POSTING PERTAMA...

Sunset di Alor Setar

Salam sejahtera semua...Posting yang pertama di dalam LeftOver Hippies...Mari kita sama2 renungkan potongan dibawah ini...

"Mana ada ini macam lain tempat? Mana boleh lu cakap lain bahasa, gua cakap lain bahasa, itu orang pun cakap lain bahasa? Mana boleh semua orang keras kepala mau cakap sendiri punya bahasa? Ini negara Malaysia, kita kena cakap Bahasa Malaysia. Apasal susah sangat? Lu pergi Jepun lu kena cakap Jepun. Lu pergi China lu kena cakap Mandarin. Lu pergi England lu kena cakap Inggeris. Lu pergi Rusia lu kena cakap Rusia. Kita sama-sama duduk Malaysia lu tak mau cakap Bahasa Malaysia? Kenapa? Malaysia “special case” ka? Siapa cakap? Siapa bikin ini macam? Dalam semua-semua Negara dalam ini dunia, apasal Malaysia kena jadi “special case”? Untuk siapa? Lu atau gua? "

Aku dapat potongan diatas dari SINI. Artikel ini tidak berniat langsung untuk mencerca atau mengutuk sesiapa yang hidup atau yang mati, tetapi hanya sebagai meluahkan perasaan penulis.

Sabtu minggu lalu, aku berkesempatan berjumpa dengan kawan2 ku yang lama tak jumpa. "Tar Ke", adalah gelaran yang diberi kepada kawan aku yang berbangsa Malaysia walaupun menjalani hidup didalam sebuah keluarga Cina. "Tar Ke" bermaksud abang yang tua, kalau tak silap aku. Seorang lagi dikenali sebagai "Two Tone", nama yang diberi oleh Tar Ke kerana rambutnya bertukar warna dari hitam ke kelabu...juga berbangsa Malaysia.

Walaupun kami dah berkawan agak lama dan rapat, tetapi kami masih berkomunikasi dalam bahasa penjajah dahulu, iaitu Inggeris. Depa kata English tu 2nd language. Tapi bahasa apa kah yang 1st?

Kami bersantai di tepi pantai, belakang Chinese Swimming Club, berborak borak dan bercakap sesuka hati kami tanpa menghiraukan waktu. Ramai yang datang dan pergi tetapi kami bertiga lah yang tetap tidak berubah tempat sehinggalah "BINI" Tar Ke suruh dia balik. Hahahaa. Tar Ke ni bukan taku bini, cuma bini tak takut padanya.

Aku disuruh komen tentang YOGA dan beberapa isu lagi berkenaan Islam dan Melayu, walaupun aku ni seorang Bangsa Malaysia. Aku komen setakat yang mampu dan setakat yang aku percaya kebenarannya. Kalau nak dengar seperti ulamak, kena lah tanya Pejabat Ugama.

Apa yang aku nak sampaikan disini sebenarnya ialah, kenapa aku boleh menerima kehadiran lain2 bangsa didalam jiwa ku, tetapi tidak saudara2 ku yang berkokok sana sini untuk menjadi TUAN kepada Bangsa Malaysia? Sampai bilakah kita nak berkelompok didalam satu negara? Sampai bilakah aku perlu bertutur dalam BAhasa Inggeris kepada saudara2 Bangsa Malaysia ku yang lain? Bagaimanakah aku nak menceritakan tentang Bangsa Malaysia apabila aku sendiri bertutur dalam bahasa Inggeris, kepunyaan Bangsa Inggeris? ANCHUA???

Andrew, Nigel, YuHin, Budak pakai baju PINK, selamat berkenalan...

Dreams and Sleep Talking

Forty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream. Forty years later, his dream was realized, Barrack Obama, an African American became the President elect of the United States of America. While Martin Luther King was dreaming 40 years ago, the Malaysian Prime Minister was found sleep talking today!

He said that anyone could become the Prime Minister of Malaysia, even those from the minority group! Did I hear right? If I did, then I am sure he was sleep talking! Do we hear any other UMNO leaders echoing his claim? The response to Zaid Ibrahim from the senior leaders of UMNO would be enough to indicate if these people can be as magnanimous as the Americans.

Frankly, it is just not only the UMNO Malays, some Chinese too are also guilty of racial discrimination of some extent. Recent developments after the March 8 political tsunami was proof enough of such misconduct, even in the State assemblies. Insistence on a Malay being the Deputy MB, assemblymen refusing to wear the songkok, these are very narrow thinking. Appointment of acting general manager of PKNS has already generated so much resistance and dare we hope for a Prime Minister from a minority group? Can it really happen? Remember, these are the very people who felt so threatened by yoga!

Until and unless they can ditch the so-called “Social Contract” and this myth about “Ketuanan Melayu”, for us it is still a dream. We shall not let this dream die; we cannot afford to let it die! March 8 has given us hope; there will be light at the end of the tunnel. RPK must not go to jail in vain. We must persevere!

Can't you get it right?

Since 1969 the MCA has done nothing to champion the cause of the Malaysian Chinese. If at anytime they appeared to have done so, it was more lip service than action. They were experts at hoodwinking the people they claim to represent. Together with UMNO and the MIC, they forged a sinister partnership to rape the country. Taking the cue from the colonial masters, the trio divided and ruled the nation.

They fed the people with lies and breadcrumbs, giving them hope and satisfying their hunger pangs. The people knew not that their dreams for a better tomorrow or a brighter future for their children would never materialize! From the urban Chinese sundry shop owner to the Malay farmers and the Indian estate workers, all were hoping against hope, while the politicians were busy amassing wealth. Not only that, they saw to it that this stranglehold over the nation’s wealth shall remain in the hands of the elite few!

As they got bolder they began to falter. Soon, the people got wise to their ploy and resentment started building up. With the advent of the internet and as people became better informed, sentiments towards the unholy trinity of UMNO, MCA and MIC changed. Opposition parties, buoyed by a resurgent Anwar, took advantage and campaigned vociferously to throw out the incumbents. The elections came and the results were shocking! Never in their life did the opposition imagine they could swing it so much. Much of the credit for this incredible showing by the opposition should go to Raja Petra Kamarrudin, a member of the Selangor Royal Household, now languishing in jail! Anwar was the vehicle, Abang Pete is the hero!

