people should unite, strengthen friendship, and help the country overcome difficulties. He said that in festivivity people should come together irrespective of race, to celebrate--and this is the one of the cornerstones of a multiracial Malaysia. "Through our mingling we learn to accept other races' cultures, to respect each other, and to reduce unnecessary misunderstandings." He added that if there were no coming together of the people as one in celebration, the meaning of the celebration is lost.