Penganiayaan GLC's terhadap SME's Melayu
Dilulus terbit pada Wednesday, May 14 @ 14:09:37 MYT oleh SongkokPutih
Oleh mose
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Adakah benar Dasar Ekonomi Baru membantu Melayu. Dasar yang dicanangkan oleh Kerajaan sekian lama sememangnya benar membawa perubahan kepada orang Melayu. Akan tetapi mereka yang menikmati dasar ini adalah dikalangan tokoh Korporat-korporat Melayu yang mempunyai kepentingan politik dan proksi dikalangan pemimpin negara. Apa pula yang telah terjadi kepada pengusaha-pengusaha dan usahawan-usahawan Melayu yang digelar SME / IKS?
Dibawah Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi berbagai skim latihan diperkenalkan untuk melatih usahawan Melayu dan bumiputra. Mungkin kementerian berjaya melahirkan banyak usahawan dari program yang telah dibuat.
Akan tetapi apakah langkah kementerian selama ini untuk membantu usahawan yang dibentuk oleh mereka hasil latihan program mereka sendiri. Ini belum melibatkan syarikat-syarikat SME yang beroperasi tanpa bantuan atau didikan kementerian. Kita boleh lihat mengapa kebanyakkan syarikat SME telah gulung tikar selepas 2 – 5 tahun mereka beroperasi. Kementerian tidak langsung membantu mereka dalam mengembangkan perniagaan mereka. Selama ini pihak kementerian hanya memerhati sahaja syarikat Melayu rebah menyembah bumi. Kita akan lihat apa pula akan berlaku dibawah kepemimpinan menteri yang baru.
Permasalahan yang ingin saya timbulkan disini kenapa sering sahaja syarikat SME's yang ada seperti 'Hidup Segan Mati Tak Mahu'. Berbagai usaha telah dilakukan oleh mereka untuk menyelamatkan syarikat masing-masing. Ada yang mengadu kepada Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia (DPMM), SME Bank dan terbaru sejak setahun dua ini ialah GABEM. Apakah tindakan mereka dalam membantu syarikat-syarikat SME's ini.
Seperti DPMM, mereka hanya tahu bercakap sahaja, habuk pun tak ada. Pemimpin atasan seakan kehilangan punca dan idea untuk menyelesaikan masalah atau sekurang-kurangnya membantu SME's dalam perniagaan mereka. Mungkinkah pucuk pimpinan DPMM tidak berkaliber atau tidak langsung mempunyai kekuatan atau pengaruh terhadap kerajaan. Mungkinkah suara DPMM tidak sekuat mana? Jika benar DPMM kuat sudah tentu kita tidak memerlukan GABEM yang hanya 1 - 2 tahun baru beroperasi. Sedangkan DPMM sudah sekian lama mewakili syarikat Melayu. Betulkah DPMM lemah?
Mungkin juga faktor dalaman DPMM yang lemah dibantu pula oleh pegawai-pegawai atasan kerajaan yang langsung tidak ingin membantu pihak Dewan juga. Pegawai-pegawai ini semuanya Melayu, tetapi apa yang telah mereka buat? Kebanyakkan pegawai-pegawai yang ada cukup mahir mengenakan TOL. Dari maklumat yang saya terima, sekiranya ingin membuat temujanji dengan menteri pun terpaksa membayar sekian TOL. Inikah sifat Melayu yang ingin membantu Melayu. Dahulu setiap menteri mempunyai sekurang-kurangnya 3 setiausaha. Bayangkan jika setiap setiausaha mengenakan tol hanya untuk membuat temujanji. Urusan belum lagi dibuat tetapi bayaran sudah dikenakan. Ini belum lagi syarikat-syarikat ini mendapat kontrak dari bantuan mereka. Kalau dah dapat kontrak pun belum tentu syarikat-syarikat SME's ini berjaya. Hasil titik peluh mereka terpaksa di dahulukan kepada pegawai-pegawai yang terlibat dalam kerja mendapatkan kontrak itu tadi. Sama macam tak yah bantu?
Petronas, PROTON, TNB, dan banyak lagi GLC's dibawah kerajaan. Adakah benar mereka membantu SME's. Banyak sekali kes-kes penganiayaan yang telah dilakukan GLC's terhadap syarikat Melayu SME's. Sebagai contoh ada beberapa syarikat yang telah sekian lama menjalankan jalinan urusniaga dengan GLC's diberhentikan kontrak mereka. Adakah ini adil bagi SME's. GLC's langsung tidak fikirkan kerugian yang bakal dihadapi oleh SME's jika kontrak diberhentikan. Mana hendak bayar 'leasing' mesin-mesin, mengekalkan pekerja-pekerja yang kebanyakkan Melayu dan bermacam-macam permasalahan lagi. Bila mengadu kepada SME Bank untuk bantuan kewangan berbagai prosedur-prosedur yang dikenakan seakan langsung tidak membantu. Segala tekanan diletakkan keatas bahu-bahu SME's ini. Kadang-kadang komuniti bank juga pandai mengenakan TOL. Entahlah apa dah nak jadi dengan Melayu? Rasuah di sana dan rasuah di sini.
Kontrak-kontrak telah diberhentikan. Adakah SME's akan diberikan projek gantian bagi mengelakkan kerugian mereka. Tanpa pampasan atau kerja-kerja gantian SME's di biarkan Gantung Tidak Bertali. Banyak sudah pengaduan dibuat kepada agensi-agensi dan Jabatan Kerajaan yang berkaitan tetapi tiada langsung tindakan diambil. Mereka hanya tau 'Memekakkan Telinga dan Membutakan Mata' sahaja. Kekadang permasalahan ini ada yang sampai kepada pengetahuan pemimpin tertinggi tetapi masih juga tidak ada tindakan yang diambil. Menteri-menteri yang terlibat langsung tidak prihatin.
Ada kes-kes dikalangan SME's yang telah berjaya berjumpa PM dan mendapat minit sokongan daripada PM pun masih tidak berjalan. Penekanan ini terutama kepada Kementerian Kewangan. Tidak ada langsung 'follow-up' daripada pihak MKII dalam membantu SME's Melayu ini. Adakah beliau hilang rasa hormat kepada PM atau kerana beliau sendiri bukannya Melayu. Ini mungkin membuat beliau rasa berat hati untuk membantu Melayu. Anda jawablah sendiri. Segala minit yang dicatatkan oleh PM sebelum ini tidak di layan sewajarnya. Mana PM nak letak muka jika hal ini diketahui oleh rakyat. Sekiranya berasaskan Islam tidak timbul lagi samada kamu Melayu ataupun Mamak.
Kebanyakkan SME's yang ada semuanya berkebolehan dalam bidang masing-masing. Ada diantara mereka terpaksa mencari pasaran luar bagi memulihkan syarikat dan juga terus berada dalam pasaran. Kedangkalan GLC's kita boleh lihat dalam senario yang ingin saya nyatakan disini. SME's yang ada telah berjaya memasarkan produk masing-masing sehingga keluar negara. Produk-produk ini juga mendapat pengiktirafan yang sewajarnya daripada badan-badan berwajib samada luar dan dalam negara. Oleh sebab karenah birokrasi dan menjaga proksi-proksi masing-masing. Syarikat SME's yang sememangnya berkeupayaan atau lebih pakar dalam bidang itu tidak diberi peluang langsung menyertai kerja-kerja yang ditawarkan oleh GLC's. Mereka sanggup memilih syarikat '2 ringgit' berbanding segala pengalaman dan keupayaan kilang-kilang pengusaha SME's.
Ada juga kes-kes seperti contoh TNB yang sanggup memberi kontrak pembekalan dan perkhidmatan kepada syarikat luar negara sedangkan SME's yang ada berupaya mengeluarkan produk yang setanding dari luar negara. Bahkan syarikat dan pengguna dari luar negara juga menggunakan produk dari syarikat tempatan. Bukan Melayu tidak boleh, Melayu sudah berada dimana-mana di atas dunia ini, dan mereka berjaya. Orang Putih atau Mat Salleh itu bukanlah bijak sangat pun, mereka sebenarnya bodoh. Tetapi Mat Salleh yang bodoh ini boleh mendapatkan urusniaga berjuta-juta ringgit di negara kita. Mengapa? SME's langsung ditolak ketepi. Zalim, sungguh zalim.
Perangai kita orang Melayu suka mengagung-agungkan orang luar. Sikap kerajaan yang tidak mempunyai komitmen dan inisiatif untuk melihat sendiri kebolehan dan kepakaran anak tempatan terutama Melayu. Melayu yang bernasib baik yang dipandang oleh kerajaan pastinya untuk kepentingan politik..
Adakah ini yang dikatakan membantu Melayu. Malu sungguh malu. Dewan Perniagaan Cina atau Persatuan-persatuan Peniaga Cina dimana-manapun berupaya membantu peniaga dikalangan mereka. Tanpa bantuan kerajaan sedikit pun, mereka mengorak langkah dan memperbesarkan perusahaan masing-masing. Sikap tolong menolong dan bantu membantu dikalangan mereka cukup kuat. Kita bagaimana pula?
Kera di hutan disusukan, anak sendiri mati kelaparan. Betullah kata pepatah tadi, sesuai sangat ditujukan pada GLC's dan kerajaan amnya. Perdana Menteri hanya dijadikan boneka oleh penyokong-penyokong setianya. Melayu menjadi peminta sedekah di tanahair sendiri, ini memang benar berlaku. Lihatlah apa terjadi kepada peniaga-peniaga Melayu di Suria, KLCC sebagai contoh. Siapakah penjajah yang menguasai pengurusan Suria KLCC?