The results have necessitated an impending change in the UMNO leadership, while the MCA has already changed their President. The MIC should follow suit by the time they convene their AGM.

It is now obvious to the MCA that the Chinese in the country have rejected them. In fact a large portion of the electorate are now talking about and welcoming the early days of a two party system. Generally, the electorate is of the opinion that the days of race-based political parties are numbered! However, the unholy trinity is still pushing their race-based agenda, with UMNO championing ketuanan Melayu even more vocally.

Ong Tee Keat, the newly elected President of the MCA is said to be a man with his hands full. He ought to be. His is a mixed team, meaning not all are his preferred lieutenants. The giant headache I suppose would be his number two. It is usual for the MCA deputy President to be made a Minister, but how are you going to propose a porn star as a Minister to the Prime Minister? It must be this quagmire that has resulted in his state of delirium. Instead of instructing all MCA MPs to endorse the petition to debate the review/repeal of the ISA, which the MCA, in the run up to their election have committed to do so, he is now championing the cause of the Malays, whom he perceived have not benefited from the NEP!

IS KETUANAN RAKYAT A MYTH?

The March 8 tsunami has had different effects on different segments of Malaysian society. While UMNO and their supporters were stunned and shocked, others rejoiced. The aftermath of the elections were such that it had the BN components running around like decapitated chickens. Equally lost were the so-called victors. They had never ruled before!

After some bickering and horse-trading, the various State governments were eventually formed. They differences they had were usually about the racial make-up of the State cabinets and silly things like Chinese assemblymen refusing to wear the songkok and so forth.

Perhaps the euphoria was too much, too strong for both the PR leaders as well as the supporters, us. Am I glad to be reminded by Harris Ibrahim in his posting titled “IS PAKATAN RAKYAT PERPETUATING RACE-BASED POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE?

Politicians, opposition or otherwise have proven to be the same. They reneged on election pledges, that is the gist of the matter. The PR parties, various NGOs, you, me, all signed that declaration (The People’s Voice and the People’s Declaration) rejecting race-based politics and ushering in Bangsa Malaysia.

Though the Selangor MB has defended the appointment of a Chinese as Acting GM of PKNS, the reason offered is totally rubbish. In the first place, all SEDCs, irrespective of which State, is for the development of the State concerned, it says nothing about specifically developing the Malays! Now I am not so sure I heard right when Anwar Ibrahim was screaming “Ketuanan Rakyat”. Have we been had?

Now I am beginning to have doubts about “Ketuanan Rakyat” and the Pakatan Rakyat. Harris Ibrahim has shown that his Bangsa Malaysia initiative is more consistent.

LEFTOVERHIPPIES SALUTES YOU, HARRIS IBRAHIM

THE DREAM MERCHANTS

The American economy has taken a tremendous beating beginning with the sub-prime mess. Regular rate cuts by the Feds did not help and recently the US government poured billions of dollars to try to arrest the situation. Over in Europe, several banks had to be bailed out and even our neighbour Singapore has announced that they are in recession!

So far, Iceland, Pakistan and Ukraine are some of the countries that have approached the IMF for help. The IMF with $250 billion in their kitty has the financial circles questioning if it has enough to go around if more nations needed help. In short, the world economic picture is grim!

Here at home, the Finance Minister has assured the Rakyat that we are well prepared to weather the storm! His boss, was even better, he claims the agricultural sector shall be able to cushion any effects of the downturn! The PM sleeps, the DPM dreams!

These guys are simply marvelous. On one hand they tell us everything is fine, on the other hand they want to borrow RM 5 billion from the Employees Provident Fund to inject into the stock market. Meanwhile, the local bourse has suffered hefty losses. One wonders what is it that they are trying to do. Are they intentionally insulting our intelligence? Or are they simply lost, not knowing how to respond to the situation? Or, is this their last hurrah, considering the fact that soon a new government shall be in place?

Deepavali

Greetings to one and all!

NEW LINE-UP, SAME FILTH

About 40 plus days ago, the UMNO led government saw fit to invoke the much-dreaded ISA and arrested prominent blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin, opposition MP Teresa Kok and “Sin Chew” reporter, Tan Hoon Cheng. The arrests sparked off some strong protests from the general public.

Politicians from both sides of the divide condemned the arrests. It was unprecedented, but the likes of keris waving Hishamuddin and senior leaders of both the MCA and Gerakan also questioned the wisdom of invoking this horrendous piece of legislature. Zaid Ibrahim, the de facto Law Minister then, resigned, claiming that the Home Minister had abused ISA and thereby making his (Zaid’s) position untenable!

The Gerakan leaders of Penang declared that they would sever ties with UMNO Penang and the party as whole was re-looking at their relevance in the BN coalition. Tough talk indeed! The MCA too, was very vocal about the ISA and pledge to press for a review/repeal of this draconian law. The BN politicians finally saw the light, we thought, but we were so wrong! They have learned nothing from the March 8 tsunami.

Recently, the MCA had their elections and a totally new team was put in place. My fellow contributor on this blog, featured them in his post. I commented that it is no big deal and the MCA were just a mere bunch of sycophants and scumbags beholden to UMNO. I was accused of not giving them a chance. How could I? I just do not trust them! I was proven right.

A couple of days after their (MCA) elections, opposition MP Teresa Kok moved a motion in Parliament seeking a Parliamentary Debate on the review/repeal of the ISA. To-date, only 77 MPs have signed the petition. One BN member, two independents (SAPP) and the rest were from Pakatan Rakyat. Where are the MCA and the Gerakan? Both were so vocal at the height of the ISA arrests. It is obvious that both the MCA and Gerakan are not here to serve the Rakyat.

A SIX YEAR OLD THREAT TO THE NATION

In true “Malaysia Boleh” spirit, Malaysia must have just scored another first! This time for the arrest of a six-year-old child! I simply cannot fathom what harm a six-year old girl can do that she be arrested?