Sudah banyak kali kita mendengar cerita kerajaan terpaksa membiayai sepenuhnya dan menanggung kerugian GLC's. Bantuan daripada kerajaan (wang rakyat) bagi menyelamatkan syarikat GLC's untuk meneruskan urus tadbir syarikat. Tetapi pentadbiran yang ada hanya pandai menghabiskan duit tanpa membuat sebarang keuntungan kepada kerajaan. Yang kenyang hanyalah CEO mereka yang bergaji puluhan ribu ringgit sebulan. Itulah yang telah berlaku kepada Proton Holding, SYABAS, TNB, MAS dan lain-lain.
Israel satu bangsa yang dilaknat oleh Allah S.W.T. Kezaliman Israel tak usahlah nak kita panjangkan. Sejahat-jahat Israel mereka tidak menganiayai bangsa mereka sendiri. Kita Melayu, yang mempunyai tanahair sendiri ditindas dan dibunuh secara diam oleh Melayu yang telah lupa asal usul mereka. Yang lemah terus ditindas. Haram bagi mereka yang menjalankan urusan secara ikhlas, amanah dan jujur. Terlalu gilakan wang ringgit, tamak haloba dan kuasa menyebabkan bangsa sendiri terpinggir.. Apakah tindakan kerajaan seterusnya? Berubahkah nasib SME's sekiranya kerajaan bertukar? Kita nantikan bersama.
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Sunday, May 18, 2008
Right to speak
Sunday May 18, 2008
Fight for the right to speak
By Shahanaaz Habib
Lawyer Haris Ibrahim became a blogger a year back with his People's Parliament Blog. In the general election, he wanted to kick Barisan Nasional "out on its backside". Thrilled with Pakatan Rakyat winning five states, he nevertheless condemns any attempt to topple the Barisan federal government through crossovers without going back to the voters to seek their blessing first. Not to do so is committing fraud on the voters.
Haris: ‘We have a civil society that has been numbed into silence by fear’
Q: What exactly is the People's Parliament?
A: For me personally it is my attempt to retrieve my voice back from a government that refuses to give me the right to speak through forums.
If I could backtrack a little, I was part of the Article 11 initiatives. We launched our first forum in March 2006 in PJ, in April we went to Malacca - both very successful.
In May, the one in Penang was disrupted by protestors outside. At that time, we were comforted by the fact that (Prime Minister) Pak Lah and (the then minister in charge of law) Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said we had the right to speak and the protestors were chastised.
But the July forum in JB was again disrupted by protestors. This time Pak Lah said "no more". So the People's Parliament is the culmination of so many hurdles and obstacles to give civil society a voice.
I suppose I must also say thank you to the NST. When they sued Rocky and Jeff Ooi, it forced me to look into blogs and realise this was a powerful opportunity for me to share the little messages that I have with fellow Malaysians. That was the humble beginnings of the People's Parliament.
Q: One of the things the People's Parliament did was keep tabs on MPs?
A: My complaint of the electoral process is that when parliament is dissolved, you have only an average of 9 to 14 days between nomination and polling day. How does the average voter get to know the candidates?
It doesn't help either that the media doesn't give balanced coverage to all the candidates.
I was also rather disillusioned with the elected representatives inherited from the 2004 election. My personal feeling is that they weren't living up to expectations.
We started the Get to Know Your MP with 10 constituencies in the Klang Valley.
PJ Selatan and PJ Utara took off very well. The others - didn't take off the way I had hoped.
Q: Why focus only on MPs and not Aduns (assemblymen)?
A: It's simply a resource issue. I can only do so much at any one time. When I first started Get to Know Your MP, I was just a one man band.
I could only confine myself to 10 constituencies. I couldn't take on overseeing the Aduns as well.
It's a lot of work. But Post March 8 (general election), we have moved from MPs to initiating The Representatives Watch (Rep Watch) Committee.
We are trying to put in place committees which would buddy with MPs, Aduns, as well as local councillors simply because people are now reacting very positively and there seems to be a greater willingness to participate in this.
I don't know how far it will go. But if you don't try then you don't get anywhere. The experience we have had over the one year is that voters must be educated as to the function of their various elected representatives. In particularly the Pakatan Rakyat states and constituencies we want to help 'our MPs' function the way they are supposed to.
We will buddy them and try to make sure that they toe the line.
Q: It's interesting you mentioned help 'our MPs' when you mentioned Pakatan? Does this mean the People's Parliament supports the opposition?
A: Let me make this very plain. Right up to the 12th General Election, I worked very hard to send Barisan Nasional out on its backside. I will not make any effort to even apologise for this.
Post-GE, we have heard a lot of talk (from Barisan) about wanting to reform. But I have not seen any real indicator of a real will to change.
When we see that, I will be the first to stand and say 'I will help in this BN reform." But until then, I think I want to work with the new kids on the block. I want to make sure they don't go the way of Barisan.
These are new enthusiastic elected representatives. We want to keep them on the straight and narrow.
Q: Why are you so insistent- in your words - on "sending Barisan out on its backside"?
A: I have always voted opposition until 2004 when I was so taken in by the promises of Pak Lah.
I have always been anti-Mahathir simply because I have never agreed with his policies, with how he has dismantled our constitutional structures, institutions particularly the judiciary.
So for myself - like a lot of other people - Pak Lah appeared to be a breath of fresh air and a lot of promises were made.
Go look at his one page manifesto (of 2004). But by 2007, I was convinced that this man was not going to deliver. I was extremely concerned about how the judiciary was dealing with some of the controversial cases. We were getting nowhere in seeing justice for the likes of Lina Joy.
We are supposed to be a civilised society but look at how Revathi (Massosai) was dealt with. The PM kept promising us that he was looking into it but nothing was forthcoming. I had reached breaking point.
I felt by April 2007, Barisan had become so arrogant with the mandate that has been given (in 2004 ). The fault really was ours. We gave them a 90% mandate in parliament and this is how we were being repaid. I felt it was enough.
Q: What would you do if a Pakatan Rakyat MP or Adun is not up to mark?
A: We are linking our initiative with the Citizen Think Tank blog. They are going to give us space for report cards.
I'm going to be less merciful with the Pakatan reps that don't meet the mark because we got higher expectations for them. There's going to be no preferential here. As far as we are concerned, we are of this agenda that people are the boss. You undertook to work for us.
We don't call you 'Yang Berhormat' anymore but we call you 'Yang Berkhidmat'.
And you are supposed to serve. And if you are not up to the mark, then we will kick you out on your backside the next time around -Pakatan or Barisan.
Q: Are you going to monitor only the five Pakatan Rakyat states?
A: Oh no. People's Parliament is extended to any constituency. We are encouraging civil society to take ownership of their constituency.
I don't see why we should exclude the Barisan constituencies. We are prepared to try in any constituency where there are enough people to try and get that initiative off the ground.
Q: How do you pick the constituencies?
A: I don't pick. I put my posting up on the blog and invite anyone from any of the constituencies who is prepared to help me get the committee together.
To give you an example, Bukit Katil in Malacca, I don't know anyone there. But someone writes in and says I wanna try. I'll say ok.
The Rep Watch Committee framework requires a minimum of 9 people. But this is not cast in stone. If you think you need 12 or six is enough - great because you guys are in the drivers' seat.
I am just helping you get it off the ground. But we've got a very stringent disqualifying criteria.
We want non-partisan, non-political party affiliates , in fact not just non-card-carrying members. If you are too closely connected, if you have got business interests with the government or state agencies, if you are contemplating or being employed or engaged by any of the state agencies - you are out.
Based on that criteria, even I wouldn't qualify based on my close proximity to DAP.
Q: Parliament has been sitting for 2 weeks, do you like what you've seen so far?
A: Barisan is not consistently disappointing me - read that as you will. And it's early days yet for the Pakatan Rakyat MPs. I think we should give them a 100 days appraisal and then a 6-month appraisal.
Q: Are there any Barisan MPs that you have regard for?
A: (Datuk) Zaid Ibrahim (the law minister who is an appointed senator but not an elected MP) . I still have respect for Datuk Shahrir (Abdul Samad), Datuk Shabery Cheek - not withstanding some silly statements off and on because maybe he's under pressure - but I have always thought he was one of the better one. I can't think of anyone else.
Q: How effective has the People's Parliament been?
A: I think Malaysians by far and large are a caring lot. But we had 22 years of Mahathir's rule. The fear culture has set in. People need to find their voice.
People need to be bold enough to articulate their cares and concern. I would like to think we have had some success in getting people to speak up and getting people to be prepared to come out and be counted. I'll give you an example.
The petition to the Agong on the judiciary - two years ago, I wouldn't have dreamt of insisting people give their names and IC numbers. Until then, Malaysians were very happy to sign anonymously.
But (this time) we got over 5,000 signatures where people put their names and IC numbers down. That to me is civil society coming out. I'd like to think perhaps that's the little success that we have had.
Q : Civil society is interpreted in a lot of ways. What does civil society mean to you?
A: Rakyat.
Q: But the rakyat has been there all the time?
So have we had civil society all this time?
A: Yes, we have. But we have a civil society that has been numbed into silence by fear. I have been pushing for civil society defined by the power that has been entrusted to the people by the Federal Constitution.
Simplistically, under the constitution the power rests with the Agong and his power sharers, the rakyat. We are the civil society. But you can be robust or you can be silenced.
Mahathir very effectively silenced us for 22 years. It's the same corpus but people now are willing to believe in themselves.
Q: Do you think Malaysia is ready for a civil society now?
A: The 12th general election results speak for itself.
I think we are far more mature than the government has cared to credit us for. And certainly the government shouldn't take any credit for the maturity we have achieved up to now.
Q: So you are quite pleased with the results of the general elections?
A: We are two states short of what my prediction was.
I said (we'd win) seven states. That's the disappointment. But I also said that if there wasn't the cheating, the double voting, the abuse of the postal votes, we would have formed a simple majority government.
Q: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has talked about toppling the Barisan Federal government through crossovers?
What are your views on this?
A: If there are going to be crossovers, the MPs must go back to the voters to get the mandate because otherwise it would be tantamount to a fraud.