Did the police acted on their own or were they ordered by some stupid minister to do so? Whichever the case, I do believe this cannot happen anywhere else in the world. What government is this that can feel so threatened by a six year old?

If the present regime can resort to something like this, I dread the day when the despot returns in the form of Najib!

DSAI, you better be quick, because if you take too long, I am sure the despot will make you sodomize a third person! I thought you only needed our votes to win, but now it seems, you also need the grace of God to do so. The fate of the Malaysians are resting with you, act before it is too late!

SAMAD LEFTHANDED

KUALA LUMPUR, THURS:

A guitarist with rock band Lefthanded, Abdul Samad Mian died after he collapsed at his brother’s office in Ampang here, today. He was 45.

The deceased’s wife, Norliza Sumairi said Samad collapsed at 12.45pm and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Ampang Hospital.

Samad will be buried at the Hulu Langat Muslim Cemetery this afternoon.

He is survived by his wife and four children aged between six and 18 years.

Born in Johor Baru, he had served as a part-time lecturer at the National Arts, Culture and Heritage Academy and was instrumental in Lefthanded winning the best rock album award at the Malaysian Music Industry Awards in 1995.

HOMO SAPIEN MAaa....

Tsk, tsk, tsk...You guys are not giving a chance at all to the new MCA line up to prove their mettle at all. Not even a lil bit of time to see how they settle down and what not. Every body deserve a second chance.

With a party such as MCA, with all their capabilities and their professionals helming the party, it will be strong enough to fight for the rakyats needs. With such a line up and still you guys are not feeling at ease. Democracy has prevailed in MCA. No party in Malaysia till now has elected an actor as the No.2 man in the organisation. Reagan in the US. Arnold Schwarzenneger also in US. What was that lady's name in Italy? The pornstar that was also elected as a rep in Parliament. Well..MCA has shown the way.

They are even asking the no2 post in BN now. DPM too I heard. Well this is what Anwar Al Jub has been harping all this while. Two tone! If you don't support who else gonna support? Give them a break lah. They are human. They make mistakes. They get greedy. They want power. They want respect. Humans ma... So does PKR, DAP, Gerakan and PAS..All are humans ma...

MCA LINEUP

THE NEW BIG SHOTS IN MCA

DATUK SRK

When the scramble started for the post of VP of UMNO, Tun Mahathir says other than Muhyiddin others are jokers or in malay he says "pak lawak".

Then came the news that Shah rukh Khan was awarded datukship by the Malacca govt. Could that be the work of the so called pak lawak? Well this pak lawak denies and said Tun Daim propose. Who is Daim now? A millionaire before he joins the cabinet and a billionaire when he left? Is that the Daim he's referring to? Must they kowtow to him?

Datukship Awards is now being put to a new light altogether. Or are they trying to turn it into an affair like the Bollywood Film award or the Grammy/Emmy Award kinda thing? Really lawaklah this one. None of the citizen in Malaysia could surpass what has been contributed by SRK to Malacca I guess. What did he actually contribute to Malacca?

The pak lawak mention wants to be the 2nd man in UMNO and by tradition he would probably be the Deputy PM...Whose next on the award list then..Jet Li? Amitabh Bachan? Jenna Jameson maybe...

OPEN HOUSE ANWAR

11TH OCTOBER 2008
KELAB SULTAN SULAIMAN

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

Dali's interpretation of Don Quixote

El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de La Manca(The Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha) si an early novel written by a Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

It is also recognised as one of the finest and most influential literary piece from the Spanish Goden Age. This novel was written some in the 17th century. Some 400 years later, the Americans came up with an equivalent to Don Quixote. In 1939, American writer James Thurber, wrote "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty" acknowledged to be Thurber's masterpiece. It was made into a movie in 1947, starring Danny Kaye.

Original Book Cover

Movie Poster

Malaysia refusing to be outdone come out with a real life version,.Thanks to Mahathir.

He is holding the "Worst Prime Minister Award".

SALAM AIDIL FITRI !

Season greetings to all and maaf zahir bathin! On this joyous occasion let us not forget the less fortunate.

I have just read and signed the online petition:

"Free Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Teresa Kok and Others Held Under the Internal Security Act"

hosted on the web by PetitionOnline.com, the free online petition
service, at:

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/isa1234/

I personally agree with what this petition says, and I think you might
agree, too. If you can spare a moment, please take a look, and consider
signing yourself.

Best wishes,

RAYA

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI..TO ALL...

I'm not sending out this greetings to the Muslims only but to all Malaysians coz I consider all of us are Malaysians and we should be sharing all festivities without any prejudice...

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RPK. May the rest of your birthdays be better than this one!

IT'S QUIET AT THE FRONT!

It's supposed to be D-Day today. Nope, things are still quiet and looks like an uneventful day. Hopefully we get to see some excitement the later part of the day.

ISA DETAINEE RELEASED

DAP Seputeh MP, Ms Teresa Kok has been released from detention under the ISA. She was released about an hour ago and is expected to call a press conference later today.

GIVEAWAY SIGNS

Or could this be the Home Ministry's car park?

SAPP QUITS BARISAN NASIONAL

The Star reports that SAPP has pulled out of the Barisan Nasional and shall remain an independent party. Deputy party chief, Datuk Raymond Tan will resign his post as Chief Minister within the next 24 hours. However, he is not quitting the party as yet.

FREE MP TERESA KOK

Ex-de facto Law Minister has confirmed his attendance at the "Free MP Teresa Kok* Parliamentary caucus tomorrow. Could this be a hint of more dynamic things to come?

BON VOYAGE

You could consider selling nasi kandar in Perth!

LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Events over the last few days seem to indicate the impending demise of the UMNO led government. That the lame duck PM will have to go soon is a foregone conclusion. The question is who will lead UMNO in the future and how long can they hold on to power. It is looking more and more unlikely that they are able to rule the country the full five years!

There seem to be chaos among the leadership and of late, it is not unusual to find some of the leaders contradicting each other! Yes, differing opinions have surfaced, giving the impression that the leadership is fragmented and in total disarray! While there are some who are still beholden to the clueless Prime Minister, there are also others who have openly challenged his relevance to the party! To make matters worse, some are of the opinion that prolonging his stay may result in the immediate demise of the party, which is a good thing because that would spell the end of race-based politics in the country.

After 51 years of abuse, I guess the citizenry has had enough! From a naturally cultivated sense of goodwill and harmony, through years of interaction with each other, the UMNO led government after the Tunku, has successfully polarized the various communities in the country. It would be unfair to put the blame solely on UMNO. Equally guilty of the crime of fanning racial polarization are the MCA and MIC as well. Using culture as a camouflaged, they divided the nation into Malays, Chinese and Indians! While Mahathir encouraged us to look east, he was employing governance skills from even further east, i.e. to divide and rule! Even as I write, this senile old man is still saying that Malaysians do not mind race-based politics! Frankly, after 22 years of misrule, I wished he would just shut up and go play with his grandchildren, and may I add that it’d be best if he play dead! After all, his services are no longer required and soon we are going to have more honest, capable and responsible people running the country.

While the Home Minister has unleashed the dreadful Internal Security Act (a draconian law that allows detention without trial) on 3 people, one of whom, a journalist who has since been released, the de facto Law Minister has resigned, citing the abuse of the ISA, which makes his position untenable! Apart from him, both the Information Minister as well as the Education Minister had commented not so favorably about the use of this horrendous piece of legislature. Partners in the ruling coalition have also come out with guns blazing, speaking against the use of this law! BADawi is in bad shape! The most inept President has been tasked to keep UMNO and the ruling coalition from falling apart. A job he is ill equipped to accomplish, he neither has the skills nor the knowledge to do so. Ironically, this bungling Prime Minister has been credited with the largest mandate ever in UMNO’s history during the 2004 election.

Today is the 16th September 2008, a day when Anwar Ibrahim is suppose to take over the government. No, it has not happen, not yet, but I am hopeful. Malaysia on the threshold of a new era, one can just feel it. Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel!

UPDATE ON ZAID'S RESIGNATION

The New Straits Times reported that the de facto Law Minister's resignation has been rejected. He was told to go on two weeks leave to rethink his decision!

UMNO IN TROUBLE?

The de facto Law Minister, Zaid Ibrahim has resigned. He submitted his resignation about two hours ago. However, it is not known if the lame duck PM has accepted it.
Perhaps this shall be the start of a mass exodus from UMNO and other BN components.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

In the name of peace and stability, the UMNO led government launched a blitzkrieg on her subjects. Like a true villain hiding behind the noble façade of maintaining law and order, social activist Raja Petra, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Sin Chew Daily News reporter Ms Tan Hoon Cheng were detained under the draconian ISA.

Claiming that these characters were guilty of inciting civil unrests, the blur Home Minister ordered their arrest under a law, which grants them zero recourse! The ISA is detention without trial. There are other existing laws under which these three could be charged, where the onus will be on the government to prove them guilty. However, this government has chosen to deny them a fair trial by invoking this horrendous law!

I am a simpleton and I swallow the blurred Minister’s explanation wholesale! So it seems the far-sighted but blurred Minister has effectively nipped the problem in the bud. Good for you, sir!

On the other hand, supporters of the aggrieved parties have also come out to calm the general public with the constant reminder of not taking to the streets. Now it’s getting to be mind boggling, apparently nobody wants any untoward incidents to occur, so how on earth are we caught in this ridiculous quagmire? Isn’t this much ado about nothing?

Or is someone trying to engineer something?

At time of writing, it has been reported that the Sin Chew Daily News reporter has been released. She was sent home at 4.15 p.m.

ISA UPDATE

Sin Chew Daily News reporter, Ms Tan Hoon Cheng has been released from detention. According to latest press reports, she was sent home at 4.15 p.m.

WHEN WILL THEY STOP?

Latest ISA victim, DAP MP Teresa Kok arrested at ll.20 p.m.

STOP PRESS

Sin Chew reporter, Ms Tan Hoon Cheng has been arrested under the ISA.

ANIMAL FARM REVISITED

"ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL, BUT SOME ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS"

Just received news that RPK has been arrested under the ISA! I am sure the question on most minds in the country now would be “Why is Datuk Ahmad Ismail still walking around?”

I do not know what others think but to me, it is a case of gross dereliction of duty! Whilst I have stressed earlier that the ISA is a draconian law that should have been repealed, the point here is that it is an existing law and failure to execute it amounts to the non-performance of an obligation on the part of the AG!

DO YOU SEE THE DOUBLE STANDARDS PRACTICED?

"M" is for Moron

...... and now he wants to come back?
getting lonely, I think!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

THE HALAL DOGS

There are mad dogs, and there are Englishmen. This is Malaysia, and here we have an entirely different species, native to Malaysia, and they are known as the “halal” dogs. With due apologies, if you do not know what is meant by ‘halal’, allow me the enlighten you, the Jewish equivalent is kosher!

The Muslims and Jews, though they hate each other, share similar beliefs in that things referred to as non-kosher, or locally known as ‘haram’ (an example of things ‘haram’ are dogs) are stuff one would not even touch with a 10-foot pole.

Now, I do not know if the UMNO Muslims in Malaysia were conned, or are they so dumb, that they are actually keeping ‘dogs’ without knowing that they have sinned! This sounds like a very sensitive issue, but if you hear me out, it becomes a non-issue! I am not talking about dogs as in dogs, the ‘binatang’ we know! Here, we are referring to two local species, albeit originating from China, and in local lingo, known as ‘chow kow’ or ‘chau kow’. Whatever ‘kow’, the connotation is not good! Let me explain, the former means ‘a bad dog’ while the latter means ‘a running dog’!

So, the fact remains, the UMNO Muslims have been keeping dogs...in the form of MCA and Gerakan! Both, to the Chinese community are dogs! The only problem is which kind of dogs are they? ‘Chow’ or ‘chau’? So, let me repeat, whichever the case, the connotation is not good!