While I wanted Barisan out on their backside, I must be prepared to respect that there were voters that preferred Barisan.
If a candidate got in on a Barisan ticket and now for whatever reasons thinks perhaps he wants to throw his lot with Pakatan he needs to go back to the voters and hear their views because they voted for him on a Barisan ticket.
If they say 'no, you stay put' then you stay put.
Q: But in politics you don't show your hand. Surely it is difficult to expect 30 MPs to go back to voters for a mandate to crossover?
A: If that's not practical, then I'd rather wait another four years to take the federal government!
Because I don't think those who voted Pakatan should do such a disservice to those voted for Barisan.
If we want our vote to be respected, we must respect the vote of voters aligned to Barisan.
I abhor the notion that politicians can undermine the voters' choice.
Q: But Anwar argues that if the elections were free and fair, then Pakatan would have formed the Federal government?
A: Free and fair like the 1994 Sabah elections (when PBS won but the state government fell weeks later when PBS assemblymen defected to Barisan)?
I posed Anwar that question when he was complaining about the Ijok by-election.
My question was I wonder how clean it would have been if he (Anwar) hadn't been sacked in Sept of 1998 and he was the Prime Minister now. He was in several elections in this country which were bloody dirty.
Q: What do you think about PKR MPs who offer to resign to 'force' a by-election so that Anwar can make a political comeback?
A: Just before the elections, when I was asked if I would speak at Loh Gwo-Burne's ceramah in his support, I asked him if he was 'planted' to hold the seat for Anwar because if that's the case I wouldn't speak in the forum.
Or if I spoke I would speak against it because to me that too would be a fraud on the voter. If you are merely 'planted' there to hold the seat, then you must tell the voter this is the game plan.
The voters must know. He assured me that there was no such plan. I told him if after the event, it turned out otherwise, he would rue the day he ever met me!
He knows me well enough to know I meant what I said. It's not enough to explain to the voter after the event.
Candidates owe us an obligation to be honest and transparent.
Q: In the event Anwar tries to make a comeback through a 'forced' by-election, what would your stand be?
A: You'll find me condemning him. I'll certainly be condemning the fraud on the voter. If a vacancy is contrived - if that was the game plan before - well before the general election, I will condemn it.
Q: If Anwar were to stand in such a by-election, you wouldn't offer yourself as a candidate against him would you?
A: Don't discount it. All things are possible.
Q: So you do have political ambitions?
A: None at all. But I have political statements which I think must be made.
If I feel there is a need for take a position in a by-election simply to alert the voters to think with their brains in operation then I will. I got nothing to lose.
Q: Pakatan Rakyat sees Anwar as their potential PM. Do you?
A: I say it with reluctance because I look at what's available before us. That speaks very sadly of the state of things here.
My grouse with Anwar is that he was part of the administration for 16 years.
When he was released in Oct 2004 and had a dialogue with the Bar, I was the first to ask him why he hadn't resigned like (Tun) Musa Hitam had done rather than stick with the regime that did all the things that he now complains about.
Till today he has not given me a satisfactory answer! My contention is very simple. Tell this nation "I was wrong. I am sorry and I want to work with you" and I think we can move forward.
But the fact is I have been tracking this man's (Anwar) public statements for the last few years and I haven't seen that unqualified apology to the nation. I haven't.
Q: Do you trust him?
A: No.
Q: You said a lot of negative things about Mahathir. Is there anything you like about him?
A: That he retired! I have great passion for the law. When I was in England in 1987 and 1988, it was very painful to watch what he was doing to (Lord President) Tun Salleh Abbas and then the amendments to the constitution in 1988. We have never recovered from those days up to now.
All the Protons, twin towers and KLIA - that was one man's ego. We didn't need that. We could have had first class hospitals in all states and residential schools instead of building monstrosities. We could have done so much more for the rakyat but we didn't.
Q: Pak Lah has tried to make amends by recently introducing reforms of the judiciary?
A: Unless he tells me that the Judicial Commission recommends directly to the Majesty and not to the PM who still maintains his discretion!
Why are we talking about judicial commission now?
Because we had one PM who misbehaved. Even if you tell me Pak Lah is putting these reforms in place and would never do what Mahathir did, what if in the future this country is blighted with another Mahathir? I am saying don't leave that discretion to one man.
Let the Judicial Commission make the recommendation directly to the Majesty, then I will say 'hats off' and I will forgive you (Pak Lah) some of the promises you made in 2004 and did not deliver. Don't give us this little flirtations simply because your own party is turning the heat on you. Don't give us this little dangles with the hope that people will still say we still want him . It's not going to work.
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Fight for the right to speak
By Shahanaaz Habib
Lawyer Haris Ibrahim became a blogger a year back with his People's Parliament Blog. In the general election, he wanted to kick Barisan Nasional "out on its backside". Thrilled with Pakatan Rakyat winning five states, he nevertheless condemns any attempt to topple the Barisan federal government through crossovers without going back to the voters to seek their blessing first. Not to do so is committing fraud on the voters.
Haris: ‘We have a civil society that has been numbed into silence by fear’
Q: What exactly is the People's Parliament?
A: For me personally it is my attempt to retrieve my voice back from a government that refuses to give me the right to speak through forums.
If I could backtrack a little, I was part of the Article 11 initiatives. We launched our first forum in March 2006 in PJ, in April we went to Malacca - both very successful.
In May, the one in Penang was disrupted by protestors outside. At that time, we were comforted by the fact that (Prime Minister) Pak Lah and (the then minister in charge of law) Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said we had the right to speak and the protestors were chastised.
But the July forum in JB was again disrupted by protestors. This time Pak Lah said "no more". So the People's Parliament is the culmination of so many hurdles and obstacles to give civil society a voice.
I suppose I must also say thank you to the NST. When they sued Rocky and Jeff Ooi, it forced me to look into blogs and realise this was a powerful opportunity for me to share the little messages that I have with fellow Malaysians. That was the humble beginnings of the People's Parliament.
Q: One of the things the People's Parliament did was keep tabs on MPs?
A: My complaint of the electoral process is that when parliament is dissolved, you have only an average of 9 to 14 days between nomination and polling day. How does the average voter get to know the candidates?
It doesn't help either that the media doesn't give balanced coverage to all the candidates.
I was also rather disillusioned with the elected representatives inherited from the 2004 election. My personal feeling is that they weren't living up to expectations.
We started the Get to Know Your MP with 10 constituencies in the Klang Valley.
PJ Selatan and PJ Utara took off very well. The others - didn't take off the way I had hoped.
Q: Why focus only on MPs and not Aduns (assemblymen)?
A: It's simply a resource issue. I can only do so much at any one time. When I first started Get to Know Your MP, I was just a one man band.
I could only confine myself to 10 constituencies. I couldn't take on overseeing the Aduns as well.
It's a lot of work. But Post March 8 (general election), we have moved from MPs to initiating The Representatives Watch (Rep Watch) Committee.
We are trying to put in place committees which would buddy with MPs, Aduns, as well as local councillors simply because people are now reacting very positively and there seems to be a greater willingness to participate in this.
I don't know how far it will go. But if you don't try then you don't get anywhere. The experience we have had over the one year is that voters must be educated as to the function of their various elected representatives. In particularly the Pakatan Rakyat states and constituencies we want to help 'our MPs' function the way they are supposed to.
We will buddy them and try to make sure that they toe the line.
Q: It's interesting you mentioned help 'our MPs' when you mentioned Pakatan? Does this mean the People's Parliament supports the opposition?
A: Let me make this very plain. Right up to the 12th General Election, I worked very hard to send Barisan Nasional out on its backside. I will not make any effort to even apologise for this.
Post-GE, we have heard a lot of talk (from Barisan) about wanting to reform. But I have not seen any real indicator of a real will to change.
When we see that, I will be the first to stand and say 'I will help in this BN reform." But until then, I think I want to work with the new kids on the block. I want to make sure they don't go the way of Barisan.
These are new enthusiastic elected representatives. We want to keep them on the straight and narrow.
Q: Why are you so insistent- in your words - on "sending Barisan out on its backside"?
A: I have always voted opposition until 2004 when I was so taken in by the promises of Pak Lah.
I have always been anti-Mahathir simply because I have never agreed with his policies, with how he has dismantled our constitutional structures, institutions particularly the judiciary.
So for myself - like a lot of other people - Pak Lah appeared to be a breath of fresh air and a lot of promises were made.
Go look at his one page manifesto (of 2004). But by 2007, I was convinced that this man was not going to deliver. I was extremely concerned about how the judiciary was dealing with some of the controversial cases. We were getting nowhere in seeing justice for the likes of Lina Joy.
We are supposed to be a civilised society but look at how Revathi (Massosai) was dealt with. The PM kept promising us that he was looking into it but nothing was forthcoming. I had reached breaking point.
I felt by April 2007, Barisan had become so arrogant with the mandate that has been given (in 2004 ). The fault really was ours. We gave them a 90% mandate in parliament and this is how we were being repaid. I felt it was enough.
Q: What would you do if a Pakatan Rakyat MP or Adun is not up to mark?
A: We are linking our initiative with the Citizen Think Tank blog. They are going to give us space for report cards.
I'm going to be less merciful with the Pakatan reps that don't meet the mark because we got higher expectations for them. There's going to be no preferential here. As far as we are concerned, we are of this agenda that people are the boss. You undertook to work for us.
We don't call you 'Yang Berhormat' anymore but we call you 'Yang Berkhidmat'.
And you are supposed to serve. And if you are not up to the mark, then we will kick you out on your backside the next time around -Pakatan or Barisan.
Q: Are you going to monitor only the five Pakatan Rakyat states?
A: Oh no. People's Parliament is extended to any constituency. We are encouraging civil society to take ownership of their constituency.
I don't see why we should exclude the Barisan constituencies. We are prepared to try in any constituency where there are enough people to try and get that initiative off the ground.