A couple of days ago, both ‘kows’ talked super tough. Severing ties with UMNO Penang (I wonder why only at State level?), even threatening that their participation in BN shall be dependent on the kind of punishment to be meted out to the ‘has-been’ Datuk. The sentence passed by the UMNO Supreme Council, a 3-year suspension, sent the MCA and Gerakan into a frenzied elated stupor, as though justice has been served! Though I am one of those who concur that the ISA/Sedition Act are draconian laws, the gist of the matter is that these are existing laws in the country, but the law has not been allowed to take its course. Therefore, to experience such ecstasy as experienced by MCA and Gerakan, it is nothing more than a massive exercise to hoodwink the electorate! We, the Melayu, Cina, India, dll, in short, ‘Anak Bangsa Malaysia’ should realize that they are insulting our intelligence.

The majority of the population has dictated, as shown by the results of the last GE, that this should be a two party state, so let’s make sure that when the time comes, the MCA and Gerakan WILL NOT BE in that equation! There is a distinction between humans and animals though both are collectively known as mammals.

There is an old adage that says as long as it is a cat that catches mice, it does not matter whether it is black or white. But, in the case of dogs, as illustrated here, it is very much more complicated.

BANGSA MALAYSIA - ALIVE AND WELL

After the ugly remarks by the has-been Datuk, I was actually so flabbergasted and dumbfounded, I was lost for a while, not knowing how to respond. It got worse when flip flop lame duck (the PRIME MINISTER) kept changing his position over this incident.

There is hope yet for the country, do not despair. I would like to share another email I just received a couple of minutes ago. Thankfully, we still have honest sensible people in this country. It is Malay brethren like these that gives us hope.


Malay rights

By Shaik Rizal Sulaiman

The Malays are 'technically' in power governing the country but it is also this same controlling group that demands the right to correct economic imbalances and disparities for its own race.

What does this say about the 'majority governing' Malay race for the last 50 years?
I dare say that most Malaysians (regardless of race) below the age of 40 would like to see all opportunities be spread amongst those who deserve it on meritocracy.

We do not need the keris anymore to tell others to be careful of what they say and do because in the survival of the fittest, the keris is of very little relevance!

If we continue to hide under the 'bumiputera' tempurung as most Malays have been in the last 50 years or more, the catch-up game will just get harder and the gap wider.

If we continue to expect without earning it, we will never learn how to be a race that succeeds on merit. There is NO substitute for merit. The Malay politicians continue to shout about Malay rights and bumiputera rights because the very nature of our local politics is sadly racially biased.

In this day and age, a great nation is built upon joint success stories, meritocracy and the combined hard work of its people WITHOUT any fear or favour of racial biased politics governing our daily policies.

I am below 40 and as much as I love the 'idea' that Malaysia is tanah tumpahnya darah orang Melayu, I can't help but also feel that this country is for ALL Malaysians alike including the Chongs, the Kumars, the Xaviers, the Sings & Kaurs etc who were born on the same day in the same hospital as me here in Malaysia.

If we feel that WE (the Malays) deserve this country more than THEM , then WE (the Malays) should have shown them a long time ago that we deserve the 'control all' status.

We have to earn it. The policies FAILED because the very concept of Malay rights or the NEP/DEB is like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it aims to eradicate wealth disparity but on the other, it has made the Malays oblivious of what reality is. Our (Malays) success is only reflected in the 'perceived' political power which today can collapse in a matter of minutes. I would also like to see my children succeed in their country, Malaysia, for reasons that true success should be based upon, which are merit and hard work and NOT because they are Malays or bumiputeras. For as long as the Malays don't see this, there is very little point in fighting for Malay rights.

It just makes us look more ridiculous. We have taken this notion of being privileged a bit too literally in that it now simply means we want this country and its fruits all for ourselves without accepting the responsibilities that come with it. I blame the MALAY politicians for this because we want to only fight the cause without strategising for the true substance and need of the cause. We have been given fish all the while without being taught how to fish.

It's funny how two different generations can be so diverse in their thinking and the recent elections proved just that. We are no longer concerned with racial problems but more so the never-ending Malay agenda issues. The rakyat has spoken and the landscape has drastically changed. Is this change welcomed? Is it good?

The answer is 'NO'. Because we,the Malays, have been caught with our pants down - we are not ready to compete on any level playing field (we can't even compete on advantageous grounds!). Even with three or five more continuing policies for Malay rights or bumiputera privileges over the next 50 years, we will still be in exactly the same position as we are in today.

The truth hurts and the truth will always prevail. And the truth of what's to come will NOT go away. I am cynical perhaps because I feel that Malay rights is NOT relevant anymore. The right to be safe, to be treated fairly, to have a world-class healthcare and education, to enjoy equal prosperity, to have good governance, to live in a clean environment and to be war-free is what I want for my Malaysia. NOT for MY race to be artificially powerful.

If we want the Malays to fail, then by all means continue the fight for Malay rights. Go and polish your keris.

Shaik Rizal Sulaiman
Posted by Malaysian
Unplug @ Link to This Post

P/S

In recent months we have seen the Syariah Courts allowing quite a few Malays to exercise their rights to a third or fourth wife. Fair, the guy may be able to provide for the financial & conjugal needs of his wives. However, question here is when he has a dozen kids, will he be able to provide a decent education and life to his kids or will he demand for his 'Rights' for subsidy and aid and be a burden to the govt and society.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

THE UNREPENTANT DATUK

The missing Datuk has surfaced and has declared that he will not apologize. If anyone out there were expecting contrition or remorse, there was none. During his absence there were lots of talk by other BN component leaders, notably, the leaders of MCA and Gerakan who talked tough about the issue.

Well, the Datuk has declared that he will not apologize. Let’s see what the MCA and Gerakan can do about it. Personally, I do not expect much from these turncoats who are in politics only to enrich themselves.

Anyway it shall be interesting to see how they get out of this one.

APOLOGIES

I sincerely tender my apologies. My earlier post of the apology of the DPM not reported in the Malay press was incorrect.

UM..... NO APOLOGY

It was reported in some newspapers, perhaps as headline news that the DPM Najib apologized on behalf of one Ahmad Ismail for some racist slurs against the Chinese community. Apparently he did so in his own capacity as well as UMNO’s. The way the apology was done was that which prompted me to write about it.

This is what I found in Wikipedia “An apology is a justification or defense of an act or idea, from the Greek apologia (απολογία). An apology can also be an expression of contrition and remorse for something done wrong.” It went on to explain that apart from “expression of contrition and remorse”, there is such a thing as a “non-apology apology”. It went further to explain the meaning of non-apology apology and I quote “A non-apology apology is a statement in the form of an apology that is nothing of the sort, a common gambit in politics and public relations. It most commonly entails the speaker saying that he or she is sorry not because of any realization on his or her own part, but rather only because a person who has been aggrieved is requesting the apology, expressing a grievance, or threatening some form of retribution or retaliation.

An example of a non-apology apology would be to say "I'm sorry if you were offended by my remarks" to someone who has been offended. This does not admit that there was anything wrong with the remarks made, and it subtly insinuates that the person taking offense was excessively thin-skinned or irrational in taking offense at the remarks in the first place.”

So was there an apology? If there was, is there any remorse? Personally I do not think so. This is a classic case of a politician taking the electorate for fools. Considering the fact that his apology was reported in all mainstream press except for the Malay press, available in Bernama’s English news, but not Bernama’s Malay news, it looks to me this is the non-apology apology that I learned from Wikipedia. In my opinion, even if it was a genuine apology this Ahmad Ismail should still be investigated for sedition. If he is not an UMNO member I believe he would be in the slammer by now! And if you do not believe me, go say something not so pleasant about them if you are not an UMNO man, and see what happens to you.

This Ahmad Ismail guy must be someone who commands considerable influence in the party, I mean for the Deputy President of a major political party who is also the Deputy Prime Minister of Bolehland to come to his defense, wow! In fact even the Prime Minister himself has come forward to defend his verbal diarrhea! Now, what baffles me is his disappearance, as far as I know there were no Statutory Declarations on this matter so far. Judging from past practices, they only disappear after making Statutory Declarations in Court!

The MCA must not be saved

“Saving the MCA from itself” this is the title of an article I found in RPK’s “Malaysia Today”. I read it and I think the writer of this article must be thinking we are fools. Though he did mention stuff like the snoop squad and the propagation of the Ong Dynasty, I think, though I may be wrong, that this appeal to save the MCA, is merely an attempt to keep himself relevant in local politics.

The result of the last election has sent a very clear signal that the electorate has had enough of race-based politics and that the preferred arrangement would be a two party state. Saving the MCA will mean a continuation of race-based politics, something rejected by the electorate. Race based political parties like MCA, MIC and UMNO are obsolete and dangerous. The presence of parties with such ideologies will forever keep Malaysians divided. No race-based political parties can exist without championing the cause of their race, which means, “Bangsa Malaysia” will never take root, and that will be the great Malaysian tragedy!

It is ironical that whilst UMNO has been harping on “Ketuanan Melayu” (Malay supremacy), deep down, these guys are actually very British inside! The reason why I say this is because with the help of the others (MCA, MIC, Gerakan, etc.), UMNO has exhibited that they actually have this great British skill of “divide and rule”!

The MCA must not be saved. Over the last 51 years, and that is a long time, the MCA has only serve their UMNO masters, not the Chinese. Effectively, the MCA, has prostituted the Chinese since independence!

In order for the country to move forward, “Bangsa Malaysia” must be encouraged and nurtured, failing which, meritocracy shall only be a dream. Without meritocracy, it simply means the country will never use the best brains, and in today’s world, how far do you think the country can go?

A FRANK DISCOURSE BY A BUMIPUTRA OF MALAYSIA

The Olympics are over and done with. It was a pleasant distraction from the realities of Malaysia's, or to be more specific, UMNO's dirty politics of intimidation, character assassination and lies.

Recently, I received an email and would like to share it with you. It is about two nations, one is resource rich, while the other is a tiny city state with virtually zero resource! After reading the email I just wished that there are more such Bumiputras! The following is the email in full.

A frank discours by a bumiputra of Malaysia.

THIS IS A MUST MUST READ: LEE KUAN YEW : AT 85 , THE FIRE STILL BURNS BY AHMAD MUSTAPHA

The writer is a nephew of Dr Mahathir.
Excellent one !

By Ahmad Mustapha

Singapore's Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew, who was Singapore's founding father, has always been very direct in his comments. This was the man who outsmarted the communists in Singapore (with the innocent help of Malaya then and the willing help of the British) and who later outwitted the British and outpaced Malaysia in all spheres.

Singapore practices corrupt-free meritocracy and Malaysia affirmative action. The former attracted all the best brains and the latter chased out all the brains. The Singapore cabinet consists of dedicated and intelligent technocrats whereas Malaysia has one of the most unwieldy cabinets. Not only that, brain wise it was below par not even good for the kampong.
Wi th that kind of composition, one that is very brainy, naturally Singapore , with no natural resources could outstrip Malaysia in every aspect of development. Malaysia, on the other hand, was too much preoccupied with its Malayness and the illusory 'Ketuanan Melayu' and was also more interested in useless mega iconic development rather than real social and economic development.

Whenever Kuan Yew utters anything that deemed to be a slight on Malaysia , voices were raised admonishing him. Malaysia would never dare to face reality. That Singapore had shown that it could survive was a slap on those who believed that Singapore would fold up once it left Malaysia . Therefore it was natural that these doomsayers would try to rationalise their utterances to be in their favour to combat on whatever Kuan Yew commented. Its political jealousy.
Singapore achieved its developmen t status without any fanfare. But here in Malaysia , a development that was deceptive was proclaimed as having achieved development status. It was trumpeted as an achievement that befits first world status. This was self delusion. Malaysians are led to believe into a make believe world, a dream world. The leaders who themselves tend to believe in their own fabricated world did not realise the people were not taken in by this kind of illusion.