Q: How do you pick the constituencies?
A: I don't pick. I put my posting up on the blog and invite anyone from any of the constituencies who is prepared to help me get the committee together.
To give you an example, Bukit Katil in Malacca, I don't know anyone there. But someone writes in and says I wanna try. I'll say ok.
The Rep Watch Committee framework requires a minimum of 9 people. But this is not cast in stone. If you think you need 12 or six is enough - great because you guys are in the drivers' seat.
I am just helping you get it off the ground. But we've got a very stringent disqualifying criteria.
We want non-partisan, non-political party affiliates , in fact not just non-card-carrying members. If you are too closely connected, if you have got business interests with the government or state agencies, if you are contemplating or being employed or engaged by any of the state agencies - you are out.
Based on that criteria, even I wouldn't qualify based on my close proximity to DAP.
Q: Parliament has been sitting for 2 weeks, do you like what you've seen so far?
A: Barisan is not consistently disappointing me - read that as you will. And it's early days yet for the Pakatan Rakyat MPs. I think we should give them a 100 days appraisal and then a 6-month appraisal.
Q: Are there any Barisan MPs that you have regard for?
A: (Datuk) Zaid Ibrahim (the law minister who is an appointed senator but not an elected MP) . I still have respect for Datuk Shahrir (Abdul Samad), Datuk Shabery Cheek - not withstanding some silly statements off and on because maybe he's under pressure - but I have always thought he was one of the better one. I can't think of anyone else.
Q: How effective has the People's Parliament been?
A: I think Malaysians by far and large are a caring lot. But we had 22 years of Mahathir's rule. The fear culture has set in. People need to find their voice.
People need to be bold enough to articulate their cares and concern. I would like to think we have had some success in getting people to speak up and getting people to be prepared to come out and be counted. I'll give you an example.
The petition to the Agong on the judiciary - two years ago, I wouldn't have dreamt of insisting people give their names and IC numbers. Until then, Malaysians were very happy to sign anonymously.
But (this time) we got over 5,000 signatures where people put their names and IC numbers down. That to me is civil society coming out. I'd like to think perhaps that's the little success that we have had.
Q : Civil society is interpreted in a lot of ways. What does civil society mean to you?
A: Rakyat.
Q: But the rakyat has been there all the time?
So have we had civil society all this time?
A: Yes, we have. But we have a civil society that has been numbed into silence by fear. I have been pushing for civil society defined by the power that has been entrusted to the people by the Federal Constitution.
Simplistically, under the constitution the power rests with the Agong and his power sharers, the rakyat. We are the civil society. But you can be robust or you can be silenced.
Mahathir very effectively silenced us for 22 years. It's the same corpus but people now are willing to believe in themselves.
Q: Do you think Malaysia is ready for a civil society now?
A: The 12th general election results speak for itself.
I think we are far more mature than the government has cared to credit us for. And certainly the government shouldn't take any credit for the maturity we have achieved up to now.
Q: So you are quite pleased with the results of the general elections?
A: We are two states short of what my prediction was.
I said (we'd win) seven states. That's the disappointment. But I also said that if there wasn't the cheating, the double voting, the abuse of the postal votes, we would have formed a simple majority government.
Q: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has talked about toppling the Barisan Federal government through crossovers?
What are your views on this?
A: If there are going to be crossovers, the MPs must go back to the voters to get the mandate because otherwise it would be tantamount to a fraud.
While I wanted Barisan out on their backside, I must be prepared to respect that there were voters that preferred Barisan.
If a candidate got in on a Barisan ticket and now for whatever reasons thinks perhaps he wants to throw his lot with Pakatan he needs to go back to the voters and hear their views because they voted for him on a Barisan ticket.
If they say 'no, you stay put' then you stay put.
Q: But in politics you don't show your hand. Surely it is difficult to expect 30 MPs to go back to voters for a mandate to crossover?
A: If that's not practical, then I'd rather wait another four years to take the federal government!
Because I don't think those who voted Pakatan should do such a disservice to those voted for Barisan.
If we want our vote to be respected, we must respect the vote of voters aligned to Barisan.
I abhor the notion that politicians can undermine the voters' choice.
Q: But Anwar argues that if the elections were free and fair, then Pakatan would have formed the Federal government?
A: Free and fair like the 1994 Sabah elections (when PBS won but the state government fell weeks later when PBS assemblymen defected to Barisan)?
I posed Anwar that question when he was complaining about the Ijok by-election.
My question was I wonder how clean it would have been if he (Anwar) hadn't been sacked in Sept of 1998 and he was the Prime Minister now. He was in several elections in this country which were bloody dirty.
Q: What do you think about PKR MPs who offer to resign to 'force' a by-election so that Anwar can make a political comeback?
A: Just before the elections, when I was asked if I would speak at Loh Gwo-Burne's ceramah in his support, I asked him if he was 'planted' to hold the seat for Anwar because if that's the case I wouldn't speak in the forum.
Or if I spoke I would speak against it because to me that too would be a fraud on the voter. If you are merely 'planted' there to hold the seat, then you must tell the voter this is the game plan.
The voters must know. He assured me that there was no such plan. I told him if after the event, it turned out otherwise, he would rue the day he ever met me!
He knows me well enough to know I meant what I said. It's not enough to explain to the voter after the event.
Candidates owe us an obligation to be honest and transparent.
Q: In the event Anwar tries to make a comeback through a 'forced' by-election, what would your stand be?
A: You'll find me condemning him. I'll certainly be condemning the fraud on the voter. If a vacancy is contrived - if that was the game plan before - well before the general election, I will condemn it.
Q: If Anwar were to stand in such a by-election, you wouldn't offer yourself as a candidate against him would you?
A: Don't discount it. All things are possible.
Q: So you do have political ambitions?
A: None at all. But I have political statements which I think must be made.
If I feel there is a need for take a position in a by-election simply to alert the voters to think with their brains in operation then I will. I got nothing to lose.
Q: Pakatan Rakyat sees Anwar as their potential PM. Do you?
A: I say it with reluctance because I look at what's available before us. That speaks very sadly of the state of things here.
My grouse with Anwar is that he was part of the administration for 16 years.
When he was released in Oct 2004 and had a dialogue with the Bar, I was the first to ask him why he hadn't resigned like (Tun) Musa Hitam had done rather than stick with the regime that did all the things that he now complains about.
Till today he has not given me a satisfactory answer! My contention is very simple. Tell this nation "I was wrong. I am sorry and I want to work with you" and I think we can move forward.
But the fact is I have been tracking this man's (Anwar) public statements for the last few years and I haven't seen that unqualified apology to the nation. I haven't.
Q: Do you trust him?
A: No.
Q: You said a lot of negative things about Mahathir. Is there anything you like about him?
A: That he retired! I have great passion for the law. When I was in England in 1987 and 1988, it was very painful to watch what he was doing to (Lord President) Tun Salleh Abbas and then the amendments to the constitution in 1988. We have never recovered from those days up to now.
All the Protons, twin towers and KLIA - that was one man's ego. We didn't need that. We could have had first class hospitals in all states and residential schools instead of building monstrosities. We could have done so much more for the rakyat but we didn't.
Q: Pak Lah has tried to make amends by recently introducing reforms of the judiciary?
A: Unless he tells me that the Judicial Commission recommends directly to the Majesty and not to the PM who still maintains his discretion!
Why are we talking about judicial commission now?
Because we had one PM who misbehaved. Even if you tell me Pak Lah is putting these reforms in place and would never do what Mahathir did, what if in the future this country is blighted with another Mahathir? I am saying don't leave that discretion to one man.
Let the Judicial Commission make the recommendation directly to the Majesty, then I will say 'hats off' and I will forgive you (Pak Lah) some of the promises you made in 2004 and did not deliver. Don't give us this little flirtations simply because your own party is turning the heat on you. Don't give us this little dangles with the hope that people will still say we still want him . It's not going to work.
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Friday, May 16, 2008
Build on what the people have created
Friday May 16, 2008
Build on what the people have created
I REFER to “Show the critics that Umno is not arrogant, says Pak Lah” (The Star, May 12).
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s call to Umno members at the 62nd anniversary of Umno to counter the notion that they are arrogant and corrupt is apt and timely.
Instead of heeding his call and trying to win back the hearts of the people, Umno is trying to use all forms of tactics, including racial, to break up the Opposition that is promoting multi-racialism. Its attempts to resurrect sensitive issues of the past are very disturbing and go against the aspirations of the rakyat themselves.
Due to some losses in the recent polls, Umno claims that the special rights of the Malays are being threatened. This is absurd, as we all know there is no way anyone can take them away as these rights and the special privileges are enshrined in the Federal Constitution and accepted by all races. It would be unfair for Umno to harp on these imaginary external threats for political mileage.
The accusation against DAP chairman Karpal Singh appears to be an attempt to imply that non-Malays are disrespectful and not loyal to the Malay Rulers. This is not only utterly false but unfair and malicious.
The Institution of the Monarchy has become part of the Malaysian culture, for Malays and non-Malays alike. Loyalty to the Rulers is a tenet of the Rukun Negara that is held dearly by all. It is a known fact that the non-Malays have also turned to the Rulers for help, pardon and protection of their rights from time to time.
It is unfair for Umno to question the loyalty of non-Malay Malaysians after 50 years of working together in building the nation, not as Malays, Chinese or Indians, but as Malaysians. The people have demonstrated this unprecedented unity by rising above their racial divide to vote for a multi-racial system of governance.
It is the duty of the political parties to ensure that these aspirations of the people are achieved. Politicians must build on, not destroy, what the people have created all these years together.
It is ironical that when we are outside the country, we are identified as Malaysians but within our own country we are constantly being reminded of our ethnic origins. It is time for us to change the mindset to accept each other as Malaysians and work to create leaders who can represent the interests of all races.