Lee Kuan Yew believed in calling a spade a spade. I was there in Singapore when the People's Action Party won the elections in 1959. He was forthright in his briefing to party members as to what was expected of them and what Singapore would face in the future. Ideologically, I did not agree with him. We in the University of Malaya Socialist Club had a different interpretation of socialist reconstruction. But he was a pragmatist and wanted to bring development a nd welfare to the Singaporeans. Well! He succeeded.
Malaysia was so much embroiled in racial politics and due to the fear of losing political power, all actions taken by the main party in power was never targeted towards bringing wealth to all. Wealth was distributed to the chosen few only. They were the cronies and the backers of the party leadership to perpetuate their own selfish ends.

Seeing the efficiency and the progress achieved by Singapore caused the Malaysian leadership to suffer from an inferiority complex. That Malaysia should suffer from this complex was of its own making.

In a recent interview, Kuan Yew said that Malaysia could have done better if only it treated its minority Chinese and Indian population fairly. Instead they were completely marginalised and many of the best brains left the country in drove. He added that Singapore was a standing indictment to what Malaysia could have done differently. He just hit the nail right there on the head.
Malaysia recently celebrated its 50th year of independence with a bagful of uncertainties. The racial divide has become more acute. The number of Malay graduates unemployed is on the increase. And this aspect can be very explosive. But sad to see that no positive actions have been taken to address these social ills.

Various excuses were given by Malaysian leaders why Singapore had far outstripped Malaysia in all aspects of social and economic advancement. Singapore was small, they rationalised and therefore easy to manage. Singapore was not a state but merely an island.
There was one other aspect that Malaysia practises and that is to politicise all aspects of life. All government organs and machinery were 'UMNO-ised'. This was to ensure that the party will remain in power. Thus there was this misconception by the instruments of government as to what national interest is and what UMNO vested interest is.

UMNO vested interest only benefited a few and not the whole nation. But due to the UMNO-isation of the various instruments of government, the country under the present administration had equated UMNO vested interest as being that of national interest. Thus development became an avenue of making money and not for the benefit of the people. The fight against corruption took a back seat. Transparency was put on hold. And the instruments of government took it to be of national interest to cater to the vested interest of UMNO. Enforcement of various enactments and laws was selective. Thus a 'palace' in Kelang, APs cronies and close-one-eye umno MPs could exist without proper procedure. Corruption infested all govt departments, the worse is the police and lately even in the judiciary.

Singapore did not politicise its instruments of government. If ever politicisation took place, it is guided by national interest. To be efficient and to be the best in the region was of paramount importance. Thus all the elements like corruption, lackadaisical attitude towards work and other black elements, which would retard such an aim, were eliminated. Singapore naturally had placed the right priority in it's pursuit to achieve what is best for its people. This is the major difference between these two independent countries.
Malaysia in its various attempts to cover up its failures embarked on several diversions. It wanted its citizens to be proud that the country had the tallest twin-tower in the world, although the structure was designed and built by foreigners. Its now a white-elephant wasting away. It achieved in sending a man into space at an exorbitant price. For what purpose? These are what the Malays of old would say "menang sorak" (hollow victories).

It should be realised that administering a country can be likened to managing a corporate entity. If the management is efficient and dedicated and know what they are doing, the company will prosper. The reverse will be if the management is poor and bad. The company will go bust.

There are five countries around this region. There is Malaysia , and then Indonesia . To the east there is the Philippines and then there is that small enclave called the Sultanate of Brunei . All these four countries have abundance of natural resources but none can lay claim to have used all these resources to benef it the people. Poverty was rampant and independence had not brought in any significant benefits to the people.

But tiny Singapore without any resources at all managed to bring development to its citizens. It had one of the best public MRT transport systems and airlines in the world and it is a very clean city state. Their universities, health care, ports are among the best in the world.

It is impossible to compare what Singapore has achieved to what all these four countries had so far achieved. It was actually poor management and corruption, and nothing more. Everything is done for the vested interest of the few.

Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines and the Sultanate of Brunei need good management teams. They would not be able to do this on their own steam. I would advise that they call on Kuan Yew to show them what good governance is. Why look East to Japan when it is just next door across the causeway.

WATER POLO

You guys get to see this during the olympics? Happen to see it on a blog. Just check it out.
Christina Chrysoula Tsoukala of Greece.

Gemma Beadsworth of Australia.

A slip of the tongue is no fault of the mind, but a slip of the nip is who's fault then?

Intermission

It's the Olympics! Taking a short break to follow the Games. As such, there shall not be much activities around here for a while. My apologies.

Let the Games begin

One World, One Dream
So goes the Olympic theme
While China harbors great hope
Malaysians hope against hope
While the world watches the medal tally
Malaysia is still engross with the fanny

So let the Games begin
It does not matter who wins
Is it consensual or is it rape
In time the case will take shape
And you won’t need a pundit
To reveal the asshole bandit

Go for gold, Malaysia!
In carnal intercourse against nature!

UMNO(MAL)'s FARM

The recent on-goings in the Malaysian political scene brings back fond memories of my school days. Particularly, it reminds me of literature class. How so? You may wonder. Well, apart from Shakespeare, there was this other book that we had to digest, Orwell’s “Animal Farm”.

Late last month, his one time aide accused Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy, an accusation he vehemently denies. After the usual police reports and medical examinations, and the sub-plots laced in between, Anwar was charged in court yesterday.

He was charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code which reads: ”377B. Whoever voluntarily commits carnal intercourse against the order of nature shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to twenty years, and shall also be liable to whipping.”

From what we read and the way it was presented in the local press, and also statements by the powers that be, one would have expected Anwar to be charged under Section 377C of the Penal Code which reads: “377C. Whoever voluntarily commits carnal intercourse against the order of nature on another person without the consent, or against the will, of the other person, or by putting the other person in fear of death or hurt to the person or any other person, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than twenty years, and shall also be liable to whipping.”

Anwar has rightly questioned why his accuser was not charged similarly. The charge is on consensual sodomy as opposed to a charge under Section 377C which interprets as sodomy rape! So, will they charge the accuser, Saiful?

“No” says the Home Minister, Syed Hamid. Though Saiful apparently participated in this consensual sodomy, he is a witness, and therefore, will be protected????? That immediately reminded me of Napoleon in Orwell’s famous satire. While I liken Syed Hamid to Napoleon in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”, I cannot help thinking that there are quite a few more parallels in character in UMNO (MAL)’s FARM.