The only way to eradicate this race-based politics is to open up ethnic-based parties to all races to become truly multi-racial where everyone’s rights are guaranteed as provided for by the Constitution. There should not be a need for any particular community to “fight” for its fundamental rights that are already guaranteed by the Constitution.
Umno should not regard fellow non-Malay Malaysians as a threat to their well-being. It should not succumb to some imaginary external threat that is non-existent. It should instead get its acts together, regain its power and influence to get back the support of the people of all races. Umno may have its duty towards the Malays but being the dominant party in the ruling coalition, it also has the responsibility to ensure the minorities are treated fairly as rightful citizens.
Umno might have been formed by a strong spirit of Malay nationalism that prevailed at the time of independence but the time has come for it to adopt and radiate a true Malaysian nationalism that incorporates all the races of the peninsula and east Malaysia. The MCA, MIC, Gerakan and others have all called for multi-racialism. Umno should take heed and lead the Barisan to embrace a multi-racial approach to champion the rights of all regardless of race or creed.
DR CHRIS ANTHONY,
Butterworth.
Build on what the people have created
I REFER to “Show the critics that Umno is not arrogant, says Pak Lah” (The Star, May 12).
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s call to Umno members at the 62nd anniversary of Umno to counter the notion that they are arrogant and corrupt is apt and timely.
Instead of heeding his call and trying to win back the hearts of the people, Umno is trying to use all forms of tactics, including racial, to break up the Opposition that is promoting multi-racialism. Its attempts to resurrect sensitive issues of the past are very disturbing and go against the aspirations of the rakyat themselves.
Due to some losses in the recent polls, Umno claims that the special rights of the Malays are being threatened. This is absurd, as we all know there is no way anyone can take them away as these rights and the special privileges are enshrined in the Federal Constitution and accepted by all races. It would be unfair for Umno to harp on these imaginary external threats for political mileage.
The accusation against DAP chairman Karpal Singh appears to be an attempt to imply that non-Malays are disrespectful and not loyal to the Malay Rulers. This is not only utterly false but unfair and malicious.
The Institution of the Monarchy has become part of the Malaysian culture, for Malays and non-Malays alike. Loyalty to the Rulers is a tenet of the Rukun Negara that is held dearly by all. It is a known fact that the non-Malays have also turned to the Rulers for help, pardon and protection of their rights from time to time.
It is unfair for Umno to question the loyalty of non-Malay Malaysians after 50 years of working together in building the nation, not as Malays, Chinese or Indians, but as Malaysians. The people have demonstrated this unprecedented unity by rising above their racial divide to vote for a multi-racial system of governance.
It is the duty of the political parties to ensure that these aspirations of the people are achieved. Politicians must build on, not destroy, what the people have created all these years together.
It is ironical that when we are outside the country, we are identified as Malaysians but within our own country we are constantly being reminded of our ethnic origins. It is time for us to change the mindset to accept each other as Malaysians and work to create leaders who can represent the interests of all races.
The only way to eradicate this race-based politics is to open up ethnic-based parties to all races to become truly multi-racial where everyone’s rights are guaranteed as provided for by the Constitution. There should not be a need for any particular community to “fight” for its fundamental rights that are already guaranteed by the Constitution.
Umno should not regard fellow non-Malay Malaysians as a threat to their well-being. It should not succumb to some imaginary external threat that is non-existent. It should instead get its acts together, regain its power and influence to get back the support of the people of all races. Umno may have its duty towards the Malays but being the dominant party in the ruling coalition, it also has the responsibility to ensure the minorities are treated fairly as rightful citizens.
Umno might have been formed by a strong spirit of Malay nationalism that prevailed at the time of independence but the time has come for it to adopt and radiate a true Malaysian nationalism that incorporates all the races of the peninsula and east Malaysia. The MCA, MIC, Gerakan and others have all called for multi-racialism. Umno should take heed and lead the Barisan to embrace a multi-racial approach to champion the rights of all regardless of race or creed.
DR CHRIS ANTHONY,
Butterworth.
Know your people, MPs
Friday May 16, 2008
Know your people, MPs
A LOT has been said, mostly negative about the performance of our Members of Parliament, and I think they deserve all the bad comments.
It was disappointing to many to see seasoned and experienced parliamentarians as well as those with good oratory skills waste time on trivial technical matters. It was however hardly surprising to me as our legislature has been consistently deteriorating in quality throughout the years.
It has in the past been largely due to the legislative assembly being considered and perceived as rubber stamp to the ruling party who overwhelmingly controlled Parliament with a vast majority.
But with the changed political scenario after March 8 and a more balanced representation in Parliament, the people had expected the Opposition to seize the opportunity to start improving the standard of our legislative as one of the highest political institutions in the country.
The essence of a good Parliament in a representative democratic system is quality debate of what the people want the politicians to speak for on their behalf. This is where the problem arises.
Firstly, good quality debates require a reasonable amount of research on the subject matter to be debated. From what we have seen so far, it was obvious that not many MPs had taken the trouble to do some research before speaking up.
To be fair to them, this may be due to time constraints and lack of resources on their part. It is normally only the executive, ministers and deputy ministers who have enough resources in the form of allocation and staff at their disposal to conduct sufficient research on any subject.
I suggest that we adopt the American system of inviting independent experts on relevant matters to give their opinions and briefings in Parliament, so that a more meaningful debate among the parliamentarians can take place before a law is being passed.
Secondly, to speak on behalf of the people requires regular interaction with the people they are representing.
I have not come across (at least as far as my own area is concerned) any MP who has organised interactive sessions with the people to get feedback on the subjects to be debated in Parliament or to get the people’s opinion on current issues affecting the country.
Perhaps the MPs, as “trustees of the people”, should start having more meetings with their constituents, not just to attend to their local infrastructure problems and needs but also to gather information on what the people really want them to speak about in Parliament.
As it is now, the parliamentarians are acting more as agents or voices of their political parties rather than as the people’s representative or wakil rakyat.
AHMAD ALI,
Bayan Baru, Penang.
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Know your people, MPs
A LOT has been said, mostly negative about the performance of our Members of Parliament, and I think they deserve all the bad comments.
It was disappointing to many to see seasoned and experienced parliamentarians as well as those with good oratory skills waste time on trivial technical matters. It was however hardly surprising to me as our legislature has been consistently deteriorating in quality throughout the years.
It has in the past been largely due to the legislative assembly being considered and perceived as rubber stamp to the ruling party who overwhelmingly controlled Parliament with a vast majority.
But with the changed political scenario after March 8 and a more balanced representation in Parliament, the people had expected the Opposition to seize the opportunity to start improving the standard of our legislative as one of the highest political institutions in the country.
The essence of a good Parliament in a representative democratic system is quality debate of what the people want the politicians to speak for on their behalf. This is where the problem arises.
Firstly, good quality debates require a reasonable amount of research on the subject matter to be debated. From what we have seen so far, it was obvious that not many MPs had taken the trouble to do some research before speaking up.
To be fair to them, this may be due to time constraints and lack of resources on their part. It is normally only the executive, ministers and deputy ministers who have enough resources in the form of allocation and staff at their disposal to conduct sufficient research on any subject.
I suggest that we adopt the American system of inviting independent experts on relevant matters to give their opinions and briefings in Parliament, so that a more meaningful debate among the parliamentarians can take place before a law is being passed.
Secondly, to speak on behalf of the people requires regular interaction with the people they are representing.
I have not come across (at least as far as my own area is concerned) any MP who has organised interactive sessions with the people to get feedback on the subjects to be debated in Parliament or to get the people’s opinion on current issues affecting the country.
Perhaps the MPs, as “trustees of the people”, should start having more meetings with their constituents, not just to attend to their local infrastructure problems and needs but also to gather information on what the people really want them to speak about in Parliament.
As it is now, the parliamentarians are acting more as agents or voices of their political parties rather than as the people’s representative or wakil rakyat.
AHMAD ALI,
Bayan Baru, Penang.
Reader Comments
Allow
Don't allow
Post date and time
Sunday, May 4, 2008
SUVs,you mean like Porsche shylah Honk .Money power
Youth wing faces new dilemma
INSIGHT
By JOCELINE TAN
Whoever takes over will have to seriously revamp the wing and bring in a new political culture.
Umno Youth has become rather too pro-establishment over the years. It has to try to reflect young Malay priorities rather than constantly defend the top leadership's stand on issues.
The next Youth chief also has to realise that he cannot be a Malay ultra in the party and still hope to be seen as a national leader to those outside. He will have to learn how to strike a balance.
It is also a known fact that many young people were turned off by politics because they see politicians as self-serving and politics as dirty and corrupt. Many of the Umno Youth politicians probably do not realise how off-putting it is to see young politicians arriving for village functions in a convoy of expensive SUVs.
Given that, many young Malays if not Malaysians, are likely to be drawn to the idealism and less conventional style of the new and young faces on the Pakatan Rakyat side.
These new wakil rakyat from the other side will be Umno Youth's biggest rivals for the support of Gen X.
Umno Youth will have to match the new talent from the other side if it wishes to re-establish itself among a wide spectrum of young Malays, be it rural youth or thinking professionals like those in the Sekretariat Melayu Muda. Going for it: Mukhriz, seen here with Hishammuddin in Parliament, is making a concerted bid to become the new Umno Youth chief but his dilemma is that his appeal outside the party does not match that inside the Youth wing. Khairy: The Rembau MP has
support in Youth wing but public opinion is against him. Salim: Up to the grassroots to evaluate Hishammuddin's apology about the keris.
INSIGHT
By JOCELINE TAN
Whoever takes over will have to seriously revamp the wing and bring in a new political culture.
Umno Youth has become rather too pro-establishment over the years. It has to try to reflect young Malay priorities rather than constantly defend the top leadership's stand on issues.
The next Youth chief also has to realise that he cannot be a Malay ultra in the party and still hope to be seen as a national leader to those outside. He will have to learn how to strike a balance.
It is also a known fact that many young people were turned off by politics because they see politicians as self-serving and politics as dirty and corrupt. Many of the Umno Youth politicians probably do not realise how off-putting it is to see young politicians arriving for village functions in a convoy of expensive SUVs.
Given that, many young Malays if not Malaysians, are likely to be drawn to the idealism and less conventional style of the new and young faces on the Pakatan Rakyat side.
These new wakil rakyat from the other side will be Umno Youth's biggest rivals for the support of Gen X.
Umno Youth will have to match the new talent from the other side if it wishes to re-establish itself among a wide spectrum of young Malays, be it rural youth or thinking professionals like those in the Sekretariat Melayu Muda. Going for it: Mukhriz, seen here with Hishammuddin in Parliament, is making a concerted bid to become the new Umno Youth chief but his dilemma is that his appeal outside the party does not match that inside the Youth wing. Khairy: The Rembau MP has
support in Youth wing but public opinion is against him. Salim: Up to the grassroots to evaluate Hishammuddin's apology about the keris.
Its about the people,people
Sunday May 4, 2008
It’s about the people, people
STRAY THOUGHTS
By A.ASOHAN
As far as the rakyat is concerned, what they want is the best man for the job and hang his political affiliations.
GIVEN that there is a yawning chasm between thought and deed, or words and action, it was still heartening to read what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdulah Ahmad Badawi told Barisan Nasional MPs before the first sitting of the 12th Parliament on Monday.
Restore voters’ confidence in the coalition by working hard for the people’s welfare, he told his fellow Members of Parliament.
These voters exercising their right are choosing their government so the government should fear the people, not the other way round.
He then added that they should also defend the Government, the party and the leadership (The Star Online, April 28).
Finally, somebody’s got it in the right order: It’s the people first, then the Government of the day (as chosen by the people), then the party, and last of all, the leadership ... if at all, I might add.
While some (usually on the right side of the political divide) may put in a good case for the need for stability in a newborn nation, more than 50 years of single-party rule has created a lot of misconceptions within the electorate and especially the elected.
“Government” is not synonymous with the ruling party. They are not one and the same. The ruling party has only been given the mandate, by the people, to form the Government. It’s a mandate they can revoke in the next election.
It’s only temporary, folks.
Prior to the March 8 polls, it was obvious that many of our politicians still hadn’t grasped this simple concept, the pillar – nay, the keystone – of democracy. There were speeches reminding the people of Malaysia to be grateful for what the Government had done for them; how generous it has been with ... hmm, our money; et cetera, et cetera.
Some of our leaders at least had the wisdom to temper such speeches with a certain degree of humility – look how well we’ve served you, and let us keep doing so. Others, however, made them seem like threats.
We all have to take some measure of blame for this. When Abdullah’s premiership was validated by the overwhelming mandate he got at the 2004 general election, he said, “Don’t work for me; work with me.”
We were so euphoric over his anti-corruption agenda, which hinted at much-needed reforms, that few pointed out that as Prime Minister, and thus the highest-ranking public servant, it was actually he who was supposed to work for us. Are things going to get better now that there has been a wake-up call?
Only if the Prime Minister manages to translate thought into action. The biggest barrier to that would be the politicians who still haven’t woken up to this new reality.
And there are many, going by the finger-pointing and denial still prevalent in these post-election times.
It’s not the Barisan Nasional tradition to work with the Opposition? Why not, if it’s for the sake of people?
Someone took up a post at a state agency under Pakatan Rakyat rule because he wants to continue serving? That’s no betrayal of a party that says it’s there for the people.
All those calls for self-examination after the shocking results of the 12th general election? I’d be more assured if they were not done on the basis of reviving the party’s fortunes, but on how to become relevant to the people again.
You shouldn’t be asking how to reform the party to win back seats. No, the questions you should be asking yourself are: How did we lose the people’s confidence? How did we lose touch with their concerns? How can we change ourselves to better serve their needs?
I am waiting for the day when a Barisan MP votes against a Federal Government initiative because he believes it would adversely affect his constituency, and he isn’t slammed for it and forced to either recant or resign.
Don’t blindly toe the party line, toe the people line.
Our former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who, in one of his numerous calls for Abdullah to step down, said that it had to be done now before the party is further weakened. He said that if the four new Opposition-led state governments end up serving the people better, they would get re-elected and that would be a disaster for Umno.
Sir, if these governments do end up serving the people better, shouldn’t you be happy for the people of these states?
I hope that unlike his predecessor, Abdullah keeps in mind that he is first and foremost Prime Minister of Malaysia; his post as party president of Umno is only secondary.
I’m not necessarily promulgating anarchy (which is not synonymous with chaos, by the way), but I think Parliament should have its first ever movie screening, and all our politicians should have a chance to watch the Wachowski brothers’ 2006 V for Vendetta with its tagline, so relevant in these trying times: “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
True, it’s probably a paraphrase of Thomas Jefferson’s “Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master!”
A pity that Western filmmakers and the third US president have a better understanding of democracy, which is, after all, an Asian concept.
Don’t believe me? Check out Wikipedia, which notes that the world’s first republics, known as the Maha Janapadas states in modern Bihar, appeared in India a couple of centuries before the Greeks even started philosophising about it.
Now that the euphoria of change from the 12th GE is slowly dissipating, A. Asohan, New Media Editor at The Star, is going to get apolitical for a while.
It’s about the people, people
STRAY THOUGHTS
By A.ASOHAN
As far as the rakyat is concerned, what they want is the best man for the job and hang his political affiliations.
GIVEN that there is a yawning chasm between thought and deed, or words and action, it was still heartening to read what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdulah Ahmad Badawi told Barisan Nasional MPs before the first sitting of the 12th Parliament on Monday.
Restore voters’ confidence in the coalition by working hard for the people’s welfare, he told his fellow Members of Parliament.
These voters exercising their right are choosing their government so the government should fear the people, not the other way round.
He then added that they should also defend the Government, the party and the leadership (The Star Online, April 28).
Finally, somebody’s got it in the right order: It’s the people first, then the Government of the day (as chosen by the people), then the party, and last of all, the leadership ... if at all, I might add.
While some (usually on the right side of the political divide) may put in a good case for the need for stability in a newborn nation, more than 50 years of single-party rule has created a lot of misconceptions within the electorate and especially the elected.
“Government” is not synonymous with the ruling party. They are not one and the same. The ruling party has only been given the mandate, by the people, to form the Government. It’s a mandate they can revoke in the next election.
It’s only temporary, folks.
Prior to the March 8 polls, it was obvious that many of our politicians still hadn’t grasped this simple concept, the pillar – nay, the keystone – of democracy. There were speeches reminding the people of Malaysia to be grateful for what the Government had done for them; how generous it has been with ... hmm, our money; et cetera, et cetera.
Some of our leaders at least had the wisdom to temper such speeches with a certain degree of humility – look how well we’ve served you, and let us keep doing so. Others, however, made them seem like threats.
We all have to take some measure of blame for this. When Abdullah’s premiership was validated by the overwhelming mandate he got at the 2004 general election, he said, “Don’t work for me; work with me.”
We were so euphoric over his anti-corruption agenda, which hinted at much-needed reforms, that few pointed out that as Prime Minister, and thus the highest-ranking public servant, it was actually he who was supposed to work for us. Are things going to get better now that there has been a wake-up call?
Only if the Prime Minister manages to translate thought into action. The biggest barrier to that would be the politicians who still haven’t woken up to this new reality.
And there are many, going by the finger-pointing and denial still prevalent in these post-election times.
It’s not the Barisan Nasional tradition to work with the Opposition? Why not, if it’s for the sake of people?
Someone took up a post at a state agency under Pakatan Rakyat rule because he wants to continue serving? That’s no betrayal of a party that says it’s there for the people.
All those calls for self-examination after the shocking results of the 12th general election? I’d be more assured if they were not done on the basis of reviving the party’s fortunes, but on how to become relevant to the people again.
You shouldn’t be asking how to reform the party to win back seats. No, the questions you should be asking yourself are: How did we lose the people’s confidence? How did we lose touch with their concerns? How can we change ourselves to better serve their needs?
I am waiting for the day when a Barisan MP votes against a Federal Government initiative because he believes it would adversely affect his constituency, and he isn’t slammed for it and forced to either recant or resign.
Don’t blindly toe the party line, toe the people line.
Our former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who, in one of his numerous calls for Abdullah to step down, said that it had to be done now before the party is further weakened. He said that if the four new Opposition-led state governments end up serving the people better, they would get re-elected and that would be a disaster for Umno.
Sir, if these governments do end up serving the people better, shouldn’t you be happy for the people of these states?
I hope that unlike his predecessor, Abdullah keeps in mind that he is first and foremost Prime Minister of Malaysia; his post as party president of Umno is only secondary.
I’m not necessarily promulgating anarchy (which is not synonymous with chaos, by the way), but I think Parliament should have its first ever movie screening, and all our politicians should have a chance to watch the Wachowski brothers’ 2006 V for Vendetta with its tagline, so relevant in these trying times: “People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.”
True, it’s probably a paraphrase of Thomas Jefferson’s “Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master!”
A pity that Western filmmakers and the third US president have a better understanding of democracy, which is, after all, an Asian concept.
Don’t believe me? Check out Wikipedia, which notes that the world’s first republics, known as the Maha Janapadas states in modern Bihar, appeared in India a couple of centuries before the Greeks even started philosophising about it.
Now that the euphoria of change from the 12th GE is slowly dissipating, A. Asohan, New Media Editor at The Star, is going to get apolitical for a while.
Simple life less headache
Yusmadi’s got lots of drive
By LEE YUK PENG
KUALA LUMPUR: Most others would get their driving licence while awaiting their SPM results, but Mohd Yusmadi Yusof could not as he was just too busy making ends meet as a waiter to bother with driving lessons.