As an illustration, I see lame duck Prime Minister Badawi as Napoleon’s chief rival, “Snowball”, SIL/Kali as “Squealer” responsible for the propaganda machinery.

Though Marxism has no place for religion, Syed Hamid, as with most UMNO leaders, has, especially in their speech, exhibited an uncanny resemblance to the Bolsheviks. “ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL…… BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS!"

REMINDER

AL JUB SUMMONED

This is a kangaroo warning in Australia, but in Malaysia, it simply means the Court's in session! You shall soon see this sign from tomorrow after they charge DSAI for sodomy!

KANCHANABURI RENDEZVOUS - History and Wildlife

The Penang 4x4 Adventure Club shall be organizing an overland drive trip to Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Highlight of the trip shall be the famous bridge over the Kwai River and the nearby Wat Pha Luang Tha Bua, better known as the “Tiger Temple”.

Details of the trip are still vague for me (I am not a member of the Club, though I get to be invited on the trips because I have friends in the Club). All I know is that it is going to be a 9 - day affair. Sounds like 4 days in Kanchanburi, 3 days in Cha’am and probably the last night at Nakhon Si Thammarat. Will confirm itinerary later.

This is a trip that caters to all. There are historical sites to visit; i.e. the Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum maintained by the Australian Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of honoring all Allied POWS and conscripted Asian labor. Also in the vicinity, the Hellfire Pass itself, 73m by 25m high, the rock cutting was done by hand, all done by POWs. There is a second pass, 450m by 8m.



Accommodation is by the river, which means stuff like canoeing and visits to nearby waterfalls are things one can do to kill time. I think there is a very beautiful waterfall called the Erawan Waterfall. Got to check that out and confirm.

A visit to Thailand would be incomplete without visiting at least a temple. Of course the more well known temple is this area is the “Tiger Temple”, but one should not be deceived by its popular name because apart from tigers, there are also other wildlife found in this temple. There is a lesser known one called Muang Sing, a Khmer temple complex and military outpost.

If the above activities are still inadequate for you, there is also a nearby resort where you can actually have a round of golf!

Will be getting the itinerary soon and shall fill you guys in later. Meanwhile, here are some more pictures from the Internet. Shall post my own after the trip.

ITO & PURPLE HAZE

ITO(Blues Gang) & Purple Haze

Got enquiries today about this Blues band. They play mean blues and rock and roll. Karim(Blues Gang) was the former drummer for this band. He succumb to diabeties and recuperating now. At times he still plays with the band. Azizi(left) the axeman, was with the Blues Gang when Julian left and was considered as the top blues guitarist in Malaysia right now. Jim(next to Azizi) was the Blues Gang bassman. Ito, no introduction needed coz, to the public, Blues Gang is Ito and Ito is Blues Gang. Last but not least, Munir, a music teacher by profession, sessionist, orchestra, you name it he has it. But with the blues in him, you'll definitely catch him jamming with Purple Haze, doing what Karim does, drumming.

A gig in Penang is on the way for this guys...One of these Saturdays..Check it out..

THE ALTANTUYA TRIAL - A Layman's Perspective

I am a common man on the street with no formal training as far as the law goes. However, with what little I know of the legal process, I somehow believe that the “Altantuya trial” is a complete sham (though I firmly believe in the old adage “that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”).

If my observations/opinions are flawed, please, do feel free to correct me. It is rather disturbing to note that hours before the case, the entire prosecution team was changed! Why that was done was never satisfactorily explained by the AG’s office. In fact, there is a host of questions a layman like me would like answered.

One cannot help noticing that as the case progresses, it raises more questions than answers. The failure of the parties concerned to react to these revelations is equally mind-boggling. For instance, the expunged immigration records were never pursued. A witness testified under oath that she saw a photograph of a threesome, one of whom, she declared was Najib Razak. This matter was also not pursued by both prosecution and defense. The use of Mindef controlled C-4 explosives was never questioned, two of the three accused were members of an elite squad assigned to the DPM, who had no reason whatsoever to murder the Mongolian girl (or if they had, the court did not see fit to question why) unless they were acting on orders!

A recent Statutory Declaration by a private investigator, revealing some very juicy details of the case, his subsequent disappearance after his retraction in a second Statutory Declaration, the failure of the Court to recall this witness; all these makes one wonders if the Malaysian courts are here to dispense justice or to protect the elite in Malaysian society!

I may be very wrong, but this is the first time I know of a case where both the prosecution and the defense went to great lengths to discredit their own witnesses! Not only that, they have also put in tremendous effort to ensure that the name of the “Malaysian government official” does not surface in the case.

“A prosecutor is supposed to seek justice for the deceased victim's family against the murderers, so how come the prosecutor is now ganging up with defense lawyers to oppose the victim's family lawyer? Is this a case of prosecutor vs. defense or a case of prosecutor plus defense vs. victim's family? Obviously, the prosecution and defense seem to have plenty of common interests. What are those common interests?” so asked Kim Quek of “Asia Sentinel”.

And we thought there was hope when they announced the reformation of the judiciary!

Beyond the sanctuary of the Dusun

Nice to know that Bangsa Malaysia has managed to take time off his heavy workload to unwind. The fruits sure looked succulent and inviting, wished I were there. Well, while you were in the dusun enjoying the fruits and reminiscing with old school/classmates, this is what goes on outside the dusun, in other parts of Malaysia.

The Sore Loser

Recently, the Penang State Legislative Assembly passed a motion demanding RM 4.7 billion as compensation from the Federal government for its (Federal govt.) failure to make good on electoral campaign promises such as PORR, monorail, etc.

While campaigning, they gave the impression that there was a need for these projects. However, upon loosing the Penang State government, they immediately reneged on their campaign promises, just so to punish the Penang electorate. It is tragic that the BN government has responded so negatively to the election results and thereby exhibiting their true colors, i.e. they never had the interests of the Rakyat at heart.

And, like a spoilt brat throwing his tantrums, the dimwit Prime Minister BADawi even declared "What money? For what? What has it spent on that it wants compensation for?"
"No need for it,"

My response here.

1.