He needed the money to attend English classes at the British Council.
And he wasn't going to bother his parents for cash as the family was poor and there were seven children to look after.
Today, at 33, as the newly-elected Balik Pulau MP, Yusmadi still does not possess a driving licence, let alone own a car.
Driven politician: Fahda, who dropped off Yusmadi at Parliament House for the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, says he’s more into politics and books.
However, he can happily rely on his wife Fahda Nur Ahmad Kamar, a lawyer like himself, to drive him around.
On Monday, Fahda dropped him off for the swearing-in ceremony. On Tuesday, however, they had to park because Fahda was attending the opening of the 12th Malaysian Parliament by the King as Yusmadi's spouse.
If Fahda is unable to ferry him around, Yusmadi takes a taxi, bus or gets a ride from friends.
When the Balik Pulau boy returned to contest as the PKR candidate in his hometown, he had to rely on party workers and friends to take him around.
He caught the attention of the media when he rode a bicycle around Balik Pulau to campaign during the elections.
The International Islamic University law graduate says that on any normal day, his wife would drop off their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter at her mother’s before heading to work in a legal firm in Petaling Jaya Old Town.
Yusmadi either hitches a ride with friends or takes a taxi to work from their home in Gasing Indah.
“We stay near Pantai Dalam, and he has many friends among the squatters there. So, he has lots of friends willing to pick him up. One of his regular taxi drivers also lives there,” said Fahda.
“It is a case of different priorities,” explained Yusmadi, who got his L-licence in 2005.
He was unable to take the driving test as he went to the United States on a fellowship and the two-year licence lapsed.
“On days when he needs to rush, he will take a cab. On days when he can only afford to take the bus, he will do so. You must know how to budget-lah,” said Fahda.
“We lead a very simple life. I married him because he is the only mentally-stimulating man I met,” added Fahda, who described her husband as one who was more into politics and books than cars and video games.
By LEE YUK PENG
KUALA LUMPUR: Most others would get their driving licence while awaiting their SPM results, but Mohd Yusmadi Yusof could not as he was just too busy making ends meet as a waiter to bother with driving lessons.
He needed the money to attend English classes at the British Council.
And he wasn't going to bother his parents for cash as the family was poor and there were seven children to look after.
Today, at 33, as the newly-elected Balik Pulau MP, Yusmadi still does not possess a driving licence, let alone own a car.
Driven politician: Fahda, who dropped off Yusmadi at Parliament House for the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, says he’s more into politics and books.
However, he can happily rely on his wife Fahda Nur Ahmad Kamar, a lawyer like himself, to drive him around.
On Monday, Fahda dropped him off for the swearing-in ceremony. On Tuesday, however, they had to park because Fahda was attending the opening of the 12th Malaysian Parliament by the King as Yusmadi's spouse.
If Fahda is unable to ferry him around, Yusmadi takes a taxi, bus or gets a ride from friends.
When the Balik Pulau boy returned to contest as the PKR candidate in his hometown, he had to rely on party workers and friends to take him around.
He caught the attention of the media when he rode a bicycle around Balik Pulau to campaign during the elections.
The International Islamic University law graduate says that on any normal day, his wife would drop off their two-and-a-half-year-old daughter at her mother’s before heading to work in a legal firm in Petaling Jaya Old Town.
Yusmadi either hitches a ride with friends or takes a taxi to work from their home in Gasing Indah.
“We stay near Pantai Dalam, and he has many friends among the squatters there. So, he has lots of friends willing to pick him up. One of his regular taxi drivers also lives there,” said Fahda.
“It is a case of different priorities,” explained Yusmadi, who got his L-licence in 2005.
He was unable to take the driving test as he went to the United States on a fellowship and the two-year licence lapsed.
“On days when he needs to rush, he will take a cab. On days when he can only afford to take the bus, he will do so. You must know how to budget-lah,” said Fahda.
“We lead a very simple life. I married him because he is the only mentally-stimulating man I met,” added Fahda, who described her husband as one who was more into politics and books than cars and video games.
Leadership by example
Sunday May 4, 2008
Travellers impressed to see Lim flying economy class
PENANG: Some things have not changed with Lim Guan Eng, although he is now the Penang Chief Minister.
And among that is his penchant for economy class air travel.
As the chief executive of Penang, Lim is entitled to a business class seat but he is having none of it.
Ning posing with Lim at KLIA on Wednesday in a photo taken from Jolly's blog.
As travellers queued to get into the airplane, many are surprised to see Lim standing in line with them, just like in the days before the DAP wrested Penang from the Barisan Nasional in the March general election.
Among those who were surprised to see the Penang CM in economy class were songbird Ning Baizura and her manager Vernon Kedit Jolly, who were at KL International Airport last Wednesday.
Jolly was so moved that he wrote about it on his blog, which spurned off reactions among other bloggers.
Lim, who has adopted a “no formalities” approach since assuming the CM’s post, said he said he had told his staff to book him economy class tickets whenever he needed to fly.
“I hope to lead by example. If I can reach my destination and save some money at the same time, why not?” he asked.
That is not all. The Chief Minister also does not check into luxury-class rooms in hotels.
“I usually request for a room that is at least one level down from what I am accorded,” Lim said.
Jolly, who flew in First Class with Ning on that flight to Penang, said Lim had earned their deepest respects.
Travellers impressed to see Lim flying economy class
PENANG: Some things have not changed with Lim Guan Eng, although he is now the Penang Chief Minister.
And among that is his penchant for economy class air travel.
As the chief executive of Penang, Lim is entitled to a business class seat but he is having none of it.
Ning posing with Lim at KLIA on Wednesday in a photo taken from Jolly's blog.
As travellers queued to get into the airplane, many are surprised to see Lim standing in line with them, just like in the days before the DAP wrested Penang from the Barisan Nasional in the March general election.
Among those who were surprised to see the Penang CM in economy class were songbird Ning Baizura and her manager Vernon Kedit Jolly, who were at KL International Airport last Wednesday.
Jolly was so moved that he wrote about it on his blog, which spurned off reactions among other bloggers.
Lim, who has adopted a “no formalities” approach since assuming the CM’s post, said he said he had told his staff to book him economy class tickets whenever he needed to fly.
“I hope to lead by example. If I can reach my destination and save some money at the same time, why not?” he asked.
That is not all. The Chief Minister also does not check into luxury-class rooms in hotels.
“I usually request for a room that is at least one level down from what I am accorded,” Lim said.
Jolly, who flew in First Class with Ning on that flight to Penang, said Lim had earned their deepest respects.
The Public day or week
Umnocian are so focus on getting"Titles' and 'Networth' so much so they forgot the raayat needs. The raayat really need food to eat,public transport needs to improve ie a lot of public transports than private transport. All leaders in the government must make' A public day' or a 'Public week' a must on the first week of every month to find raayats needs. That means they refraim using their cars and drivers, avoid 5 star hotels and go down and take public transports ie buses airlines(economy only)no luxury SUVs,low cost housing area( go and sleep there and feel what the raayat is feeling)All politicians must lead by getting rid of all their luxury cars( heard also one minister in UMNO has a Hummer or hamvey that cost 2m) and palaces. Selfish attitude is not The Raayat attitude.
Pls visit :
http://theraayat.blogspot.com/
Pls visit :
http://theraayat.blogspot.com/
Putrajaya,gracious living for the raayat
I must say this ,Putrajaya is a real living comfort for the raayat. I think every states should follow this concept. Plan driven and very well administered. Of course there are slight problems every now and then but with every thing 'e' it is taken care quite fast. Everything is within reach and it makes it convenience for raayat Putrajaya. The bus is good,the school,supermarkets,hospitals,clinics,firebrigade and yes cinema at alamanda is really cool. The police are efficient, will arrive at your place within 5 minutes. Of course no where is safe nowadays but prevention here is practise by neighbours as there are no gates in the housing estate. Community halls almost at all precinct with class badminton courts(Proffessional coach available),swimming pools,beautiful horse riding clubs with nice restaurant, first class convention center, boulevard looks superb like the Manhattan in New York( we need to plant trees there as soon as possible). I hope it will turn to be into a great shopping center like Orchard road,Singapore and Oxford street in London. Cycling is great fun with family as you will find 3 metres footpath all over Putrajaya. Lake Club is ready at Precinct 8 and Precinct 6 with nice swimming pools,and you can learn sailing too. The Putra Mosque is must visit to all,really beautiful. Go down below the arcade you will find great food courts and nice view. Get on the cruise and experience the lake breeze that will take you to all the almost 35 small and big bridges design to capture your heart. Taman Warisan and Taman Botani is where you and family can learn all about trees anf herbs and enjoy all the food you can. Family day too can be held at the wetland in Putrajaya on a private island...barbecue..hem.
My sister in law came to visit us and said it is like coming into another country. Another says it is like London and another like Australia. The embassy enclave is almost ready at Precinct 15. In fact all architecture and designs are superb. Great superstructure and infrastructure.
My sister in law came to visit us and said it is like coming into another country. Another says it is like London and another like Australia. The embassy enclave is almost ready at Precinct 15. In fact all architecture and designs are superb. Great superstructure and infrastructure.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
GLCs,are they really helping the malays?
I am in the mid of finding out weather GLCs is really helping the malays. All I can say is it is control by some heavy duty political party headed by some political group only and the vehicle may be being used as a vehicle to profit some 'Sdn Bhd' people and its close supporters only. Some of this GLCs is paying out a hefty some of salaries,allowances and claims to their top executives. Lets compare them between eg TMB the then Jabatan telekom malaysia! Or who actually controls MRCB and the list goes on. Are this GLCs being abused?
Umno will disintegrate ifs
UMNO WILL DISINTERGRATE IF!
I refer to TheStar(Insight) article dated 30th March 2008 “Keeping up with the new politics” and Rita Sim statement.
I can say not only the Chinese are angry with Umno’s arrogance but the Malays too are very angry with Umno’s arrogance. The individual arrogant umno members that we voted in have caused Umno to be in trouble and disintegrate.
Sighting my personal experience with Umno Putrajaya…. I was the first one to initiate the setting up of Umno Putrajaya and how I and my friends were sidelined and intimidated by them. When I knew that Umno Putrajaya had not been set up, I thought this would be a good thing to do i.e. To try create activity for the community.
After distributing thousands of umno’s application forms I managed to collect 400 members. My friends and I met Tun Mahathir during the Kad Ucapan Day and he said go ahead and he asked me where are your branches?. I tried to see him after that but to no avail. This is the nightmare when I started to feel the “BLOCKED” when I tried to see Tg. Adnan (then Umno Sec Gen). After a few times of “Blocked”, by his private secretary, I decided to see Datuk Johari Baharum. He listened but again I was not entertained. He copied a letter to me he sent to Tun Khalil Yaacob which Tun Khalil Yaacob never received. Then we went to see Tun Khalil Yaacob but nothing happened. We followed up again with Tun Khalil yaacob at KLIA but he was aloof and arrogant until I told him I am son in law to Dato Abu Kassim his good old buddy. Of course nothing happen too. All I wanted to do was to register my members. Not giving up we went to see Dato Seri Najib, and all he told us to do was to pass everything to Tg Adnan. Dato Seri Najib was then a chairman of the membership drive and he can’t be bothered to even look at the forms. I attempted to see Tun Mahathir again and all this while carrying the 400 application forms trying to register them as umno members. As I am still facing the empty wall at PMs office,I let myself in to meet Dato Bad.So as you guess it right,it was as bad like meeting others. Then I decided to see Pak Lah , but instead met Dato Sharif Ibrahim and was told politics is not for me. Then we tried to see Mahathir Khalid but we were brushed off. Tried to see Tg Adnan again and still the blocked is in situ and it is till today. The people in there are just plain hypocrite and arrogant. So how do you expect us to feel? Later on I found out that all these above people are all their good friends. Only with ‘titles” like Tun, Tan Sri, Dato Seri and Dato will be entertain.
At one time I waited for Datuk. Tajuddin for 3 hours to seek appointment with Pak Lah and he can’t be bothered. Dato Osman Desa was pleasant as a political secretary but nothing happened too. Once I remembered one gentleman who was the Timbalan Ketua Bahagian of one of the division who came all the way from Sabah and waited for Datuk Tajuddin for 4 hours and he was also not entertained. So you see this is only my part of the story. Can you imagine what’s happening to the rest of the story for others?
Arrogance, Arrogance and Arrogance. I voted for all these people for the pass 30 years and they choose to be arrogant. So tell me where could Umno go wrong? They have ignored their grassroot supporters, a plain simple communication defect. I AM BEAT.
Borhann Putrajaya
The Raayat
I refer to TheStar(Insight) article dated 30th March 2008 “Keeping up with the new politics” and Rita Sim statement.
I can say not only the Chinese are angry with Umno’s arrogance but the Malays too are very angry with Umno’s arrogance. The individual arrogant umno members that we voted in have caused Umno to be in trouble and disintegrate.
Sighting my personal experience with Umno Putrajaya…. I was the first one to initiate the setting up of Umno Putrajaya and how I and my friends were sidelined and intimidated by them. When I knew that Umno Putrajaya had not been set up, I thought this would be a good thing to do i.e. To try create activity for the community.
After distributing thousands of umno’s application forms I managed to collect 400 members. My friends and I met Tun Mahathir during the Kad Ucapan Day and he said go ahead and he asked me where are your branches?. I tried to see him after that but to no avail. This is the nightmare when I started to feel the “BLOCKED” when I tried to see Tg. Adnan (then Umno Sec Gen). After a few times of “Blocked”, by his private secretary, I decided to see Datuk Johari Baharum. He listened but again I was not entertained. He copied a letter to me he sent to Tun Khalil Yaacob which Tun Khalil Yaacob never received. Then we went to see Tun Khalil Yaacob but nothing happened. We followed up again with Tun Khalil yaacob at KLIA but he was aloof and arrogant until I told him I am son in law to Dato Abu Kassim his good old buddy. Of course nothing happen too. All I wanted to do was to register my members. Not giving up we went to see Dato Seri Najib, and all he told us to do was to pass everything to Tg Adnan. Dato Seri Najib was then a chairman of the membership drive and he can’t be bothered to even look at the forms. I attempted to see Tun Mahathir again and all this while carrying the 400 application forms trying to register them as umno members. As I am still facing the empty wall at PMs office,I let myself in to meet Dato Bad.So as you guess it right,it was as bad like meeting others. Then I decided to see Pak Lah , but instead met Dato Sharif Ibrahim and was told politics is not for me. Then we tried to see Mahathir Khalid but we were brushed off. Tried to see Tg Adnan again and still the blocked is in situ and it is till today. The people in there are just plain hypocrite and arrogant. So how do you expect us to feel? Later on I found out that all these above people are all their good friends. Only with ‘titles” like Tun, Tan Sri, Dato Seri and Dato will be entertain.
At one time I waited for Datuk. Tajuddin for 3 hours to seek appointment with Pak Lah and he can’t be bothered. Dato Osman Desa was pleasant as a political secretary but nothing happened too. Once I remembered one gentleman who was the Timbalan Ketua Bahagian of one of the division who came all the way from Sabah and waited for Datuk Tajuddin for 4 hours and he was also not entertained. So you see this is only my part of the story. Can you imagine what’s happening to the rest of the story for others?
Arrogance, Arrogance and Arrogance. I voted for all these people for the pass 30 years and they choose to be arrogant. So tell me where could Umno go wrong? They have ignored their grassroot supporters, a plain simple communication defect. I AM BEAT.
Borhann Putrajaya
The Raayat
Call for 'Abolishment of 'Tuns,Tan sris,Dato Seris and Datos
Call for Abolishment on Conferment of Tuns, Tan Sris, Dato Seris and Datos
I propose to our government to abolish the conferment of all these ‘Titles’. Award may be given but not necessary to carry ‘Titles’.
Firstly it’s detrimental to our society and it has created a caste system among us. Let us all Malaysians be at par without ‘Titles’ and that we are all called by our birth names.
Secondly ‘Titles’ like these have caused so much tension and people are merely going after ‘Titles” for status purposes. They have lost their focus on their actual responsibility to our country. I have met and noticed that people with these ‘Titles’ behaved and acted rather differently (not being themselves). I understand these ‘Titles’ were a brain child of our first prime minister.
They automatically become egoistic, arrogant and over confident. Now even many government servants are being conferred with this ‘Titles’ as such that you can only meet them if have ‘Titles’. Maybe this ‘Titles’ has been promised to them for some collaborative reasons. Maybe that’s why corruptions eradication is near impossible.
Thirdly, pretty young ladies or maybe even gentlemen are after those people with ‘Titles’ causing wreck in our society. This symbol status ‘Titles’ glamour and branded attires have grouped themselves as ‘Society Sdn Bhd’, which the media fondly called them socialites.
Fourthly, unrecognized and “con Titles” are also rampant. Politicians and all government servants were elected and voted to serve the public, not to manipulate their voters and the tax payers They are not supposed to be spoilt with ‘Titles’ and positions .Here is the opposite,where the public has to ‘Bodek’ the politician and the government servant for appointments and other public matters. I know there are a number of people who have rejected these titles conferred upon them as they view that it does not serve any purpose, except status, which we all do not need in a Malaysian society. Award recognition is a yes with incentive and gifts.
Without all these titles I believe all these so call people without names but only ‘Titles’ will work without prejudice. Hence improving public services and a stable society i.e. politically stable Malaysia.
This is indirectly affecting business people and economy of the country. ‘Titles’ ceremony has also wasted so much time of YDP Agung and public funds.
Borhann Putrajaya
The Raayat
I propose to our government to abolish the conferment of all these ‘Titles’. Award may be given but not necessary to carry ‘Titles’.
Firstly it’s detrimental to our society and it has created a caste system among us. Let us all Malaysians be at par without ‘Titles’ and that we are all called by our birth names.
Secondly ‘Titles’ like these have caused so much tension and people are merely going after ‘Titles” for status purposes. They have lost their focus on their actual responsibility to our country. I have met and noticed that people with these ‘Titles’ behaved and acted rather differently (not being themselves). I understand these ‘Titles’ were a brain child of our first prime minister.
They automatically become egoistic, arrogant and over confident. Now even many government servants are being conferred with this ‘Titles’ as such that you can only meet them if have ‘Titles’. Maybe this ‘Titles’ has been promised to them for some collaborative reasons. Maybe that’s why corruptions eradication is near impossible.
Thirdly, pretty young ladies or maybe even gentlemen are after those people with ‘Titles’ causing wreck in our society. This symbol status ‘Titles’ glamour and branded attires have grouped themselves as ‘Society Sdn Bhd’, which the media fondly called them socialites.
Fourthly, unrecognized and “con Titles” are also rampant. Politicians and all government servants were elected and voted to serve the public, not to manipulate their voters and the tax payers They are not supposed to be spoilt with ‘Titles’ and positions .Here is the opposite,where the public has to ‘Bodek’ the politician and the government servant for appointments and other public matters. I know there are a number of people who have rejected these titles conferred upon them as they view that it does not serve any purpose, except status, which we all do not need in a Malaysian society. Award recognition is a yes with incentive and gifts.
Without all these titles I believe all these so call people without names but only ‘Titles’ will work without prejudice. Hence improving public services and a stable society i.e. politically stable Malaysia.
This is indirectly affecting business people and economy of the country. ‘Titles’ ceremony has also wasted so much time of YDP Agung and public funds.
Borhann Putrajaya
The Raayat
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